It can be a challenge to keep cows healthy on a dairy with common diseases such as mastitis, lameness, metritis and others negatively impacting herd profitability. A review of existing research shows that per-incident cost of some health events can approach $500, and that nearly one out of every three cows that experience a significant health issue may be culled.

Back in November, the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) began conducting preliminary genomic evaluations on a weekly basis. Prior to this change, genomic evaluations were provided each month, requiring producers to submit samples by a predetermined due date in order to deliver results as part of the next month’s official report.

From its humble beginnings with nine cows in 1945, Homestead Dairy of Plymouth, Indiana, has embodied steady and continued progress. It’s a value that third-generation owner-manager Brian Houin takes seriously.