Many livestock farms rely on a combination of grazing and stored forages to feed ruminant animals throughout the year. This involves careful consideration of forage species that will work for both pasture and stored forage. Producers should plan ahead to minimize risk and ensure successful crop esta...

by Hope Holland In the world of the everyday pony, “just plain cute works” well. Generally speaking, a just plain cute pony with good manners is set for life with two squares, a nice stall and minimal work with a succession of decent tiny people to ride it. When you reach the upper levels of the pon...

Jim Goodman, dairy farmer and president of the National Family Farm Coalition says the dairy industry is in a crisis situation, and added that it isn’t the first time. “I’ve been a dairy farmer all my life, basically the last 40 years; 20 as conventional farmer and the last 20 as an organic dairy fa...

The robotic technology pioneered in western Europe in the 1990s is helping a Rockbridge County, Virginia couple boost production and efficiency in their 110-cow dairy operation, cut labor costs and bring an asset to the milking parlor other producers are in short supply: time. Stephanie and Robert W...

There’s no lack of stress among dairy farmers, and even the general non-ag public is becoming aware of the struggles in the industry. Dairy farmer Katie Dotter-Pyle, of Cow Comfort Inn in Maryland, is feeling the current challenges in the dairy industry. She needed a break from the negativity, so sh...

Dr. Alison Van Eenennaam, cooperative extension specialist in animal genomics and biotechnology at University of California, Davis, spoke recently at the Animal Ag Alliance Summit in Arlington, VA. Although many people have a desire to return to ‘how it used to be’ in agriculture, there are far-reac...

“You’re a great mom!” When people say that, I hope it’s true. But sometimes the remark comes as I’ve just luckily (somehow) managed to get through church with relatively quiet, happy children for an entire service. Sometimes strangers say that when we’re at a restaurant. They’re impressed we have si...

Today’s conventional dairy farms typically feed a total mixed ration which includes grains and by-products for energy balancing, as well as hay and other forage crops, plus mineral supplements. No longer do most lactating dairy cows graze the pastures, producing milk primarily from the grass and leg...

Every farm family is aware of the benefits to youth working on farms, including instilling a love for farming, teaching responsibility and keeping the family together throughout the day. But there are also risks. About 33 children are injured in ag-related incidents every day, and a child dies in an...