As farmers struggle to maintain the proper level of animal care without breaking the bank, an item which can potentially improve profitability while increasing cow comfort is a welcomed relief. Specifically, adding a cow brush to the pen could increase milk production, reduce disease, decrease property damage and alleviate stress.

Dairies know routine maintenance is critical to keeping the farm running properly, but not everyone knows the impact maintenance activities have on energy use.Many dairies are needlessly wasting money by overlooking simple maintenance activities and other low-cost options that save energy.

The alfalfa is at its peak, and you’ve laid down your biggest field. Rain is in the 48-hour forecast, and at 6 p.m., you have a breakdown. It’s critical a repair be made and you get back in the field.

Rumen-protected lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met) are becoming common fixtures in dairy rations, particularly in those where milk is sold not only for volume, but also for the component values.

Microbiologists at Oregon State University have discovered and helped patent and commercialize a new type of dairy or food thickener, which may add probiotic characteristics to the products in which it’s used.