Editor's note: On a recent trip to the Southern Forage and Pasture Crop Improvement Conference (SPFCIC), Progressive Forage Grower Editor Lynn Olsen had the opportunity to learn more about the dairy, beef and forage industries in Puerto Rico. Click here to read Darren Olsen's article to learn more about Puerto Rico's dairy industry. As you might imagine, there are some challenges with milk production on an island in a hot, humid tropical environment, but there are also some challenges for the dairy industry as a whole in getting the population to consume milk and milk products.

Testing the moisture content of hay prior to the baling process is essential to both seller and buyer. Moisture in hay is considered in three different forms – free water, physically trapped water and bound water.

Although many vertebrate pests cause problems in alfalfa, the most frequent offender is the pocket gopher (hereafter gopher; Thomomys spp.).

Escalating commodity prices are increasing the cost to feed cows. The increase in commodity prices and the competition for crop acres is also driving up the cost of silage.

Junior, University of Wisconsin-Madison Genesis Intern with Genex Shawano, Wisconsin Background Q. What is your dairy background? I grew up on a dairy farm in Tillamook, Oregon, of about 180 Jerseys and Holsteins. I was in charge of feeding calves, checking for heats, milking and whatever other responsibilities came my way. My parents relocated to Stratford, Wisconsin, about two years ago and are now milking only 30 cows. Now that they have moved, I am more involved with the genetics and mating to improve the herd.