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 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 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 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 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 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 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 sblez@verizon.net While there are no proven vaccines or products for the control of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), sound immunity is a core component of the cow’s physiology and ability to produce efficiently and economically. A sound nutrition program supports immunity in both the long and short term and certainly will have positive effects on reducing HPAI incidence. While there are no proven vaccines or products for the control of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), sound immunity is a core component of the cow’s physiology and ability to produce efficiently and economically. A sound nutrition program supports immunity in both the long and short term and certainly will have positive effects on reducing HPAI incidence. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/61021 Fri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/61021-nutritional-strategies-to-support-health-in-the-face-of-hpai 61021-schmitz-feedbunk.jpg audrey@agproud.com Known for its forward-thinking approach, River Ranch Farms LLC has embraced numerous innovations, from a biogas hub and solar fields to the recent development of an automated indoor feed mill. At the forefront is Forever Feed Technologies, a company that dairy producer Jack de Jong helped establish to explore the possibilities of sprouted grain feeding systems. Known for its forward-thinking approach, River Ranch Farms LLC has embraced numerous innovations, from a biogas hub and solar fields to the recent development of an automated indoor feed mill. At the forefront is Forever Feed Technologies, a company that dairy producer Jack de Jong helped establish to explore the possibilities of sprouted grain feeding systems.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60894 Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60894-california-dairy-innovates-with-automated-indoor-feed-mill 60894-schmitz-2.jpg veronica@afimilk.com The ability to identify individual cow feed efficiency has the potential to have significant, far-reaching impacts on herd management related to feeding costs, culling and breeding. Not only could unprofitable cows be culled from the herd earlier, highly feed-efficient cows could be targeted for breeding to leverage the heritability of efficiency. The ability to identify individual cow feed efficiency has the potential to have significant, far-reaching impacts on herd management related to feeding costs, culling and breeding. Not only could unprofitable cows be culled from the herd earlier, highly feed-efficient cows could be targeted for breeding to leverage the heritability of efficiency. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60896 Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60896-using-feed-efficiency-as-a-cost-control-measure-and-monitor sarah.stocks@novusint.com With so many factors to consider, understanding a farm’s income over feed costs can take time, but that understanding also provides a clear map of the changes possible on the farm. By knowing the total costs associated with their operation, dairy farmers can weigh their options to find the next bump in their paycheck and support profitability. With so many factors to consider, understanding a farm’s income over feed costs can take time, but that understanding also provides a clear map of the changes possible on the farm. By knowing the total costs associated with their operation, dairy farmers can weigh their options to find the next bump in their paycheck and support profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60737 Thu, 02 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60737-find-the-next-bump-in-your-paycheck At the intersection of tradition and innovation lies the future of dairy farming, which is increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI has emerged as a transformative force as the industry responds to marketplace pressures and technological advancements. While integrating AI in dairy practices presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities. At the intersection of tradition and innovation lies the future of dairy farming, which is increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI has emerged as a transformative force as the industry responds to marketplace pressures and technological advancements. While integrating AI in dairy practices presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60453 Fri, 01 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60453-challenges-opportunities-and-the-future-of-ai-in-dairy-nutrition 60453-louder-1.jpg aldo.rossi@amlan.com Cows that consume feed contaminated with mycotoxins – which include natural toxins made by various species of molds – may suffer a host of various metabolic disruptions that lead to a loss of milk production, hormonal imbalance and reduced reproductive performance. Cows that consume feed contaminated with mycotoxins – which include natural toxins made by various species of molds – may suffer a host of various metabolic disruptions that lead to a loss of milk production, hormonal imbalance and reduced reproductive performance. 

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60227 Mon, 16 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60227-new-report-shows-mycotoxins-are-on-the-rise-in-common-feed-ingredients 60227-rossi-silage.jpg Joel.Pankowski@churchdwight.com Elite athletes are resilient, and your cows need to be that way too. For them to perform at a high level, they need all barriers to productivity removed so they can devote as much energy as possible to fully expressing their genetic potential. Elite athletes are resilient, and your cows need to be that way too. For them to perform at a high level, they need all barriers to productivity removed so they can devote as much energy as possible to fully expressing their genetic potential.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60226 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 16:27:25 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60226-build-resilience-against-pathogens-including-bovine-avian-influenza 60226-pankowski-silage-dixon.jpg Managing feed on your dairy involves much more than just feeding your cows. It requires a coordinated effort to ensure they receive a consistent, accurate and properly mixed ration. While this can feel like a juggling act, feed management software improves your feed program, animal performance and your farm’s profitability. Managing feed on your dairy involves much more than just feeding your cows. It requires a coordinated effort to ensure they receive a consistent, accurate and properly mixed ration. While this can feel like a juggling act, feed management software improves your feed program, animal performance and your farm’s profitability.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60089 Fri, 30 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60089-take-the-guesswork-out-of-feed-management 60089-mortas-vas_real-time-data.jpg john@cow-corner.co Is your robot feed bin a place that you avoid until the cows stop eating? Here are some tips to help monitor and manage feed in the bin, before the cows run out of pellets or stop visiting. Is your robot feed bin a place that you avoid until the cows stop eating? Here are some tips to help monitor and manage feed in the bin, before the cows run out of pellets or stop visiting.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60098 Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60098-whats-in-your-pellet-bin 60098-gerbitz-robot-feed-dixon.jpg It is essential to reduce variation when dealing with what represents – on average – 45% of the cost of operating and is a major source of stress for both the animals and employees. It is essential to reduce variation when dealing with what represents – on average – 45% of the cost of operating and is a major source of stress for both the animals and employees.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59620 Thu, 13 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59620-waste-and-stress-from-feed-variation-management-solutions-to-reduce-economic-losses 59620-asselstine-jefomixer.jpg dan.peterson@agroliquid.com The emerging trend toward alternative forages means it may be time to adjust crop nutrition protocols. Alfalfa has long been considered the “queen” of forages thanks to its high protein solubility and digestibility balanced with amino acids. The emerging trend toward alternative forages means it may be time to adjust crop nutrition protocols. Alfalfa has long been considered the “queen” of forages thanks to its high protein solubility and digestibility balanced with amino acids.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59793 Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59793-trend-toward-alternative-forages-means-adjusting-crop-nutrition-protocols 59793-peterson-kratz-green-mix.jpg benjamin.saylor@churchdwight.com Cows crave consistency, and it’s imperative that we provide them with a consistent ration, using clean feed mixed properly and delivered at the same time every day. Cows crave consistency, and it’s imperative that we provide them with a consistent ration, using clean feed mixed properly and delivered at the same time every day.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/59612 Fri, 31 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/articles/59612-clean-consistent-feed-can-improve-cow-resilience 59612-saylor-tmr-jaynes.jpg