Progressive Dairy - Articles - Page 104

Become a better cow manager with milking robots

Robots help you become a better herd manager. Be effective with your time and the robot’s time to achieve consistent cow performance.

September 5, 2023

Andy Lenkaitis

The key to being the best manager is making the most of your time and the robot’s time. Here is how to be an effective herd manager with robots.

Designing the right facility for your dairy operation

Questions to ask and people to consult when designing and constructing new facilities or an addition to current facilities.

September 2, 2023

Dave Homb

In this article, I’d like to share some common concerns I see arise and offer practical solutions. These are things you should consider during the design process whether you’re investing in a new facility or seeking to enhance an existing one.

Integrating automated milking systems and grazing

Implementation of milking robots, especially when combined with an automated sort gate, allows grazing herds to capitalize on benefits that include individualized milking and efficient herd and grazing management.

September 1, 2023

Katie Meier and Rebecca Steiger

The robotic aspect of milking a grazing herd is much the same as in a traditional one, but the primary difference is sending cows out to pasture and ensuring they regularly return to the robot for milking. Optimizing this condition is key.

Maximizing milk letdown: Working with your dairy herd for top production

Stress hinders the release of oxytocin for milk letdown, affecting overall yield. Consistent routines, gentle handling and proper timing are ways to improve milk production.

September 1, 2023

Angela Kinney

A good milk letdown is what leads to faster milking speeds, not the other way around. So, how can you lead your herd into a good letdown to see top speeds and improved milk production?

July 2023 DMC margin falls to $3.52 per cwt

Feed costs were mixed and milk prices weakened, driving dairy producer income margins to a new record low.

August 31, 2023

Dave Natzke

The milk income over feed cost margin should have finally reached bottom in July.

August milk checks should be better

August 2023 FMMO pooling estimates, uniform prices and producer price differentials are scheduled to be released on Sept. 11-14.

August 31, 2023

Dave Natzke

Milk checks for August production will reflect stronger protein and Class III milk prices and the highest Class IV milk price since January. A narrower price spread between Class III-IV milk prices could start to bring more Class IV milk to FMMO pools.

Looking to the horizon: Breeding for fourth-, fifth- and sixth-lactation cows

Thinking ahead is crucial to developing a long-lasting herd. Consider the future when making breeding decisions today.

August 31, 2023

Kevin Jorgensen

Breeding strategies today have never been better positioned to tailor to each dairy’s unique regional, climate, cultural milk market and personal preferences for success. See what cows with 200,000 pounds of lifetime milk to date have in common.

EPA amends WOTUS rule

NMPF: Revision a step in the right direction but ambiguity remains

August 30, 2023

Dave Natzke

The new WOTUS rule revises the January 2023 definition to eliminate the “significant nexus” standard to determine when waters or wetlands are covered by the Clean Water Act, as well as the definition of “adjacent wetlands.”

Purina Animal Nutrition launches scholarship program for students involved in animal agriculture

August 30, 2023

Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, is announcing its new scholarship program designed to assist students involved in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and further their educations.