Progressive Dairy

Millennials on the farm

March 11, 2015

If you’re like me and seeing a little more gray on the top or you have an occasional ache or pain you didn’t used to have, you are probably not in the millennial generation. No, I was not born between 1982 and 2000, which are the traditional boundary years that define generation Y. (I was 19 years old in 1982. You can do the math.)

Five new ways to make your dairy more energy-efficient

March 11, 2015

Kyle Booth

In our business, we are continually consulting with dairies to recommend the most energy-efficient equipment on the farm. Many farms are starting to take a closer look at their operations and taking steps to improve efficiency.

Millionaire model dairy farms vs. organic dairying

March 11, 2015

Larry Tranel

A financial study analyzed 2103 data from five millionaire model dairy farms (MMDF) and 10 organic dairy farms (ODF). These farms are located in northeast Iowa, southwest Wisconsin or northwest Illinois. The farms may or may not be representative of the industry because in both groups the farms were selected based on their willingness to supply data or familiarity by extension personnel.

Dairy technology adoption allows for better collection of data

March 11, 2015

Sara Kitchen

Brian Houin of Homestead Dairy LLC in Plymouth, Indiana, attributes the operation’s growth and success to smart planning and detailed data collection. Houin, along with Joel Gawronski, Ryan Rogers and Matt Houin, own and manage a herd of 3,500 milking cows on three locations. Houin shared the details of the farm’s management success at the 2015 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit on Feb. 4 in Lancaster.

Consumer report reveals potential outlook for dairy industry

March 11, 2015

Jenna Hurty-Person

Today’s agriculture industry faces a number of new challenges. From global issues such as feeding a growing population to more specific, farm-level issues like how to treat a sick calf, today’s producers hold a wealth of knowledge and years of forward thinking.

Passing on the family farm: Where not to start

March 11, 2015

Jon Holthaus

It seems to be all the hype today. There are as many seminars as there are questions, each bringing a perspective on ways to transition the family business from one generation to the next. Many individuals don’t know who to turn to or even where to begin. There are just too many things to consider.

Manage people, manage milk quality

March 11, 2015

Jorge M. Estrada

When milk quality challenges arise on your dairy, how do you normally respond? By observing milking routines or reviewing milking protocols? Changing teat dip or contacting your veterinarian to discuss mastitis treatments?

Who are the dairy processors?

March 11, 2015

Calvin Covington

Dairy processors are a vital link between the dairy farm and the consumer. Processors take farm milk, then process or manufacture the milk into quality, safe, desirable, convenient and usable consumer products or as an ingredient for other products.

Economists outline finding prosperity when economy declines

March 11, 2015

Scott Stewart

When, not if. That’s the word respected economists use to talk about the next global economic crisis. And the coming downturn will last 10 years. That should catch your attention, no matter what your age.

Milk raw store-bought

March 11, 2015

Emily Caldwell Gwin

Raw milk is a polarizing issue, and strong opinions lead to unfair marketing claims to the consumer. Those selling raw milk tend to proclaim conventional, pasteurized milk is devoid of nutrition.Those taking a stand against raw milk claim it’s too big of a health risk and consumers shouldn’t have the option to purchase it.