It’s time; it’s time for an intervention – no, not with that crazy nephew that makes a few too many visits to Colorado – a genetic intervention.

As the global need for milk protein and dairy products in general continues to increase, greater expectations are placed on the dairy cow to produce more milk in an efficient manner. Rations are now being formulated to maximize animal health and production by incorporation of feed supplements, such as immune-stimulating additives.

Nearly 36 million hooves from 9 million dairy cows are making their imprint on U.S. dairy farms, according to recent USDA statistics. With that many cows in production, hoof health becomes an important factor for the dairy industry in maintaining overall dairy wellness. The Dairyland Initiative from the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Veterinary Medicine examines the impact housing environments have on dairy cow health and well-being. This includes the use of footbaths and their role on hoof health.

Back in the ancient days of my youth, when I thought the answer to most of my problems would be a couple million dollars, I heard a motivational speaker tell the story of Hernán Cortés.

As equipment has become more and more sophisticated, greater emphasis has been placed on comfort and convenience – the so-called “bells and whistles.” These bells and whistles can quickly turn into rants and cursing when they fail and take the functionality of your machine with them. Tackling this topic was a challenge for this aging farmer simply because I recall the days when the tractor not starting was simply a battery or connection issue. While these can still be today’s culprits, increasingly we see the world of computers entering our tractors and implements, just as they have our automobiles.

The reality of time isn’t as rigid as it seems. According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, it is affected by various factors, including gravity and speed of motion. Time moves slower at higher elevations – being further from the earth’s pull.

Recently, I performed at an annual farm-related event. Someone thought it would be a nice idea to let two politicians give their spiel before I was to speak. It was like riding my bicycle behind a manure spreader.

I’ve got a year-old Australian Shepherd dog. I don’t intend to use him for livestock; his job will be barker. We live in a rural area. The dogs are penned at night and released during the day into a three-acre house and barn lot surrounded by shock-collar wire.

There is fresh news out of the world’s newest country, South Sudan, which was formed just a few years ago. The news is not good. Readers of this column know I spent nearly eight months in South Sudan (about two years ago), and so I have an emotional as well as physical investment in this African country.