Every cow you create might not be right for your market. To withstand market ebbs and flows, you need to create cows that meet the needs of your operation.

Improved labor efficiency, employee retention and communication were among the benefits for two Pacific Northwest dairy farms that upgraded their milking parlors from the traditional herringbone and parallel models to a rotary and an automated milking system, respectively.

In 2024, dairy farmers may be looking to stabilize their income and navigate the unpredictable market by enrolling in the Dairy Revenue Protection (Dairy-RP) program. One of the distinguishing features of the Dairy-RP program is its adaptability to the specific needs of each dairy operation. This program takes into account regional pay structures and the operation’s environment.

Is a $15 breakeven possible for a dairy farming business in 2024, given increases in input costs and inflation? Others may have their doubts, but I am a firm “yes.”

As the newest member of my company’s youngstock nutrition team and the most recent returning member to my family dairy, I value the efforts taken by my supervisors to identify and apply my skills and strengths effectively to get the job done.

The operation has grown to 400 Holstein cows milked with six robotic milking systems, as well as a new retail store where they also sell local products from their community. The farm has a beef community-supported agriculture (CSA) program and also provides hay wagon tours and farm tours throughout the spring and summer and four weeks of Kids Farm Camp.

When an antibiotic is administered, susceptible bacteria may be eliminated, allowing resistant bacteria to thrive and become dominant. This can make the antibiotic ineffective for future treatments and can therefore increase the risk of infections persisting in the afflicted animal and spreading to other animals in the herd, or to humans.