Topics

COVID-19-induced crisis mode is creating a scramble for short-term, and sometimes shortsighted, adjustments. Unfortunately, a narrow “right now” mindset doesn’t work for genetic plans.

The evolution of agriculture marketing has drastically turned in recent years. Consumers are questioning everything that is put in front of them instead of taking news sources at face value. This provides ample opportunities for producers to encourage and promote agriculture as one of the most sustainable industries. Even in these unpredictable economic times, one thing holds true: People have to eat.

Editor’s note: The first two articles in this series: 
COVID-19: A hard conversation about the risk 

Cash flowing to the other side of COVID-19

U.S. consumers are increasingly interested in how their food is produced. Understanding consumer preferences and the choices they are making can help dairy producers, and the industry in general, understand consumer demand for production practices.

Establishing a healthy gut microbiome from the beginning of a calf’s life can have a lasting impact on her success. A properly developed gut can help improve lifetime feed efficiency and support overall calf health. You see, the gut is the first line of defense for a calf’s immune system, which can protect her from scours, pneumonia and other health challenges.

Pair housing (or small groups of up to four calves) for pre-weaned calves is increasing in popularity due to the myriad of benefits for calf welfare compared to individual housing. Converting to pair housing is also appealing as a steppingstone to group housing, because the management transition is simpler compared to management of a large group of calves.