Farmers need to assume climate change will cause changes in weather patterns and that it will require them to make changes.

“Dairy farms do have some impact on climate change. Dairy farms do emit greenhouse gases (GHG). And, of course, the changing climate impacts dairy farms,” Al Rotz, USDA-ARS, said.

Making and feeding hay and silage is a lot of work. It takes time and money. “Can we get the animals to do some of that work for us?”

Dairy farmers are often advised by researchers that doing things in a given manner causes a specific result. Whether it’s tilling the soil, feeding the cattle or managing the manure, the way in which things are done can have positive or negative impacts on the surrounding environment.

Editor’s note: Balchem Corporation sponsored a post-conference seminar focusing on milk protein production following the 2015 Penn State Extension Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop held recently in Grantville, Pennsylvania.

Dairy producers need to focus on numerous objectives when effectively managing the transition period. Successfully managing this life stage means there is no trade-off between cow health and milk production.

Editor’s note: Balchem Corporation sponsored a post-conference seminar focusing on milk protein production, following the 2015 Penn State Extension Dairy Cattle Nutrition Workshop held recently in Grantville, Pennsylvania. The seminar covered a three-pronged approach to milk protein: feeding, breeding and economics. This article is the first in a series covering the seminar. The second in the series "Breeding for milk protein"

Cows want to do certain things at certain times, and there’s a reason for that. Cows naturally try to synchronize rhythms so that milk synthesis will occur when nutrients are available.

Dairy farmers looking ahead to the new year and making management decisions may wish they had a crystal ball.

The cream always rises – and like their cream, the Fulper family rose to the occasion on a soggy December evening in 2014, making their Christmas on-farm event sparkle.