Deciding whether to take a fall alfalfa cutting requires a careful balance between immediate forage needs and long-term stand persistence. While low summer yields or terminal stands make a …

While much of the Midwest is close to ideal moisture and crops look promising, some are dealing with moderate to severe drought this summer. This has led to substandard hay growth and early corn …

This year’s corn crop looks good in most areas across the Midwest. Much of it has tasseled and progressed to the reproductive stage of pollination. This is a critical time for the plant both in …

The recent Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference featured a wide array of speakers covering a variety of topics. Dr. Barry Bradford, Michigan State University professor and dairy …

The transition period — before and after calving — is the most critical phase in a dairy cow’s life. During this period, a cow’s nutritional requirements change rapidly, creating a metabolic …

According to the calendar, spring is here. We’ve had a hint of this with a few days above 80 degrees in recent weeks. On the flip side, we’ve had some recent nights below freezing. This roller …

The goal of most heifer replacement programs is to raise high-quality, healthy heifers efficiently and economically. High-quality heifers have the genetics, frame, body condition and management …

Much of the Midwest is less than two months away from spring planting. How will the alfalfa make it through winter? Will corn be planted under ideal conditions, and what will disease pressure look …

As dairy farm profit margins tighten, it is critical to evaluate on-farm nutrition strategies to determine if any potential changes can improve the dairy’s cash flow. Over the past several years, …

For decades, Midwest dairy producers, as well as genetics and nutrition consultants, have focused on maximizing milk component yields. These efforts have been driven predominantly by the value that …

Brown midrib corn silage was first introduced to the dairy industry nearly 30 years ago. Compared to conventional corn silage, BMR’s lower lignin content made it a tool to increase fiber …

Once again it has been an interesting and unique fall. Corn silage harvest extended a few extra weeks depending on plant health and soil moisture. The second half of September and early October …

The 2025 corn crop is generally favorable across the Midwest, despite its share of challenges. Warm, humid conditions have created a favorable environment for pathogen growth in the fields. Foliar …

Ideal spring planting, combined with plenty of heat and moisture, means corn silage harvest is quickly approaching. With a great-looking crop and lower corn prices, this harvest may present the …

Spring planting was nearly ideal across much of the Midwest with great soil conditions and few rain interruptions. Since then, many areas have received above-average rain-fall. Adequate precipitation …

Feeding high oleic soybeans to dairy cows continues to gain interest across the Midwest, and several farms planted high oleic beans this spring for the first time. I first wrote on this topic in my …

Dairy producers have long understood that providing calves with 3-5 quarts of high-quality colostrum as soon as possible after birth is critical for ensuring passive transfer of immunity and giving …

For many youth and adults alike, spring and summer mean an occasional break from the daily routine to head to cattle shows and exhibit their best animals. It takes a well-grown, well-balanced heifer …

Parasites and insects can negatively impact dairy cattle performance and profitability. Now is the time to develop your strategy to limit their impact on your farm. First, let’s briefly …

With this month’s column, I’m straying from my typical themes of feeding and nutrition to highlight some of the best and brightest students from across the Midwest who represent the …