Importance of Genomics, Manure Management, Facility Building, Vegetation Management

American Dairymen August 2025

As we wrap up this issue of American Dairymen, we also find ourselves wrapping up another Dairy Month.  It reminded me of when I was a kid and time seemed to stand still, and the days, weeks, and months seemed to last forever.  As an adult, I often feel I  want time to slow down.  We are already halfway through another year.  Soon, discussions about the World Dairy Expo will be on the minds of exhibitors, vendors, and producers alike.  And not too long after that, we will be wrapping up 2025 and wondering what 2026 will have in store for us and the dairy industry.

I recently attended a John Deere event in Arlington, WI, where John Deere unveiled its new F8/F9 Self-Propelled Forage Harvestors.  As the lights dimmed and the music began playing, a fog machine started pumping out fog in front of the slowly opening garage doors.  I felt the adrenaline starting to pump as the new machinery rolled into the building.  What an entrance!  Long story short, I encourage you to find the American Dairymen Podcast episode with John Deere’s “go-to man,” Bergen Nelson, as we discussed the ins and outs of these new forage harvesters.

This month’s issue features a strong lineup of editorial, covering dairy genetics and AI.  We also feature an editorial on Facility Building, Planning, and Updating. If that is in your future, you will want to check out.  And lastly, we have a piece on manure management.  We hope you find this helpful and educational lineup.

As we conclude this piece, we at the American Dairymen would like to thank all dairy producers for their dedication to the industry.  Dairy month is only 30 days, and we can all agree that it isn’t long enough!  We know it isn’t easy, and we know it involves long hours, but please know that you are appreciated and admired!  As Dairy month comes to an end, I tip my ice cream cone to you and say Thank you!

Cheers,

Dustin Hector

In This Issue

• Importance of Genomics: for Genetic Improvement
• Manure Management: Crucial Considerations
• Facility Building: Critical Thoughts for Building, Planning & Updating
• Dairy Goats: Goats for Vegetation Management