As dairy farmers, we have a unique way of life and a distinct responsibility to share the stories of our farm and industry with our communities.

The safe consumption and distribution of milk and dairy products is highly regulated to keep customers safe. All farms are required to submit milk bulk tank samples for testing to ensure that there are no antibiotics present in the milk. When a milk tanker is contaminated, it costs farms and milk cooperatives money. That’s where services offered by a milk analysis laboratory come in to help prevent this problem from happening for dairies.

Optimizing the timing of insemination relative to estrus expression is a key factor in achieving high reproductive efficiency in dairy herds.

Justin Graham of Brooksco Dairy joins Matti McBride on this episode of the Progressive Dairy Podcast to chat about milk quality. Learn about Graham’s role as staff veterinarian at southern Georgia’s Brooksco Dairy; milk quality protocols, including Brooksco’s sand reclamation program; challenges and changes in milk quality over the years; and his role as a member of the National Mastitis Council’s board of directors.

By implementing effective management strategies, such as maintaining optimal hygiene, following proper footbath protocols, early detection and treatment, as well as adjusting the diet to support rumen health, dairy producers can minimize the occurrence and severity of digital dermatitis (DD), also known as hairy heel warts. 

Optimum milk production is crucial for dairy farmers, as it directly impacts their profitability. However, while higher milk yields increase revenue, it is important that it is achieved without compromising the health and well-being of the cows.

Sort gates provide one more opportunity to move from a group management philosophy to an individual management perspective. Instead of managing by exception, you are now managing the individual cow or individual challenge.