We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
Dairymen can still legally sell Grade A milk in the U.S. if their herd’s average somatic cell count (SCC) is greater than 400,000 after August 1, but their options may be more limited without some effort.
In November, the USDA announced it had agreed with the E.U. to begin certifying U.S. dairy farms that produce milk used for products or ingredients exported to the E.U. that have an on-farm average SCC of 400,000 or less.
Many co-ops say they will ask their farms to comply with the agreement’s lower SCC standards, rather than segregate milk supplies. Most will start communicating this month the changes their members will see in order to be in compliance.
Here are some of the new products or updates to previous products that have been announced as of January 19, 2012. Return to this section of the Progressive Dairyman website periodically to find out what new products will be impacting the dairy industry.
Note: The following are opinion commentaries.
No: The Dairy Security Act of 2011 and other sideshow plans are just another way for everyone to make money off of milk, except we farmers who produce it. We can all acknowledge there is not enough money in milk for everyone who touches it to be rich, so the popular answer seems to have the farmer buy expensive insurance.
Picture a pie chart … Now, in your mind, make the circumference of that pie larger (money from insurance claims). Now cut your piece – bigger piece, right? But at whose expense? Yours! Yes, your piece will be bigger too, but don’t forget to deduct the premium you paid to insure everyone else a bigger piece. You lose again.
As group calf feeding becomes more prominent in the U.S., dairy producers and calf raisers are looking for a selection of systems to choose from.
A few companies have introduced computerized or robotic feeders, while some farmers have taken it upon themselves to build a low-cost structure.
Advanced Dairy Systems has developed a warm box system that is less technical than a robot and turn-key ready for those not wanting to tackle a project like this on their own.
Well adopted in Canada, these boxes first debuted in the U.S. three years ago and are in place on a handful of dairies in Wisconsin, New York and Vermont.
This article was #15 of the Top 25 most well-read articles on www.progressivedairy.com in 2012. to jump to the article. It was published in the January 21, 2012 issue. Click here for the full list of the Top 25.
In the fall of 2010, the University of Wisconsin – Madison School of Veterinary Medicine launched The Dairyland Initiative program. This article discussed the information that producers could expect to find on the program’s website.
Whether producers are looking to build new or remodel existing facilities, they are able to access a variety of useful tools and resources on the website.
When winter strikes in the northern climate, barn doors are pulled shut and curtain sidewalls are rolled up.
The chill in the air keeps most people from thinking of cooling strategies in place on the dairy, such as misting lines and fans.
Yet, one dairy producer in Michigan has found value in running fans year-round.
Have you been thinking about cow comfort within your freestall barns? One dairyman’s idea could help you cut down fan usage, your electric bill and keep air flowing at a high rate for cow comfort.
Kevin Hoover, a Pennsylvania dairyman and owner of AutoVent LLC, has been using an idea he came up with for two years to improve cow comfort.
Sustainability is a topic on the mind of today’s society.
“You almost can’t read anything without seeing something about climate change and water use,” said Dr. Jude Capper, Washington State University. “The anti-animal ag industries really try to get people’s attention. HSUS, PETA, Greenpeace know exactly what messages to put out there.”
This article was #22 of the Top 25 most well-read articles on www.progressivedairy.com in 2012. to jump to the article. It was published in the January 21, 2012 issue. Click here for the full list of the Top 25.
In addition to milk, cows also produce a fair amount of methane. Dairies across the country are developing new ways to utilize that byproduct of milk production. One instance is a project under way at Fair Oaks in Indiana to use biogas from its anaerobic digesters to power a fleet of milk trucks operated by Ruan Transport Corp.
RSS
