Summer’s here: Is your fly control program in place?
By Ann Hoskins
With this summer’s slow start, it might have been easy to push off fly control for another week. But it’s June and that means you need to have your strategy in place. Having an established plan can … Read more
How-to videos: Inoculant applicator maintenance and basic operation
By Jon Urness
Some things are simply not worth doing unless they’re done correctly. And that most certainly applies to the application of forage inoculants. That’s why Vita Plus has put together a couple very basic maintenance and operation videos … Read more
Winterkilled alfalfa: Think through your options
By Chris Wacek-Driver
The past year’s weather has presented challenges in some areas as we look to this season’s forage crops. To create the best-fit forage plan for your farm, make sure you have a good handle on the extent … Read more
Canola meal a good protein source in dairy cow diets
By Dr. Eric Schwab
In our never-ending quest to improve economic returns and efficiencies, we’re always looking at how we can include cost-effective feed ingredients in the diet without sacrificing production. A recent meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dairy … Read more
Healthy culture drives business success
By Jon Wilcox
A family with energetic boys raised cattle on a hobby farm. A well-intentioned neighbor, with decades of experience in cattle production, was critical of the “results” he saw and often shared his wisdom.
One evening, as the … Read more
Safety is a part of your business too
By Scott Hall
Farm safety has always been a concern to protect workers and family members. In the past, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has placed most of its energy on construction and general industry. This approach recently … Read more
Harvesting fall-seeded rye as silage
By Jon Urness
Spring harvesting of fall-seeded small grain grasses such as rye, triticale, and wheat as haylage has been popular in some areas of the country. Interest in this practice has spread in the Midwest as a source of … Read more
Whole forage team not on the same page? Now’s the time to get there.
By Chris Wacek-Driver
As March begins and we’re optimistic that the snow will soon melt, we’re looking forward to spring and summer and being back in the fields. That includes putting together our forage plans. But is everyone on the … Read more
Colostrum for one and all
By Dr. Laurie Winkelman
Calves are born into this world without immunity or the ability to fight off pathogens and infections. Unlike humans, the cow’s placenta does not allow antibodies to transfer from cow to calf. High quality colostrum is … Read more
Because they can’t wear ski jackets and snow pants
By Ann Hoskins
It’s cold out there. No doubt about it. Your calves are noticing it too.
Just like you put on multiple layers of clothing before you head outside in the winter, your calves need to “bundle up” when … Read more