Almost three years ago, I started this column with a basic CIP (clean-in-place) process overview. Since that first article, I’ve lectured repeatedly about the basics of milking equipment cleanliness and proper functionality. Yet, during the past three years, I continue to see the same CIP challenges, over and over again.

In light of the most recent crash in the stock market and exaggerated volatility, there is no better time than the present to start developing or fine-tuning your risk management plan. Since 1994, we have experienced a consistent three-year cycle in milk pricing. We are in what the experts are calling year three of that three-year cycle.

With high grain prices, brown mid-rib (BMR) corn hybrids are receiving attention from dairy producers who want to feed more highly digestible forages and less grain in the ration. Like any technology, successful use of BMR corn silage comes with a learning curve, requiring attention to management and an understanding of how BMR differs from conventional corn silage.

Editor’s note: The following article is the fourth and final article in a series discussing electrolyte formulation and function in calves. From a clinical evaluation standpoint, it’s fairly easy to gain insights into an animal’s acid-base status from a blood sample.

Moving cows is a part of managing every dairy in America. Are your dry cows grouped separately from the lactating herd? Do your fresh cows have their own pen so they can receive special attention? Management styles and specific circumstances dictate how often these moves take place and to what extent they affect animals. We see two schools of thought when it comes to grouping cows. This industry-wide debate centers on social interactions. While the effects of moving are well quantified in dry cow groups, the body of research on moving lactating animals is much smaller.

Lameness is one of the top welfare considerations and economic limitations in the U.S. dairy industry, negatively impacting involuntary culling rates, milk production, reproductive efficiency and overall costs of production. Each year with the arrival of late summer or early fall, dairy producers nationwide see a seasonal increase in lameness prevalence within their herds.