Progressive Dairy - Articles - Page 44

The human side of technology: Three ways monitoring makes life easier

Monitoring technology can improve the on-farm work environment and make work easier for owners and employees by streamlining many labor-intensive tasks like sorting cows.

April 16, 2024

Evan Platte

While the cow-side benefits of monitoring technology are significant, don’t overlook the human benefits for your employees. These advantages go beyond simple labor savings.

March 2024 FMMO uniform prices inched higher

Milk class prices rose but Class IV milk pooling was still limited.

April 15, 2024

Dave Natzke

Here’s Progressive Dairy’s monthly review of March 2024 FMMO data to provide some additional transparency to your milk check.

HPAI confirmed in dairy cattle in eight states, some states restricting cattle movement

North Carolina and South Dakota are now among states with confirmed cases of HPAI. At least 18 states have placed restrictions on the movement of cattle.

April 15, 2024

Karen Lee

North Carolina and South Dakota were added to the list of states where highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in dairy cattle, with the USDA confirming one case in each state.

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Calf scours prevention begins before birth

Twelve years ago, researchers estimated that a case of scours cost $56 per head, but that number is likely significantly lower than it should be. To minimize this, farms should focus on genetics, dry cow management, colostrum and transition milk.

April 15, 2024

Kim Egan

“Do you have good luck when it comes to raising calves?” That’s a question you have likely been asked, but when it comes to preventing scours and ensuring calf health, it takes more than luck!

The importance of clean water for disease prevention

Thoroughly clean and disinfect water troughs to curb the spread of HPAI on dairies.

April 13, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Although no single disease transmission pathway has been identified for the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), one highly probable transmission route is through consuming contaminated water.

Slower-than-expected growth in output per cow reduces milk forecast

Compared to last month, the USDA left the 2023 milk production estimate unchanged but reduced 2024 production expectations 1 billion pounds from the previous report.

April 12, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

The USDA’s World Ag Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report offers forecasts for dairy, beef and feedstuffs.

Why continuous learning for farm employees is key

There are many important tasks on the farm, but few are more important than milking parlor procedures. Create an environment that encourages employees to continue learning and follow up-to-date SOPs when it comes to milking cows.

April 12, 2024

Brittany Chase

While it is possible to have SOPs for many important tasks on a dairy farm, there are few more important than milking parlor procedures.

USDA cuts dairy allotment, but improves options in finalized nutrition assistance program

"This final rule cuts the amount of milk that can be purchased by up to 3 gallons per family per month."

April 11, 2024

Karen Lee

In finalized updates to the foods prescribed to WIC participants announced on Tuesday by Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, cuts were made to the amount of dairy products participants can receive through the program.

Assurance Watch: Follow the latest euthanasia guidelines to ensure proper animal care

April 11, 2024

Dave Sjeklocha

Euthanasia of cattle is never a pleasant task. Literally translated, “euthanasia” means “good death.” Please keep in mind that, if we have an animal that has given their life for food production and that animal is suffering, the least we can do is give them a good death.