Dairy News provides timely information about the dairy industry, featured events, farm safety and animal health.
Direct questions or comments to umndairy@umn.edu.

Discussions aid understanding of high-tech dairy systems, cow health, and the farm’s bottom line.

The past 10 years have seen the milk fat benchmark for a Holstein herd increase from 3.75% in 2012 to an average milk fat of over 4.0% in 2021.

Feed costs have increased dramatically, and futures indicate they will remain high throughout 2022. There are practices that may help lower feed costs without affecting performance.

Dana Adams, University of Minnesota Extension educator, marries her fascination with dairy animals with desire to help livestock farmers.

Study shows good governance, the ability to identify and develop talent, an orderly succession strategy, and “family gravity” are traits of successful family-owned businesses.

With current soaring commercial fertilizer prices, some crop farmers are seeking to buy manure from their livestock owner neighbors. Luckily, livestock and crop farmers teaming up can prove to be mutually beneficial.

Governmental funding initiatives will result in some farms and small businesses having significant governmental income payments this year. Several tax planning strategies can help farmers maximize their after-tax income.
The amount of overcrowding you can tolerate on your dairy depends on facility design and management. Overstocking does not need to affect productivity and animal welfare when certain criteria are met.
Hay is expensive, even if you make your own. Avoiding waste can mean you don’t have to buy hay or could mean you have excess hay you can sell. Either way, using your hay efficiently results in more money in the long run.
Handling livestock safely is crucial on any farm to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Bulls are some of the most dangerous animals on the farm and require strict safety measures.