Dealing with low-moisture corn silage
For most, the 2023 corn silage harvest is in the rearview mirror. Corn silage harvest came early for some as the summer heat provided plenty of growing degree days, and many areas experienced a perfect storm for drying conditions.
Height considerations for corn silage cutting
Corn silage harvest is at the doorstep for many dairy farms across the Midwest.
Drought-stressed alfalfa
For some across the Midwest, recent rain has brought much-needed moisture.
Improve alfalfa quality, profitability with wide-swath hay
In an era of higher feed prices and lower milk prices, it is hard to argue the value of high-quality forages.
You may be tired of hearing about heat stress, but your cows are not
A few unseasonably warm days in late April not only melted most of the snow but also reminded us to turn our attention to heat abatement.
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Producers share insight into calf group housing
The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association held its annual conference April 11-13 in Prior Lake, Minnesota, bringing together youngstock producers and industry experts from around the country.
Evaluate nutrition strategies to maximize cash flow
Feed expenditures are the single largest operating expense in a dairy business. Given the current and projected economic environment, it is critical to evaluate on-farm nutritional strategies to determine if any potential changes can improve the dairy’s cash flow.
Lice eat into profits
Lice is a common external parasite in dairy cattle, most notably detected by visible loss of hair.
Cold weather impacts dairy cow performance
This winter has presented us with nearly every weather scenario possible: fluctuating barometric pressures, bitter cold temperatures and wind chills around Christmas, and more recent mild temperatures with rain, ice and fog.
Maximize first-lactation milk production
The goal of most heifer replacement programs is to raise high-quality, healthy heifers in an efficient and economical manner.
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Corn silage is a moving target
The 2022 corn silage harvest is in the rearview mirror. The dry fall provided an ideal harvest window for many growers and allowed them to achieve dry matter targets.
Calf management tips in preparation for winter
As fall harvest progresses and the days get shorter, we know cold stress is just around the corner. Special attention should be given to the most delicate group of animals on the dairy: newborn calves.
Precautions with fall cutting alfalfa
As we welcome the official start of fall this week, alfalfa decision-making is in the rearview mirror for some.
Do not miss the chance to make good corn silage
Most corn planting happened two to four weeks later than normal thanks to April rains and below-average temperatures.
Six management priorities for a farm’s financial success
High milk prices have been overshadowed by skyrocketing costs for nearly all inputs on dairy operations, including feed, labor, fertilizer and fuel.
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