The following summary is part of a Dairy Farmers of Canada-funded Dairy Research Cluster study examining dairy cow comfort, lameness and longevity. The study included data from 141 freestall farms in Quebec, Ontario and Alberta. Lying behavior was automatically recorded on 5,135 cows using accelerometers over four days.

The wet field conditions we saw last year across much of the U.S. have contributed to an increase in fungal diseases – in particular, a rise in the incidence of smut.

Traditionally, we have monitored the effect of the environment on dairy cattle using the temperature-humidity index (THI) to give an approximation of heat stress on animals. This method follows an equation that uses the dry bulb temperature and relative humidity to give us a number that best reflects the heat load placed on a cow.

We’ve been surveying readers lately – both in print and in person. One of the most intriguing things I’ve learned is that you don’t have much time to read, if you have any time for it at all.

When you are looking to design a new facility, or modify an existing one, it’s not as simple as just picking option A or option B. It’s critical to approach each project with animal management top of mind because any system you choose will affect not only your animals, but the facility layout, work routines and your labor requirements.

This month’s VAS DC305 tip of the month is on reproduction. Reproduction is one of the most important areas on a dairy and can decide the level of success a dairy has. It not only provides the replacements and next generation of superior genetics, but also affects the cash flow on the dairy.

With a failed attempt to repeal and replace President Barack Obama's health care law, the Republican-led Congress now turns its attention to a second major campaign pledge, federal tax reform. Meanwhile, proponents of immigration reform are preparing for that congressional debate later this fall.

With an Asian “middle class” population ready to expand dramatically, the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and the nation’s largest dairy cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), are eyeing an increased presence in that part of the world, while protecting and growing export markets closer to home. However, in addition to a strong U.S. dollar, headwinds to dairy exports now include uncertainty over the U.S. trade policy, as U.S. competitors aggressively seek bilateral free trade agreements following President Donald Trump’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

Like the dairy farms making up their memberships, dairy cooperatives must embrace consolidation or face attrition, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) leaders warned during the organization’s annual meeting, March 20-22.

Dairy producer and processors organizations took policy priorities to the Capitol Hill, March 22, as Congress continues early work on writing the 2018 Farm Bill.