Consumers can be a picky bunch. Their needs and wants change from state to state and from country to country.

Data collected from several large dairy herds is being used to benchmark claw lesions that lead to lameness, with digital dermatitis being the most common culprit. A recent study published in the Journal of Dairy Science details findings from an analysis of foot health records from 17 confinement dairies.

“I think Henry Ford once said, ‘If I asked customers what they wanted, they would have told me a faster horse’,” noted Steve Jobs. He went on to say that we are in the beginning stages of what will be a truly remarkable breakthrough for people, as remarkable as the invention of the telephone.

As hidden camera investigations have been used to heighten public attention on animal care issues, the Center for Food Integrity (CFI) created an Animal Care Review Panel to engage recognized animal care specialists to examine video and provide expert perspectives for food retailers, the dairy industry and the media. Since its formation in 2012, the ACRP has reviewed and offered their independent analysis of nine videos, including two of dairies, six of pork production and one of an egg farm.

In an age when evolving technology is at everyone’s fingertips, undercover videos may threaten those in agriculture. Just one unsavory headline and accompanying snapshot can transform fortune to failure. Recognizing this hazard, Charlie Arnot, chief executive director of the Center for Food Integrity (CFI), hosted a webinar titled, “How to Survive an Undercover Video” on Dec. 3.

We all know that dehorning is painful. But have you thought about how calves feel after dehorning? Research on humans has shown that our emotions influence the way we think and interpret information. Depressed individuals are more likely to expect that future events will be negative.

Who doesn’t admire age and longevity? I certainly do. Raised in New England amongst Yankees, I am accustomed to homes, towns and farms that are centuries old. Whether a centenarian, an animal or a farm family, the ability to stand the test of time and weather adversity demonstrates the possession of traits well suited to survival.

The transition period before and after calving is a critical time in the cow’s life and the period when she’s most susceptible to disease, so it’s important to prioritize her nutritional and management needs during this time more than any other.