Knowledge of cow biology, feed composition and herd information is vast and ever-expanding. Dairy producers and nutritionists have powerful tools available to balance rations and monitor outcomes for specific groups of animals.

We’ve heard in songs and sayings that “it only takes a spark” to light a fire, but sometimes it also takes several sparks a few different times to really get things going. At least, that was the case for our family farming business when it came to digging deep into the numbers and financials of our dairy and crop operation.

It’s hard to believe another June Dairy Month and National Ice Cream Month have come and gone. While it was the culmination of several creative campaigns celebrating dairy as a nutritional powerhouse and the dedicated farmers who bring us milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream and more, we can’t stop the engagement now.

Generally speaking, dairy producers are posting healthy margins right now. May milk prices were the highest on record, and 2022 prices are shaping up to be the highest ever, breaking the record set in 2014.

Just last month, Paul’s 9-year-old son held a knife to his throat, screaming he was going to commit suicide. This wasn’t the first time this had happened either – it was the fourth time in just a few months.

Predicting feed costs for 2022-23 is like predicting weather in July and August. Feed costs will be influenced by moisture conditions, degree days, delayed planting and delayed harvesting of legume/grass forages.