The one constant in life is change, and new data shows dairy producers and custom manure applicators alike will see changes in their manure samples from previous years. These changes could affect manure application rates and prices in 2026.

The largest operating cost on all farms is feed, and one of the most influential variables going into feed cost and management is shrink. Whether it is shrink from spoilage, overfeeding, mixing errors or simply poor environmental conditions, it represents feed that is purchased but never consumed by the cow.

Today we’re talking about one of the most important – and most challenging – windows in the dairy cow’s year: the transition period.

John Cole, the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding's chief research and development officer, breaks down indexes and how to effectively use them in your herd on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast.

Although it has become commonplace in our standard daily routines, we don’t think about all the ways AI tools are and can be utilized on dairy operations. These powerful tools can not only simplify day-to-day tasks, but they can also help drive decision-making and profitability.

In late January, PDP’s Managers Academy ventured off the mainland for its first-ever event in San Juan, Puerto Rico. With the theme, “Business Prime on Island Time,” the event challenged dairy producers and industry representatives to take a closer look at their business structure and how to position it for success into the next generation.