My summers growing up were filled with showing my horse, dogs and a borrowed cow at county fairs, the state state fair and through local horse clubs. It was an opportunity for me to show off a year of hard work, along with making friendships and memories to last a lifetime. The same goes for many producers and youth involved in agriculture. 

As long as a cow or calf is healthy and productive, she has good well-being, right?  No, not necessarily. 

In some circles, increased dairy cow culling and the trend toward more dairy farmers breeding a percentage of their dairy cows and heifers to beef sires has raised concerns over the impact on U.S. beef supplies. Latest data from University of Wisconsin – River Falls ag economics professor, Brenda Boetel, and research assistant, Jared Geiser, shows the importance of dairy-beef to the total U.S. beef supply, but also puts some of those concerns to rest.

Digest Highlights

• June Class I base price tops $17 for first time in 29 months
• California ‘Stop QIP’ petition falls short of required signatures
• Product inventories continue to build
• Darigold expands sales, logistics capabilities in Mexico
• USDA Economic Research Service employees vote to form union
• Farm Credit East Dairy Farm Summary reveals 2018 struggles
• Bill creates indefinite moratorium on agricultural mergers
• Land O’Lakes, Mars Wrigley seek dairy sustainability solutions

Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of blogs Rebecca Shaw is providing about female entrepreneurs and what the dairy industry can learn from them. One lesson that has changed the way I approach any situation is to stop saying sorry if I’m not actually sorry.

The Undeniably Dairy campaign – created two years ago by the dairy checkoff to build trust and relevance in dairy with consumers – is hitting its mark. Dairy farmers are a key part of the program’s content. And, consumers want to hear their stories!

The problem Flies can be costly to dairy farmers due to disease transmission and irritation. Whether feeding upon animals or simply being a nuisance, flies can reduce milk production and decrease weight gains.

How did you get started in photography? RIGGOTT: My father was a professional photographer, so I learned from him at a very young age.

Consumers are inundated with confusing messages about the foods they eat, ranging from how it’s produced, who produced it, its environmental impact and whether it’s good for them. Thankfully, most consumers still seek authenticity and have a sincere curiosity about their food and the story behind it, including wanting to know the people who brought it to their tables.

You’re busy – milking cows, managing employees and hoping to get some hay made. With that in mind, Progressive Dairyman looks at issues in the news impacting you and your dairy business. In recognition of your time, we’ll attempt to summarize recent events or actions making dairy headlines and reported in our weekly digital newsletter, Progressive Dairyman Extra. Then, we’ll try to put that news into perspective and briefly describe how it might affect you.