Production Climbs Yet Again

Andy VanceDairy Business, Markets, Milk, Production

Milk production numbers continue to advance. USDA announced that total output for the 23 major dairy states is up to 14.6 billion pounds, up 3.7% from a year ago. There may be some hope, however. The production total was down four million pounds from last month. A very slight figure, to be sure, but perhaps a light at the end of the supply-building tunnel.

Correction – Select Sires Sexed Semen Conception

Andy VanceDairy Business, Genetics

A few days ago I heralded Select Sires new lab for producing sexed semen. I misspoke when reporting the conception rates for this new technology: in virgin heifer, producers utilizing Select’s GenderSELECTed semen will find conception rates typically 75% of typical, not 75% less than normal as I previously reported. In other words, if you use the sexed semen and your normal conception rate is 60%, you can expect roughly 45% conception with the sexed semen product. The rest of the story is accurate. Thanks for Mel at Select for pointing out the error.

Raw Milk May Kill You

Andy VanceDairy Business, Government, Milk

That’s the message health professionals are delivering as many states contemplate potential legislation to allow the sale of unpasteurized dairy products. Advocates of the unprocessed dairy claim that raw milk can magically prevent asthma, tooth decay, diabetes, attention deficit disorder, osteoporosis and other ailments. On the other hand, the health community points out that you’ll most likely end up with salmonella, E. coli, listeria, and more.