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.

Fescue Problems in the Plains

Andy VanceEducation, Production, University

You may have an opportunity to turn fescue problems into strong pastures this season, according to the University of Missouri Extension. Beacuase of this year’s early onset of warm Spring weather, tall fescue fields have reared seed heads nearly a month ahead of normal. As you know, the fescue seeds carry high levels of toxicity that can reduce weight gains and lower milk production, so this news is troubling. But the story doesn’t end there.

Select Sires Sexed Semen Lab Up and Running

Andy VanceDairy Business, Genetics, Industry News, Production

The concept of improving your heifer ratio during calving season is extremely exciting – imagine if all your first-calf heifers dropped heifers… the profitability of that string would be much more enticing. Furthering that goal, Select Sires has joined with Sexing Technologies of Navasota, Texas to begin operations of a semen sexing lab at Select’s headquarters in Plain City, Ohio. The fruit of this partnership will be increased offerings of proven sires in the gender SELECTed lineup.

Total Milk Output Up in 2005

Andy VanceDairy Business, Milk, Production

Final figures are in for 2005 and it was a whopper.  Total milk production jumped 3.5% last year to 177 billion pounds.  That translates into 19,576 pounds per cow, a gain of 609 pounds per cow on a total herd of 9.04 million head.  Those cow numbers were 29,000 above 2004 as well. Here’s the kicker – total cash receipts … Read More