As we finish harvest and start moving towards spring, most farmers’ thoughts turn toward planting. It is a natural, seasonal process of renewal on the farm. Before planting, though, there needs to be planning.

“Working with cows is good because I am Hindu, and the cow is an animal to be seen with respect. Working with cows makes me happy,” says Indra Gautam, a refugee originally from Bhutan.

Editor’s note: This is the second of two articles that describes the struggles and experiences of an American dairyman managing a dairy in Kenya. “We in America don’t realize how far we are in front of the rest of the world. I have yet to work in a country that has farmers that understand agriculture like American farmers,” says dairyman Tom Dobler.

On September 8, 2008, as Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was still reeling from devastating summer floods, Diamond V broke ground on what would become its new south manufacturing facility and a symbol of hope for the community.

I am a third-generation California dairy farmer married for 26 years to a third-generation dairy farmer. Never have we seen business as bad as it is now, and our loss has been great.

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) recently announced new calf-raising standards for Holstein calves from birth to 6 months old. Progressive Dairyman Editor Walt Cooley discussed the development and industry impact of the new standards with DCHA President Lewis Anderson.

Jennifer Ackerman is the calf manager at Norm E-Lane Farms in Chili, Wisconsin.

Because calves are born without circulating immunoglobulins (Ig), particularly IgG, in their blood, it’s essential that they consume colostrum as soon as possible after birth. Absorption of IgG depends on many factors – quality of colostrum, age at feeding, level of stress, bacterial contamination in the colostrum, weather, and many others.

Pulling on a sweatshirt or grabbing a jacket before you head out to the barn should be a reminder that winter is on its way. It should also be a reminder that as you make adjustments for the approaching cold weather, your calves will need preparation as well.

Two major concerns for every dairy farmer are feed and replacements. When looking at how to feed those replacements, it seems that the conventional system is the way to go.