Stocking Density and Your Herd

Stocking Density and Your Herd.  By Jaclyn Krymowski. Stocking density (or rate) is a bit of a fine line for dairymen to walk. It’s a tricky subject because while there’s plenty of research on the topic, it’s still not an exact science. Not to mention, what is “ideal” for your...

Raising Replacement Dairy Heifers

Raising Replacement Dairy Heifers.  By Heather Smith Thomas. Good heifers are the future of a dairy, so it’s important to raise or have someone raise your heifers to grow optimally—ready to become healthy, high-producing cows.  Dr. Bob James, a dairy consultant with GPS Dairy Consultants and...

Team Culture: Discussions with a Master-Mentor

 Team Culture: Discussions with a Master-Mentor By Michael Cox When we think of Apple, we think of Steve Jobs; when we think of Tesla, we think of Elon Musk; Richard Branson comes to mind when we think of Virgin Airways. CEOs and founders often receive all the attention and name recognition when a...

Agriculture Industry in Need of Future Employees!

 Agriculture Industry in Need of Future Employees! While agriculture is a multi-billion-dollar industry that directly affects everyone in the world each day, employers still struggle to find qualified candidates that are enthusiastic about the industry and need. Projections indicate that there will be more...

Improving Peak Milk Yields

 Improving Peak Milk Yields. By Noah Litherland, Former Extension Specialist; University of Minnesota Extension.Quick facts• Successfully guiding cows through early lactation is key to their health and performance.• Nutrition and health during early lactation greatly affects peak milk yields....

H. J. Baker: Making a Difference for Today’s Dairy Producers

 H. J. Baker: Making a Difference for Today’s Dairy Producers. By Steve Weisman. For dairy producers, proteins and amino acids are two crucial supplements in helping dairy herds attain optimum health. Even so, the questions become what’s the research show? How much? Which ones? Where do you...

Survival of the Leanest.

 By Michael Cox for American Dairymen. Allen Bonthius is not your stereotypical dairy industry representative. For one thing, he doesn’t own any cows and has no plans to own cows in future. In fact, his primary job is as an agri-equipment sales representative.He’s an interesting person, in part...

Replacement Heifers: Tough Decisions and Great Opportunity

 Replacement Heifers: Tough Decisions and Great Opportunity By Jaclyn Krymowski for American Dairymen Magazine  Some dairymen make the case that heifers are the most important animals on the farm. There’s some truth to this. It’s important to remember a heifer’s value isn’t based...