Starting Strong – Calf Care

Today’s calf raisers have many vaccine options to give their calves a healthy start. However, those vaccines should never outrank high quality colostrum in priority. That’s according to Dr. Chris Chase with South Dakota State University. In his presentation during the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) Annual Business Conference, Chase explained the development of

Many variables affect a calf’s health and performance. However, calf expert Dr. Sheila McGuirk, DVM, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, said three main categories can really guide how calf raisers provide top notch care to their calves. During her presentation at the Dairy Calf and Heifer Conference, McGuirk told producers to think of

It’s no secret that farming is a dangerous occupation. According to Dr. David Douphrate, University of Texas School of Public Health, “agriculture is among the most dangerous and accounts for a large percentage of fatalities and injuries.” During his presentation at the recent Dairy Calf and Heifer Conference, Douphrate explained that agriculture, forestry and fishing

The Dairy Calf and Heifer Conference, held April 5 and 6 in Lake Geneva, Wis., brought together calf growers and industry leaders to discuss the latest in calf research and technology. Here are the top five things Vita Plus Calf Products Coordinator Ann Hoskins learned at the conference: OSHA regulations are starting to play a

Ann Hoskins works with calf raisers through the Midwest in her role as Vita Plus calf products coordinator. What is the difference between a colostrum replacer and a colostrum supplement? When should I be using a colostrum replacer? Colostrum replacers and colostrum supplements are often confused with one another. The role of a colostrum replacer

In this edition of Calf Chat with Ann, we'll take a look at autofeeders and the questions you need to ask before pursuing this technology on your calf operation. For examples from farms currently using autofeeders, follow the link at the bottom of this page and check out the virtual farm tour from August 2010.

Continual Improvement Top Theme at Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy When you visit Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy in Kewaunee, Wis., one of the first things you’ll probably notice is the pride all employees take in their jobs and their farm – and for good reason. The farm was founded in 1946 by current owner John Pagel’s father. Today,

When a heifer calf is born, you probably think about her potential as a good replacement in the milking herd. What you may not think about is how she will ultimately become a beef animal. Aerica Bjurstrom, University of Wisconsin-Extension agriculture agent in Kewaunee County, said it’s important for producers to keep Dairy Quality Assurance

When a farm decides to send its calves to a custom raiser, it requires a lot of trust from both parties. Clear communication is essential to building that trust. J. Hall of Hall’s Calf Ranch works with more than 16 dairy farms and has about 4,000 calves onsite. With immense experience in calf raising, Hall

By Ann Hoskins, Vita Plus Calf Products Coordinator More than a year ago, calf raisers were notified that neomycin/oxytetracycline (NT) regulations for calf milk replacers were going to change. As of Oct. 2, 2010, milk replacers and supplements containing the previously-approved levels of NT had to be eliminated from the feed distribution channel and were

Maaike Verhaar was born in the Netherlands, but moved to the United States 14 years ago. Across the ocean, her family milked 30 cows, but the farm it owns today is a bit different. Today, Verhaar Dairy in Bad Axe, Mich. milks 2,150 with a total herd of 5,000. In about a month, Verhaar will

Dr. Neil Michael comes to Starting Strong with nearly 30 years of experience as a veterinarian specializing in dairy. He currently works as the Director of Dairy Initiatives for Vita Plus. Q:  What makes the ideal maternity facility? A:  Prior to birth, calves are well protected inside the uterus from bacterial, physical and temperature changes.

Raising calves in hutches in the winter can be a challenge, but a couple of simple steps can make it much easier. After a snow fall, walk through your hutches and pick up the front panel. This will keep it from freezing down and make it much easier to remove when it comes time to

 In this edition of the Vita Plus Starting Strong - Calf Chat with Ann, we take a look at winter programs and polish up on the details that can make all the difference and get your calves off to the strongest start possible.

Great Genetics, Great Care, Great Calves A strong focus on calves goes hand-in-hand with a strong focus on genetics. That’s the story at Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wis. Brothers Bob and Greg Zwald own and operate Bomaz Farms with their wives, Kay and Irma. Bob and Greg’s father started the home farm in 1953 and

What’s become conventional calf feeding isn’t necessarily what’s closest to “natural” calf growth programs. That’s according to Dr. Jim Drackley of the University of Illinois during his presentation at Vita Plus Dairy Summit 2010. Calf feeding programs that are most successful nutritionally mimic cow’s milk.  Drackley introduced the idea of “biologically appropriate nutrition” to Summit