Technology is changing the way dairy farmers work, especially when it comes to data. More and more resources are available to collect data on nearly every aspect of a dairy, but with that opportunity comes the challenge of managing that information and using it to make decisions. “It’s amazing how many new types of data we have on dairy farms,” …
Meet Cargill’s Cowboy Robot
Cargill has developed the first ever robotic cattle driver to improve both animal welfare and employee safety. The robots are designed to move cattle from pens to the harvest area, reducing stress to the animals by minimizing their proximity to human activity. Employees operate the robots from a catwalk located above the pens, reducing safety risks by keeping those who …
Deere Showcases New Forage Harvesters at #WDE18
John Deere showcased its new 9000 Series Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters (SPFH) at the 2018 World Dairy Expo last week in Madison, Wisconsin. The high-capacity forage harvesters announced in August provide up to 400 tons of throughput per hour, along with optimum corn silage processing that’s independent of the length of cut. “We get ten percent more productivity per horsepower while …
KEENAN, InTouch Systems Provide Daily Information
Dairy producers visiting the 2018 World Dairy Expo had the opportunity to learn more about KEENAN mixers and the InTouch system from Dan Gard, KEENAN sales manager for the United States. “KEENAN has no dead spots in the mixer, so it delivers a consistent, uniform mix for the ration regardless of the ingredients, and that’s really what sets it apart,” …
Trade Agreement Encourages Edge Dairy Cooperative
The new trade agreement between the United States, Canada and Mexico (USMCA) has generated a lot of discussion at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin this week since it holds lots of promise for the industry to increased exports. John Holevoet, director of government affairs for Edge Dairy Cooperative and the Dairy Business Association, says the main change is …
Balanced Dairy Rations Improve Herd Nutrition
Each dairy farmer has different nutrition goals, based in part on what forages are available on farm. Hubbard dairy nutritionists like John Pretz help farmers with regular nutrient analysis so they can optimize the forages that are available and identify supplements that might further improve herd production, reproduction, and overall animal health. “I think we’ve absolutely evolved over the last …
2018 World Dairy Expo Explores Next Frontier
Sporting a theme this year of “The Next Frontier,” World Dairy Expo is in full swing right now in Madison, Wisconsin. Communications Specialist Katie Schmitt says there are almost 900 companies exhibiting at the expo this year. “Our trade show is really a great place for farmers to find that new technology and do some research,” says Schmitt, who says …
Busting Myths About Mycotoxins
Misconceptions about mycotoxins can cause problems for cattle producers. One of the biggest myths out there is that most mycotoxin challenges are caused by weather. And while weather can play a role, it’s more often field agronomic practice and insect damage that are the larger culprits when it comes to mycotoxin development, according to Pat Crowley, on-farm specialist with Alltech. …
Animal Ag Bites 8/20
The IDEAg Group LLC announces a new partnership with Sioux Nation Ag Center at Dakotafest 2018. Dakotafest takes place Aug. 21-23 at Schlaffman Farm in Mitchell, South Dakota. Over 500 exhibitors will offer trade show booths, educational sessions and family-friendly offerings. Download the Dakotafest mobile app at www.dakotafest.com for show information. The challenges and questions generated by market and regulatory …
Animal Ag Bites 8/13
U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the government of Morocco has agreed to allow commercial imports of U.S. poultry meat and products into Morocco for the first time. The National Cattlemen’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the W.D. Farr Scholarships for the 2018-19 school year. Two annual $15,000 grants will be …