agproud.com is the digital home of Progressive Dairy, Progressive Cattle, Progressive Forage and Ag Proud Idaho magazines. We offer content for dairy farmers, cattle ranchers and hay and forage growers in the U.S. and Canada. Subscribe to podcasts, newsletters or magazines offered on dairy, beef, and forage at agproud.com https://www.agproud.com/rss/articles True milking efficiency is the balance between harvesting all the available milk, keeping cows in the parlor for the shortest time possible and doing it gently enough to protect udder health. True milking efficiency is the balance between harvesting all the available milk, keeping cows in the parlor for the shortest time possible and doing it gently enough to protect udder health.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63814-hidden-profits-in-the-parlor-what-milking-efficiency-really-means http://www.agproud.com/articles/63814 Overcoming the summer slump in cool-season grass pastures requires a thoughtful, nature-inspired approach to grazing management. Overcoming the summer slump in cool-season grass pastures requires a thoughtful, nature-inspired approach to grazing management.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63763-understanding-and-mitigating-the-summer-slump-in-western-pastures http://www.agproud.com/articles/63763 Même si aucune blessure ne survient lors d'un incident évité de justesse, il est important de le signaler à titre de mesure préventive pour éviter de futures blessures. Même si aucune blessure ne survient lors d'un incident évité de justesse, il est important de le signaler à titre de mesure préventive pour éviter de futures blessures.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63750-comment-gerer-les-blessures-critiques-et-non-critiques-a-la-ferme http://www.agproud.com/articles/63750 Not many dairies rely on a ferry for supplies, parts and feed supplements. Not many dairies only have 200 feet of land separating the back of the barn from the Atlantic Ocean. Not many dairies milk 1,100 cows in Newfoundland. New World Dairy of Maidstone does. Not many dairies rely on a ferry for supplies, parts and feed supplements. Not many dairies only have 200 feet of land separating the back of the barn from the Atlantic Ocean. Not many dairies milk 1,100 cows in Newfoundland. New World Dairy of Maidstone does.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63693-dairying-on-the-edge-of-the-atlantic-ocean-new-world-dairy http://www.agproud.com/articles/63693 The success of early weaning hinges on one critical factor: how well calves transition onto a new diet. The success of early weaning hinges on one critical factor: how well calves transition onto a new diet.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63641-managing-diet-transition-in-early-weaned-calves http://www.agproud.com/articles/63641 Farm safety incidents occur every year during hay harvest season. Taking time to prepare equipment, following recommended safety practices and remaining alert throughout the season can help reduce accidents and injuries. Farm safety incidents occur every year during hay harvest season. Taking time to prepare equipment, following recommended safety practices and remaining alert throughout the season can help reduce accidents and injuries.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63627-hay-season-safety-reducing-risk-during-harvest http://www.agproud.com/articles/63627 Periods of low milk prices and tight margins put pressure on every dairy operation, but history shows that the most resilient farms do not rely solely on cost cutting to survive. Instead, they focus on precision, consistency and execution of fundamentals. Periods of low milk prices and tight margins put pressure on every dairy operation, but history shows that the most resilient farms do not rely solely on cost cutting to survive. Instead, they focus on precision, consistency and execution of fundamentals.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63547-feed-strategies-that-pay-faster-when-margins-are-tight http://www.agproud.com/articles/63547 Heat stress is one of the most expensive problems on a dairy and one of the easiest to underestimate. Heat stress is one of the most expensive problems on a dairy and one of the easiest to underestimate.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 15:24:22 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63813-understanding-the-true-cost-of-heat-stress http://www.agproud.com/articles/63813 Join Brad Guse from BMO and host Kimmi Devaney for a discussion about what sets excellent dairy producers apart from the rest. Join Brad Guse from BMO and host Kimmi Devaney for a discussion about what sets excellent dairy producers apart from the rest.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63831-podcast-four-management-areas-that-differentiate-excellent-dairy-producers-from-those-that-are-average-with-brad-guse http://www.agproud.com/articles/63831 The Illinois Forage Institute delivered hands‑on, producer‑focused guidance to help growers improve forage systems and grazing profitability. The Illinois Forage Institute delivered hands‑on, producer‑focused guidance to help growers improve forage systems and grazing profitability.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/7-progressive-forage-editor-s-notes/post/63761-illinois-grassland-and-forage-institute-practical-learning-for-a-demanding-season http://www.agproud.com/blogs/7/post/63761 With drought increasing and El Nino building, warm‑season annuals are back in focus – and knowing the differences among sorghum, sudangrass and sorghum‑sudangrass helps producers choose the right fit for stressed forage systems. With drought increasing and El Nino building, warm‑season annuals are back in focus – and knowing the differences among sorghum, sudangrass and sorghum‑sudangrass helps producers choose the right fit for stressed forage systems.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63747-seeking-forages-that-wont-wilt-as-rapidly http://www.agproud.com/articles/63747 I was at the Canadian Dairy XPO this year having some great mastitis conversations with progressive producers. In my biased sample of interactions, there were generally two strategies when I asked how they treated mastitis: either treat everyone or treat no one. Both approaches are understandable, but neither is optimal. I was at the Canadian Dairy XPO this year having some great mastitis conversations with progressive producers. In my biased sample of interactions, there were generally two strategies when I asked how they treated mastitis: either treat everyone or treat no one. Both approaches are understandable, but neither is optimal. 

