https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us jjonker@nmpf.org By focusing on prevention, early detection and timely treatment decisions, U.S. dairy farmers promote animal well‑being while safeguarding the long‑term effectiveness of antibiotics. By focusing on prevention, early detection and timely treatment decisions, U.S. dairy farmers promote animal well‑being while safeguarding the long‑term effectiveness of antibiotics.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63394 Fri, 22 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63394-assurance-watch-resources-for-responsible-antibiotic-use carie_telgen@diamondv.com As an industry, we have made great strides in optimizing cow comfort, improving animal welfare and finding ways to minimize stress in our herds. However, there are still times throughout their lives that our cattle may undergo stressful events, whether it is social or physical. As an industry, we have made great strides in optimizing cow comfort, improving animal welfare and finding ways to minimize stress in our herds. However, there are still times throughout their lives that our cattle may undergo stressful events, whether it is social or physical.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63059 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63059-managing-the-inevitable-supporting-through-stress-for-health-and-productivity gplatte@animalagalliance.org If it feels like negative headlines targeting dairy and other animal-sourced foods are showing up more often, you’re unfortunately not wrong or imagining things. From lawsuits and undercover “rescues” to viral misinformation campaigns, animal activist activity is reaching new heights in 2025, backed by record-high funding. If it feels like negative headlines targeting dairy and other animal-sourced foods are showing up more often, you’re unfortunately not wrong or imagining things. From lawsuits and undercover “rescues” to viral misinformation campaigns, animal activist activity is reaching new heights in 2025, backed by record-high funding.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62479 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62479-alliance-watch-animal-activism-by-the-numbers-a-2025-recap-for-dairy-producers bhamptonphifer@nmpf.org Fitness for transport is a term for an animal’s ability to withstand transportation, including length of trip, weather conditions, stocking density and other factors, without compromising welfare. It is important to consider the entire trip a cow may take once it leaves the farm, not just its next stop. Fitness for transport is a term for an animal’s ability to withstand transportation, including length of trip, weather conditions, stocking density and other factors, without compromising welfare. It is important to consider the entire trip a cow may take once it leaves the farm, not just its next stop.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62390 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62390-ensuring-success-after-the-farm-tips-for-transporting-cattle gplatte@animalagalliance.org Across the country, a new front has been established by animal rights activists when it comes to campaigning against animal agriculture. It’s not in the courtroom or at the picket line – it’s in the cafeteria. College dining halls have recently become a platform for activist-driven agendas. Across the country, a new front has been established by  animal rights activists when it comes to campaigning against animal agriculture. It’s not in the courtroom or at the picket line – it’s in the cafeteria. College dining halls have recently become a platform for activist-driven agendas.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62203 Mon, 13 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62203-alliance-watch-activists-in-the-cafeteria-room-at-the-collegiate-level ssaffran@nmpf.org The FARM Program equips farmers to make data-driven decisions through FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3, using scenario-based analysis to provide farmers with insights on their operations. The FARM Program equips farmers to make data-driven decisions through FARM Environmental Stewardship (ES) Version 3, using scenario-based analysis to provide farmers with insights on their operations.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62020 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62020-assurance-watch-farm-es-informs-on-farm-decisions hzundel@pabeef.org Transporting dairy animals requires a careful and considerate approach to guarantee their welfare while adhering to industry standards. Here are some factors to consider before shipping a cull cow. Transporting dairy animals requires a careful and considerate approach to guarantee their welfare while adhering to industry standards. Here are some factors to consider before shipping a cull cow.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61921 Fri, 22 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61921-fit-to-go-considerations-for-dairy-cattle-fitness-to-transport 61921-roland-trailer1.jpg drdrew@nouriche.com More than 10 million calves have been given away since 1996, and free calves are currently available nationwide. You see, these “free calves” have already been bought and paid for but die every year due to scours. More than 10 million calves have been given away since 1996, and free calves are currently available nationwide. You see, these “free calves” have already been bought and paid for but die every year due to scours.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61490 Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61490-wanted-producers-needed-to-care-for-450-000-free-calves info@animalagalliance.org At the Animal Agriculture Alliance, we are committed to fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among all food chain partners. Our recent annual Stakeholders Summit in Arlington, Virginia, was a testament to this, as we brought together supply chain stakeholders to discuss sustainability and other critical topics. At the Animal Agriculture Alliance, we are committed to fostering a sense of unity and collaboration among all food chain partners. Our recent annual Stakeholders Summit in Arlington, Virginia, was a testament to this, as we brought together supply chain stakeholders to discuss sustainability and other critical topics.