Variability is the one constant dairy producers can count on. Unfortunately, cows appreciate consistency and do best when things stay the same on a daily basis.

Every year, I discuss the importance of high-quality forages with the dairymen I work with. Most years, we see above-average forage value. However, the 2023 crop year brought on some new challenges we hadn’t experienced for quite a while.

Successful dairies achieve consistent performance by implementing protocols that reduce variation within their operation. They do everything they can to limit the internal and external pressures cows face, while creating resilient animals that can withstand the pressures beyond their control.

If the wide array of mycotoxins present in our dairy feed can have such an extreme impact on cow health and production, then we can assume they can also impact the growth, performance and health of calves and heifers.

It comes as a surprise when some of your herd’s top performers drop off in milk. Nothing has changed regarding cow management, and you verify the diet is still high quality.