Too hot, too dry, too wet, too cool – this growing season has had it all. As expected, drought and weather-related problems were top-of-mind for growers surveyed at the Bayer CropScience exhibit during the Farm Progress Show in Boone, Iowa, the first week of September. In fact, 73 percent of respondents to Bayer CropScience’s daily survey noted climate and weather problems as the biggest challenge experienced on their farm this year.

Calves are essential to a dairy operation, as they represent the future of the herd and its income. They are also the most vulnerable segment of a herd, highly susceptible to disease with the highest mortality rate among dairy cattle in their first eight weeks of life. With calves serving as the cornerstone of any successful dairy, every effort should be made to keep them protected and healthy. For the best care of calves, there are four main areas to consider.

One year ago, the difference between the value of milk and the cost of feed was much different than it is today. In this issue, we debut a new graphic that will follow the proposed national dairy margin, which is included in dairy reforms in the Farm Bill currently being considered by Congress. (Click here to view) This graphic will begin appearing in every issue as long as it continues to be proposed or until it becomes law.

Click here to download the latest export watch, provided by the USDEC. PD

Click her e to download a PDF of Heifer breeding protocol at Diamond H Dairy in Chowchilla, California.