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The Manager in Progressive Dairyman
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The March Ahead of the curve issue of PRO-DAIRY's The Manager, published by Progressives Dairyman, includes articles that offer keys to next-level forage management.
Better than average: Helpful tips for using the nutrient mass balance from a long-term user
An interview with Meghan Hauser, Table Rock Farm
Want to be better than average? Use dairy farm nutrient mass balances to improve performance
By Mart Ros, Karl Czymmek and Quirine Ketterings
Better than average: Feasible balances for dairy farms that produce most forage needs
By Mart Ros, Karl Czymmek and Quirine Ketterings
Dairy farm nutrient mass balances (NMBs) are gaining traction in some parts of the U.S. and the European Union is considering widespread use on farms. This series offers an in depth overview, including on-farm experience.
Cornell sorghum variety and establishment
By Tom Kilcer
Sorghum, mainly a crop of the deep south, is being planted on more acres across the northeast. Originally relegated as an emergency summer feed when earlier crops had failed, or for part-time livestock farms, the crop is going mainstream because of the number of economic and practical advantages it offers.
On-farm instant quality analysis
By J.H. Cherney and D.J. Cherney
Near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy has been used to evaluate forage quality since the early 1980s. Until recently, these were relatively sensitive, large laboratory instruments that required finely-ground, dry forage samples for analysis. New technology has allowed the development of small, hand-held NIR units that can work with wet, chopped forage or silage.
Exploring the relationship between physically effective and undigested fiber
By Rick Grant and Wyatt Smith
Recent research at Miner Institute has focused on the relationship between undigested and physically effective NDF. How dietary fiber particle size and digestibility interact to affect the chewing, intake, and productive responses of the cow is a hot topic among nutritionists.
Controlling compaction: Do’s and don’ts
By Peter Wright and Joe Lawrence
Farming is ever-changing and improvements to perform timely field operations can impact soil health.
Bunker silo and silage pile safety
By Julie Berry
People are the greatest resource on a farm. Accidents are never planned, but those few minutes can have long-lasting and traumatic impact. Proactive steps can help reduce risk during corn silage harvest and feed-out.
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Forage Management Resources
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Corn Silage Hybrid Selection Considerations: Relative Maturity and Traits
By Joe Lawrence
The New York & Vermont Corn Silage Hybrid Evaluation Program continues to provide side by side evaluation of corn hybrids grown under a range of growing conditions representative of those experienced in the Northeast.
Western Bean Cutworm and Mycotoxins in Corn Silage
By Joe Lawrence, Gary Bergstrom, Jaime Cummings, Elson Shields, Ken Wise, Mike Hunter
Mold and mycotoxin development in corn ears and stalks, and the resulting corn silage continues to be a major concern for dairy producers.
2018 Corn Silage Hybrid Evaluation Results
By Joe Lawrence, Allison Kerwin
There is often discussion about the advantages of longer season corn hybrids and “pushing the envelope” for your growing region in an attempt to maximize yield. For silage growers the pros and cons of this are much more nuanced than they may be for grain.
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Operations Managers Conference Coverage:
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| Diversity and Inclusion are part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. |
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Preliminary Progress Report #2
Dairy Farm Business Summary and Analysis Program
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By Jason Karszes & Lauren Hill
The second Preliminary Progress of the Farm DFBS Report has been released. As dairy businesses across the state continue to analyze their financial and business performance utilizing the Dairy Farm Business Summary and Analysis Program, updated progress of the farm reports are provided to review the changes that have occurred from 2017 to 2018.
Along with how things changed from 2017, the range across selected factors for 2018 is reported in a business chart format, which reports the averages by 20 percent increments for each category summarized. With 73 farms included in this report, along with the average of all farms, the report includes preliminary data for farms less than and greater than 700 cows.
Highlighted ranges of performance from the 2nd preliminary report, for the average of all farms:
| Milk per Cow |
19,823 |
28,247 |
| Milk Sold Per Worker Equivalent |
712,321 |
1,607,038 |
| Feed & Crop Input Expenses per Cwt. |
$6.19 |
$8.60 |
| Operating Costs to Produce Milk |
$13.41 |
$18.01 |
| Total Costs to Produce Milk |
$17.49 |
$25.11 |
If you are interested in analyzing your business performance, please contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office to inquire about what resources are available to assist in this effort.
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Dairy Risk Management Fact Sheet
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The NY Crop Insurance Education Program has recently released a new fact sheet outlining and comparing LGM-dairy insurance, Dairy-Revenue Protection insurance, and Dairy Margin Coverage Program (the replacement for MPP authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill.)
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The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition has released its 2018 Annual Report.
"In 2018 NYAAC developed new program ideas and sought and received
funding from you, New York dairy farmers through the check-off program,
to implement in 2019. This was a huge step for NYAAC and for the
industry because time has never been more critical than now to stand up
for what we believe in," wrote chairman Steve Palladino. "NYAAC
continues to be a strong organization that farmers seek out for
assistance, guidance and implementation of local, regional and state
advocacy efforts. We’ve grown to realize and understand that change is
the only constant in life and with that comes challenges. As dairy
farmers, we’re all too familiar with challenges but I can assure you
that NYAAC will thrive through the challenges and come out on top."
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Calf & Heifer Management Online Course
March 29 through May 17, 2019
Learn more about calf and heifer management in this seven-week online course. Topics include: calf nutrition pre-weaning and post-weaning, replacement economics, colostrum management, inventory management, genetics, calf health and housing. Presentations for each topic are prerecorded and are accessible at the participant’s convenience. An optional, recorded, live Q & A session with presenters will be held weekly via webinar. Corresponding assignments are due each week. The course is offered through Moodle, an easy-to-use online interface through your personal computer.
Manure Applicator Training
Karl Czymmek, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, is partnering to offer manure applicator training at five sites statewide in March. Topics will include manure application and CAFO permits. All attendees will receive a Manure Applicator Training Certificate. This is a DEC approved manure applicator training (for CAFO farms).
- Greenwich: March 27 | 10 AM
- Peru: March 28 | 9 to 11 AM
- North Bangor: March 28 | 1 to 3 PM
- Madrid: March 29 | 9 to 11 AM
- Lowville: March 29 | 1:30 to 3:30 PM
Herd Health and Nutrition Conference
Presented by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and Northeast Agribusiness & Feed Alliance
April 8 - 9, 2019
East Syracuse, New York
The Herd Health and Nutrition Conference
features presentations from industry leading professionals discussing
current herd health and nutrition management techniques. The 2019
agenda includes presentations from Dr. Frank Mitloehner, University of
California; Dr. Kevin Harvatine, Penn State University; Dr. Ron Butler,
Cornell Animal Science; Dr. Jessica McArt, Cornell College of Veterinary
Medicine and Kyle Schrad and Ross Wubben, FC Stone.
Early registration deadline is Wednesday, March 20. Register today and save!
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