How did you get started in photography? Kasper: Growing up, I always loved taking pictures of our animals on the farm. Kittens, ducks, piglets, calves and cows … everything got their picture taken. I entered the photography project for 4-H more times than I can count and loved showcasing my work.

A unique observation deck at Kreider Farms in Manheim, Pennsylvania, gives visitors a true birds-eye view of Amish country – from atop a silo.

There was a time in our industry when whey was more waste product than valuable byproduct. The whey that remained from cheese making was either discarded or spread on farmers’ fields years ago.

More U.S. dairy cows are working, and they’re more productive than ever. However, continuing a two-year trend, they again brought home less money in 2016.

Do you want your farm to be the farm of choice, the place where employees want to work? Jennifer Blazek, dairy and livestock educator with the University of Wisconsin Extension, said many employees become disengaged when the “boss” tries to manage employees instead of leading them.

Across America, ice cream shops give flavor to small towns, large cities and even college campuses. Members of the Progressive Dairyman editorial team, along with a couple of our producer bloggers, shared their favorite places to find a sweet treat and the varieties of ice cream that tickle their taste buds.

Should everyone know a dairy farmer? Yes, I believe they should. But you might be thinking, “Why would anyone want to know a dairy farmer?”

While raising young children in a farm environment is one of the most rewarding things about being a farm family, it also presents some challenges when it comes to staying productive while keeping the little ones safe when they’re in tow. Hopefully, I can share some of the tricks I use when I have Evelyn (3.5 years old) and Edith (16 months old) along for some outside fun and work.

Keeping diseases off goat farms can be difficult even if you are familiar with how diseases are transmitted and how to identify signs. Many disease-causing agents can only be identified by serological tests, cultures or fecal exams.

If you are looking for higher yields, stockpiled feed for the summer slump as well as better soil, growing corn for your cows to graze instead of perennial grasses may be the answer.