Heat stress is commonly associated with reduced milk production, lower reproductive performance and changes in cow behavior, but many of its negative effects originate at the rumen level. As environmental temperature and humidity increase, cows undergo a series of physiological and behavioral adaptations aimed at dissipating heat, altering rumen fermentation dynamics, nutrient utilization, and milk component production.

Happy National Dairy Month! The cows and dairy employees have been enjoying the late spring weather. There are currently 632 cows milking through the parlor, and despite the fluctuating weather the herd continues to average 100 pounds of milk per cow per day.

Morbidity and mortality rates in U.S. dairy calves is high, and a large proportion is due to digestive issues. Calves with at least one morbidity incidence were reported at 33.8% and mortality at 5%. Digestive issues account for 50.9% of the reported morbidity rate and 32% of the mortality rate (USDA, 2021). There are four major infectious causes of diarrhea in calves, Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), Cryptosporidium parvum, rotavirus and coronavirus.

The critical weed-free period is the time during a crop’s development when weeds must be controlled in order to preserve yield potential. For corn, this stage is generally considered to run from about V2 through canopy closure (V6-8). During this time period the crop is setting itself up for future yield by expanding its root system and leaf area, sensing how abundant resources are, and determining how many other plants are growing around it (e.g. weeds). This means that the

Feed is one of the largest expenses on most dairy farms, so even small improvements in feed efficiency can have a significant impact on profitability. The quality of feed also has a direct influence on overall herd performance, including milk production, cow health, and reproduction. This makes feeding a consistent diet while minimizing feed waste an important priority on farms.

Miner Institute has conducted several studies over the years evaluating the impact of heat stress on dairy cattle in Northern NY on farms with different types of heat abatement systems. This research was supported through funding from the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program.

Heat stress changes more than respiration rate and milk production. As environmental temperature and humidity increase, cows also change how they compete for essential resources such as feed and water. While producers often focus on fans and sprinklers as the primary solutions, behavioral changes associated with heat stress can quietly reduce access to feed and water for certain animals in the pen. Understanding these behavioral shifts is important because the cows most affec

In 2018, with funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) of the USDA-NRCS, we began a 6-year edge-of-field drainage water monitoring study on two of Miner Institute’s fields. The project was designed to investigate the impacts of no-till corn production on field hydrology and nutrient transport dynamics.

Heat stress remains a management challenge for farmers, with lasting impacts on milk production, fertility, and overall herd health. Anticipating heat stress early and responding proactively can prevent costly losses. Over the last month or so, our Miner team has focused on fan and soaker maintenance to ensure our facilities are ready for the summer heat.

Increasingly intense storms and more frequent freeze/thaw events due to climate change are making environmentally and economically sustainable crop production increasingly difficult. To survive the episodic periods of inundation and drought that will accompany these climate changes, farms will need to maximize precipitation infiltration to mitigate the accompanying risks which could result in substantial nutrient and sediment exports and crop failure.

As we step into spring our cows and barn crew are both looking forward to warmer weather. With temperatures increasing, the dairy has been busy gearing up for seasonal shifts. Spring cleaning is underway, with some major projects in progress as we also begin preparing for our Open House on August 1.

Anyone who has AI bred cows during the summer months has “felt the heat” when breeding animals. As a relief breeder on our family’s farm, I’ve often wondered if it was even worth the effort and cost of the semen straw to put sperm in what feels like a roaster oven. Since I’ve spent considerable time observing spermatozoa under a microscope, I know how sensitive sperm are to temperature…both cold and hot.

Scours and early-life disease remain among the most costly challenges in calf programs, driving labor, treatment costs, and long-term performance losses. While management practices such as colostrum quality, hygiene, and housing remain the foundation of calf health, nutrition — particularly milk replacer formulation — can influence how calves respond to disease pressure.

For decades butterfat has dominated milk pricing discussions in the U.S., and feeding strategies have largely followed suit. However, market signals over the past several years suggest a clear shift: Milk protein is becoming an increasingly important driver of farm revenue.

There appears to be an increasing focus on the pre-weaning period due to its association with subsequent milk production, and more recently, longevity within the herd. A 2025 Journal of Dairy Science article by Leal et al. focused on the long-term effects of pre-weaning nutrient supply on lactation performance and survival in the herd.

Rumination is a fundamental cow behavior with wide-ranging implications for digestion, health, and productivity. Rechewing feed increases saliva flow, helps maintain rumen pH, and supports fiber degradation. When rumination declines, feed intake and rumen health often suffer soon after.

When the calendar flips to April, I always start thinking about when it will be time to plant corn. But how early is too early? Well, that depends on your definition. Technically speaking, it is never too early to plant corn. As anybody who has dealt with “volunteer” corn knows, corn seeds are perfectly capable of surviving a whole winter out in the field – well enough to cause substantial weed pressure in a soybean crop! Even so, you won’t catch any farmer in his right mind

Feed push-up is a simple management practice, but its impact on cow performance is closely tied to one key factor: keeping feed consistently within reach. As cows eat and sort the ration throughout the day, feed is gradually displaced away from the bunk, creating periods when feed remains present but is no longer accessible.

Protein is one of the most expensive nutrients in a dairy ration, often one of the most overfed. While crude protein (CP) levels of 16 to 18% are still common in many lactating cow diets, research continues to show that a significant portion of that nitrogen isn’t converted into milk protein: Only about 25 to 35% of the nitrogen a cow consumes is captured in milk, with the remainder excreted in manure, particularly in urine

My name is Chloe Otterson-Taylor, and I’m from Elk Grove, California. I recently graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Science in Dairy Science. Although I grew up around horses and spent much of high school working with and finishing them, it wasn’t until college that I discovered my passion for the dairy industry.