Engine emissions trends over recent years have driven machine innovation – stricter emission regulations, new fuels, common-rail fuel systems and the need for cleaner fuel are all driving the need for improved filtration technology.

“Don’t worry,” I told my girlfriend. “There are a lot of 18-year-olds who live around us. They’ll get eaten first.” Preparing for the zombie apocalypse is one of my side hobbies. When I drift out of a conversation, usually it is because I’m evaluating the surrounding space and considering how to bolster it against the infected hordes.

They say April showers bring May flowers. You ever wonder why or how that phrase came about? Well, Wikipedia won’t tell you this, but I have done some extensive research and studied many ancient artifacts to reveal the true beginning of the phrase “April showers bring May flowers.”

Just as in traditional facilities, cows spend their day in a robotic barn eating, milking and resting. But when these daily behaviors are interrupted or restricted, neither the cows nor the robots perform at their peak.

Manure and tile are both important tools for improving the productivity of our farms. Manure as an organic nutrient source is a tremendous benefit to crops and soils, and tile improves crop growth in poorly drained soils.

The article, “Improving extension: How Illinois extension specialists are making a difference on dairies” from our April 1 issue featured Dr. Phil Cardoso and his Dairy Focus Team.

Texas has been a national leader in milk production growth, but even there the mood is “solemn,” according to Darren Turley, executive director of the Texas Association of Dairymen.

Genske Mulder & Company LLP has produced averages of our dairy clients’ profit and loss reports on a quarterly basis for quite some time. Our clients, as well as others in the industry, have found these very helpful as benchmarks with which to compare their own operations.

In March, Congress passed and President Trump signed the $1.3 trillion omnibus spending bill, formally called the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018. What you might not have realized is that there are a number of provisions included within that bill that will significantly impact the dairy industry.

Digest Highlights: February dairy cow culling was the highest in six years. McDonald’s USA is adding white cheddar to menu items. Find a summary of this and other news here.