December 12, 2024

December 12, 2024 Progressive Dairy digital magazine

December 12, 2024

2024 year in review: HPAI, FMMO, margin recovery and dairy cattle inventories

December 3, 2024

Karen Lee, Kimmi Devaney, Jenn Coyne, and Audrey Schmitz

As we close the books on 2024, Progressive Dairy’s editorial team identified four trending topics that made headlines throughout the year. Read on as we recap highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) detected in dairy cattle, Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) modernization efforts, increasing dairy margins and declining dairy cattle inventories.

FMMO modernization: USDA releases final decision, goes to producer referendum

November 14, 2024

Kimmi Devaney

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) released their Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) final decision on Nov. 12, which will be voted on by dairy producers in a referendum before the end of the year. Ballots must be postmarked by Dec. 31.

Progressive Events: DGN national conference empowers dairywomen to connect, inspire and achieve

December 3, 2024

Karen Lee and Jenna Hurty-Person

The Dairy Girl Network (DGN) celebrated its 10th anniversary at its biennial Forward TogetHER National Conference, Nov. 5-7, in Kansas City, Missouri. Dairywomen, and a few men, from across the industry gathered to connect, inspire and acheive through networking, interactive sessions and thought-provoking presentations.

Lifelong Learning: The best gifts last a lifetime

November 13, 2024

The holiday season is upon us once again, and it is both a magical and stressful time of year. While I look forward to Christmas traditions and creating new memories with loved ones, I also know there is a lot of work associated with the closing year transitioning to the next one.

Checkoff Watch: A dairy renaissance: The checkoff’s vision for sustainable success

November 29, 2024

As we navigate a rapidly changing landscape in food production and consumer preferences, the U.S. dairy industry finds itself in a moment of opportunity. The dairy checkoff – led by its mission to drive trust and sales – continually looks at what is happening now, what is coming next and how to future-proof the industry for decades to come.

Replacement cow prices climbed to a record-breaking high in October

November 4, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

Quarterly average prices in October hit a new all-time high of $2,600 per head according to estimates from the USDA.

6 steps to find the right health insurance plan

Assessing health insurance goals for your operation and/or your family, determining a budget and learning about the network available in your area can help you make the best decision for your farm for the upcoming year.

November 18, 2024

Robin Smith

Now is the time to identify your current health insurance plan and decide to either stick with the status quo or change benefit plans. If you’re fortunate to be happy with what you have, then a simple reenrollment works. If your operation has changed over the year – budget and payroll – you might need to reevaluate your offerings.

A persistent culprit: Mycoplasma bovis

A well-executed Mycoplasma bovis control program encompasses an awareness of the distinctive disease characteristics and timely interventions for lasting well-being and productivity.

December 3, 2024

Jason Anderson

Among the more problematic pathogens affecting cattle, Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) stands out for its involvement in chronic infections. The interaction between the outer makeup of the microorganism and the animal’s immune response contributes to its insidious nature, making treatment as well as prevention difficult.

Dairy cows and corn farming: Balancing methane and CO₂ sequestration

Dairy cows contribute to methane emissions, but the cultivation of corn for feed partially offsets the emissions by absorbing atmospheric CO₂.

December 9, 2024

Alvaro Garcia

Methane from agriculture, especially livestock, represents a significant portion of global methane emissions. Agriculture overall is responsible for 40%-50% of anthropogenic methane emissions, with ruminants accounting for roughly 56%-70% of methane from this figure.

Sort gate success in rotary parlor operations

Design a successful sort system that is beneficial to dairy operations with cow flow and space expectations considered from the start.

November 14, 2024

Courtney Claypool

Rotary milking parlors are continually advancing, opening the door to a diverse range of auxiliary technologies that seamlessly integrate with precision milk harvesting and cow behavior monitoring systems. Designing a successful sort system can be extremely beneficial to dairy operations, especially when cow flow and space expectations are considered from the start.

Milk quality in the bulk tank: What do all the numbers mean?

Identifying the different types of bulk tank quality tests will aid in diagnosing the source of high counts. A quantitative test can determine the number of bacteria in a bulk tank, while a qualitative test can determine the type of bacteria present.

December 5, 2024

Justine Britten

I frequently receive questions about the different test name acronyms and how to interpret what those results tell them. More importantly, I am asked how producers and industry service providers troubleshoot high counts. A basic understanding of the different ways in which bulk tank milk may be tested and what those tests measure is extremely helpful in understanding what impacts milk quality on the farm.

6 considerations to maximize cow comfort this winter

Maintaining dry, draft-free housing with ample bedding, proper ventilation, access to fresh water and a high-quality ration will set cows up for success as temperatures drop.

