December 2024 Vol. 1

Brought to you by Dairy's Professional Development Organization®

"Agent of Joy" with Michael Hoffman

Michael Hoffman of Igniting Performance shares how to be an Agent of Joy! Michael believes we all need a little education and encouragement to feel and be more joyful. 

Check out what's coming this week on The Dairy Signal. Tune in every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday live from noon to 1 p.m. CT, or catch previous episodes on demand here.

Dec. 3 - Coaches Corner: Sharing Faith

Dec. 4 - Fresh Cow Management

Dec. 5 - Federal Milk Marketing Orders Update

Thank you to Zinpro Corporation for their featured sponsorship of the Dairy Signal. For over 50 years, Zinpro has pioneered the research and development of performance trace minerals and innovative solutions that improve the health and wellbeing of animals. Discover their industry-leading tools & solutions at www.zinpro.com.

Previously on The Dairy Signal

November 26

Join this timely conversation about the proposed changes to the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO), the likelihood and impact of these changes on dairy producers and what practical steps can be taken from a risk management perspective.

• Will Babler, Principal, Atten Babler Insurance Services LLC

November 27

With just a month left of 2024, tune in to hear about the factors that will impact dairy prices, exports and markets through the end of the year and into 2025.

• Ben Buckner, Chief Grains and Dairy Analyst, AgResource Company

Opportunities to Learn

EXAMINE BEDDING AS A CAUSE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MASTITIS. It can be overwhelming to determine the root cause of high somatic cell count issues on a dairy. Determining what bacteria are present, where they originate and how they are passed on are important steps. Bedding materials and source, along with management factors like storage, bedding frequency, manure management, stall design and more can affect the bacteria that cause environmental mastitis infections. Read the full article from Penn State Extension to take a deeper dive into potential factors and impacts.

CONSISTENCY IN DRY COW DIETS IMPACTS LACTATION PERFORMANCE. A research study in the Journal of Dairy Science reviews research conducted on 40 freestall dairy farms in Ontario where close-up dry cow diets were reviewed to compare the accuracy of what cows were fed compared to the nutritionist formulated ration, the precision of closeup diets, and other factors. The results found a high variability in the formulated diets compared to what was delivered and that the variability impacted early lactation milk production and performance. Read the full study here.

RESPONSIBLE ANTIMICROBIAL USE STARTS WITH RECORDKEEPING. Antimicrobials are an important part of a farm’s ability to manage bacterial infections, but improper management can result in the development of resistant bacteria. Measuring and monitoring antimicrobial use along with disease metrics can help a dairy farm identify patterns such as overuse or under-treatment to make more informed management decisions. Recordkeeping should include antimicrobial name, dosage, route of administration, withholding period, number of animals treated and reason for use. Learn more in the full article from Ohio State Extension.

Your Farm Your Footprint

A NEW RESOURCE FOR YOU AS YOU PLAN FOR THE NEW YEAR: YOUR FARM – YOUR FOOTPRINT™

On your farm, you rely on your nutritionist and agronomist to help keep things running smoothly. Now, with Your Farm - Your Footprint (YFYF), you can add a sustainability consultant to the team.

YFYF is a hands-on program designed to help you measure, manage and improve your farm’s sustainability. From optimizing resource use to building a more sustainable future, YFYF provides the tools and expertise you need.

And, don’t miss out on grant opportunity sponsored by Dairy’s Foundation and partially sponsored by Nestlé that will cover up to 2,500 acres in the program. Learn more and sign up at www.pdpw.org/your-farm-your-footprint/.

Premier Suppliers and Supporters

Thank you to the partners and premier suppliers who support your professional development organization. Dairy's Premier Suppliers are those who faithfully exhibit and support PDP's Business Conference and are trusted, leading providers of high-quality products, services and solutions essential to the dairy industry. See below to see some of our business management and consulting suppliers.

Interested in becoming a part of dairy's premier suppliers? Submit your trade show contract for the 2025 Hall of Ideas and Equipment Show at the PDP Business Conference, March 12-13, 2025.

"If you want 1 year of prosperity, grow grain. If you want 10 years of prosperity, grow trees. If you want 100 years of prosperity, grow people."

-- Chinese Proverb