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A basic understanding of why core-antigen vaccines are an effective tool during the dry period can help clear up common myths surrounding their usage.

“It was an unwritten rule in our famliy that you had to work away from the farm after college, and you had to bring something back that added value to the farm when you did return,” said Emilie Mulligan, owner and herd manager of Mulligan Farm in Avon, New York.

Since I graduated from veterinary school almost 30 years ago, there have been big shifts in the types of mastitis found on farms.

For years, we’ve seen an emphasis on genetics for things like pounds of milk and butterfat in the dairy industry, and low birthweight, high rate of gain and marbling in the beef industry.

Increasing ingredient costs have wreaked havoc across the dairy industry, leading to elevated ration costs not seen in many years. Feed costs per pound of dry matter (DM) are rising as much as 20% or more as corn and soybean meal prices climb, minimizing farmers’ profit margins.

Regardless of farm size or operation type, manure (or nutrient) management is something every dairy producer must be familiar with. Not giving this area due consideration and planning can have detrimental effects.