Virtual Farm Tour: Learning from new ventures is the philosophy at Tri-Fecta Farms

Posted on October 30, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
After cash cropping and raising beef cattle on multiple sites for several years, Keven and Cheryl Schultz of Fox Lake, Wisconsin, decided to consolidate their farming operations and build a brand new 400-cow dairy in 1993.

Ensure that transition calves are ready for takeoff

Posted on October 30, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
As calves begin the weaning process and transition from milk to solid feed as their sole source of nutrition, producers may observe stalled growth and deteriorating health performance. The reasons for this are often due to one or a combination of the following factors: poor health in early life, poor rumen development and stressful changes.

Autofeeders: What have we learned?

Posted on October 30, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
We have learned many things along the way as autofeeders become more popular in the calf raising world.  On the dairy, we tend to learn most things through experience – good or bad.  While that makes it difficult to pinpoint exact “rights and wrongs,” learning from others’ experiences can help us focus on making the best use of this evolving technology.

Dusting off calf jackets for the cold winter ahead

Posted on October 30, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
It’s time to dust off your calf jackets in preparation for the colder weather. The following are some important reminders for your staff about calf jacket usage, as well as some timely preparedness tips before jacket season starts in full force.

Video: Calf heat stress with Bethany

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this Starting Strong video, Bethany Dado-Senn, Ph.D., discusses how to monitor heat stress in calves.

Calf care checklist: 3 steps for good water hygiene

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Everyone knows water is one of six essential nutrients.  However, the magnitude of its importance is often unrealized and, in some situations, downplayed.

7 ways to save money on calf starter

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The best way to save on calf starter without sacrificing growth and performance is to limit waste.  These seven steps can help you save money on calf starter.

What is your maternity gameplan?

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Maternity has a direct impact on both the present and future state of the herd.  A properly executed maternity game plan promotes successful transition into lactation for the dam, and establishes the start of the nursery phase for the daughter. Progressive dairy farmers realize the economic impact of maternity and commit staff and resources to consistently achieve success.

On-farm data can drive your heat abatement strategy

Posted on August 1, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
While impossible to avoid heat stress altogether, the type of housing we offer dairy youngstock can influence their ability to cope. What setup is optimal to keep calves cool on your operation? The Vita Plus calf heat risk audit could help you find out.

Calf facilities of high-performing dairies

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
What facilities provide the best environment to raise calves and heifers?  Answering that question requires us to first consider each farm’s specific needs and management systems. In March, two Midwest dairy farms opened their doors to a group of dairy producers on a tour organized by Vita Plus. 

How to introduce forages to youngstock

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
I am often asked, “How should forages be introduced to youngstock?” My answer is that it depends.

Why is that in my milk replacer?

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Have you ever found yourself reading a milk replacer tag and trying to understand what additives are included, what those additives do and whether or not they are right for your calf program?

Calf care checklist: Calf barn ventilation

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The key to a good calf barn ventilation audit is to evaluate the air quality in many different scenarios. Weather can change the calf environment quickly. Monitoring air should be part of your daily checklist. If problems persist, enlist a trusted consultant to assess your options.

Build your own colostrum thawing and heating unit

Posted on June 27, 2024 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
Refrigerating or freezing excess high-quality colostrum (greater than 22% Brix reading) is a great way to ensure each newborn calf receives this vital nutrition at birth.  Because high temperatures can destroy immunoglobulins (IgGs) and other nutrients, colostrum should be carefully thawed and warmed before feeding it to the calf.  

Virtual Farm Tour: Beef-on-dairy is one component of whole-farm success at Four Cubs Farm LLC

Posted on October 27, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
The Peterson family has farmed in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, since the land was homesteaded nearly 150 years ago.  The family and farm team are proud of the farm’s rich legacy and its role in the community, and they’re focused on innovation to support the farm’s future.

VIDEO: Calf chat with Lucas – Calf jackets

Posted on October 27, 2023 in Starting Strong - Calf Care
In this edition of Calf Chat, Lucas Mitchell, Ph.D., talks about calf jackets.