Conventional wisdom has linked milk butterfat depression mostly to low fiber content. Theories on what creates this problem are now shifting, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Studies indicate that as a result of higher-energy silage corn rations, trans-fatty acids from oils in forages and grains may account for much of this depression. The … Read More
A New Dairy Podcast
It looks like Truffle Media Networks has their Dairycast program up and running. It got started in conjunction with World Dairy Expo just a few weeks ago. The farm podcasting choices continue to grow.
FFA Convention Themes
The FFA Convention is underway in Indianapolis. The theme is Blue Jackets – Gold Standards.
Vitreousness: Hard Facts Lead to Softened Concerns
Among silage corn issues, vitreousness generates more noise than it deserves, says Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. This is the hard starch on the outside of the corn kernel that develops late in maturity, contributing to high test weight. Bill says research based solely on dry corn at 15.5% moisture is not relevant to … Read More
Sunbelt Milking Contest
The milking contest at Sunbelt Ag Expo has been held and you can find out how it went on AgNetOnline.com.
World Ag Expo at World Dairy Expo
Ned Arthur attended the World Ag Expo breakfast at World Dairy Expo and interviewed general manager Jerry Sinift. We sure have a lot of Expos don’t we?
Jerry was there to talk about what’s coming up after the first of the year at the 40th World Ag Expo.
Accurate Analysis Begins with Smart Sampling
At what point can inaccuracies plague the testing of corn silage? The greater potential for problems is not in the laboratory, but instead in the sampling, according to Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. Because analysis can be no better than the samples themselves, Bill offers suggestions for performing steps safely and effectively, from acquisition to preservation to shipment. This includes alternative methods when the “magic number of 12” samples isn’t practical.
Learn From A Cheeseaholic
Do you like cheese? Want to know more about it? Maybe you’re addicted. If so you may need Cheesaholics Anonymous. I found Nadia Muna Gil and her blog through Leon The Milkman.
CWT News Conference
Yesterday, Cooperatives Working Together held a call-in news conference with remarks from Jerry Kozak, President and Chief Executive Officer, National Milk Producers Federation and Dr. Scott Brown, Livestock and Dairy Program Director, Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute (FAPRI) at the University of Missouri.
Fresh Measurements of Your Next Feed Crop
Smooth transition to a new feed crop starts with analysis per back-to-basics guidelines. For example, separate the evaluations between the grass portion of your corn and the high- moisture grain. Open your mind, though, to new strategies, advises Dr. Bill Mahanna, coordinator of global nutritional sciences for Pioneer Hi-Bred. New testing methods are providing valuable information on degree of kernel … Read More