While Maine is well known for lobster, lighthouses and its scenic North Atlantic coastline, the state is also home to 140 licensed dairy farms, including Brigeen Farms in Turner and Castonguay Ayrshires in Livermore. As the leaves fall and the crisp autumn air turns to icy conditions, snowstorms and frigid temperatures across the Northeast, cow comfort, herd health and safety are top of mind for these two dairy farms as they prepare their facilities and animals for inclement weather.

As you evaluate lighting options, there are several important considerations to think about. For example, will these lights be located inside or outside of the barn? Do you plan to have them turn off/on automatically or will they be manually operated? What ceiling height will you mount lights from? Knowing where and how the lights will be placed can help direct you to find the right fit for your facilities.

Long-day lighting for heifers follows the same recommendations as lactating cows. The goal is to provide constant and evenly distributed light levels for a period of 16 to 18 hours of light and six to eight hours of darkness in the barn.

Long-day lighting has shown – both in research and real-world settings – that it can provide increased milk production for a lactating herd. It will require an investment and a commitment to manage the system to see its benefits.

Considerations for a short-day photoperiod (SDPP) during the dry period have also been studied, and we will review some of this research and the measures required to optimize the effects of a SDPP.

It is assumed that the lactating group is the most important stage of production for optimal herd performance and profitability. On the contrary, dry cows and transition cows should be, in fact, the focal point of the dairy operation.