Through most of the year, Cranberry Creek Dairy appears to be your average dairy farm with a milking parlor, freestall barns, machine shed and feed storage, but come the first hard frost of the year, some of Santa’s many elves descend on the dairy and convert a couple of the farm buildings into Christmas workshops.

It is more important than ever to sit down and devise a feeding program for not only the milking herd but also dry cows and heifers. Planning now will help prevent a dire emergency when you run out of feed this spring.

Dairy producers facing forage shortages may be able to feed their cows canola and related crops, provided they take certain precautions, according to a North Dakota State University dairy expert.

Are commodity prices changing your operation?
“Since we produce both crops and run a dairy, commodity prices are really starting to cut into our profits.

Boys will be boys. Boys with energy and imagination who have access to exotic supplies may get a little out of hand from time to time.

Alfalfa quality: The key to marketing a better hay product
Hay is one of the most versatile means to package and sell stored forage for animal feed. Hay can be kept for long periods of time with little loss of nutrients when protected from weather. Many crops can be hayed successfully. Alfalfa, in particular, has successfully been used for specific ration supplementation and for specific animal markets.

In 1963 Ford made a red one-ton truck. The engine was the 292 cubic inch “Y” block V-8. This one came with a 5-speed transmission. I became its proud owner in 1969.

How many of you use visual parameters to determine harvest time?

Proper moisture content of silage is critical for proper packing and effective fermentation to achieve good quality feed.

Follow these tips to prevent fire on your farm: