MU Extension urges biosecurity to mitigate HPAI on dairy farms
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri dairy farmers are urged to protect their dairy herds from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus as the USDA and other federal agencies investigate an illness among dairy cows in seven other states (Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, New Mexico, Ohio, Texas and North Carolina). The illnesses in those states have been confirmed as HPAI.
Free multispecies grazing workshop April 30 in Clinton
CLINTON, Mo. – Grazing multiple species of livestock (cattle, sheep or goats) in the same area could be more profitable and sustainable for livestock producers than raising a single species. “Diversifying your operation with multispecies grazing has the potential to increase your cash flow and better pasture utilization,” said David Brown, University of Missouri Extension sheep and goat specialist.
Paired housing of dairy calves could be 'logical next step' of FARM
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – While explaining new requirements in the National Dairy FARM 5.0 program, a University of Missouri Extension specialist told dairy producers to be aware of what may be coming in 2027. At the Missouri Dairy Expo last month in Springfield, Scott Poock said FARM 6.0 will probably require some form of group housing for dairy calves, most likely paired housing.
MU dairy team urges enhanced biosecurity over Texas mystery outbreak
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri Extension dairy team cautions producers to practice elevated biosecurity in light of a recent disease outbreak in Texas dairy country, in and near the Texas Panhandle from Dalhart to Lubbock. While the source of the outbreak is unknown, it has affected several Texas dairy farms, observable through sudden decreases in milk production (up to 30 pounds per day), reduced feed intake and changes in…
2024 dairy returns might improve
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Prices paid in 2024 for dairy products should be similar to 2023, while net returns may be better, according to University of Missouri Extension economist Scott Brown. Brown told attendees at the 2024 Missouri Dairy Expo that average weather and feed costs will be key factors for this year’s outlook.
Plans for weaned fall-born calves
SEDALIA, Mo. – While spring calving and spring bull sales may dominate the producer’s current thought process, planning for weaned fall calves might slip through the cracks. Two items to pay close attention to for weaned calves is value of gain and cost per pound of gain. Having an idea of these two calculations can provide some guidance on how weaned calves should be managed.
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes winners
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors honored its 2023 winners in a special ceremony Friday, Jan. 26, 2024, said Gloria Johnson, executive secretary for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors.
Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finishes 2nd
The Missouri 4-H dairy judging team finished second overall at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, held in October at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.Competing in a field of 20, the team had its best finish in more than 100 years and qualified for international competition, said University of Missouri Extension 4-H youth development specialist Karla Deaver, who coaches the team with retired MU Extension dairy…
Women in dairy invited to Sept. 12 lavender tour in Centralia
CENTRALIA, Mo. – Women involved in the dairy industry are invited to attend an on-farm field trip to learn more about lavender production.The University of Missouri’s Women in Dairy group is scheduled to tour and smell the lavender fields at Battlefield Lavender in Centralia 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12.“Lavender production holds the opportunity to supplement your income or at minimum lift your spirits,” says MU Extension dairy…
Helping dairy cows through extreme heat
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Heat waves put extra stress on livestock. A University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist advises taking specific, ongoing steps for dairy cows throughout heat waves.Heat abatement“Dairy cows become heat-stressed starting at 65 degrees Fahrenheit,” said Scott Poock, state extension specialist in veterinary medicine. “Fans should start running at that temperature and by 70 degrees, soakers should be started.”
Franklin County farm hosts Missouri Dairy Summer Social
WASHINGTON, Mo. – Riegel Dairy in Washington, Mo., will host the Missouri Dairy Summer Social 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, June 30.Grade A dairy producers statewide are encouraged to attend this free educational event, says Reagan Bluel, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist and educational director of Missouri Dairy.Recognized as a leading producer in the state, Riegel Dairy uses technology to help manage its herd of 780…
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 2022 winners
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recently honored its 2022 winners in a special ceremony, according to Gloria Johnson, executive secretary for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors.
Missouri 4-H places first at All-American Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Missouri 4-H’s dairy judging team finished first overall at the 2022 All-American Dairy Show Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held Sept. 19 in Harrisburg, Pa.
Tough culling decisions come with drought, forage shortages
COLUMBIA, Mo. – With dry weather and short pastures, Missouri cow-herd owners face tough culling decisions. One way to match cows’ needs to available grass is to sell cows.Give careful thought to which grass eaters go first, says Eric Bailey, University of Missouri Extension beef nutritionist. Under drought stress, identifying those cows becomes urgent.
Corn silage as a forage
COLUMBIA, Mo. – An emergency feeding situation is shaping up for Missouri’s beef producers because of the drought. University of Missouri Extension recently hosted University of Wisconsin agronomist Joe Lauer on the MU Extension Forage and Livestock Hour to discuss his research on corn silage as a forage.
Missouri dairy producers have their eyes on the drought
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Northern Missouri has received plenty of rain, and dairy producers there are hopeful about making a silage pile, while those in the state’s southern counties are looking at options as drought conditions and oppressive heat have taken hold.
Breeding by protocol: 7&7 Synch
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As breeding seasons for seasonal pasture-based dairy herds and beef cows approach, it might be time to consider if a new estrus synchronization protocol developed by the University of Missouri could benefit your operation.Getting cows pregnant in beef herds and seasonal grazing dairies is critical for these operations, said MU Extension dairy specialist Stacey Hamilton and Scott Poock, MU associate extension professor…
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 2020, 2021 leaders
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors announced its 2021 award winners during the organization’s Jan. 28 meeting. Because last year’s meeting was canceled due to COVID-19, the organization also recognized the 2020 award winners at the event, which was held in Columbia at the Trowbridge Livestock Center on the University of Missouri campus.2021 award winners
How to properly care for the newborn calf
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many beef and dairy calves will be born in the next three months. As spring calving season approaches, University of Missouri Extension experts stress the importance of properly caring for newborn calves.
June Dairy Month proclamation
MOUNT VERNON, Mo. – Surrounded by dairy farmers and industry leaders, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on June 8 proclaimed June as Dairy Month.The proclamation recognizes the hard work and contributions of our dairy farmers statewide, said Reagan Bluel, University of Missouri Extension dairy specialist and educational director for Missouri Dairy.
Use sacrifice pastures now to spare best cattle grazing pastures for later
STOCKTON, Mo. – If not managed properly, muddy pastures can affect grazing the rest of the year, says University of Missouri Extension regional livestock specialist Patrick Davis.“Cattle producers need to evaluate their pastures,” Davis says. Identify pastures that are thin and in need of renovation and consider using those as sacrifice pastures. Davis recommends consulting an MU Extension agronomist to grade pastures and make…
Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes 5 dairy leaders
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors has announced its latest award winners. Due to COVID-19, honorees will be recognized in 2022, according to Gloria Johnson, executive secretary for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors.
New research targets late-calving dairy cows
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Intensive targeted synchronization improves the fertility of late-calving dairy cows in seasonal pasture-based systems, according to a paper in the Journal of Dairy Science Communications.
MU spreadsheet tracks, evaluates colostrum management
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension dairy veterinarian Scott Poock has developed a spreadsheet to track and evaluate colostrum management data in dairy calves.
Warren County student awarded dairy scholarship
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation recently awarded Caleb Ruether a $2,000 scholarship.Ruether, a senior at Truman State University, studies agronomy and bovine nutrition, reproduction and management. He hopes to be a large-animal veterinarian. He is the son of Michelle and Gary Ruether of Marthasville.Foundation trustee Dave Cochard said Ruether had an excellent application and strong letters of support.