November 19, 2024

Dan Veeneman

Cold weather can have a significant impact on dairy herds, and failing to address these challenges can lead to decreased milk production, increased health issues and lower overall farm profitability. This article explores practical, research-backed strategies for improving cow comfort during the winter months.

Preparing for winter at Brigeen Farms, Castonguay Ayrshires

December 12, 2024

Kimmi Devaney

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.

The data that makes better cows

Keeping accurate records both on and off the farm will help better the dairy industry. The Council for Dairy Cattle Breeding stewards data collection for genetic improvement across dairy breeds.

December 11, 2024

Katie Schmitt

Data that leaves the farm destined for the National Cooperator Database fuels genetic improvements in dairy cattle through male and female genetic evaluations, independent research to support new selection traits, and national benchmarking.

3 Open Minutes with retiring Holstein Association USA CEO John Meyer

Meyer has enjoyed his time with HAUSA and is proud of the progress the Holstein breed has made over the past two decades.

November 22, 2024

Matti McBride

John Meyer has been CEO of Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) for the past 23 years. Progressive Dairy Editor Matti McBride asked Meyer a few questions about his tenure with HAUSA prior to his retirement in December 2024.

Challenge for a cure

Challenge Butter and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer team up for the holidays.

December 4, 2024

Audrey Schmitz

This holiday season, Challenge Butter is proud to partner with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer to support its mission of improving treatments for pediatric cancer.

Adding IgY makes milk replacer better

Research is still limited, but IgYs from egg powder show promise as a gut building and immune boosting supplement.

December 4, 2024

Shawn Jones

Not all milk replacers are the same. Sure, they differ by protein source, level of protein/fat and any medications or additives included. But milk replacers also differ on how well they support gut health and protect overall calf health. While you probably have a favorite milk replacer, new research shows that adding IgY, the avian equivalent of IgG (immunoglobulin G found in colostrum), can make a good milk replacer even better.

Faber's Food for Thought: Faux trees and ornaments

December 12, 2024

Dwayne Faber

“Feliz Navidad” was ringing through the Faber household as I sat down to write our Christmas article. Christmas music in the beginning of November seems a little early. Christmas celebrations should have a firm line in being celebrated post-Thanksgiving.

Just Dropping By: Christmas gifts

December 12, 2024

Yevet Crandell Tenney

In winter, I have often stood in the icicle air and gazed up at the starlit sky. The pinpricks of light shimmer and flicker in the velvet blackness, while their reflections, like millions of candles, dance across the frozen snow. The whole world sleeps under the warmth of an icy blanket. My soul is filled with indescribable peace as I marvel at the grandeur of it all.

Find the magic

December 12, 2024

Kimmi Devaney

We hear about the “magic” of the season a lot this time of year, but what exactly is it about Christmas that makes us feel this way? Is it the family gatherings, the laughter, the warmth of a cozy fire, the festive lights or is it something else?

Our Publications

Progressive Dairy

December 12, 2024

Digital edition

December 12, 2024 Progressive Dairy digital magazine

News & business

2024 year in review: HPAI, FMMO, margin recovery and dairy cattle inventories

FMMO modernization: USDA releases final decision, goes to producer referendum

Progressive Events: DGN national conference empowers dairywomen to connect, inspire and achieve

Lifelong Learning: The best gifts last a lifetime

Checkoff Watch: A dairy renaissance: The checkoff’s vision for sustainable success

Replacement cow prices climbed to a record-breaking high in October

Management

6 steps to find the right health insurance plan

Topic Articles

A persistent culprit: Mycoplasma bovis

Dairy cows and corn farming: Balancing methane and CO₂ sequestration

Sort gate success in rotary parlor operations

Milk quality in the bulk tank: What do all the numbers mean?

6 considerations to maximize cow comfort this winter

Preparing for winter at Brigeen Farms, Castonguay Ayrshires

The data that makes better cows

3 Open Minutes with retiring Holstein Association USA CEO John Meyer

Challenge for a cure

Adding IgY makes milk replacer better

Departments

Faber's Food for Thought: Faux trees and ornaments

Just Dropping By: Christmas gifts

Find the magic

The financial condition of Idaho agriculture: 2024

Boost cattle health and performance with sustainable deworming

Progressive Events: Pushing for reproductive progress at 2024 DCRC annual meeting

FREE NEWSLETTERS

SUBSCRIBE to Leading Industry Magazines

I'm looking for ________

[Podcast] Dwayne Faber: Keeping employees motivated and engaged when managing dairies from afar