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61589 Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61589-alliance-watch-fresh-ideas-and-perspectives-were-served-at-the-alliances-stakeholders-summit 61589-kornegay-0749.jpg mhanselman@nmpf.org When the first confirmed case of the H5N1 virus was diagnosed in a Texas herd in March 2024, the industry came together to counteract the spreading virus. The FARM Program's biosecurity program area quickly became a leader in the effort, using the latest science and best on-farm practices to help mitigate the bird flu’s spread. When the first confirmed case of the H5N1 virus was diagnosed in a Texas herd in March 2024, the industry came together to counteract the spreading virus. The FARM Program's biosecurity program area quickly became a leader in the effort, using the latest science and best on-farm practices to help mitigate the bird flu’s spread.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61446 Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61446-assurance-watch-farm-biosecurity-remains-a-leader-against-h5n1 The topic of animal welfare is broad, complex and multifaceted, encompassing scientific, ethical, economic, cultural, social, religious and political dimensions. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo, Ph.D., with Elanco Animal Health, addressed this ever-evolving topic at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference held in February in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. The topic of animal welfare is broad, complex and multifaceted, encompassing scientific, ethical, economic, cultural, social, religious and political dimensions. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo, Ph.D., with Elanco Animal Health, addressed this ever-evolving topic at the Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference held in February in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61221 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61221-practical-strategies-to-enhance-animal-welfare-on-your-farm 61221-hart-1-dixon.jpg gplatte@animalagalliance.org In an era where consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, it is more important than ever for the agriculture community to maintain strong connections across the supply chain. The Animal Agriculture Alliance continues to lead the charge in fostering these relationships by hosting virtual events such as webinars. Due to popular demand, the Alliance also hosted a restaurant and retail farm tour last fall for the first time in several years. In an era where consumers are increasingly interested in where their food comes from, it is more important than ever for the agriculture community to maintain strong connections across the supply chain. The Animal Agriculture Alliance continues to lead the charge in fostering these relationships by hosting virtual events such as webinars. Due to popular demand, the Alliance also hosted a restaurant and retail farm tour last fall for the first time in several years.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61232 Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61232-alliance-watch-connecting-restaurant-and-retail-leaders-with-farmers 61232-platte-8811-2.jpg jjonker@nmpf.org Dairy continues to reduce animal drug residues found in milk and meat, supporting its greater mission countering antimicrobial resistance, as shown in the 2024 annual report from the National Milk Drug Residue Database (NMDRD) released in December. Dairy continues to reduce animal drug residues found in milk and meat, supporting its greater mission countering antimicrobial resistance, as shown in the 2024 annual report from the National Milk Drug Residue Database (NMDRD) released in December.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61061 Mon, 10 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61061-dairy-reduces-residue-violations-with-responsible-antibiotic-use semejiaturcios@alltech.com Everywhere we look, there is some activity, product, project, etc., attached to the word "sustainability." While some would think it's the overuse of a catchy word, it really makes you wonder if it's a marketing tool or if we're really contributing to sustainable agriculture. A fair question, to be honest. But the most important question is: What does sustainability mean? Everywhere we look, there is some activity, product, project, etc., attached to the word "sustainability." While some would think it's the overuse of a catchy word, it really makes you wonder if it's a marketing tool or if we're really contributing to sustainable agriculture. A fair question, to be honest. But the most important question is: What does sustainability mean?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61062 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61062-the-importance-of-my-work-in-the-sustainability-of-the-dairy-industry sleblanc@uoguelph.ca Most dairy cows have potentially disease-causing bacteria in their reproductive tract in low abundance. Cows develop uterine infection and disease when the pathogens overgrow and become dominant. Cows need to have a rapid, robust and well-regulated inflammatory response in the uterus during and immediately after calving to detach the placenta, keep bacterial pathogens in check and start uterine repair. Most dairy cows have potentially disease-causing bacteria in their reproductive tract in low abundance. Cows develop uterine infection and disease when the pathogens overgrow and become dominant. Cows need to have a rapid, robust and well-regulated inflammatory response in the uterus during and immediately after calving to detach the placenta, keep bacterial pathogens in check and start uterine repair.