https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us raegan.jacobsbell@transova.com If your herd looks the same year after year, your genetics – and your profitability – are standing still. In today’s dairy landscape, standing still isn’t neutral. It’s falling behind. Reproductive strategy in dairies is no longer just about pregnancy rates; it’s about compounding progress across generations. If your herd looks the same year after year, your genetics – and your profitability – are standing still. In today’s dairy landscape, standing still isn’t neutral. It’s falling behind. Reproductive strategy in dairies is no longer just about pregnancy rates; it’s about compounding progress across generations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63311 Mon, 18 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63311-why-embryo-production-is-a-worthy-investment-for-your-operation 63311-jacobs-Bell-PW051618-5.jpg matti@agproud.com Progressive Dairy interviewed genetic experts from across the industry with one goal in mind: to arm you with the knowledge and questions needed to make an effective genetic plan. Progressive Dairy interviewed genetic experts from across the industry with one goal in mind: to arm you with the knowledge and questions needed to make an effective genetic plan.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63249 Thu, 14 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63249-from-the-experts-a-genetic-planning-guide-for-dairy-producers douglas.duhatschek@parnell.com There is a need for a more intentional and strategic approach to heifer management, particularly in reproduction. With fewer animals in the pipeline, mistakes such as delayed breeding or missed opportunities can have a greater impact on herd performance and profitability. There is a need for a more intentional and strategic approach to heifer management, particularly in reproduction. With fewer animals in the pipeline, mistakes such as delayed breeding or missed opportunities can have a greater impact on herd performance and profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63285 Fri, 08 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63285-maximizing-heifer-reproduction-in-a-changing-dairy-landscape 63285-duhatschek-dixon.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Ohio native Skylar Gericke quickly learned how brutal Arizona summers can be on conception rates and getting cows pregnant. He did his best to get cows bred, and when he was done for the day, he started noticing other improvement areas on the dairy. Ohio native Skylar Gericke quickly learned how brutal Arizona summers can be on conception rates and getting cows pregnant. He did his best to get cows bred, and when he was done for the day, he started noticing other improvement areas on the dairy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63423 Thu, 07 May 2026 08:16:39 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63423-real-producer-exchange-episode-4-skylar-gericke 63423-cooley-0228.jpg kristen.gaddis@uscdcb.com Genetic and genomic evaluations for Resistance to Diarrhea (DIA) and Resistance to Respiratory Problems (RSP) will represent the expected resistance of an animal’s offspring to these issues in a herd with average management conditions. Final approvals are being wrapped up, with the goal of introducing these traits for Holstein and Jersey breeders soon. Genetic and genomic evaluations for Resistance to Diarrhea (DIA) and Resistance to Respiratory Problems (RSP) will represent the expected resistance of an animal’s offspring to these issues in a herd with average management conditions. Final approvals are being wrapped up, with the goal of introducing these traits for Holstein and Jersey breeders soon.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62918 Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62918-new-calf-traits-will-allow-producers-to-select-for-disease-resistance 62918-Gladdis-calf-mom-getty.jpg cparsons@lallemand.com Beef-on-dairy calves are one of the most valuable outcomes of modern dairy production. Protecting the value of these calves depends on how well rumen and gut health are supported from the start. Beef-on-dairy calves are one of the most valuable outcomes of modern dairy production. Protecting the value of these calves depends on how well rumen and gut health are supported from the start.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62987 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62987-protecting-value-in-beef-on-dairy-calves-starts-at-birth 62987-parsons-Beef-on-Dairy-Calves.jpg seaglen@naab-css.org While messages in our industry about inbreeding can be mixed, the facts are clear. Published trends show a steep upward trajectory in inbreeding. This is a natural consequence of high selection intensity and rapid genetic gain. That gain has brought significant genetic progress, which, by current estimates, often outweighs the financial costs of inbreeding depression. While messages in our industry about inbreeding can be mixed, the facts are clear. Published trends show a steep upward trajectory in inbreeding. This is a natural consequence of high selection intensity and rapid genetic gain. That gain has brought significant genetic progress, which, by current estimates, often outweighs the financial costs of inbreeding depression.