https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us katie_raver@rockriverlab.com Feed costs are the largest contributor to total costs on a farm, so identifying opportunities to optimize feed ingredients without sacrificing nutrition to the cow should garner appropriate attention. However, very few resources are available to help us check and predict feed variability. Feed costs are the largest contributor to total costs on a farm, so identifying opportunities to optimize feed ingredients without sacrificing nutrition to the cow should garner appropriate attention. However, very few resources are available to help us check and predict feed variability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63342 Tue, 19 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63342-feed-variability-outlook-maximizing-nutritional-consistency cesar_matamoros@cargill.com Producers are seeing lower milk prices from January 2025 highs. While this downturn still reflects basic supply and demand, there are significant differences compared to recent cycles: strong cull and beef prices, earning component incentives, corn silage quality by region and a younger generation of managers. Producers are seeing lower milk prices from January 2025 highs. While this downturn still reflects basic supply and demand, there are significant differences compared to recent cycles: strong cull and beef prices, earning component incentives, corn silage quality by region and a younger generation of managers.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63151 Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63151-four-things-to-know-as-milk-prices-cycle-lower mhawkins@alltech.com Corn products produced in 2025 will present challenges to livestock and poultry production. Although the mycotoxin risk varies by region and within region, it is highly recommended for producers to test for mycotoxins from how many mycotoxins are present to which mycotoxins are present. Corn products produced in 2025 will present challenges to livestock and poultry production. Although the mycotoxin risk varies by region and within region, it is highly recommended for producers to test for mycotoxins from how many mycotoxins are present to which mycotoxins are present. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63123 Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63123-us-harvest-analysis-2025-not-the-same-old-story 63123-hawkins-1.jpg dschreiner@lely.com Automated feeding systems support herd health and performance by delivering consistent, precise rations around the clock on dairies. It can also benefit more targeted feed groups like dry cows and transition heifers so that cows receive the right nutrients at the right time, supporting a stronger start to lactation. Automated feeding systems support herd health and performance by delivering consistent, precise rations around the clock on dairies. It can also benefit more targeted feed groups like dry cows and transition heifers so that cows receive the right nutrients at the right time, supporting a stronger start to lactation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63121 Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63121-automated-feeding-benefits-transition-cows 63121.schreiner-1.jpg msattler@diamondv.com TMR audits started from a single question: Why did dairies that just bought a new mixer see a bump in milk production? Today, it is a fundamental tool that helps us use our equipment and data more effectively and better support our people and cows. Curiosity and a willingness to feed cows better will continue to influence what comes next. TMR audits started from a single question: Why did dairies that just bought a new mixer see a bump in milk production? Today, it is a fundamental tool that helps us use our equipment and data more effectively and better support our people and cows. Curiosity and a willingness to feed cows better will continue to influence what comes next.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62892 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62892-what-weve-learned-from-15-years-of-tmr-audits 62892-sattler-drone_mixing-feed.jpg jrl65@cornell.edu In New York and dairy regions with similar climates, interest in dairy farms producing a proportion of their own grains has varied over time but has always been present. In New York and dairy regions with similar climates, interest in dairy farms producing a proportion of their own grains has varied over time but has always been present.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/63030 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/63030-agronomic-and-economic-considerations-for-home-grown-grains audrey@agproud.com When a short, wet 2019 wheat harvest left dairies struggling with expensive and moldy straw, one farm decided there had to be a better way to feed dry cows than their Goldilocks diet. That challenge sparked an idea that would ultimately set the operation apart by separating corn silage into fodder and fines. When a short, wet 2019 wheat harvest left dairies struggling with expensive and moldy straw, one farm decided there had to be a better way to feed dry cows than their Goldilocks diet. That challenge sparked an idea that would ultimately set the operation apart by separating corn silage into fodder and fines.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62788 Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62788-friendshuh-farms-separates-corn-silage-to-feed-cows-better 62788-schmitz-5897.jpg macey@dnmcmilk.com The largest operating cost on all farms is feed, and one of the most influential variables going into feed cost and management is shrink. Whether it is shrink from spoilage, overfeeding, mixing errors or simply poor environmental conditions, it represents feed that is purchased but never consumed by the cow. The largest operating cost on all farms is feed, and one of the most influential variables going into feed cost and management is shrink. Whether it is shrink from spoilage, overfeeding, mixing errors or simply poor environmental conditions, it represents feed that is purchased but never consumed by the cow.