Magazine

In Progressive Dairyman’s first issue of the year, we take a look at how 2017 is taking off for the dairy industry in our news and business section. See what milk prices are doing, and how much milk cows are now producing. Do you have a few millennials on your farm? This issue outlines the best way to work alongside them.

A.I. and breeding, cow comfort, facilities and design, and equipment are the issue’s main subjects. Learn how to improve estrus detection. Brush up in the basics of estrus synchronization and timed A.I. Also, are you redesigning or updating your farm? Get a few tips for how to design your stalls here. Or see how you could design your transition cow facilities. It’s that time of year for equipment maintenance: Don’t forget to check over your stock trailer.

Be sure to read Yevet Tenney’s article, “Four sure ways to improve your new year.”

In the second issue of 2017, Progressive Dairyman is taking a good look at milk quality and calf and heifer raising.

First, check out the upcoming events, including the World Ag Expo and Pennsylvania’s 2017 Diary Summit. This issue will let you know what to expect at the events.

Learn these seven areas of calf care and see where you can improve. Do you have auto-feeders for your calves? Your calves may not be eating like you think. Find out more in this issue.

Are your milkers less than enthusiastic about their job? Learn how to engage them and help them know the importance of their job. As winter gets yet colder, learn how to prevent teat-end frostbite. Also, see methods for treating frostbite injuries before mastitis sets in. Speaking of mastitis, see this new method for detecting mastitis early.

Don’t forget to read Ryan Dennis’ article, “What’s actually lost in translation.”

Progressive Dairyman’s third issue of the year will be tackling the controversial subject of GMOs. Can a non-GMO dairy supply chain be created under a traditional business model? How are companies in the dairy supply chain approaching the non-GMO issue? Who is driving the non-GMO movement? And who is defending the GMOs? This and much more is discussed here.

Also a major subject in this issue is forages and silages. What should you expect when feeding the 2016 silage crop? How should you feed high-acetic acid silages, and how could you prevent it in the future? Also, see how canola meal is ideally suited as a protein source for dairy cows.

Be sure to read Tom Heck’s article, “Don’t forget your valentine,” or Ryan Dennis’ article, “Social farming.”

In this Progressive Dairyman issue, we will be focusing on breeding and A.I. See how a genetic mutation from one bull caused the loss of 500,000 calves. Learn the two keys to achieving high milk yields and pregnancy rates. And here’s an odd question for you: Can dairy reproduction be too efficient?

Also included in this issue is dry and transition cows, and manure handling. Read part one of the article, “10 steps for a successful transition period.” Learn the best practices for calving assistance, and learn four ways to reduce the risk of transition cow problems. For manure handling, find opportunities to get the job done quickly and safely. Also, see how two dairies installed manure handling systems to meet their needs.

Also be sure to read Tim Moffett’s article, “Farm day care.”

Need inspiration? Progressive Dairyman’s fifth issue of the year tells the uplifting stories of the dairy industry. Be sure to read the cover story, about a dairyman’s last wish to visit a modern dairy farm. Or find out how one farm widow spent 30 years dairying solo, despite the odds against her. And hear how an injured farmer’s neighbors pitched in to harvest crops.

Once you had your fill of feel-good articles, dive into business management, this issue’s focus. Learn the three fundamental drivers of agriculture’s economy, or consider a timely finical tune-up for your operation. Also, read about two dairies’ strategies for success despite low milk prices. Lastly, read about how one dairywoman gave up a great job to go back to the farm.

Also be sure to read Tom Heck’s article, “It just isn’t cutting it.”

This issue of Progressive Dairyman dives into calf and heifer raising. Consider these six things when turning a dairy barn into a calf barn. Learn how to prevent and treat abomasal bloat in young calves. And see how this Florida heifer raiser improved calf performance when he build a new barn.

This issue also takes a closer look at robots. Learn why Lehi Creek Farm chose robots, or see how the Balzers gained 15 pounds per cow when they transitioned from tiestalls to robots. Are you transitioning to a robotic milking system? Avoid the headache that comes with start-up by following this preparation list. Also, see how you can achieve 100 pounds per cow with a robotic milking system.

Lastly, be sure to read Ryan Dennis’ article, “Fishing during a class war.”

Progressive Dairyman’s seventh issue of the year focuses on management, milk quality, nutrition and A.I. and breeding. Read the cover story: “More plant capacity needed to handle growing milk supply.” Will demand eventually absorb the excess milk?

Other management articles include “Labor: What will change under Pres. Trump’s executive orders,” “Holistic risk management eliminates holes in your game plan” and “How can I make sure next year’s tax season isn’t a nightmare?”

Having reproduction issues this year? Mycotoxins in the 2016 crop could be affecting your herd’s reproduction. See how you can mitigate the effects of mycotoxins. Also, learn these four ways to boost in vitro fertilization and ET success. And see how you can breed for less mastitis, lameness and fresh cow diseases.

