Here are some of the new products or updates to previous products that have been announced as of February 11, 2012. Return to this section of the Progressive Dairyman website periodically to find out what new products will be impacting the dairy industry.

Dairy producers are always asking me to describe what I do. I am often contacted after a peer or trusted adviser has referred them. More times than not, one of the first topics they want to discuss is: “Tell me what you do.” And also more times than not, my first reply will be: “I help people answer the question: ‘What next?’” I truly enjoy helping people answer that question and have been blessed to have had so many ask for my help. Several clients, however, have gotten a little frustrated when they discover how much time I ask them to invest with me to discuss what they’re doing now before we actually begin answering questions about what they should do next.

The Steuben County Fair marked both the end of summer and a chance for farm kids in our area to hang out together under the guise of showing cattle.

Andrei Mikhalevsky Visalia, California President and CEO California Dairies, Inc.

Mark UptonPauls Valley, Oklahoma National Sales Manager Central Life Sciences

Erica DavisWashington Court House, Ohio Administrative Assistant Jersey Marketing Service

Elmo Wendorf Clinton, Wisconsin Operations Manager Red & White Dairy Cattle Association

One of the main goals of a dairy business is to maintain a consistent environment for its cows. Daily routines for the cows should occur at the same time every day, with their physical environment varying as little as possible. Freestalls, milking barns and corrals should be maintained so cows don’t experience any drastic daily differences.

Is diesel fuel the same as it was 50 years ago? Do you receive the same quality of diesel fuel from one fueling station to the next? Is there a difference in some diesel fuels? Historically speaking, diesel fuel was developed in the mid-1920s to meet the growing demands of the newly introduced diesel engines and vehicles. Diesel fuel was classified as medium-weight oil in comparison to gasoline being a lightweight oil. Diesel fuel was similar to kerosene in some ways but very different in others.

Will you have enough forage until next harvest? Drought in the Southwest, late planting, delayed harvest and flooding all contributed to limit current forage supplies across various areas of the country. Dr. St- Pierre, in the December 2011 Buckeye Dairy News, states that “effective NDF prices are historically high, 4 cents per lb over the six-year average.” What strategies can be used to make the most of forage availability?