Progressive Dairy

Checkoff Watch: Why Expo West matters to farmers, dairy’s future

May 13, 2026

I admit that before I attended Natural Products Expo West, I did not fully grasp what it was. I had heard about it at a Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) meeting, but walking into the Anaheim Convention Center was something else entirely.

USDA adds 3.7 billion pounds to 2026 milk outlook

The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

May 12, 2026

Audrey Schmitz

USDA’s May WASDE report raised 2026 milk production to 235.4 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd but a slower growth rate in output per cow.

Why mental health matters, even when we can’t measure it

Stress can build up over the years and negatively impact how you manage your business, deal with risk, lead your team and solve problems.

May 12, 2026

Maddy Vanderkooy

Farm stress: You can’t weigh it, you can’t test it, and you certainly can’t fix it with a wrench or baling twine. Yet, research continues to show that it directly impacts how farms function.

Today’s measurements build tomorrow’s cows: Why one dairyman invests in data

Data collection is integral to genetic improvements for Greg Andersen’s dairies.

May 12, 2026

Katie Schmitt

Idaho dairyman Greg Andersen elevates herd efficiency with better production, fertility and fitness. For him, the most successful way to do this is through genetic selection, backed by quality data.

Hoof health and heat: A dangerous combination

Cow comfort and observation are key tactics in prioritizing hoof health when the heat arrives.

May 12, 2026

Jenn Coyne

Hoof health is crucial to a dairy cow’s overall well-being – and in turn milk production and the farm’s bottom line. Different seasons put greater pressure on hoof health in a dairy herd than others and call for a pivot in management. Summer heat is one of those times.

6 practical steps to create a safety culture on your farm

Aside from getting buy-in from employees, it’s important to have a written safety policy, communicate regularly and track progress.

May 11, 2026

Hernando Duarte

Creating a culture of safety is vital in addressing these challenges and must be the foundation of any farm safety program. It encourages proactive hazard identification and management, reduces injuries and near misses, and ensures that everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.

Keeping calves cool: New ideas for hutch-housed heifers

While a variety of heat abatement options exist for cooling cows, there are limited options for cooling hutch-housed calves. However, new research shows that cooled calves perform better and stay in the herd longer.

May 11, 2026

Jimena Laporta and Jennifer Van Os

Providing active heat abatement during the preweaning period can create a cleaner hutch microclimate, help keep calves cool, improve their immune responses and even increase herd longevity through the first lactation. Our group has been exploring a solar-powered fan system for calves in outdoor hutches.

The next-generation barn: Why flexible freestalls and feed rail systems are becoming standard

Flexible freestalls and more forgiving feed rail designs can improve how cows rest and eat when paired with strong basics like correct sizing, bedding, ventilation and consistent feed access.

May 11, 2026

Erik Niemeier

Two equipment concepts have steadily moved from novel to normal: flexible freestalls and flexible feed rails. Instead of rigid steel that forces every cow to conform, these systems allow controlled flexibility, thoughtful adjustability and simpler maintenance.

Maximizing heifer reproduction in a changing dairy landscape

Today, replacement heifers are worth more than in past years – both economically and genetically. Creating pregnancies in these animals at the right time is crucial to productivity for your herd.

May 8, 2026

Mark Doornink and Douglas Duhatschek

There is a need for a more intentional and strategic approach to heifer management, particularly in reproduction. With fewer animals in the pipeline, mistakes such as delayed breeding or missed opportunities can have a greater impact on herd performance and profitability.

The world is craving U.S. dairy products

U.S. dairy product exports reach record levels in March despite the growth streak ending for nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder.

May 7, 2026

Jenn Coyne

Prices continue to support the ample flow of milk in the U.S. as the global marketplace wants more. In March, not only were U.S. dairy product exports up 8% from the same month a year ago, but it was the highest milk solid equivalent volume in four years.