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62785 Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62785-time-to-reevaluate-the-cost-of-shrink 62785-brown-image-1.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com Dairyman Greg Nye knew his dairy was handling its feedstuffs too much. He didn’t like what that was costing his dairy in shrink. Given that his farm also feeds pricier non-GMO ingredients as part of its milk shipping agreement, he started looking at alternatives to how he was handling feed ingredients to save money. Dairyman Greg Nye knew his dairy was handling its feedstuffs too much. He didn’t like what that was costing his dairy in shrink. Given that his farm also feeds pricier non-GMO ingredients as part of its milk shipping agreement, he started looking at alternatives to how he was handling feed ingredients to save money.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62794 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62794-real-producer-exchange-episode-3-greg-nye 62794-cooley-6679-Cooley.jpg cwillmore@uidaho.edu Hay test results provide critical insight into forage quality, but numbers alone don’t capture the full picture. Hay test results provide critical insight into forage quality, but numbers alone don’t capture the full picture.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62596 Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62596-unwrapping-the-bale-look-smell-flake 62596-willmore-PictureB.jpg lkrentz@vitaplus.com Many feedbunk management factors should be regularly evaluated by farm managers and consultants. The goal is to provide adequate amounts of a uniform ration that all cows can access whenever they access the feedbunk. Many feedbunk management factors should be regularly evaluated by farm managers and consultants. The goal is to provide adequate amounts of a uniform ration that all cows can access whenever they access the feedbunk.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62443 Fri, 05 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62443-5-critical-feed-management-areas-to-improve-milk-production-efficiency 62443-carlson-feed-bunk.getty.jpg clemence.nash@novusint.com Dream of a high-performance sports car and a Corvette or Camaro may come to mind. In many ways, dairy cows are high-performance machines too. However, some dairy producers may still treat their top-performing “cowmaros” like their old, trusty farm trucks, which may not allow the cows to reach their full genetic potential. Just like a sports car, cows require maintenance and upkeep. By treating your cows like top performers instead of old farm trucks, you can increase cow productivity and maximize profitability. Dream of a high-performance sports car and a Corvette or Camaro may come to mind. In many ways, dairy cows are high-performance machines too. However, some dairy producers may still treat their top-performing “cowmaros” like their old, trusty farm trucks, which may not allow the cows to reach their full genetic potential. Just like a sports car, cows require maintenance and upkeep. By treating your cows like top performers instead of old farm trucks, you can increase cow productivity and maximize profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61141 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61141-are-your-cows-sports-cars-or-farm-trucks 61141-nash-sports-car.jpg Joel.Pankowski@churchdwight.com Variability isn’t ideal for any situation on a dairy farm, but one way to get through variation is to know when it’s coming. If you tested forages when they came off the field, you should have a pretty good idea of their quality – but there may be hidden challenges you need to prepare for. Variability isn’t ideal for any situation on a dairy farm, but one way to get through variation is to know when it’s coming. If you tested forages when they came off the field, you should have a pretty good idea of their quality – but there may be hidden challenges you need to prepare for.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62166 Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62166-hows-the-weather-plan-your-rations-accordingly 62166-pankowski-silage-staff.jpg yianna.rhodes@vas.com Feed is one of the most complex systems to manage. Yet many dairies still rely on paper logs, spreadsheets or clunky feed software, leaving room for errors and little visibility into what’s going wrong. That’s why more farmers are moving to mobile feed management tools. Feed is one of the most complex systems to manage. Yet many dairies still rely on paper logs, spreadsheets or clunky feed software, leaving room for errors and little visibility into what’s going wrong. That’s why more farmers are moving to mobile feed management tools.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62031 Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62031-why-more-dairies-are-modernizing-their-feed-management-approach 62031-freitas-loader.jpg aimee.hafla@devenishna.com Each year, environmental stressors such as drought, excess moisture, high temperatures, humidity and insect damage predispose crops to mold growth and subsequent mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites secreted by various fungi species found on crops grown for livestock feed. Each year, environmental stressors such as drought, excess moisture, high temperatures, humidity and insect damage predispose crops to mold growth and subsequent mycotoxin contamination. Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites secreted by various fungi species found on crops grown for livestock feed.