With milk prices slumping last October, average U.S. dairy replacement cow prices trended lower for a fifth consecutive quarter. However, foreign markets are showing increased interest in U.S. dairy genetics, and that demand could change price trends.

I saw a post on social media the other day that said, “OK, Christmas is over. I’m ready for summer.” That got me wondering if post-holiday depression is a real thing (spoiler: it is), and how many people it affects. According to Psych Central, a leading mental health website, as many as 25 percent of Americans suffer from depression, ranging in severity, after the holidays.

First-generation dairyman Brent Copenhaver bought his first 60 cows 10 years ago, and a decade later, sound financial choices have helped him to successfully purchase his own farm and grow his operation.

Most Progressive Cattleman readers retained ownership of their calves in order to increase profit.

Kentucky farm widow spends 30 years dairy farming soloPublished: Dec. 16, 2016 enewsletter Editor’s note: Read on for new comments online at Progressive Dairyman. Visit the site today to ask a question on any article or leave a comment for the author.

See a need: In 2014, dairy producers and industry partners identified “soft skills” as a top consideration when hiring and developing new employees. However, they felt communication and leadership skills were seriously lacking in emerging dairy leaders.

As Old Man Winter blew into the upper Midwest in early December, a number of dairy producers flew in from the East Coast, western U.S. and Canada to take part in Lely’s Journey Tour.

More than 250 farmers, nutritionists and industry professionals gathered at Lambeau Field, home field of the Green Bay Packers, on Dec. 15 to discuss dairy metrics and determine “What’s Your Score” at the Alltech Wisconsin Dairy School.

Progressive dairy farm managers must monitor and address diverse challenges in the dairy industry to be successful. In today’s dairy market, human resources and leadership skills are equally as important to smooth operations as cow comfort and forage quality are to milk yield.