Progressive Dairy

Weekly Digest: Checkoff to celebrate National Cheese Day June 4

June 1, 2026

In the news related to dairy farming the first week of June 2026: The dairy checkoff brings "Body by Cheese" to life for National Cheese Day, U.S. dairy calls for action on Canadian dairy trade practices, and the FARM Program kicks off its annual Excellence Awards.

Why early lameness detection matters for reproductive performance

Lameness impacts reproduction earlier and more significantly than you might think, making early detection and timely intervention vital to herd performance.

June 1, 2026

Arnold Harbers

Mildly lame cows, or those just starting to decline, often go unnoticed. This hidden group is where the real losses begin to accumulate, especially when it comes to reproduction.

AED initiative aims to provide training that could save lives

Dairies can strengthen their emergency preparedness by adding an AED, training employees in CPR and creating clear safety plans before a crisis occurs.

June 1, 2026

Bryce Chambers

In rural communities, emergency response times can be longer. Having an AED on-site can bridge that gap and give someone a fighting chance before help arrives. It’s an investment not just in your operation, but in your people, your family and your community.

April DMC margin reaches yearly high of $10.54 per cwt

The April Dairy Margin Coverage program margin climbed 97 cents from March to settle at $10.54 per cwt, the highest margin realized in 2026 to date.

May 29, 2026

Jenn Coyne

The price for all key feedstuffs used to calculate the margin rose in April, revealing an income over feed cost of $10.54 per hundredweight (cwt), more than $1 above the highest coverage selection in Tier I and comfortably positioning those enrolled in the program in the clear of indemnity payments.

How computer vision, robotics and AI will quickly transform the dairy industry

AI, robotics and computer vision are rapidly moving into dairy farming, helping address labor shortages, improve efficiency and monitor cow health, while still requiring human judgment.

May 29, 2026

Chad Jenkins

AI and robotics will not replace good dairy managers, but they will increasingly reward operations that understand how to integrate data, adopt technology, automate consistently and focus human labor where judgment is crucial.

[Podcast] Dairy cow nutrition strategies in the era of supply chain disruptions

May 28, 2026

This episode examines how supply chain pressures and renewable diesel demand are influencing fat economics, while highlighting how different fatty acids affect intake, component efficiency, reproduction and overall return on investment.

A road map from basic recordkeeping to advanced financial analysis

Sound financial management begins with accurate records and progresses through reporting and analysis, helping farmers make informed decisions, manage risk and strengthen long-term viability.

May 28, 2026

Stephanie Plaster

Recordkeeping is the foundation of good financial management. You can think of it like the soil in your fields. Accurate records allow for strong analysis, decision-making and profits to weather any storm our farms might experience.

DRMS Expands HerdHQ with RapidReports and BovineBio – Customizable Reports and Cow Views Now Available

May 27, 2026

DRMS announced the availability of RapidReports and BovineBio, two tools within the HerdHQ platform that are already being used by producers and consultants.

Continuing education for hoof trimming professionals

A desire to improve is the difference between being exceptional and being experienced for hoof-trimming professionals.

May 27, 2026

Jennifer Walker

Continuing education for professional hoof trimming is more than just reading articles and sitting in meetings. Finding opportunities where your practices and habits are put to the test to sharpen your skill set is the type of practice that separates exceptional professional hoof trimmers from experienced ones.

The remarkable difference hyperimmunized colostrum makes

Hyperimmunization can be a powerful tool in calf disease prevention. Research shows that using this tool can build a strong immune response leading to healthier calves.

May 27, 2026

Bobbi Jo Brockmann and Mark Wustenberg

You may not be familiar with the term “hyperimmunized,” let alone use it in everyday conversation. Yet it is the most powerful tool to enrich colostrum and influence calf health and development.