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60739 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60739-managing-metritis-in-dairy-cows 60739-leblanc-edgar.jpg jjonker@nmpf.org Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent global health threats and development challenges scientists face today. And dairy is responding with stewardship and materials that advance our industry’s interests in combating the threat. Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most urgent global health threats and development challenges scientists face today. And dairy is responding with stewardship and materials that advance our industry’s interests in combating the threat.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60550 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60550-assurance-watch-dairy-highlights-wins-in-antimicrobial-stewardship News_press_-_Getty.jpeg Newspapers being printed in printing press. gplatte@animalagalliance.org As we enter the final stretch of 2024, there has been a notable increase by animal rights activists against agriculture, especially focusing on farms, food production systems and consumer perceptions. For dairy farmers and those working within the dairy community, understanding the strategies being employed by activists is essential to staying ahead of potential threats and challenges. As we enter the final stretch of 2024, there has been a notable increase by animal rights activists against agriculture, especially focusing on farms, food production systems and consumer perceptions. For dairy farmers and those working within the dairy community, understanding the strategies being employed by activists is essential to staying ahead of potential threats and challenges.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60369 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60369-perspectives-from-the-frontlines-key-themes-from-2024-animal-activist-conferences News_press_-_Getty.jpeg Newspapers being printed in printing press. jvanos@wisc.edu A less-studied strategy to help calves cope with cold stress could be through having a companion. Pair or group housing of calves has become a popular topic of discussion over the past few decades. We conducted a study to measure if pair-housing calves in a dual hutch system could help reduce the effects of cold stress during winter. Read about the study's results. A less-studied strategy to help calves cope with cold stress could be through having a companion. Pair or group housing of calves has become a popular topic of discussion over the past few decades. We conducted a study to measure if pair-housing calves in a dual hutch system could help reduce the effects of cold stress during winter. Read about the study's results.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60181 Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60181-getting-cozy-pair-housing-calves-as-a-potential-solution-to-cold-stress 60181-reuscher-calves-eating.jpg cheryl@peoplemanagementgroup.com Everyone that works with or around large animals must understand their behaviours, signs of aggressive or defensive behaviour, their herd mentality and the way their vision works, including their blind spots. Everyone that works with or around large animals must understand their behaviours, signs of aggressive or defensive behaviour, their herd mentality and the way their vision works, including their blind spots.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60179 Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60179-low-stress-cattle-handling-on-the-dairy-farm bhamptonphifer@nmpf.org The FARM Program’s latest Animal Care standards released July 1 reflects current science-based industry standards for cow and calf care and provides best management practices for participants. The FARM Program’s latest Animal Care standards released July 1 reflects current science-based industry standards for cow and calf care and provides best management practices for participants.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60017 Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:12:18 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60017-farm-animal-care-program-releases-version-5-standards gplatte@animalagalliance.org For nearly 40 years, the alliance has been connecting those involved in getting food from the farm to our forks and arming them with the resources necessary to respond to emerging issues facing the animal agriculture community. For nearly 40 years, the alliance has been connecting those involved in getting food from the farm to our forks and arming them with the resources necessary to respond to emerging issues facing the animal agriculture community.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59919 Tue, 02 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59919-connecting-the-food-chain-key-insights-from-the-2024-stakeholders-summit 59919-platte-IMG_4557.jpg mhanselman@nmpf.org For the past several years, the U.S. dairy industry has continued to reduce antibiotic and antimicrobial residues in milk and dairy beef. To support producers in the dairy industry’s commitment to antimicrobial stewardship, the FARM Program released its 2024-25 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual. For the past several years, the U.S. dairy industry has continued to reduce antibiotic and antimicrobial residues in milk and dairy beef. To support producers in the dairy industry’s commitment to antimicrobial stewardship, the FARM Program released its 2024-25 Milk & Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Reference Manual.