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62932 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62932-a-reference-guide-for-the-inbreeding-discussion lb5624@psu.edu Herds that genotyped and used all semen types had heifers with more than a $100 advantage in net merit than those that used all semen types but did not genotype heifers. Herds that genotyped and used all semen types had heifers with more than a $100 advantage in net merit than those that used all semen types but did not genotype heifers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62857 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62857-progressive-mating-strategies-drive-genetic-progress-results-from-recent-study lkimble@selectsires.com With the ever-changing value of both replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy crosses at the front of many producers’ minds, optimizing inventory of both streams of calves has become a crucial element of producer strategy. Effectively managing the interplay of the two begins in the dry cow pens. With the ever-changing value of both replacement heifers and beef-on-dairy crosses at the front of many producers’ minds, optimizing inventory of both streams of calves has become a crucial element of producer strategy. Effectively managing the interplay of the two begins in the dry cow pens.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62634 Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62634-from-days-to-dollars-how-beef-gestation-length-impacts-your-dairy 62634-Kimble-1.jpg sblez@verizon.net Proper planning and sound implementation are critical to making beef-on-dairy programs work, and the results can improve overall farm income and can complement the dairy operation as a whole. Proper planning and sound implementation are critical to making beef-on-dairy programs work, and the results can improve overall farm income and can complement the dairy operation as a whole.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62214 Wed, 05 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62214-dairy-producers-guide-to-growing-finishing-beef-on-dairy-steers 62214-beefondairy-edgar.jpg vcabrera@wisc.edu This article outlines the economic outcomes of alternative breeding strategies that combine sexed, beef and conventional semen. Using both short-term decision support tools and long-term simulation models, we explored how reproductive performance and semen use strategies interact to shape profitability on dairy farms. This article outlines the economic outcomes of alternative breeding strategies that combine sexed, beef and conventional semen. Using both short-term decision support tools and long-term simulation models, we explored how reproductive performance and semen use strategies interact to shape profitability on dairy farms.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62044 Tue, 14 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62044-the-economics-of-breeding-for-more-dairy-replacements-striking-the-right-balance tamilee.adolph@adm.com Understanding the major factors influencing the profitability of a steer-raising operation are key to making good decisions that help increase the potential for greater profits. Let’s explore the top factors that impact profitability when raising dairy steers. Understanding the major factors influencing the profitability of a steer-raising operation are key to making good decisions that help increase the potential for greater profits. Let’s explore the top factors that impact profitability when raising dairy steers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62001 Thu, 02 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62001-maximizing-profits-from-dairy-steers kramsey@neogen.com The utilization of beef semen on dairy cattle to create higher value crossbred calves has proven to be an effective strategy for dairy producers. Dairy producers who focus on creating quality beef-on-dairy calves will have the edge as the market dynamics shift. The utilization of beef semen on dairy cattle to create higher value crossbred calves has proven to be an effective strategy for dairy producers. Dairy producers who focus on creating quality beef-on-dairy calves will have the edge as the market dynamics shift.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62034 Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62034-beef-on-dairy-best-management-practices jziegler@selectsires.com The days of just making dairy replacement females as fast and furious as possible have taken a back seat to making just enough of the “right” replacement heifers to minimize rising raising costs and maintaining the proper heifer inventories for replacing milking cows that leave the herd. The days of just making dairy replacement females as fast and furious as possible have taken a back seat to making just enough of the “right” replacement heifers to minimize rising raising costs and maintaining the proper heifer inventories for replacing milking cows that leave the herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61883 Fri, 29 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61883-striking-a-balance-genetic-superiority-vs-age 61883-ziegler-in-Headlocks.jpg garland@iastate.edu When fed aggressively, beef-on-dairy calves are hard to differentiate from native beef cattle by an untrained eye; however, these calves tend to be plagued with a fairly high incidence of liver abscesses, and this occurrence was the basis for our investigation. When fed aggressively, beef-on-dairy calves are hard to differentiate from native beef cattle by an untrained eye; however, these calves tend to be plagued with a fairly high incidence of liver abscesses, and this occurrence was the basis for our investigation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61482 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61482-a-good-start-sets-up-beef-on-dairy-calves-for-a-strong-finish-a-case-study 61482-dahlke-2.jpg raegan.jacobsbell@transova.com Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation. Dairy farmers are no longer just milk producers – they are key players in the beef industry. With the right reproductive strategies, they can maximize the value of every calf born on their operation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61443 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61443-adding-value-to-your-dairy-operation-with-reproductive-technologies 61443-feldner-1.