A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in a dairy herd in Dodge County, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) announced Sunday. This marks the first confirmed detection of the virus in dairy cattle in the state. The herd was identified through routine National Milk Testing Strategy screening, not the surveillance required for moving cattle across state lines. The affected farm has been quarantin

Have you ever asked a dairy farm owner or manager, “What are the things that keep you up at night?” Or, if you are a dairy farm owner or manager, how would you respond to this question? I would expect responses relating to employee retention and labor concerns, current and future milk pricing or possibly future planning for growth and/or sustainability of the farm. I may get some answers that are more specific to milk yield issues, crop health or possibly manure management co

When thinking about sustainability, we often consider how the industry impacts the environment. Methane mitigation, waste recycling and water quality are popular areas of focus to help make the dairy industry more sustainable. However, starting at the cow level might have some of the greatest impacts. Focusing breeding and mating decisions on specific traits can help build a more sustainable cow. Feed Efficiency Since December 2020, feed efficiency has been recognized as a br