While the budget bill signed by President Donald Trump earlier this month made changes to the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), details remain to be worked out before the 2018 enrollment period reopens.

Of his successful 600-head commercial cow operation, Larry Echols says, “I just want to hit singles and not strike out.”

A USDA survey showed the percentage of dairy farmers with health care coverage was far less than other agricultural groups. Progressive Dairyman looks at some options to raise those numbers.

Progressive Dairyman Editors Walt Cooley and Audrey Schmitz attended World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, Feb. 13-15, 2018. They walked the show looking for new products and industry trends. Below are their thoughts on what they found.

Thanks to researchers at the University of Florida, it is now possible to breed a Holstein that can better withstand heat stress.

Milk is the perfect sports drink due to its nutrient density and optimal ratio of carbohydrates and protein. Milk is the most hydrating beverage you can drink – a great source of protein for rebuilding muscle and an excellent source of fat for rebuilding your body’s cellular membranes.

Want to improve your calf crop and your herd? Want to avoid all the pitfalls of rapid change? Who wouldn’t? Good bulls are the answer, and buyers are better at picking out what they prefer than ever. Stout-made, big-ribbed bulls are in style. This isn’t a fad. These cattle bring results.

Calf scours is the number one cause of death during the first 30 days of life. And while proper and timely treatment can significantly improve survival rates, prevention is more feasible than treatment.

Selection emphasis on calving ease and birthweight has helped minimize labor inputs during calving season. Unfortunately, some ranchers have also experienced reduced vigor and health from smaller calves.

It’s March, spring is around the corner and so is fly season. In this region, several types of flies – horn fly, house fly, stable fly, heel fly – annoy and irritate cattle and also vector some diseases. The methods of control and success of those measures can vary from one type of fly to another.