Management of manure is growing in importance for dairymen given a variety of issues that range from the inherent desire to protect the environment to the need to ensure profitability.

In the weariness of winter, I start to think about planting my garden. I know it is way too early to put seeds in the ground, but peat cups and potting soil are my friends. I plant my tomatoes, peppers and cabbages in peat cups so they can get an early start on the season.

Winter is an ideal time to follow these maintenance tips to keep your equipment running like new, season after season.

I can’t say no. Because of it I’ve ended up on top of a crane, on a tour bus with strangers and semi-kidnapped by a punk gang. It has led to some good stories. Many I use as party tricks. Someday, though, I suspect it might be the end of me.

It was a sunny morning, and I was already running behind. I pushed back a bit of frustration as I hastily put on my boots to head to the dairy. It was one of those days winter doesn’t spoil you with too often – sunny and 50ºF – making it destined to be a great day, no matter what, in my book.

As a dairy farmer, I am always thankful for the human body’s need for vitamin D, disposable latex gloves and the fact that it doesn’t snow here in Florida. Never has – except on that cold winter day of 1976 when my brother thought a snowflake landed on him.

Dairy producers need to focus on numerous objectives when effectively managing the transition period. Successfully managing this life stage means there is no trade-off between cow health and milk production.

Keeping up to date and staying in-the-know is important for all dairy farmers, especially in challenging times of milk prices. John Newton, senior director of economic research at the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), shared a brief snapshot of what the markets did in 2015, as well as what might help protect prices in 2016 during his workshop presentation at FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative’s annual meeting, which took place Feb. 12-13 in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

Nearly 300 companies will fill the Denny Sanford Premier Complex in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the 2016 Central Plains Dairy Expo March 29-31.

The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council (DCRC) has announced the lineup for its 2016 webinar series. These valued sessions offer attendees from across the U.S. and around the world access to high-quality information and interaction with industry experts.