Dairy Performance

Utilizing high oleic soybeans to help increase fat and protein yield in milk is a hot topic of conversation among dairy producers. Protein and fat sources are expensive nutrients in dairy rations. High oleic soybeans can allow producers to decrease ration costs and increase fat in the diet.

Long-term growth in dairy operations is the lifeblood of the industry. A farm’s growth can allow for more profitability, give space for new generations to enter the business and make it possible to adopt new technologies to become more sustainable.

We are doing a two-part series about strategies to coach and manage employees. In part two of this series, the author will be discussing how culture impacts employee management and why employees need to be put in positions that capitalize on their individual talents.

We are doing a two-part series about effective management styles on-farm. In part one of this series, the author will be discussing the importance of self-reflection and considering the concept of "who not how" in employee relationships.

Finding strategies to maximize dairy cattle performance is critical for any dairy operation. With feed representing more than 50% of the cost of milk production, it is important to regularly evaluate feed costs, ask whether you are getting acceptable returns on your farm’s feed additives and dietary strategies, and explore whether you have opportunities to invest in milk production for a greater return.  

With colder temperatures, we are seeing a significant increase in bird pressure on dairy farms. Birds have always been a concern on dairy farms, but the onset of avian influenza virus type A (H5N1) has brought a greater spotlight to the issue.

Technologies play a huge role in data management and efficient practices on today’s dairies. While new technology adaptions can be challenging, utilizing new technologies and management systems can help producers enhance their bottom line.

Ease of management, ability to ensile a quality forage and cost effectiveness make silage piles a great storage option. To ensure a successful drive-over silage pile is achieved, planning, preparation and communication are essential.

A balanced diet is crucial to a dairy farm’s success, and managing all the variables that come with feeding cows is just as important. Variation can exist within forage piles, ingredients, feed mixing and delivery, and at the feedbunk. It doesn’t matter if a ration is perfectly formulated if these other factors keep cows from eating it.

Sorting dairy cows by stage of lactation may improve farm profitability by supporting the peak production of high-producing cows and lowering feed costs for low-producing cows. Understanding your farm’s feed costs in addition to your cows’ response to pen moves and diet changes is key to capitalizing on this strategy.

A significant portion of the milk check depends on the amount of fat and protein in the milk. The obvious goal is to maximize income by boosting component yields while managing input costs.

As the newest member of my company’s youngstock nutrition team and the most recent returning member to my family dairy, here are some best practices for hiring and inspiring your calf team from the eyes of a young professional.

This is the second article in a two-part series. This article will cover pace, pellet and PMR and post-startup. The first article discussed pre-startup and the importance of preparing the team involved in integrating the automated milking system.

Each automated milking system startup can be broken into the five P’s: pre-startup, people, pace, pellets/partially mixed ration (PMR) and post-startup. Focusing on the five P’s can minimize stress and help the farm team and cows easily adapt to an automated milking system.

Much of the Midwest has seen a rise in heat and humidity in the past couple of weeks. The effects of summer heat and humidity are well-documented in lactating dairy cows as we see decreases in dry matter intake and subsequent production losses. Newer research points to the value of heat abatement and cooling practices for dry cows.

Heat stress presents many challenges for dairy farms, including diminished milk production, reduced reproductive performance and stressed cow wellbeing. Long-term impacts can be felt for years in terms of the health and productivity of offspring.