Improved labor efficiency, employee retention and communication were among the benefits for two Pacific Northwest dairy farms that upgraded their milking parlors from the traditional herringbone and parallel models to a rotary and an automated milking system, respectively.

A community effort to bring local dairy processing to northeast Washington resulted in a stronger agricultural connection for local consumers.

The Washington Dairy Conference, held Dec. 4-6 in Chehalis, Washington, featured hot topics facing the state’s dairy industry, a chance to meet with state agricultural leaders, and ample networking time for attendees and trade show exhibitors. 

The reintroduction of apex predator species to parts of their historical range continues to be a hot-button topic in the western U.S. Concerns and discussions have arisen in regard to federal plans to establish a grizzly bear population in the North Cascade Range of Washington state.

Despite growing questions about where the animals will be sourced from, Colorado wildlife officials are continuing with a plan to reintroduce a gray wolf population to the state by the end of 2023.

In this episode of the Progressive Dairy podcast, host Kimmi Devaney talks with a fourth-generation Washington dairy farmer about managing an automated milking system in a pasture-based system, opportunities available for young people interested in getting involved in the dairy industry, the ways automation has changed the way they manage the farm, facility upgrades and what they are doing differently to increase cow comfort, and more.