Automated activity monitoring systems have become a common management tool on many herds and are often used to detect estrus and ovulation of cows more easily. These tools can help identify groups of cows that may act and respond differently to common reproductive practices and potentially be managed under a more individualized or targeted approach.

The transition period is a crucial time for dairy cows, as they experience many concurrent changes during a time that already has the highest occurrence of metabolic disorders and infectious disease. With changes in hormones, metabolic stress, and nutritional challenges, most cows decrease their dry matter intake (DMI), thus entering a negative energy and protein balance.

Our wonderful team here at Miner Institute has achieved something pretty incredible! According to our last DHI test, our herd has a Rolling Herd Average of a little over 33,000! That's over 55,000 pounds of fluid milk produced by our herd each day! We also recently received an award for the high quality of our milk, presented to us by Agri-Mark, our milk cooperative.

The preweaning period is a pivotal stage that can have lasting consequences, influencing growth and future milk production. It has been found that calves experiencing illness within the first four months of life have negative effects on first lactation 305-d mature equivalent milk, actual milk, protein and fat production (Heinrichs and Heinrichs, 2011). Antibiotics are a common way of preventing or treating illness during this timeframe, and they can significantly decrease mi

In my September Farm Report article, I discussed why taking feed samples correctly is one of the most critical steps in building accurate rations and preventing unexpected dips in cow performance. I emphasized that feed values can fluctuate significantly from one day to the next, and while some of this variation reflects true changes in the feed — especially depending on storage method, face management, or where material is removed —sampling errors can add additional variabil

Corn grain is a major source of starch in dairy cow diets, and the way this grain is processed can directly affect digestibility and animal performance. Traditionally, finely ground dry corn is the most commonly used form on farms. However, other options, such as high-moisture corn and reconstituted corn, have been used as strategies to improve starch availability in the rumen.

“Kanpai”, the Japanese word for “cheers”, was a word I found myself saying often during a recent trip to Japan. This visit was more than a cultural experience but marked a significant milestone for Miner Institute: 30 years of research collaboration with ZEN-NOH, the National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations. This partnership is the longest-running research collaboration in Miner Institute’s history and has delivered practical benefits to dairy farmers in b

Most farms these days understand the importance of routinely taking soil samples in our fields. While CAFO regulations require most farmers to sample a minimum of every three years, many sample more frequently to better identify and locate areas of nutrient deficit or excess.

When the corn is in the bunk and field work wraps up for the season, some forage producers already start thinking ahead about what they are planting next year. A few operations may even choose to purchase seed before the end of the year to take full advantage of early-purchase discounts. While these discounts may not look like a lot, they can amount to tens of thousands of dollars for large operations.

Dairy is the heart of so many dishes that make the holidays special. From creamy mashed potatoes to festive desserts, dairy brings comfort, richness, and warmth to every celebration. I am sharing a recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies- a treat that highlights the classic dairy flavors in a sweet, cozy way that is perfect for November.