The year’s eighth issue of Progressive Dairyman explores several topics, including business management, animal welfare, equipment and nutrition. Read the cover story, “Challenging nutrition models.” Did your cows’ performance match the prediction? If not, there may be inaccurate inputs.

Is it better to buy feed or should you grow your own? See what should be considered when growing your own forage. If you do grow your own forage, it’s time to plan ahead for the 2017 silage crop.

Animal welfare is also discussed in this issue. Did you know that in 1950, farmers produced enough food in a year to feed 33 people? Today they produce enough to feed 155 people. Overall, farmers produce more and more efficiently than decades before. But with increased production and farm size, came consumer distrust. Farmers, it’s time to “get out” and advocate for agriculture.

The May 25 issue of Progressive Dairyman will focus on calf and heifer raising. Read the cover story, “Endres Jazzy Jerseys: All-in, all-out calf barn minimizes death loss.” Learn how this dairy farmer borrowed the all-in, all-out style from hog operations to build his calf barn, and how he decreased his calf death loss from 10 percent to 1 percent.

Also covered in this issue is disease prevention and herd health. Learn how to prevent hypocalcemia, and learn these 10 steps for a successful transition period. See what metabolic factors could be affecting the immune system of the transition dairy cow. And lastly, find out how Rosy-Lane Holsteins has avoided antibiotic treatments for 46 months and counting.

Also be sure to read Ryan Dennis’ article, “Japan and its milk modernity.”

It’s June Dairy Month! This issue of Progressive Dairyman joins the celebrations with delicious dairy recipes and touching feature stories. Also, there are only so many dairy farmers in the U.S. who can answer consumers’ questions. Join the June Dairy Month spirit and reach out, through social media or otherwise.

Looking to add value to your farm with on-farm processing? See if it’s right for your operation by considering these pros and cons. If the answer is yes, be sure to take advice from those who have been there as you get started.

Also be sure to read Tim Moffatt’s article, “Farmers are alike, no matter where you go.”

This issue of Progressive Dairyman will be discussing milk and beef quality. When it comes to milk quality, Bosscher Dairy is a standout among standouts. While there’s no magic bullet, learn how this dairy has averaged a 55,000 SCC score over a one-year period. Also learn how to raise calf-fed Holstein beef from this Pennsylvania case study.

A good chunk of this issue is dedicated to rations and nutrient formulations. Thinking about growing sorghums or oats for your cows? See how milk production will be affected in this study. Is your income over feed cost slim? It may be time to consider hybrids bred exclusively for corn silage.

Also be sure to read Yevet Tenney’s article, “Freedom’s Ship.”

The 12th issue of Progressive Dairyman is all about keeping your cows cool. Learn 5 ways to save water while cooling cows. See how protected B vitamins can help heat-stressed cows. Lastly, learn how to cool you cows more efficiently and why dry cows need a bit of cool air as well.

Hoof care is another important topic that this issue covers. Learn why cows go lame and what you can do about it. Find out how you can better control digital dermatitis with M-scoring and find lame cows with locomotion scoring.

This issue of Progressive Dairyman dives into the legal and financial implications of divorce on the farm. Learn how to prepare for this possibility in terms of succession.

Another focus of this issue is herd health and animal welfare. Learn how you can monitor fresh cow behavior and health with precision technology. Find out what metabolic factors are affecting the immune system of the transition dairy cow. Also, learn how Dutch farmers reduced their antibiotic use after a government mandate.

Also be sure to read Tim Moffett’s article, “Alternative energy.”

This issue of Progressive Dairyman will mainly focus on reproduction, A.I. and breeding. Is the future polled? See the economic impacts of breeding polled cattle. Learn these guidelines for semen storage and handling. Check out these three reproductive technologies and how they are transforming dairy cattle genetics.

Also in this issue is calf and heifer raising. Learn the do’s and don’ts of colostrum, and see what it takes to build the “right” heifer facility. Also, learn the benefits of growing heifers to reach puberty at a younger age.

Be sure to read Ryan Dennis’ article, “Grounded in the past.”

The 15th issue of Progressive Dairyman is focused on the producer. A good chunk of this issue is producer features. See how one young couple broke into the dairy industry, or how another dairyman discovered his ancestry in dairy. Also included are the stories that celebrate retirees and their careers in dairy.

Get all the details on the upcoming World Dairy Expo in this preview. Find the dairy cattle show schedule; get a snippet of seminars; and read about the farms featured in this year’s virtual tours.

Also be sure to read Tom Heck’s article, “Grandpa and the smashed-up truck.”

Going to World Dairy Expo? This Progressive Dairyman issue details the best things to do when you’re not ringside. Also get a peek at what new products and technologies will be introduced at World Dairy Expo.

Also covered in this issue is milk quality. See the big picture of mastitis, milk quality and product quality. Learn how to maximize milking technicians’ effectiveness. And see what Precision Dairy Conference panels had to say about robotic milkers.

Also be sure to read “Indoor feed mixing: A new trend?” by Editor Walt Cooley.