MSU Extension Dairy

• Not all milk-to-feed ratios are created equal (Part 1)

  Published on December 3, 2012
  For decades the USDA milk-to-feed ratio has been touted as a predictor of dairy farm profitability.

• Employee turnover on dairy farms and what it’s costing producers

  Published on November 29, 2012
  Dairy farm owners and managers know intuitively that employee turnover is expensive. But how expensive is it? What are the major causes and what can you as an owner or manager do to combat it?

• Increasing transparency through food dialogues

  Published on November 29, 2012
  The Food Dialogues - New York, sponsored by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) on Nov. 15 is “food for thought” and available for viewing.

• Monitoring failure of passive transfer in calves

  Published on November 26, 2012
  Interest is growing for on-farm monitoring Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT). This article covers the details of using a Brix Refractometer to determine FPT and assess your colostrum management program.

• Soil health and soil quality

  Published on November 20, 2012
  Understanding the differences between soil health and soil quality.

• Composting animal mortality reduces carbon dioxide emissions

  Published on November 13, 2012
  By replacing a diesel fuel-fired carcass incinerator with an animal-tissue compost facility, a swine finishing facility could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 60 percent.

• What total maximum daily load (TMDL) means to agriculture

  Published on November 12, 2012
  TMDL is becoming a common term in rural communities. It’s important for farmers to understand how TMDLs affect nearby watersheds.

• Cost of renovating hay or pasture fields in northern Michigan

  Published on November 9, 2012
  Figure out costs and risks before working up old hay fields or pastures.

• Using oilseed radish to extend the grazing season

  Published on November 8, 2012
  Michigan experienced one of the worst droughts in recent history in 2012. Some livestock farmers may experience feed shortage this fall. Oilseed or field radish can help remedy that.

• Single species versus multiple species cover crops

  Published on November 6, 2012
  Michigan’s Upper Peninsula trial explores option of multi-species cover crops for soil-building.

• Beef cow winter feed planning

  Published on November 6, 2012
  Winter feed resources for beef cows.

• Fall manure application tips

  Published on November 4, 2012
  Maximize value and limit risks this fall through careful manure application.

• Did that calf get enough good quality colostrum?

  Published on November 1, 2012
  Whether raising, buying or selling calves, producers should be concerned about the calf’s immune status, by knowing if they’re getting enough good quality colostrum.

• Fall pasture walk provides great opportunity for learning new ideas

  Published on November 1, 2012
  Shupe Dairy Farm milks and pastures 600 cows in Huron County, located at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. Here’s a look at some of their decisions shared at the recent pasture event.

• Dairy producers – Get your water tested!

  Published on October 26, 2012
  Water is the single most important nutrient for dairy cows.

• Dairy market update, October 2012

  Published on October 26, 2012
  Dairy market fundamentals continue to indicate strong dairy product and milk prices as the national dairy herd and milk production continue to decline.

• Snaplage in the dairy ration

  Published on October 26, 2012
  Feeding snaplage/earlage has advantages and disadvantages. Producers must carefully evaluate their feeding situations and decide if snaplage is a good fit for their operation.

• Feeding corn stalks on dairy farms: Dry cows and bred heifers

  Published on October 23, 2012
  Dry dairy cows and heifers can be fed corn stalks as a cost effective forage source. Corn stalks are cost effective forage that can be used sparingly in lactation rations. Use caution not to overfeed resulting in reduced intake and reduced milk production.

• Feeding corn stalks on dairy farms: Lactating cows

  Published on October 23, 2012
  Corn stalks are cost effective forage that can be used sparingly in lactation rations. Use caution not to overfeed resulting in reduced intake and reduced milk production.

• Fall feeding and management for spring calving beef herds

  Published on October 22, 2012
  Weaning and winter feeding planning after drought.