Progressive Dairy

Michigan State University dairy nears completion

In addition to providing more research and teaching opportunities for students and faculty, MSU plans to open the facility to the public for tours to showcase modern dairy farming.

July 18, 2025

Kimmi Devaney

Cows are scheduled to start moving into new facilities at the Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center on south campus in East Lansing, Michigan, by Aug. 1, with the entire project expected to be completed by the end of 2025. At capacity, the dairy herd will expand from the previous herd size of 220 up to 550.

Weekly Digest: Group of California dairy farmers files lawsuit over milk quota program

Ice cream makers pledge to eliminate certified artificial colors by the end of 2027.

July 17, 2025

Karen Lee

In dairy-related news the third week of July 2025: A group of California dairy farmers files a lawsuit over the state's milk quota program, U.S. ice cream makers pledge to eliminate certified artificial colors by the end of 2027, GDT index bounces back up after four lower sales, landowners can now enroll in the USDA’s Grassland Conservation Reserve Program, and experience World Dairy Expo in person or online.

[Podcast] Using embryos to rebuild the beef herd and address changing dairy market dynamics

July 17, 2025

How can IVF embryos be used by dairy and beef producers to meet the changing market dynamics? Listen to this episode to find out.

New barn at University of Maine research dairy highlights robotics and technology

Without a set milking schedule, students will be able to work with data and learn about how technology is used on modern dairy farms.

July 17, 2025

Kimmi Devaney

Replacing labor-intensive tasks with technology was one of the goals when building a new three-row freestall barn with 50 stalls to replace the older tiestall barn at the University of Maine’s Witter Farm in Old Town. The new barn features one DeLaval VMS Series V300 robot for the 61-cow herd (30 lactating as of May 2025) as well as automatic ventilation.

Global feed production growth highlights the resilience and adaptability of the international agriculture industry

Global feed production grew 1.2% in 2024, with strong gains in dairy feed, especially in Latin America, Europe and Africa. Despite challenges, the dairy sector remains resilient, with modest global growth expected in 2025.

July 17, 2025

Dan Weiland

The global dairy sector made unexpectedly strong gains, growing by 3.2%. Robust consumer demand, favorable milk prices and a shift toward more intensive farming practices largely fueled this expansion, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America all displaying growth. While dairy feed production remained stable in North America, Oceania’s reliance on abundant pasture led to a slight dip in its feed tonnage.

PRO Refrigeration unveils the PROGreen50: A leap toward smarter, sustainable cooling

July 16, 2025

PROChiller Systems proudly announces the official launch of the PROGreen50, a next-generation CO₂-based chiller designed for North America's top dairies, food producers and craft beverage makers.

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Across the country: Using sort gates to improve reproduction

Dairy producers from Iowa, Kansas and Washington give their thoughts on utilizing sort gates for reproductive purposes.

July 16, 2025

Matti McBride

Technology continues to push the envelope when it comes to reproductive efficiency. Automated monitoring systems and sort gates have proven to be productive investments for dairy farms across the country.

Mycotoxin strategies should prevent, protect and build resilience

Three strategies to mitigate the effects of mycotoxins found in feed.

July 16, 2025

Joel Pankowski

New mycotoxin species emerge every year and spread rapidly to affect livestock. Protecting cows from these pathogenic pressures is important to protect cow health and maintain a productive herd. Gut health has never been more important, which adds to the critical nature of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy.

[Podcast] Building a strong foundation for farm transition with Elaine Froese

July 15, 2025

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast, host Kimmi Devaney chats with Elaine Froese about how farm families can build a strong foundation for farm transition. Froese has more than 30 years of experience helping farm families through this process and has written articles in almost every issue of Progressive Dairy – Canada for the past 14 years.

Renovations update youngstock, close-up and research areas at WSU’s Knott Dairy Center

Long-awaited new facilities for replacement animals were recently completed. Construction of an anaerobic digester is still underway.

July 15, 2025

Kimmi Devaney

The newest addition to Washington State University’s (WSU) Knott Dairy Center (KDC) is a flexible, compost-bedded pack barn that houses developmental and pregnant heifers, dry cows and has space for a pen of research animals. Construction began in July 2024 and was completed in June 2025.