The extremely volatile economic situation experienced over the last few years underscores the need for effective record-keeping and sound business planning. The time to start is now. I have compiled a list of steps producers should consider taking as the year winds down. 1. Evaluate and reconcile your accounting system. The accounting system should be reconciled on a regular basis throughout the year, but on many dairy farms it isn’t completed until an accountant prepares the farm’s income taxes. Even then, depending on the firm you hire, a complete reconciliation may not be done.

It was one of those calving wrecks that just seemed to get worse and worse. Clay’s brother said he had never seen a pickup give birth.

The general public is increasingly concerned about air and water quality, especially as it relates to manure management. In response, governing bodies pass laws and regulatory agencies develop regulations that livestock farmers are forced to follow.

“The use of copper sulfate footbaths is no big deal. Don’t worry about it!” Is this what you and your neighbors are saying? Let’s evaluate that position and see if it holds water.

The fundamental design for the dairy barn is to provide cow comfort, labor efficiency, economic viability and waste management efficiency. Solving the manure collection and removal problem will result in increasing productivity and a better environment.

TRENDING TOPIC ARTICLE: FEED & NUTRITION Published: November 1, 2010 print issue of Progressive Dairyman In this past article, nutritionist John Hibma outlined the different forms of fats available and each of their functions in dairy rations. to jump to the article. Because this article was so popular, we asked Hibma, “Why are dairy producers curious about this topic?” Hibma says, “I suspect that many dairy farmers are realizing the critical importance of body condition in their cows and how it affects milk production throughout the lactation. "The rumen-protected fats will maintain body condition very well. The other factor is that energy balance is critical for reproduction, and a herd of cows that is long in days in milk is a herd that is losing money ... so there again, the fats do a good job of improving reproduction performance in a herd.”