The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection announces the release of the Nitrogen Optimization Pilot Program Request for Proposals for 2026. In addition to nitrogen rate trials, this year’s RFP includes new opportunities for first-time applicants to explore nitrogen management on their farm using simplified research approaches. NOPP staff from DATCP and UW […]

According to the USDA, 11% of U.S. farmers don’t have health insurance coverage. For dairy farmers, the number is even higher—a staggering 41%. Recognizing how complex and confusing the health insurance system can be—and how crucial health coverage is to people’s well-being—Covering Wisconsin helps Wisconsin residents navigate the system. A program of UW-Extension and a […]

Twelve (12) samples were submitted to Dairyland Laboratories for analysis on August 30, 2022, with overall moisture of approximately 64.92% to 76.84%.

Dairy farmers and the community recognize the importance of high-quality alfalfa in dairy rations. It provides protein, energy, and minerals and increases milk production while maintaining low feed costs. One of the most important factors in determining alfalfa quality is its maturity at harvest. Also, the yield of the first cutting of alfalfa is typically […]

Alfalfa PEAQ measurements and scissor clipping samples are collected by the Fond du Lac County Forage Council.

Alfalfa PEAQ measurements and scissor clipping samples are collected by the Fond du Lac County Forage Council.

Today it costs more to raise dairy heifer replacements than to purchase one, but farmers prefer to raise their own due to controlling genetics and management of these heifers for the milking herd.  Farmers have recognized breeding a heifer to give birth to her first calf at 23-24 months of age is the optimal time […]

Tina Kohlman, Regional Dairy and Livestock Agent Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors of society, including the agriculture sector, is a concern for all.  The agriculture sector contributes 10% of the greenhouse gas emissions, behind transportation, electricity, industry, and commercial and residential sources.  Greenhouse gas emissions from the barn comes mainly from enteric (rumen) […]

Each year, hundreds of youth in the 4-H and FFA Dairy, Beef, Sheep, Swine, and Meat Goat Projects raise, manage, and feed their project animals in hopes of a grand champion ribbon or making a quality meat sale at the county fair.  But how does a youth livestock project fit into real-world agriculture? Recently Extension […]

As of January 1, Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, and Washington Counties Agriculture Extension Programming is moving to a regional model, providing stronger support and educational resources in the area of dairy production management, crops & soils management, and farm business management. Michael Ballweg | Crops & Soils | michael.ballweg@wisc.edu | 920.459.5910 Tina Kohlman | Dairy & […]

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 […]

Every individual working in the Wisconsin agricultural industry counts and has a part in safety and health prevention efforts and that is why “every farmer counts” as this year’s National Farm Safety & Health Awareness Week theme. Women play an increasingly critical role in operating farms and ranches nationwide. In 2017, almost 30% of the […]