Friday, April 26, 2024

Is the USDA's new dairy program in the best long-term interest of dairy producers? The answer to that question remains to be seen, but the likely answer is "no." Is the check welcome this year? Yes. Will it be in 2003? Probably, says district extension specialist Dianne Shoemaker in this week's Dairy Channel column.

OSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dianne Shoemaker cautions not to let it fool you; the upcoming Ohio Dairy Conference is not another county fair, although all the talk about cows, good food and interesting people might make you think otherwise.

Now that the silage is in the silo, extension agent Ernie Oelker says the real work begins to assure the cows receive a safe, properly balanced ration that is palatable and capable of supporting optimum production.

Extension dairy agent Tom Noyes gets back to basics in this week's Dairy Excel column.

Not all farm people are "fair people," but most are, as OSU Extension Dairy Specialist Dianne Shoemaker shares in her column this week, which explores her transition to fair-dom.

Diane Shoemaker guides producers through the process of pricing fields for silage.

Dennis Weilnau compares herd somatic cell counts and examines dairy farm attitudes.

An on-farm environmental assessment can help producers address problem areas, says columnist and ag extension agent Ernest Oelker.

Research has shown that attitude is a key component in the continuous improvement process. Extension Ag Agent Chris Zoller explores the connection between management attitude and farm quality and profitability.

Harvest management strategies are different for legumes, depending on if the stands are new, established or of a particular forage species. An OSU specialist offers harvesting tips.