The news is mixed as a deadline looms for dairy farmers facing the loss of their milk markets on June 1.

Important dates to participate in either of two available federal dairy income margin insurance programs are approaching.

April 2018 U.S. milk production posted its smallest year-over-year increase dating back to January 2016, inserting some optimism into the price picture.

On average, dairies lose 5 to 15 percent of their calves in the first three weeks of life due to scours, making it the number one killer of calves. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. With the right tools and protocols, it is possible to maintain less than a 1.5 percent death loss in these young calves.

Dairy sector economics have been challenging. On one hand, the U.S. and world economies are growing with increasing demand for dairy products, particularly butter and cheese. On the other hand, since Europe removed its milk quotas a few years ago and Canada tweaked its pricing system, the additional milk supply worldwide is outstripping this growing demand.

When did weaning calves become a race? Except it’s not a race to see who can wean them quickest; it feels like we’re bragging as to who can leave them on milk longer. Lately, it feels like farmers are trying to raise bigger calves. But is bigger better? Shouldn’t we be striving for more productive, efficient calves?

Are your calves healthy? How do you know? You probably have a general picture of calf health on your farm, but putting pen to paper and tracking the numbers can give you accurate data to watch trends and make changes quickly.

Not long ago, Kent Hoffman’s morning routine included milking 580 cows in a step-up parlor. Today, he watches an automated arm attach the units on his 40-stall robotic rotary.

I love Progressive Dairyman magazine; there is so much high-quality information in there that I barely get it read before the next edition arrives! “Progressive” sounds like a positive word, but what does it mean? I found a few definitions, but the one I like most is “favoring or promoting progress.” Progressive Dairyman lives up to its name. Its pages are often filled with information and ideas to bring about positive change; I like that.

No one wants to spend more time than they have to cleaning fans in their barn. Yet, we all know that fans need to be cleaned. Here are some tips and tricks to make cleaning your fans and other ventilation equipment go as smoothly as possible.