Progressive Dairy

Gestation calculations: A better management lever than ‘days carried calf’

Gestation length is variable. Understanding what it is and how to manage it will benefit your herd.

April 15, 2026

”Days carried calf” (DCC) is a familiar number – easy to filter and easy to build protocols around – but it can also be misleading. The issue is that DCC typically assumes a single fixed gestation length (often 280 days), while real-world gestation length shifts meaningfully with breed, parity, season/month, twinning, calf sex and sire genetics.

Central Plains Dairy Expo celebrates 25 years

April 14, 2026

Kimmi Devaney

The 2026 Central Plains Dairy Expo commenced with a welcome reception and BlackHawk concert on March 17 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The following two days were filled with breakout sessions covering fly control, technology, herd health, immigration law, artificial intelligence (AI) and more.

Turning lameness data into measurable ROI

Artificial intelligence mobility scoring is no longer just identifying lame cows. Lameness insights help refine trim decisions, standardize employee training and improve reproduction and production.

April 14, 2026

Terry Canning

For decades, hoof health programs relied on routine schedules and human observation. Cows were trimmed at set points in lactation or flagged by employees who noticed visible signs of lameness.

Weekly Digest: NMC announces agenda for June regional meeting in Wisconsin

April 13, 2026

Karen Lee

In dairy-related news the second week of April 2026: NMC announces agenda for June regional meeting in Wisconsin, the GDT index drops 3.4%, farmer sentiment improves despite rising input costs, and Hiland Dairy hosts a grand opening at its Texas production facility.

Planning your herd’s genetic future: 4 points to consider

When planning for your herd's genetic future, there are multiple points to consider to maximize genetic progress and capitalize on the valuable beef-on-dairy calf market.

April 13, 2026

Gwen Powers

Although the industry has achieved rapid genetic advancement, with today’s competitive market, return on investment (ROI) is imperative. Here are several steps to consider when planning your herd’s genetic future for the best possible return on investment.

New Hires: Ben Weikert

April 11, 2026

Meet Ben Weikert, Director, Agricultural Consulting Services, Dairy One Cooperative, Inc.

From stress to success: Everyday ways to improve herd health and profitability

The most profitable herds focus on tracking data closely and focusing on creating a consistent, clean and comfortable environment for the cow which introduces the least amount of stress.

April 10, 2026

Megan Abeyta

Recent research from multiple labs suggests some of the most expensive stressors cows experience are the ones we don’t see.

USDA increases 2026 milk production estimates, Class III and all-milk prices projected higher

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

April 9, 2026

Audrey Schmitz

The USDA’s April WASDE raised 2026 milk production to 235.3 billion pounds as increases to the dairy cow inventory more than offset slower growth in milk output per cow.

[Podcast] Recent research from Simplot Animal Sciences and Texas Tech University helps to maximize beef-on-dairy calf value

April 9, 2026

Join us to explore how targeted beef-on-dairy breeding decisions can address key dairy farm challenges, including calf value optimization and breeding efficiency.

Create the next generation with more precise data from genomics

Genomic testing and its results can be used to create the ideal cow that fits well in your market.

April 9, 2026

Adrianne Trennepohl

If a herd chooses to genomic test, the benefit of the tool is the access to data that will assist you in making better breeding decisions.