In order to scientifically choose a vaccine or design a particular vaccination program, it is necessary to consider many variables.

Milk and other dairy products have long enjoyed a positive consumer image. Most producers take great pride in believing that they produce wholesome and nutritious foods for human consumption. Along with that image, however, comes the responsibility for ensuring that dairy food products are both wholesome and safe, through prevention and treatment of diseases that can adversely affect milk quality.

Shortly after Reg and I were married, we invited some friends over for a Christmas party. The tree shimmered with decorations of red and gold. Packages tied in shining bows snuggled under the tree. Nametags spelled the names of each recipient. There was no mistake. Every man, woman and child would receive two or three gifts and when Santa came, it would be a magnificent celebration of giving and getting.

A company controlled by the Swanson Family of Turlock, California has completed the purchase of Nutrius and Virtus Nutrition from North American Nutrition Companies of Lewisburg, Ohio. Nutrius, with headquarters in Kingsburg, California manufactures mineral-based supplements for the dairy and poultry markets. Virtus Nutrition, with headquarters in Corcoran, California manufactures and markets rumen supplements.

Robin’s uncle gave her 2 dozen tamales. “That’s too many,” she protested. “No, I’ve got plenty,” he said. “I bought 14 dozen from my neighbor’s wife. Her husband’s out of work.”

New York’s milking herd shrunk by 1,000 cows in October, only slightly improving Idaho’s chances of becoming the nation’s No. 3 milk-producing state by the end of the year. After the first month of the fourth quarter, the difference in total annual milk production between the two states was 89 million pounds, down from 118 million pounds at the beginning of the quarter.

After 18 years, the Central Washington Dairy Management Conference (CWDMC) will no longer be offered. Volunteer conference organizers made the decision recently, citing poor producer attendance as their main concern.

It is more important than ever to sit down and devise a feeding program for not only the milking herd but also dry cows and heifers. Planning now will help prevent a dire emergency when you run out of feed this spring.

Many dairy operations large and small continue to be plagued by a high incidence of metabolic disorders and infectious diseases around calving. Turbulent transitions increase health care expenses, decrease milk production, impair reproductive performance and result in premature culling or death. Farm profitability and animal well-being both suffer. Despite many years of research and field emphasis, practical management strategies to minimize health problems while still promoting high milk production have remained elusive.

When I say Alvin was a cowboy, I mean in the most basic sense. With a horse and a rope, a box of matches and a cinch ring, a pocket knife and a piggin’ string, he could do the job!