In this episode of the Progressive Dairy podcast, host Kimmi Devaney talks with a fourth-generation Washington dairy farmer about managing an automated milking system in a pasture-based system, opportunities available for young people interested in getting involved in the dairy industry, the ways automation has changed the way they manage the farm, facility upgrades and what they are doing differently to increase cow comfort, and more. 

At any given time, 25% of dairy cows in the U.S. are lame, and more than that experience lameness at some point throughout their lactation, according to Dr. Jennifer Walker, DVM.

As a young female farmer in her late 20s with a bachelor's degree in biology, public speaking seems like it is just part of who I am. Growing up in the era that I did, and as a student in the science field, it seemed as if multiple times throughout the year, I was speaking in one of my classes or giving a talk on a science project.

Corn silage harvest is complete for another year. As is often the case, silage inventory from last year’s harvest is running really low, and you are likely anxious to open a recently filled storage structure to start feeding it to your lactating cows.

Manure management is inescapable when you are a dairy farmer. And dealing with the more than 20 gallons of manure and urine each cow generates every day requires a significant investment by farms of all sizes.

Udder health is impacted by multiple factors but can be grouped into three general categories: milkers, cows and equipment. Of these three, the equipment is by far the easiest to control.

For fourth-generation dairy producer Jared Kurtz, managing the income-generating capabilities of a dairy herd and farm are important for the future, but investing energy in family is foundational to building a dairy legacy.

In today’s economic environment of high commodity prices and extreme input costs, producers must look for ways to get the most from their herd. Feeding a balanced ration during peak lactation can maximize milk production and your ROI.