Protein and amino acids are the most expensive nutrients for raising young calves and heifers. For the growing calf and heifer, protein can be supplied in several different ways. The animal’s stage of life, relative to ruminal development for it becoming a functional ruminant, dictates the types and amounts of protein and amino acids that are of benefit for growth, health and ruminal maturation.

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) causes significant economic losses in dairies across the U.S. While vaccination is available and necessary, it isn’t always effective. Delivering trace minerals via injection, in conjunction with BRD vaccinations, can potentially enhance the immune response and increase vaccination success.

Many agree raising quality, healthy heifers is one of the most important goals for any dairy producer. It is surprising, though, that most discussion regarding heifer raising immediately gravitates toward cost.

Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), a national farmer-owned dairy cooperative, and Vanguard Renewables, a Massachusetts-based renewable energy developer, formed a strategic partnership to help bring anaerobic digestion technology to more farms across the country.

“Rules of engagement are rules or directives to military forces (including individuals) that define the circumstances, conditions, degree and manner in which the use of force ... may be applied.”

Is your farm energy-efficient? How can you tell? If you add up all of your electricity use for a year that is used for milk harvesting or cow housing and divide by the number of milking cows, you will likely be in the range of 800 to 1,200 kilowatt-hours per cow per year.

The history of agriculture in most Western nations follows the same pattern. Humans on the European continent domesticated the aurochs early on in their evolution and eventually produced the dairy cow.

My husband and I were out fixing fence recently. I watched as he methodically fixed strands of high-tensile wire that had been loosened by the winter wind or a deer passing through. The particular hillside we were on is quite memorable.

Life in the country can sometimes get a little boring. History reveals how boring things have gotten by the games we have invented (out of pure boredom) while doing our daily chores.

No matter which type of calf housing system you use, it’s easy to let your ventilation system get stale. Proper ventilation can have a major impact on calf health and well-being.