Johne’s disease remains a significant threat to the dairy industry worldwide, even though knowledge and tools are available to effectively relegate these bacteria back to their native environment – the soil. In the research laboratory, there are many obstacles to developing solutions for Johne’s. On the farm, however, there appear to be just three: anxiety, prioritization and inaction.

As the weather warms up, flies return to dairy farms with a vengeance, much to the annoyance of cattle and humans alike. Young dairy calves are especially vulnerable because their hutches or pens can be breeding grounds for flies. When calves are bothered by flies, they’re not eating. And if they’re not eating, they’re not growing. Irritation and disease Flies are responsible for carrying and transmitting bacterial and viral agents by flying from calf to calf. Pinkeye is one of the infections that calves can develop as a result. This irritating infection negatively can impact the production and overall health of dairy animals, especially vulnerable calves.

Dairy graziers and dairy grazing enthusiasts from several states will be gathering in October to share and increase their knowledge about pasture-based and organic dairy production systems. The eighth Mid-Atlantic Dairy Grazing Conference and Organic Dairy Field Day is based in Wytheville in southwestern Virginia where Interstates 77 and 81 meet. The event begins at the Wytheville Meeting Center on Monday, Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. and concludes on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at 2:15 p.m.

Has anyone ever asked you why sows are in gestation stalls; why egg layers are in cages; or other questions about the way we raise livestock today? The 2010 Farm Tour, a two-day trip starting in Wabash, Indiana, will allow you to experience modern farrow-to-finish, dairy, egg-laying and aquaculture operations first hand. You will get an in-depth look at what techniques are being used on modern livestock farms. The goal of the farm tours is that you come away with a better understanding of the livestock industry and be able to share what you learn with others. Space is limited, register soon!

Iowa State University (ISU) Extension economist William Edwards said a new decision aid for comparing the costs of different hay storage options is now available on ISU Extension’s Ag Decision Maker (ADM) website.