A new feed pad design keeps leachate and rain runoff separate, keeping them out of dairy lagoons. The patented system from Dairy Nutrient Reclamation saves dairy producers money from not having to haul the extra water once mixed with manure.

A new digital platform to access capital aims to quickly finance dairy farm projects up to $2.5 million in value and do so in days, not weeks.

Every person reading this article likely has some idea of what it means to produce good, quality milk. But consider that milk quality varies depending on the perspective of consumers, processors and farmers.

Prioritizing efficiency and productivity has never been more essential. Mindset is not the first thing that comes to mind for many farmers when they think about how to improve these things, but it should be. Maintaining your energy levels, prioritizing important tasks and creating a system for accomplishing goals that works for you are three ways to fine-tune your mindset and develop a more positive outlook.

Social interactions are on the list of ways to beat chronic stress. Your social network helps provide space, perspective and emotional support. Humans need humans, just as cows need cows. Togetherall is a global network of peers, backed by licensed clinicians, designed to provide a nationwide safety net of confidential and on-demand support to farmers, ranchers and their families.

I read Hatchet by Gary Paulsen several years ago. It is a story about Brian, a 14-year-old boy whose plane crashes into the wilderness. It took both physical and mental fortitude for Brian to survive. He could be called a mental warrior.

Dairy producers face many challenges. Animal health, nutrition, milk markets and personnel management cause many farmers to lose sleep. Maintenance and management of a semen tank is a factor that every dairy producer can control.