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com In recent years, dairy crossbreeding has been a topic of conversation because it presents the opportunity to create a cow in one generation that is more efficient, makes fewer trips to the hospital pen and possesses better fertility. While the benefits of dairy crossbreeding can positively impact your herd, it does take the management of a focused genetic plan to incorporate. In recent years, dairy crossbreeding has been a topic of conversation because it presents the opportunity to create a cow in one generation that is more efficient, makes fewer trips to the hospital pen and possesses better fertility. While the benefits of dairy crossbreeding can positively impact your herd, it does take the management of a focused genetic plan to incorporate.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61585 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61585-the-f1-conversation-why-or-why-not jlutz@genex.coop With fertility rates on the rise and data guiding every decision, beef-on-dairy matings – especially with composite sires – are helping dairies optimize both efficiency and profitability. With fertility rates on the rise and data guiding every decision, beef-on-dairy matings – especially with composite sires – are helping dairies optimize both efficiency and profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61455 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61455-why-pick-one-when-you-can-have-them-all-using-composite-breeds 61455-lutz-stabilizer-img2.jpg vpedrosa@neogen.com In the ever-evolving dairy industry, genetic selection plays a crucial role in shaping the future of herd productivity, efficiency and profitability. Understanding the principles of genetic selection and the value of selection indexes is key to making informed breeding decisions that yield long-term benefits. In the ever-evolving dairy industry, genetic selection plays a crucial role in shaping the future of herd productivity, efficiency and profitability. Understanding the principles of genetic selection and the value of selection indexes is key to making informed breeding decisions that yield long-term benefits.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61365 Tue, 20 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61365-unlocking-dairy-genetic-potential-the-role-of-selection-indexes-in-enhancing-productivity-and-profitability Dairy heifers are in short supply – and they’re not the sort of commodity we can restock in a hurry. Read about the ramifications of the heifer shortage on milk yields, dairy product prices and livestock values. Dairy heifers are in short supply – and they’re not the sort of commodity we can restock in a hurry. Read about the ramifications of the heifer shortage on milk yields, dairy product prices and livestock values.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61278 Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61278-whats-the-solution-to-the-heifer-shortage 61278-hart-1-george.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com Similar to our beef counterparts, we could someday assume that all dairy cows are polled. Because of genetic improvement, that assumption is closer than we might think. Don’t wait until the industry shifts. The future is polled. Similar to our beef counterparts, we could someday assume that all dairy cows are polled. Because of genetic improvement, that assumption is closer than we might think. Don’t wait until the industry shifts. The future is polled.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61043 Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61043-polled-why-does-it-matter ivandenberg@genex.coop Would you ever consider planting a field in 2025 without consulting an agronomist, soil sampling, yield mapping, GPS and various other methods to ensure a successful harvest? These practices in plant agriculture are a no-brainer, so how can we apply the same methodology to dairy genetics? Would you ever consider planting a field in 2025 without consulting an agronomist, soil sampling, yield mapping, GPS and various other methods to ensure a successful harvest? These practices in plant agriculture are a no-brainer, so how can we apply the same methodology to dairy genetics?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60907 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60907-defining-precision-dairy-genetics-in-2025 ongentherschroeder@landolakes.com As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express. As cattle producers explore avenues for boosting productivity, the spotlight often shines on genetics. For crossbred beef-on-dairy calves, maximizing genetic potential goes beyond selecting the right genes – it is also about creating the right environment to allow those genes to fully express.