Silage is one of the main ingredients in dairy cattle diets and is an important source of nutrients, particularly energy and digestible fiber. Much progress has been done allowing farmers to grow and harvest quality forages including plant genetics, optimum maturity, soil fertility, and storage facilities. However, this progress does no good if the […]
Dairy farmers have improved animal husbandry, herd health, and reproductive management in such a positive way, we now have one of the largest national dairy heifer inventories in history. As profit margins get slimmer in the dairy business, as well as the excess number of heifers raised on farms, many farmers are starting to use […]
Pricing corn silage is a difficult decision because it often comes at a time when the emotions of sellers and buyers are high. The seller has the opportunity to sell a corn field for either silage or grain and incorporate the fertilizer value of the stover back into the field. The buyer has the opportunity […]
During extreme cold or hot temperatures, calves utilize extra nutrients to maintain their core body temperature. The temperature range at which a calf uses no additional energy to maintain its core body temperature is called the thermoneutral zone. For a newborn calf, a calf maintains its core body temperature with no additional nutrients from […]
When it comes to health issues on a dairy farm, lameness is usually the main concern along with mastitis and reproductive issues. Lameness includes any abnormality which causes a cow to change the way she walks. It can be caused by a range of foot and leg conditions including foot rot, digital dermatitis, laminitis, and […]
A calf’s successful transition from a milk-based diet to a diet of grain and forages requires proper rumen development. However, rumen development is a process that takes time. Regardless of how much milk one is feeding calves or what age they are at weaning time, if the rumen is not ready, calves are going to […]
The bi-annual Midwest Manure Summit was developed with the hope that bringing the best resources from around the country would fuel new conversations and innovations. This year’s conference included 180 registered producers, agribusiness professionals, government agency employees, and educators. Educators’ roles included program development and implementation; solicitation of nationally renowned speakers; sponsorship solicitation; web-site development; […]
When alfalfa fails due to winterkill, farmers must turn to alternative forages to make up for both the quality and quantity of the alfalfa lost in a growing season. Extension Crops/Soils and Dairy Program members, Midwest Forage Association (MFA), and 11 local Forage Councils, including Fond du Lac County, partnered to host the Local Forage […]
It is human nature to avoid conflict, stressful situations, and the unknown. And often, it seems easier to avoid difficult conversations. As agribusiness professionals and service providers, it is easier to focus on the technical component in a conversation rather than the emotional aspect. Extension Fond du Lac County Dairy & Livestock Agent Tina […]
When you reach for another layer, it is time to start making your calf care plan for winter. Tina Kohlman UW-Madison Extension Fond du Lac County Dairy & Livestock Agent joined Millaine Wells of Green Bay WFRV Channel 5 for a chat about nutrition, bedding, and the best housing for your calves. One-month-old calves begin […]
