Progressive Dairy

Annual WHA state picnic draws over 400 holstein enthusiasts

August 27, 2013

The 2013 Wisconsin Holstein Association State Picnic was held on Saturday, August 17, at the Siemers’ Holstein farm of Newton, Wisconsin. Over 400 Holstein enthusiasts enjoyed food, weather and camaraderie on a beautiful August day.

60th Princess Kay of Milky Way crowned

August 27, 2013

Minnesota’s dairy industry celebrated the crowning of the 60th Princess Kay of the Milky Way, 20-year-old MarJenna McWilliam.

Hubbard Feed names new marketing manager

August 27, 2013

Michael Hinton has joined Hubbard Feeds Inc. as marketing manager, U.S. Feed Operations (USFO) in Mankato, Minnesota. In this role, he will be responsible for all aspects of USFO Marketing, working closely with the specie managers, sales, production and Hubbard customers to develop a comprehensive marketing program.

New Hire Jack Hippen

August 23, 2013

Jack Hippen Market Development Director, North America DeLaval Inc. Vernon Hills, Illinois

New EPA chief promises improved farmer relationships

August 22, 2013

Gina McCarthy, the newly appointed administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, addressed a group of Iowa agriculturists in an effort to strengthen the relationship between the EPA and the industry.

Don’t dump money down the udder

August 21, 2013

As summer winds down, many dairies may see a little relief in sight as temperatures begin to cool down and the incidences of heat stress decrease. While heat stress is a common concern during these months, many producers may want to consider how the temperature is affecting their milk production and milk quality. According to the National Mastitis Council, poor milk quality isn’t cheap. The average case of mastitis costs a farmer $184, with two-thirds of that amount due to loss in milk production.

Defining characteristics of a Fortune 500 company

August 21, 2013

John Frey

The number one factor influencing success of any dairy farm business is its ability to focus on the business side of the dairy. When we think about companies doing a good job at managing the “business side,” we think of Fortune 500. Read about their defining characteristics and what dairy can learn from them in this week’s column from John Frey. PD Click here for the column.

Benefits of controlled diets for dairy cows

August 16, 2013

Kelli Boylen

This article was #17 of the Top 25 most well-read articles on www.progressivedairy.com in 2013. It was published in the August 22, 2013 Extra e-newsletter. Click here for the full list of the Top 25. Freelance writer Kelli Boylen combined key points from two presentations at the 2013 Four State Dairy Nutrition Conference. Dr. Phil Cardoso said that cows fed a controlled-energy diet as opposed to a high-energy diet three to four weeks before calving tend to have fewer health problems, similar milk production and better reproduction. Kevin Lager’s presentation focused on using the metabolic profile to diagnose and treat transition cow problems.

Iowa dairy sources local frozen yogurt shop

August 16, 2013

Country View Dairy in Hawkeye, Iowa, has become the primary supplier for Yotopia Frozen Yogurt in downtown Iowa City. The company previously sourced its yogurt from a national supplier but decided to make this transition to a local supplier to make the business more sustainable.

Cover drive-over silage piles properly to get more out of your feed supply

August 15, 2013

Shawn P. Ryan

Silage and hay inventories continue to be a challenge on many dairy operations due to unfavorable weather and available land. To stretch supplies of quality silage, proactive measures are necessary to ensure that forages are harvested at the peak time, inoculated at the chopper and packed to the ideal density. But all of this work can go unnoticed if the ensiled forage isn’t covered and fed properly. A misstep in covering or feeding can lead to wasted silage and money down the drain.