Short of a “world economic event” or trade war, dairy farmers looking to manage milk income risks in 2017 may be best served by taking catastrophic coverage under the Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy) and using other risk management options to protect higher margins, according to Alan Zepp, risk management program manager at Pennsylvania's Center for Dairy Excellence (CDE).

Holsteins, Jerseys and Milking Shorthorns? When Don Crawley came back to Crawley’s Valley View Farms after World War II, the farm had mostly Jerseys, which were great as milk cows. However, he wanted a milk cow where the bull calf and cull cow were worth more, so he became interested in Milking Shorthorns.

This time of year tends to bring on more work with fewer daylight hours to get it done. A big thank- you to all the cattle producers for their unwavering commitment to the cattle, land and industry that is such a large part of this great country.

Calving season is quickly approaching and, as we should all know, nutritional requirements increase as cows get closer to calving. Cow mineral needs can increase 60 percent during the last trimester – making it a critical time for mineral supplementation.

Happy holidays to all. May everyone have a fun-filled time with family and get 2017 off to a great start.

As the end of 2016 approaches, many are thinking about their income and how to reduce taxes. However, spending money with just the goal of reducing taxes may not be what is best for the long-term financial success of the operation.

USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) recently released data on 2015 U.S. certified organic forage production and sales in the U.S.

Dr. Ellen Jordan grew up working with Holstein heifers, beef cattle, poultry and horses, as well as showing Guernsey dairy cattle and purebred swine. But it still took two years of convincing before her high school would allow her to take FFA classes.

I grew up in a rural area. There were six little towns in the south end of the county. The kids who lived in those six towns all attended the same schools. Kindergarten through sixth grade attended the elementary school, and seventh through 12 grade attended the high school.

As you may recall, our June issue featured four on-farm processors from a panel presentation at the Canadian Dairy XPO. Since dairy products are key ingredients in holiday baking, Progressive Dairyman asked each of the panelists what added promotions they do for the Christmas season.