Due to the demand for ethanol farmers will be planting more corn, and the number of acres committed to other crops will be reduced. This shift will likely have a large impact on the market price of a number of feed commodities. The availability and price of each commodity will need to be evaluated for optimal pricing. Some acceptable, alternative feeds may allow some reduction of corn grain in the diet of lactating dairy cows. Read more in Feeding dairy cows when corn prices are high by C. R. Staples.

Dairy cattle fertility is determined largely by environmental factors but the genetic component should not be ignored. The decline in fertility in dairy cattle that has occurred in the last 50 years was caused in part by changes in genetic composition of dairy breeds.
Crossbreeding can result in an improvement in fertility and longevity and a decrease in milk yield. This paper by Peter J. Hansen discusses two effective genetic solutions to the problem of infertility in dairy cattle: crossbreeding and selection for reproductive traits.

Improving dairy cow fertility through genetics>>

Why should I know about animal welfare audits?

Animal husbandry should be equivalent to animal welfare, providing clean, dry and comfortable housing, nutrition balanced for stage of life, trained employees, pain control, euthanasia programs, and verification that these needs are being met. But back to the original question, why be informed about animal welfare audits? Firstly, to make an informed decision regarding participation. Will an audit program benefit your operation? Do you want or need to sell to a market requiring audits? Eventually, farms may need to participate to remain competitive. Currently, audit programs represent extra costs for the farm operation. However, in future, the question will become “Can I afford not to participate?” Read Susan D. Eicher's article >>

Henk Kolbach's cows milk themselves 2.8 times a day in a VMS robot, saving Henk three hours of work per day. They produce 600,000 kg per year, which is double to that produced ten years ago. This is due to the increase in the number of cows and a higher yield of milk per cow. The herd now produces 1,500 kg more milk/cow/year. Good breeding management has also helped boost production. 

Henk has been quite satisfied with the robot and everything has been working well. In fact, Henk’s 21-year-old son, Rene, says everything runs so smoothly that it’s boring.  Read more about the Kolback farm>>