One of the most vulnerable times in a dairy cow’s lactation is also one of the most physically demanding.

Progressive dairy producers, academia and industry personnel gathered in Reno, Nevada, Nov. 8-10, 2017, for the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) annual meeting to discuss new and advanced practices to achieve outstanding reproductive performance.

It’s no secret the first few weeks after calving are critical for both the calf and its dam. Experience and research demonstrate this time and time again. The problem: Absolutely none of this research has asked if the current industry practice of separating a calf from its dam right after birth contributes to or might even be the root cause of postpartum issues.

Incremental growth and manure separation were the topics discussed during a panel of Pennsylvania dairy producers who shared their stories at the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) annual meeting.

Public policy and regulation is driven by many factors, and public perception is a major component. Avoiding negative public perception is one measure that may help avoid restrictive, unnecessary regulation.

I have often puzzled over the Parable of the Talents, as told by Jesus. I was taught it is a story about developing our physical talents – playing the piano, singing, writing, public speaking, etc. – but lately I realized it is much more. It is a parable about stewardship and taking care of our God-given blessings as well.

While there’s no hotter topic as it relates to new equipment than precision farming technology, the positive effect those upgrades can also have on older, existing equipment is often overlooked. Can you coax a little more productivity out of your aging machinery?

It may not be entirely fair to compare Iceland with Australia – two nations of different sizes and circumstances – but it does illustrate how decisions by those behind a desk can have immense impact for those in the barn.

I was unloading the dishwasher a few days ago and paused to ponder my husband’s coffee cup. It stuck out like a sore thumb among the other dishes, all scratched and dented, looking like something that belonged in the scrap metal pile rather than the kitchen counter.

With the current financial squeeze in agriculture, many have reduced their labor force and, therefore, asked for more work from fewer people: themselves, employees and their own family members.