Midwest - Articles - Page 4

Hansen Dairy’s 'A Very Dairy Christmas' event brings farm fun to the holidays

November 25, 2024

Hansen Dairy’s "A Very Dairy Christmas" is a holiday event like no other, offering families a unique blend of festive cheer and farm life. Set in a cozy winter wonderland on Hansen’s dairy farm, this event goes beyond the typical holiday experience.

Midwest/North: Planning and managing to avoid dystocia

November 21, 2024

Travis Meteer

We know that not every dystocia can be prevented, but there are some management factors that can help reduce difficult births.

Midwest/North: What is overgrazing?

October 23, 2024

Travis Meteer

Now is a great time to evaluate your pastures and develop strategies to improve grazing days for next year. Feed may be less expensive this year, but it won’t stay that way.

Midwest/North: Start with a forage test

September 24, 2024

Travis Meteer

For those buying or selling hay, forage testing can play an even bigger role in pricing and purchasing value.

Midwest/North: Why are my cows open?

August 22, 2024

Travis Meteer

Having some open cows is normal in a 60- to 90-day breeding season. However, if the number of open cows is excessive (greater than 6% to 10%), evaluation of management, nutrition and herd health needs to take place.

Put your manure storage on a diet following wet season

Excessive moisture in the growing season has pushed the limits on manure storage capacity. Consider these alternative practices to manage manure on the farm.

August 16, 2024

Jenn Coyne

For the first time since 2019, the Midwest is mostly clear of drought advisories, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. In fact, May was one of the wettest months on record for Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and South Dakota and regions of Michigan, with above-normal precipitation continuing throughout the growing season. Such weather has dairy producers in a pinch to manage manure appropriately.

Midwest/North: Is mowing pasture a good thing?

July 22, 2024

Travis Meteer

Often, farmers are seeking a yes or no answer to mowing pastures … and hopefully validation of their current practice. Unfortunately, the answer is somewhat dependent on previous pasture management and the chosen grazing system.