There is a need for a more intentional and strategic approach to heifer management, particularly in reproduction. With fewer animals in the pipeline, mistakes such as delayed breeding or missed opportunities can have a greater impact on herd performance and profitability.

In an increasingly demanding dairy production environment, the performance of replacement heifers is a major factor for ensuring herd profitability and sustainability. A solid rearing program goes beyond genetics – it starts with measuring current growth results.

For Idaho dairies, 2025 brought pressures from both outside and inside the operation. Policy uncertainty, trade friction and shifting dairy processor expectations shaped the scenario, but the most lasting effects may come from decisions made in barns, feed centers and breeding programs.

Dairy heifers are in short supply – and they’re not the sort of commodity we can restock in a hurry. Read about the ramifications of the heifer shortage on milk yields, dairy product prices and livestock values.

As we close the books on 2024, Progressive Dairy’s editorial team identified four trending topics that made headlines throughout the year. Read on as we recap highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in dairy cattle, Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) modernization efforts, increasing dairy margins and declining dairy cattle inventories.