Category: Lactation
Deck the Stalls: The Importance of Rest for Cows
December 15, 2025
Picture yourself walking into the barn: The cows are quiet, lying comfortably in a neat line along the length of the barn as they rhythmically chew their cud. For a […]
What are 10 cows worth to your operation?
February 17, 2023
Dairy profit margins have tightened in the last 6 months. Dairy farms need to maximize income and squeeze every penny of efficiency they can find. The first tool a dairy […]
Three Dairy Production Numbers You Need to Look At
September 13, 2021
One of my favorite phrases that I hear is, “we are drowning in information while starving for wisdom.” I am sure everyone has felt this at some point in their […]
The Most Common Reasons Cows Get Mastitis
October 29, 2020
Contracting mastitis in fresh dairy cows is a complicated process that requires a close look at the conditions and situations that allow for this harmful disease to develop. Mastitis is […]
Milking Cows: Five Mistakes to Avoid
September 14, 2020
The process of milking cows requires a consistent milking routine and proper udder preparation to increase milk flow and reduce milk-out times. Some of the most critical items I have […]
Take Advantage of Milk Protein to Maximize your Milk Check
August 13, 2020
The composition and amount of proteins found in milk is largely determined by the genetics of the cow, making it difficult to alter fully. However, it can be changed somewhat […]
I have to cut milk production. Now what?
May 6, 2020
2020 has seen some unprecedented markets, actions, and now mandates reducing the amount of milk sold by a farm. While there are many options to accomplish reducing milk volume for […]
Achieving and Maintaining Strong Dairy Milk Components
April 8, 2020
Strong milk components have been and always should be an important topic to discuss on dairies. In no specific order, here are some fundamental points I think about, check, or […]
5 Favorite Reports to Check Remotely for a Robotic Herd
March 30, 2020
With COVID-19 keeping us at home, here are some things you can look at to check progress on your Lely® farm with a robotic milking system. Here are my favorite […]
How to Use Records to Improve Reproduction
December 10, 2018
The secret to getting more cows pregnant in a timely manner could already be at your fingertips. In fact, it may be just a few key strokes away. Valuable data […]
5 Areas of Focus to Maximize Peak Production
November 7, 2018
The lactation curve of milk production on some farms can be complicated. The question of how we get more production from cows comes up in many conversations between nutritionists and […]
Rumen Health: Challenges and Solutions
November 2, 2017
Rumen health is extremely important to farm profitability. Rumen disturbances can result in inadequate animal performance and cost farms a lot of milk. “Feed the bugs first, then the cows.” […]