Progressive Dairy Publishing recently brought home impressive recognitions from the Livestock Publications Council’s annual critique contest announced at Ag Media Summit held in Forth Worth, Texas, August 1-5.

Even though Progressive Dairy Publishing received the award, we know our website, which was voted best Special Site, would be for naught if it wasn’t for our members.

Profitability is a key measure analyzed in the Dairy Farm Summary (DFS), published by four Northeast Farm Credit associations. Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2009, the DFS has presented individual herd data averaged in a benchmark since 1979. The 2009 report is a healthy 48-page summary that explores various aspects of financial results for 540 dairy farms across eight Northeastern states.

All dairy producers are asking tough questions of themselves during this economic downturn. Low milk prices accompanied by high input prices have placed many of you in precarious situations.

There is an old saying in the trading world that many people have heard before. “Buy low, sell high!” The premise, of course, is that you take home the middle, the margin, the change or however you care to refer to it.

For years I’ve been fascinated by the 500-cow dairy. They’re not small, yet not large either. They are a growing dairy.

Earlier this year the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence (CDE) conducted a survey of dairy producers throughout the state with hopes that the information gleaned will help Pennsylvania dairy stakeholder groups provide support, direction and resources to a rapidly changing industry.

Editor’s note: The following story is the first in a series of three articles reviewing the use of international refugees as dairy workers.

It’s always good business to look for a maximum return on investment (ROI) from the use of capital, labor and materials – especially in a tight economy.

Herdsmen and other workers often need to do “veterinary things.” They may treat sick cows, give hormone injections or treat mastitis.