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63687-mastitis-to-treat-or-not-to-treat http://www.agproud.com/articles/63687 Cattle moved into new facilities at Michigan State University and Ohio State University this past year, and construction continues at the University of Idaho and Washington State University. Kansas State University is currently in the fundraising and planning stages of their project. Cattle moved into new facilities at Michigan State University and Ohio State University this past year, and construction continues at the University of Idaho and Washington State University. Kansas State University is currently in the fundraising and planning stages of their project.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63680-cows-move-into-multiple-new-university-dairy-facilities-others-nearing-completion http://www.agproud.com/articles/63680 In an environment where margins can quickly tighten, successful dairy operations consistently monitor the right financial and operational metrics. There are several core benchmarks that can help producers evaluate performance, improve decision-making and optimize long-term profitability. In an environment where margins can quickly tighten, successful dairy operations consistently monitor the right financial and operational metrics. There are several core benchmarks that can help producers evaluate performance, improve decision-making and optimize long-term profitability.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63666-top-5-metrics-dairy-producers-should-monitor-to-optimize-profitability http://www.agproud.com/articles/63666 On Sheppard Farms, fig bars have become an unlikely cattle-handling tool. On Sheppard Farms, fig bars have become an unlikely cattle-handling tool.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63640-fig-bars-family-and-50-years-of-american-highlands http://www.agproud.com/articles/63640 In the news related to dairy farming the second week of July 2026: FTC settles right to repair with Deere & Company, the USDA introduces more crop insurance options for forage producers, the Annual Dairy Strong conference moves to Lambeau Field in 2027, and the American Dairy XPO is positioned to support Northeast dairy growth. In the news related to dairy farming the second week of July 2026: FTC settles right to repair with Deere & Company, the USDA introduces more crop insurance options for forage producers, the Annual Dairy Strong conference moves to Lambeau Field in 2027, and the American Dairy XPO is positioned to support Northeast dairy growth.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 17:01:29 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63822-weekly-digest-ftc-settles-right-to-repair-with-deere-and-company http://www.agproud.com/articles/63822 With more forage options on the market, aligning species and management with your goals is the key to long‑term success. With more forage options on the market, aligning species and management with your goals is the key to long‑term success.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63744-maximizing-forage-production-through-strategic-species-selection-and-management http://www.agproud.com/articles/63744 Good banker sayings endure because banking fundamentals don’t change nearly as fast as markets or technology. While they may sound like short, simple phrases, they offer real insight into how a banker is thinking about risk, relationships and, ultimately, how we’re looking at your operation. Let’s go over a few of them. Good banker sayings endure because banking fundamentals don’t change nearly as fast as markets or technology. While they may sound like short, simple phrases, they offer real insight into how a banker is thinking about risk, relationships and, ultimately, how we’re looking at your operation. Let’s go over a few of them.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63630-bankerisms-and-other-wise-words http://www.agproud.com/articles/63630 Few issues create more long-term uncertainty for ranching families than transition planning. The question of who will eventually take over the ranch is not new, but the legal, financial and operational complexities surrounding that decision continue to evolve rapidly. Few issues create more long-term uncertainty for ranching families than transition planning. The question of who will eventually take over the ranch is not new, but the legal, financial and operational complexities surrounding that decision continue to evolve rapidly.

]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63592-the-conversation-ranching-families-cant-avoid http://www.agproud.com/articles/63592 Meet Erik Sheppelman, dairy specialist at Vita Plus. Meet Erik Sheppelman, dairy specialist at Vita Plus.