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62075 Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62075-mycotoxins-the-invisible-tax-inside-your-tmr 62075-hafla-silage-staff.jpg sarah.stocks@novusint.com One opportunity producers and nutritionists can leverage today is to improve feed efficiency through precise forage management and strategic nutritional technologies. By making thoughtful small changes like optimizing forage use and incorporating intelligent feed solutions, dairy operations can stretch existing feed supplies further without compromising milk production or herd health. One opportunity producers and nutritionists can leverage today is to improve feed efficiency through precise forage management and strategic nutritional technologies. By making thoughtful small changes like optimizing forage use and incorporating intelligent feed solutions, dairy operations can stretch existing feed supplies further without compromising milk production or herd health.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61670 Tue, 22 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61670-safeguarding-feed-getting-the-most-from-forage-even-in-tough-times dweiland@alltech.com The global dairy sector made unexpectedly strong gains, growing by 3.2%. Robust consumer demand, favorable milk prices and a shift toward more intensive farming practices largely fueled this expansion, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America all displaying growth. While dairy feed production remained stable in North America, Oceania’s reliance on abundant pasture led to a slight dip in its feed tonnage. The global dairy sector made unexpectedly strong gains, growing by 3.2%. Robust consumer demand, favorable milk prices and a shift toward more intensive farming practices largely fueled this expansion, with Asia-Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America all displaying growth. While dairy feed production remained stable in North America, Oceania’s reliance on abundant pasture led to a slight dip in its feed tonnage.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61666 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61666-global-feed-production-growth-highlights-the-resilience-and-adaptability-of-the-international-agriculture-industry Joel.Pankowski@churchdwight.com New mycotoxin species emerge every year and spread rapidly to affect livestock. Protecting cows from these pathogenic pressures is important to protect cow health and maintain a productive herd. Gut health has never been more important, which adds to the critical nature of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy. New mycotoxin species emerge every year and spread rapidly to affect livestock. Protecting cows from these pathogenic pressures is important to protect cow health and maintain a productive herd. Gut health has never been more important, which adds to the critical nature of a mycotoxin mitigation strategy.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61636 Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61636-mycotoxin-strategies-should-prevent-protect-and-build-resilience rschmidt@lallemand.com Effective feedout goes beyond simply removing the plastic, tires and defacing the silo – it is about preserving quality and maximizing return on investment. Without proper management, silage can spoil quickly, leading to unnecessary waste, reduced feed efficiency and potential for digestive issues for your herd. Effective feedout goes beyond simply removing the plastic, tires and defacing the silo – it is about preserving quality and maximizing return on investment. Without proper management, silage can spoil quickly, leading to unnecessary waste, reduced feed efficiency and potential for digestive issues for your herd.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61669 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61669-keeping-silage-clean-hygienic-practices-for-optimal-feedout kebr@novonesis.com Challenges with growing seasons, weather-related harvest delays and subpar silage storage can lead to mycotoxins in stored forages. Our three-legged milking stool for mitigating mycotoxins includes: a research-proven silage inoculant, binders from multiple classes added to the TMR and effective probiotics fed to the cows to help them help themselves. Challenges with growing seasons, weather-related harvest delays and subpar silage storage can lead to mycotoxins in stored forages. Our three-legged milking stool for mitigating mycotoxins includes: a research-proven silage inoculant, binders from multiple classes added to the TMR and effective probiotics fed to the cows to help them help themselves.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61459 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61459-mitigating-mycotoxins-the-three-legged-milking-stool-approach 61459-bryan-getty.jpg birwin@vitaplus.com One of the most critical factors that drives a robust silage fermentation is the moisture content of the forage. One of the most critical factors that drives a robust silage fermentation is the moisture content of the forage.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61452 Tue, 10 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61452-what-happened-to-my-haylage 61452-irwin-5574.jpg ben.jensen@hubbardfeeds.com Silage can be difficult to introduce into an animal’s diet, but once it is established, moving from one crop to the next produces a new set of challenges. When changing types of silage, or from crop to crop, here are some things to consider. Silage can be difficult to introduce into an animal’s diet, but once it is established, moving from one crop to the next produces a new set of challenges. When changing types of silage, or from crop to crop, here are some things to consider.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61515 Thu, 29 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61515-successfully-transition-your-cows-from-one-silage-to-another kbuse@lallemand.com Staying ahead of seasonal challenges with a proactive feeding program can significantly minimize silage spoilage risks and maximize herd performance and efficiency. By adopting a clean feed approach – through managing the ensiling and feeding of silage, implementing hygienic on-farm practices and ensuring the right nutrition – producers provide their herd with the best opportunity for a high-quality clean feed source and the ability to efficiently produce high-quality milk. Staying ahead of seasonal challenges with a proactive feeding program can significantly minimize silage spoilage risks and maximize herd performance and efficiency. By adopting a clean feed approach – through managing the ensiling and feeding of silage, implementing hygienic on-farm practices and ensuring the right nutrition – producers provide their herd with the best opportunity for a high-quality clean feed source and the ability to efficiently produce high-quality milk.