In 2013, researchers from Michigan State University, Penn State, Mississippi State University and Florida A&M set out to formulate a quality milk assessment for the prevention of mastitis and reduction of antibiotic use on dairy farms.

If the pictures by Valerie Miller, Emma Caldwell, Bonnie Mohr and Lisa Rasmussen were each worth 1,000 words, bovines could at last speak. While their vocalizations still remain untranslatable, the subjects of these artists’ paintings possess a personality all their own.

Mathematics finds a number of uses in dairy herd management, from calculating the proper portions for a TMR to balancing revenue and costs. But imagine if one could actually predict the future, assigning the probability of an outcome down to decimal places. What potential does this power hold? A recent study published in the Journal of Dairy Science explores this prospect.

“I would house twice as many cows if I didn’t have to deal with manure.” This statement by Dean Strauss of Majestic Crossing Dairy expresses a concern shared by many large dairies – effective management of waste. It can be costly, time-consuming and downright dirty.

Foot-and-mouth disease, salmonellosis, E. coli – these are but a few of the zoonotic pathogens that have frightened consumers and plagued livestock producers in recent years. As threats ebb and surge, local, state, national and international government agencies conduct research and continuously refine their regulations to mitigate disease spread. Standard testing procedures are in place to ensure early detection and elimination. However, what happens when testing supplies run out?

As he tills and cultivates fields for his annual crop rotations, Richard Kratz also sows the seeds of innovation. It took four years to perfect his blend of peas and oats, but he is now literally reaping the benefits from Kratz Farm’s 2,000 acres. And, like pollen carried on the breeze, word of the breakthrough is spreading.