Heifers are generally the most fertile animals on a dairy. Research shows that the mean U.S. conception rate for dairy heifers is 57 percent, so it’s not unusual for dairy heifer reproductive performance to be taken for granted while focusing on the lactating herd.

A dairyman recently asked, “What is the true value of a mating program?” This common question certainly deserves some attention. Many producers around the world employ a mating program within their herd and have done so for many years.

Recent scientific developments have opened up unprecedented opportunities to improve dairy cattle genetics … and production. A friend and dairy client of mine, who has a noted, high genetic merit purebred herd, excitedly told me that these advances have turned the purebred dairy cow and genetics business upside-down. And, he believes, small-farm purebred operations will be less likely to fit into the future of genetic stock for the bull stud industry.

Mother’s Day was a few weeks ago, and we bought flowers, cards and trinkets to honor our mothers, but I wish I could once more honor my grandmothers, who gave so much. They were the pioneers who, quietly behind the scenes, sacrificed to make the life of ease we know today.

There are a variety of equipment styles and different techniques for the hay and forage process, but regardless of your philosophy, the old adage still applies: Make hay while the sun is shining. Whether your process starts with a self-propelled windrower or a tow-behind silage cutter, time is of the essence once the grass has been cut.

It was 9 p.m. when we arrived at the Cowshed Café, but since they knew we were coming, they still waited. I had convinced Matt, a Canadian friend, to go on an “agritourism trip” through Iceland with me.

Stephanie Roggenbuck of Harbor Beach, Michigan, has been chosen as the 2013-2014 recipient of the Harold and Lillian Gremel endowed scholarship through the Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation Inc., at Michigan State University (MSU).

If it weren’t so ridiculous, it would make you cry. The Endangered Species Act has popped up again like a stinky diaper at day care. This time it is the Plains spotted skunk, one of four species of spotted skunks that can be found almost anywhere from Canada to Mexico and coast to coast except, apparently, in the backyard of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.