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61309 Fri, 16 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61309-maximizing-feeds-journey-from-field-to-bulk-tank 61309-buse-cleanfeed.jpg walt.cooley@agproud.com A new feed pad design keeps leachate and rain runoff separate, keeping them out of dairy lagoons. The patented system from Dairy Nutrient Reclamation saves dairy producers money from not having to haul the extra water once mixed with manure. A new feed pad design keeps leachate and rain runoff separate, keeping them out of dairy lagoons. The patented system from Dairy Nutrient Reclamation saves dairy producers money from not having to haul the extra water once mixed with manure.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61478 Mon, 05 May 2025 06:07:45 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61478-nexus-awards-new-feed-pad-design-keeps-rainfall-out-of-lagoon-saves-money-on-manure-hauling 61478-cooley-nexus-2.jpg katie_raver@rockriverlab.com Just as feed handling and management has evolved greatly over the last 50 years, the same will be true about data management as we move into the future. Identifying all of the data silos on farms and working to integrate them into a singular dataset will empower dairies to make more informed decisions that yield more substantial results quicker. Just as feed handling and management has evolved greatly over the last 50 years, the same will be true about data management as we move into the future. Identifying all of the data silos on farms and working to integrate them into a singular dataset will empower dairies to make more informed decisions that yield more substantial results quicker.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61214 Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61214-the-data-tmr-from-silos-to-mixed-rations mhawkins@alltech.com Corn silage has a risk from multiple mycotoxins, with type B trichothecenes being the greatest risk. Stored corn grains may be at greater risk due to damaged kernels and a higher percentage of foreign matter. Corn silage has a risk from multiple mycotoxins, with type B trichothecenes being the greatest risk. Stored corn grains may be at greater risk due to damaged kernels and a higher percentage of foreign matter.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61153 Sun, 23 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61153-mycotoxin-risks-within-the-2024-corn-crop 61153-hawkins-1.jpg audrey@agproud.com When Ryzebol Dairy purchased a feed efficiency service from Afimilk, its goal was to identify cows not only producing more milk but also converting feed into milk well. The service determines each animal’s feed consumption efficiency based on data that represents the relationship between daily average milk yield and daily average feed consumption. It indicates whether increasing the feed yields more milk. When Ryzebol Dairy purchased a feed efficiency service from Afimilk, its goal was to identify cows not only producing more milk but also converting feed into milk well. The service determines each animal’s feed consumption efficiency based on data that represents the relationship between daily average milk yield and daily average feed consumption. It indicates whether increasing the feed yields more milk.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60729 Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:20:19 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60729-measure-it-to-manage-it-feed-efficiency-data-improves-culling-and-breeding-decisions 60729-schmitz-Clare-Alderink-at-Ryzebol-Dairy.jpg cyc58@cornell.edu For decades, neonicotinoid-coated seeds have been used to manage soil-dwelling insect pests in field crops. However, recently passed legislation in New York will ban the sale of neonicotinoid-coated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds beginning on January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is issued by the N.Y. Department of Environmental Conservation. For decades, neonicotinoid-coated seeds have been used to manage soil-dwelling insect pests in field crops. However, recently passed legislation in New York will ban the sale of neonicotinoid-coated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds beginning on January 1, 2029, unless a waiver is issued by the N.Y. Department of Environmental Conservation.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61236 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:10:50 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61236-seedcorn-maggot-delia-platura-adult-spring-emergence-in-new-york-state jrl65@cornell.edu Sometimes diving deeper into a topic simply serves as a reminder to focus on the basics. The findings of a recent project largely align with this lesson. Sometimes diving deeper into a topic simply serves as a reminder to focus on the basics. The findings of a recent project largely align with this lesson.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61234 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:09:19 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61234-corn-silage-performance-what-we-can-manage kw566@cornell.edu Soil health is a key focus of corn growers who are working towards sustainability goals and safeguarding their operation against increasingly challenging growing conditions. Soil health is a key focus of corn growers who are working towards sustainability goals and safeguarding their operation against increasingly challenging growing conditions.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61231 Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:06:57 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61231-soil-health-and-corn-silage-performance-comparing-grain-and-dairy-field-systems