There was a lot to discover at the 2024 World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, as companies from all across the globe showcased new innovative offerings for dairy operations and paid homage to technologies of the past. Continue reading to see what Progressive Dairy editors found while attending this year’s event.

The recent mysterious disease affecting cattle in the U.S. is avian influezna, and the source is wild birds. My research team has been studying pest bird management on dairies for over eight years, and we have learned a few tricks that we would like to share with you.

The USDA, the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) jointly released a statement on March 25 confirming the identification of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. Here are several preventive measures for farms to protect their animals and best practices for herds affected by the avian influenza.

On July 27, Missouri cattle producer Charlie Besher testified before the House Natural Resources Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee in support of the Black Vulture Relief Act, sharing how predatory black vultures take a toll on cattle producers’ livestock and livelihoods.

This year marks eight years of progress in pest bird management research in my laboratory. Eight years ago, I asked a group of dairy farmers my typical question, “What keeps you up at night?”

Birds are pests on farms and ranches, consuming and contaminating feed intended for cattle and fruit.

Dairy barns are meant to be comfortable and safe housing for cattle. But other animals tend to make a barn their home as well. These uninvited visitors pose a serious threat.