Barns & Equipment

Bunching of animals is a common problem on dairy farms during summer months. Cows in freestall barns sometimes congregate together in one part of the barn, with ample free space not being utilized.

Spring is here, and it is time to start thinking about equipment and crops. When it comes to alfalfa fields, what is the plan for harvest for each cutting?

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.

Automated milking systems are trending upwards in the U.S., and there is an increasing interest from large dairies to adopt this technology. Recently, our group got a competitive grant funded by the California Dairy Research Foundation that aims to describe the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of automated milking systems in large dairy herds across the U.S. This project is a collaboration between University of California – Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the University of Minnesota.

Telematics is a useful tool installed in today’s heavy equipment, yet it can be one of the most underutilized assets.

Most people, especially those involved in the dairy industry, know the saying “Keep on keeping on” all too well. For dairy farmers across the country, it has been more than a saying but a way of life for decades, especially the last year. You put faith in your values and what you know best – your family, experience, passion – and continue despite circumstances.