Digest Highlights

• Retail dairy sales strong in September
• 2020 fluid sales volumes updated
• Court approves DFA divestiture order
• Dairy Defined: Dairy votes crucial to 2020 elections
• Study: Removing dairy does little for climate, while limiting essential nutrient supply
• Texas dairy producers face tiered pricing system
• Dairy maintains push for higher-fat dairy options in dietary guidelines
• Dairy Download: Dairy walking a tight rope
• Global Dairy Trade index steady
• Progressive Dairy COVID-19 resources

Progressive Dairy provides updates on dairy-related organizations and companies, compiled from staff news sources and industry press releases. Email industry and organization news to Progressive Dairy Editor Jenna Hurty.

It may seem like ages ago, before COVID-19, related market disruptions and changes in consumer habits, but 2019 was another banner year for U.S. per-capita dairy product consumption.

This is the second of three articles in the series "Flipping your freestalls." Read the first, “Flipping your freestalls: What to watch for, how to measure.”

Tip 1: Improve the stall surface

When cows are not provided with a comfortable place to rest, they will not use or occupy the stalls well. Hock injuries are commonly observed in situations where cows are forced to lie on a hard surface or when insufficient bedding is provided.

Our team at AgriStaff USA recently conducted a survey of over 150 Latino dairy employees throughout Wisconsin. We routinely conduct formal surveys to gather information about what employees find important in relation to their job. The surveys aid us in recognizing trends in changes of preferences, as well as guiding our clients in making the best decisions for their farms to attract and retain a quality workforce.

“We have way too many calves with acidosis.”

“Rumen pH’s are low, must be acidosis.”

“I need to switch calf starters; this one is causing acidosis.”

Have any of these thoughts crossed your mind? If so, you’re not alone. But, you might be missing the real question – do your calves actually have acidosis?