The U.S. dairy herd continues to grow. At 9.331 million head in April, the nation’s dairy barns and pastures now hold the largest number of cows since December 2008, according to USDA’s monthly milk production report.

Eric MetzgerSenior Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Account ManagerDigi-StarKenosha, Wisconsin

Many college students become nannies during school to help ends meet, but Kayla Alward – a rising fourth-year student at the University of Georgia – prefers to cow-sit.

Dairy farmer Kip Law of Sherburne, New York, has experienced some impressive changes after transitioning from an old tiestall facility into a new freestall barn. While this meant adjusting his management practices, the positive effects on herd health and productivity were almost immediate.

Whole milk sales continue to boost fluid category. First quarter U.S. dairy exports were weaker. Price swings may be changing the U.S. herd. This and other U.S. dairy economic news can be found here.

While others breed for bigger cows and push for 2 pounds of average daily gain (ADG) for pre-weaned calves, Rosy-Lane Holsteins is sticking by what they believe in – healthy, productive cows regardless of how quickly they get there.

With profit margins squeezed due to lower milk prices, dairy farmers are examining ways to reduce their cost of producing milk. Feed cost is at the top as dairy farmers control this expense compared to fuel, fertilizer, labor and health costs, and represents 50 percent of costs of production.

As the general public outcries against applying manure products via irrigation methods grew louder, a unique work group formed to review related issues, discuss the technical details and develop guidance on the practice that is also growing in interest among dairy producers.

A first-of-its-kind field study was recently completed to estimate the risk of acute gastrointestinal illness from airborne pathogens during manure irrigation and to identify the other variables, such as distance and weather conditions that affect airborne pathogen transport. It coincided with a larger effort, known as the Manure Irrigation Workgroup, to explore benefits, concerns and remaining questions associated with manure irrigation.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is moving to define "natural" on food labels, and announced rules adding to antimicrobial sales reporting. Three U.S. dairy organizations urged the White House to challenge a World Health Organization proposal that would discourage the consumption of dairy products by young children. This and other U.S. dairy policy news can be found here.