At the Alltech Global 500 feeding efficiency was the subject of a presentation by Mike Hutjens, University of Illinois. He says that to survive we’re going to have to become more feed efficient and since feed can make up half the cost of producing milk it’s very important. He says that with corn getting to $6/bushel we’re going to have … Read More
Social Media Vital To Industry
This year’s Alltech Global 500 includes a full program for beef producers. As we’ve said many times before, if you’re in the dairy business, you’re in the beef business. So, I spoke with one of the beef farmers here, Charles Miller. He’s a Kentucky cattleman so he didn’t have as far to go as many who are here from 29 … Read More
Alltech Celebrates Decades of Innovation
Dr. Karl Dawson, Alltech, says he’s got the greatest job in the world since he heads up research for the company. That research, which now includes, nutrigenomics, is finding ways to improve animal and human health through nutrition. It’s fascinating to hear him discuss not only how the company is finding that its products improve animal health but from that … Read More
Alltech Global 500 Underway
The Alltech Global 500 is underway at the Lexington Convention Center. Welcoming us was Geoff Frank (pictured) once again. I caught up to Geoff after our morning session. He is Managing Director for Improcrop, a division of Alltech. They have over 20 products to deal with a range of crop and foliar applications. Geoff says this is the 3rd year … Read More
Acquisitions Move Novus Ahead in Cattle Products
It has been a busy year for Novus International when it comes to acquisitions in the ruminant market. “In February, we acquired the animal nutrition division of Albion, which brought us a second line of minerals that we can sell to the dairy and beef market,” said Ruminant Sales Manager Gary Winter during an interview at World Dairy Expo. “More … Read More
Novus Does Oxidative Balancing Act
The oxidative balance of a dairy cow is one of the many factors that can limit milk production and a producer’s bottom line. That’s why Novus International places a lot of emphasis on helping dairy producers control or eliminate oxidative stress in their animals. Diet plays a key role in oxidative balance since vitamin and mineral imbalances can be linked … Read More
Simple Tool Can Measure Colostrum Quality
A simple, inexpensive instrument that is routinely used to measure liquids like wine or orange juice to determine the amount of soluble solids in solution can also be used to quickly measure the quality of colostrum for newborn calves. Research published in the August Journal of Dairy Science showed how Brix refractometer instruments can be used effectively for the measurement … Read More
Field Trials Show Value of Novus Products
We all know that proper nutrition is an essential key to health, whether it’s humans or dairy cattle, but the exact benefit of adding a certain ingredient to the diet may be difficult to quantify. That’s why Novus International puts a great deal of time and effort into performing field trials in real world situations to prove the efficacy of … Read More
Novartis Talks Herd Health
Representatives from Novartis Animal Health were talking total herd health with dairy producers at World Dairy Expo this year, something that includes an effective vaccine protocol. Director of Veterinary Services Dr. Doug Scholz says a good vaccine program helps manage the animals better. “Obviously, if animals are ill, they are not producing to their maximum potential and if we have … Read More
Scours Protection Leads to Productivity
Oakridge-Bahler Farm is one of the top-producing and most successful dairies in the Eastern U.S. The third-generation dairy owned by Vern, Dave and Dan Bahler has earned numerous awards for its progressive practices, including Connecticut’s ‘Dairy of Distinction’ award and the New England Green Pastures Award. Under the direction of Dave Hartford, dairy operations manager, Oakridge-Bahler Farm has doubled in … Read More