The 20 largest global dairy companies processed about 25.4 percent of the world’s 2017 milk production, according to a biennial report from IFCN, an international dairy research network. The companies processed about 211 million metric tons (MMT) of milk in 2017, up from 200 MMT in 2015.

The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) authorized the sale of Dairy Revenue Protection (Dairy-RP) insurance policies, effective Oct. 9. Insurance coverage for the first quarter of 2019 (and four quarters thereafter) can be purchased until about Dec. 14, 2018.

 ANIMAL HEALTH Semex’s Elevate program delivers female Immunity+ test

Ten years ago, I made the three-hour trek to State College, Pennsylvania, to begin my college career. I was pretty sure I was armed with everything I’d need: photos of my family and friends, appropriately sized sheets, a little dry-erase board and a shower caddy. I was completely prepared, or so I thought.

We all know the familiar lyrics and beloved tune of Old MacDonald; it is perhaps the most iconic song about farming. But Land O’Lakes has taken the nostalgic classic to a new level by rewriting the lyrics to highlight the importance of female farmers.

Digest Highlights Wisconsin’s ‘cow of the year’ to be honored at World Dairy Expo January-August dairy cow slaughter tops 2 million head California entry into FMMO system enters final stages Borden delivers 45,000 milk servings for Hurricane Florence CMPB jumping at chance to reward kids ‘Quality Chekd’ dairy award finalists named PMMB extends over-order premium at 75 cents Cheese, butter inventories see slight drawdown FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative seeks more tariff-related support LGM-Dairy policies on sale Sept. 28

To improve cow comfort, health and milk production in the following lactation, dry cow management needs to include truly short day length as well as effective heat stress prevention. Done right, this approach allows cows and heifers to more fully express their genetic capacity to produce milk.

The latest Cattle on Feed report showed a Sept. 1 feedlot inventory of 11.125 million head, a record for the month since the current data series began in 1996. The Sept. 1 inventory was 105.9 percent of one year ago.

Calf diarrhea is a costly, but common problem on today’s dairies. In fact, according to the 2014 NAHMS data, diarrhea was responsible for 56 percent of pre-weaned heifer deaths. In addition, recent research shows that even when calves overcome this disease challenge, there are still negative consequences in the form of reduced first-lactation milk production and increased age at first calving. Thus, preventing diarrhea is essential to raising healthy calves.