Kansas State University researchers have found that essential oils can play a role in livestock health.

Calves born to cows experiencing heat stress during early pregnancy experience related effects that continue throughout their lives, according to a new study from the Journal of Dairy Science. 

Digest Highlights: Employee I-9 forms have been revised again. NAFTA renegotiation talks are scheduled. Expanded CRP haying and grazing allowed in Northern Plains. Dairy co-ops donate milk, money. Find a summary of these and other news here.

Growth in U.S. milk production is slowing, but it’s not for lack of cows. The USDA released its June 2017 Milk Production report on July 20, estimating total U.S. milk production up about 1.6 percent compared to June 2016. It’s the smallest year-over-year increase since July 2016.

My cattle wintered well, and I had a nice calf crop this spring, but the heat and humidity of summer here in south Texas makes me anxious for a nice rain.

Floods, wildfires and high winds are all recognizable as natural disasters that can cause damage to both land and livestock. Something a little less prominent and a little easier to prevent is soil erosion.

Planning can make the difference with most things in life. When talking farm succession, planning will determine if you keep the farm in the family or just sell it, cease operation and take the money. Taking the money is not always the wrong answer, especially when there is no family member willing to continue the operation. 

"Get out of there! Why you little…" My husband's arms went flailing, and his spurs were moving. "That's not where I want you!" His horse moved fluidly underneath him while my cowboy went to changing the course of a migrant cow. Make that two cows.

Farming is busy, especially on a dairy farm. There always seems to be something going on, and meal preparation is sometimes the last thing on our minds as we are trying to get hay in before the rain, fix the tractor that has been acting up and treat the cow that just went down with milk fever. 

Healthy calves are critical to the lifetime profitability of your herd. That’s why ensuring your calves get off to a great start is so critical.