With the growing trend of using beef semen in dairy herds to produce high-value beef-on-dairy calves, the industry faces unique challenges and opportunities. There is a critical need for internal herd expansion as dairy replacements become scarce.

Feeding yeast can be a valuable part of a well-designed dairy feeding program. Primary end effects include the reduction of stress, improvement of performance, and improvement in gut and overall animal health. Since there are a fairly large number of different types of yeast products on the market, it is important to carefully research which products may be the most effective and economical for any given dairy.

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.