Anyone who is at least somewhat familiar with the cattle industry knows there is a long list of products and product types that can be used for providing supplemental nutrients to cattle.

When I was dating my cowboy years ago, he worked for a man named Ray. Ray wore the signs of a hard cowboy life: twisted fingers from multiple broken bones, bowlegged, hunched over, skin as tough as leather.

Hay equipment choices hinge on system-wide efficiency, not sticker price, as producers push every acre and hour to deliver real return on investment.

Labor challenges, low milk prices and tighter financial margins on many dairy operations are top of mind for producers heading into 2026, as well as growing concerns about labor availability, labor policy and staying competitive with surrounding non-agriculture industries.

Labor shortages and high turnover remain among the top concerns keeping dairy owners and operators up at night. In 2026, the challenge is not only finding workers but also keeping them engaged and committed to one of the most vital roles on the farm.

Issues affecting the Washington dairy industry were discussed throughout the 2025 Washington Dairy Conference, held Dec. 2-3 in Wenatchee, Washington. 

Dairy farms across the country have been asking for a solution to the looming labor crisis.

If there’s a phrase that rings true in the ears of any business owner or manager, it’s that “a business is only as good as its people.” And in a world where automation is rapidly transforming many industries, the cattle business remains one of the few that still relies heavily on people.

Why more producers are turning to dual baling technology to ease labor pressure and boost margins.

Matt Teagarden agreed to an email Q&A discussion with Progressive Cattle about the ongoing policy debate over immigration and keeping agricultural production staffed during Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) checks at packing plants.