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60696 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60696-making-the-most-of-your-beef-on-dairy-genetics-with-proper-nutrition 60696-genther-schroeder-calf.jpg asky8720@gmail.com Francisco Peñagaricano, with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, believes selective breeding could provide practical and effective options for dairy farmers seeking to mitigate emissions from their future herds. Francisco Peñagaricano, with the University of Wisconsin – Madison, believes selective breeding could provide practical and effective options for dairy farmers seeking to mitigate emissions from their future herds.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60683 Tue, 24 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60683-selective-breeding-could-help-farmers-lower-enteric-methane-emissions-in-dairy-cows bclatack@ucanr.edu For the past few years, we have developed and run several research studies in the low desert of California to answer some of these questions surrounding the type of beef-on-dairy crosses and how they perform in a feedlot. Here is a brief overview of what we have observed. For the past few years, we have developed and run several research studies in the low desert of California to answer some of these questions surrounding the type of beef-on-dairy crosses and how they perform in a feedlot. Here is a brief overview of what we have observed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60518 Thu, 19 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60518-recent-studies-on-beef-on-dairy-steers-in-the-feedlot tfelix@psu.edu Dairy farms across the U.S. have been breeding a portion of their cows to beef sires since 2018. The resultant crossbred progeny, known as beef-on-dairy, has provided challenges and opportunities for both the beef and dairy industries. Penn State collected data over four years to evaluate the impact of beef-on-dairy progeny on these industries. Dairy farms across the U.S. have been breeding a portion of their cows to beef sires since 2018. The resultant crossbred progeny, known as beef-on-dairy, has provided challenges and opportunities for both the beef and dairy industries. Penn State collected data over four years to evaluate the impact of beef-on-dairy progeny on these industries.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60392 Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60392-beef-on-dairy-research-from-penn-state-supply-must-match-demand 60392-felix-4876.jpg djdominguez@immucell.com Using beef semen to cross with Holsteins, Jerseys and other dairy breeds has helped change the value of each calf. Dairy producers are looking for ways to maximize this strategy and reap the financial benefits. Here are four tips to help unlock the potential of beef-on-dairy calves and secure maximum results. Using beef semen to cross with Holsteins, Jerseys and other dairy breeds has helped change the value of each calf. Dairy producers are looking for ways to maximize this strategy and reap the financial benefits. Here are four tips to help unlock the potential of beef-on-dairy calves and secure maximum results.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60311 Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60311-four-tips-to-help-unlock-the-potential-of-beef-on-dairy 60311-dominguez-firstdefensebond.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com Every pregnancy has the purpose of generating revenue. Today, let’s dive into the concept of increasing the profitability of each pregnancy by deploying the right genetics on the right portion of the herd. The semen you choose on breeding day determines the path of that pregnancy: an investment for future profitability or a positive cash flow calf check. Every pregnancy has the purpose of generating revenue. Today, let’s dive into the concept of increasing the profitability of each pregnancy by deploying the right genetics on the right portion of the herd. The semen you choose on breeding day determines the path of that pregnancy: an investment for future profitability or a positive cash flow calf check.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60327 Fri, 18 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60327-every-pregnancy-has-a-purpose 60327-trennepohl-brooke-gladstone.jpg ryan.sterry@wisc.edu The beef and dairy industries have long been interconnected, and all dairy producers are beef producers through the sale of market cows, bull calves and beef-on-dairy crossbred calves. Taking this one step further, we want to explore a few of the observations we have made as dairy producers have added a beef enterprise to their dairy operation or made the transition out of dairy. The beef and dairy industries have long been interconnected, and all dairy producers are beef producers through the sale of market cows, bull calves and beef-on-dairy crossbred calves. Taking this one step further, we want to explore a few of the observations we have made as dairy producers have added a beef enterprise to their dairy operation or made the transition out of dairy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60214 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60214-points-to-consider-before-transitioning-your-dairy-business-to-a-beef-operation 60214-halfman-loew.jpg adrianne.trennepohl@genusplc.com Beef-on-dairy will only continue to grow. Are you maximizing your opportunity to profit by putting the tools available to you to work? Beef-on-dairy will only continue to grow. Are you maximizing your opportunity to profit by putting the tools available to you to work?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60096 Fri, 23 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60096-understand-the-beef-supply-chain-to-maximize-beef-on-dairy-revenue 60096-trennepohl-bif-calves.jpg