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59545 Sat, 18 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59545-assurance-watch-continued-dedication-to-responsible-antibiotic-use-bolsters-the-industry 59545-hanselman-manual.jpg jvanos@wisc.edu A potential consequence of the dual hutch housing system is that when calves choose to share a hutch, this could increase the risk of heat stress during warm weather. We conducted a study at the University of Wisconsin – Madison to see if this concern is warranted and to measure how calves use hutch ventilation. A potential consequence of the dual hutch housing system is that when calves choose to share a hutch, this could increase the risk of heat stress during warm weather. We conducted a study at the University of Wisconsin – Madison to see if this concern is warranted and to measure how calves use hutch ventilation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59540 Mon, 06 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59540-calves-can-vote-too-preferences-for-hutch-ventilation-during-summer matti@agproud.com “Rather than thinking about pain at a micro level – where we’re trying to treat or mitigate painful conditions – I want to think about it on a macro level,” said Kate Creutzinger, assistant professor of animal and food science at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, during the 2024 Western Canadian Dairy Seminar. “Let’s take a futuristic approach. Where can we go from here?” “Rather than thinking about pain at a micro level – where we’re trying to treat or mitigate painful conditions – I want to think about it on a macro level,” said Kate Creutzinger, assistant professor of animal and food science at the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, during the 2024 Western Canadian Dairy Seminar. “Let’s take a futuristic approach. Where can we go from here?”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59400 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59400-pain-management-hurting-more-than-your-bottom-line david.sjeklocha@merck.com Euthanasia of cattle is never a pleasant task. Literally translated, “euthanasia” means “good death.” Please keep in mind that, if we have an animal that has given their life for food production and that animal is suffering, the least we can do is give them a good death. Euthanasia of cattle is never a pleasant task. Literally translated, “euthanasia” means “good death.” Please keep in mind that, if we have an animal that has given their life for food production and that animal is suffering, the least we can do is give them a good death.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59382 Thu, 11 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59382-assurance-watch-follow-the-latest-euthanasia-guidelines-to-ensure-proper-animal-care News_press_-_Getty.jpeg Newspapers being printed in printing press. cgwyn@jefo.ca One of our areas of focus is to help producers reduce dairy cow stress. In a recent anecdotal survey, we asked them: Which dairy cow stressor do you think has the biggest impact on you, your cows and your bottom line? One of our areas of focus is to help producers reduce dairy cow stress. In a recent anecdotal survey, we asked them: Which dairy cow stressor do you think has the biggest impact on you, your cows and your bottom line?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59371 Mon, 01 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59371-working-with-cattle-tips-for-minimizing-stress 59371-gwyn-animal-handling-jefo.jpg gplatte@animalagalliance.org There has never been a better time than now to take the plunge in advocating for agriculture. Thanks to the generous support of the United Soybean Board, all participation fees for the 2024 Animal Ag Allies program have been waived. There has never been a better time than now to take the plunge in advocating for agriculture. Thanks to the generous support of the United Soybean Board, all participation fees for the 2024 Animal Ag Allies program have been waived.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59249 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59249-alliance-watch-animal-ag-allies-empowering-outspoken-advocates-for-agriculture News_press_-_Getty.jpeg Newspapers being printed in printing press. amadurei@uoguelph.ca Studies show the decrease in fertility can be strongly associated with transition cow health. Utilizing a Double Ovsynch program could increase fertility even in cows with health events during transition. Studies show the decrease in fertility can be strongly associated with transition cow health. Utilizing a Double Ovsynch program could increase fertility even in cows with health events during transition.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59215 Thu, 21 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59215-optimizing-fertility-health-impact-of-lactating-cows-under-double-ovsynch-protocol ca-fr-social-50.jpg With 10% to 35% of cows experiencing mastitis each lactation, grappling with its cost is a reality of milking cows. A Canadian study showed mastitis costs dairy farmers roughly $660 per cow per year, making it the costliest disease of dairy cattle. With 10% to 35% of cows experiencing mastitis each lactation, grappling with its cost is a reality of milking cows. A Canadian study showed mastitis costs dairy farmers roughly $660 per cow per year, making it the costliest disease of dairy cattle.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59162 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59162-the-cost-of-discarded-milk-and-how-to-lower-it 59162-ohirko-parlor.jpg axb779@psu.edu When it comes to optimizing animal health in food-producing operations, there are many factors to consider. I have covered several of them in previous articles, such as providing a comfortable and clean environment, excellent nutrition and adequate disease monitoring protocols. When it comes to optimizing animal health in food-producing operations, there are many factors to consider. I have covered several of them in previous articles, such as providing a comfortable and clean environment, excellent nutrition and adequate disease monitoring protocols. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59333 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 15:22:55 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59333-el-lechero-adopting-a-healthy-work-environment-for-healthier-animals 59333-barragan-vet.jpg