]]> Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63699-new-hires-erik-sheppelman http://www.agproud.com/articles/63699 USDA’s July WASDE raised 2026 milk production slightly to 236.6 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd and a decrease in milk output per cow. USDA’s July WASDE raised 2026 milk production slightly to 236.6 billion pounds on expectations of a larger cow herd and a decrease in milk output per cow.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 13:47:59 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63817-usda-milk-production-forecasts-edge-slightly-higher http://www.agproud.com/articles/63817 A new lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to stop the Trump administration’s planned decentralization of the USDA federal offices, citing new evidence, and the Trump administration has rejected the extension of the USMCA trade deal. A new lawsuit has been filed in an attempt to stop the Trump administration’s planned decentralization of the USDA federal offices, citing new evidence, and the Trump administration has rejected the extension of the USMCA trade deal.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63800-unions-push-back-on-usda-relocation-usmca-gets-an-expiration-date http://www.agproud.com/articles/63800 The latest issue of Ag Proud – Idaho magazine is available. To view, make sure you're logged into your agproud.com account. If you do not have access, click "Subscribe" in the top-right corner of agproud.com to add permission to view. The latest issue of Ag Proud – Idaho magazine is available. To view, make sure you're logged into your agproud.com account. If you do not have access, click "Subscribe" in the top-right corner of agproud.com to add permission to view.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63773-july-10-2026-ag-proud-idaho-digital-magazine http://www.agproud.com/articles/63773 Weather shapes every stage of insect growth – and recognizing that timing sharpens integrated pest management. Weather shapes every stage of insect growth – and recognizing that timing sharpens integrated pest management.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63745-integrated-pest-management-in-crops http://www.agproud.com/articles/63745 Many beef producers want to introduce natural products, such as garlic, to their herds. Garlic, classified as an essential oil, is being added to commercial mineral tubs and other products. Although some ranchers are excited about the positive results they see in their herds, some researchers are not convinced. Many beef producers want to introduce natural products, such as garlic, to their herds. Garlic, classified as an essential oil, is being added to commercial mineral tubs and other products. Although some ranchers are excited about the positive results they see in their herds, some researchers are not convinced.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63639-fighting-pests-naturally http://www.agproud.com/articles/63639 Without hard data, it’s challenging to truly evaluate ration changes with your nutritionist, review trends in rumination data with your veterinarian or plan management adjustments with confidence. Without hard data, it’s challenging to truly evaluate ration changes with your nutritionist, review trends in rumination data with your veterinarian or plan management adjustments with confidence.

]]> Fri, 10 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63465-from-reactive-to-proactive-using-pen-level-data-to-protect-dairy-herd-profitability http://www.agproud.com/articles/63465 In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line: The FARM Program opens comment period for version 2028, Rabobank provides an update on global dairy trade, high input cost concerns weigh on farmer sentiment, and Land O’Lakes Inc. announced an investment to expand dairy protein production in California. In the news affecting a dairy producer's bottom line: The FARM Program opens comment period for version 2028, Rabobank provides an update on global dairy trade, high input cost concerns weigh on farmer sentiment, and Land O’Lakes Inc. announced an investment to expand dairy protein production in California.

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:46:19 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63807-economic-update-farm-program-opens-comment-period-for-version-2028 http://www.agproud.com/articles/63807 May proved to be another enthusiastic month for U.S. dairy exports, with the year-over-year volume growth streak now reaching eight consecutive months as exports rose 14% in milk solids equivalent terms. All of this is despite low nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) shipments – due to steep price comparison – reigning in what might have been a record month. May proved to be another enthusiastic month for U.S. dairy exports, with the year-over-year volume growth streak now reaching eight consecutive months as exports rose 14% in milk solids equivalent terms. All of this is despite low nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) shipments – due to steep price comparison – reigning in what might have been a record month.

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 15:38:36 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63806-domestic-ndm-smp-prices-create-headwinds-for-us-export-market http://www.agproud.com/articles/63806 A preliminary settlement in the John Deere antitrust case could expand repair access for operators and independent mechanics long limited by dealer‑only diagnostic systems. A preliminary settlement in the John Deere antitrust case could expand repair access for operators and independent mechanics long limited by dealer‑only diagnostic systems.

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63746-preliminary-settlement-announced-in-right-to-repair-litigation-against-john-deere http://www.agproud.com/articles/63746 At a recent Soil-to-Spoon Event in Celina, Ohio, Danone showcased two dairy farm partners and how their regenerative agriculture practices lead to the production of nutritious foods. At a recent Soil-to-Spoon Event in Celina, Ohio, Danone showcased two dairy farm partners and how their regenerative agriculture practices lead to the production of nutritious foods.

]]> Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63731-growing-together-danone-and-its-dairy-farm-partners-embrace-regenerative-agriculture http://www.agproud.com/articles/63731