by CrownRandall | Oct 8, 2024 | Agriculture
“Step back in time and reminisce about what has happened the past 50 years with dairy cows and learn how to progress into the future.”
It’s no surprise that dairy cows are more productive now than they had been in the past, but it is fascinating to look at the details of just how much they have improved, and why. In this article, OSU Adjunct Professor Dwight Roseler compares the status of American dairy production in the modern day to its past status and discusses the reasons behind the improvements.
Factors include genetics, feed management, and cow care. Roseler also reminds us of the importance of focusing on the future of the dairy industry and thinking of the improvements yet to come.
https://www.farmanddairy.com/columns/back-to-the-future-in-dairy/843140.html
by CrownRandall | Oct 8, 2024 | Agriculture
“I still have both sheep and cows, and I often ask myself why. The answer is that sometimes a flerd is better. The cattle focus most of their grazing on grasses, legumes, a few random forbs, and some tree leaves within reach while the sheep most often prefer forbs and legumes over grasses.”
As retired NRCS Agronomist and Grazing Specialist, Victor Shelton, reminds us, it is always good to take proper care of your pasture. Shelton discusses an interesting approach to grazing management in this article: the combined grazing of both sheep and cattle, what he refers to as a “flerd”. Read along to learn about the potential benefits of this style of grazing and considerations you may want to keep in mind if you keep both species.
https://u.osu.edu/beef/2024/10/02/practice-creativity-when-grazing-a-flerd/
by CrownRandall | Oct 8, 2024 | Agriculture
“In Episode 27, we are in the field with Dr. Laura Lindsey, Extension State Specialist for Soybean Production, discussing soybean pod shattering.”
The latest Battle for the Belt episode focuses on soybean pod shatter with Dr. Laura Lindsey, and also provides an update on the Battle for the Belt trial fields across the state.
https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-34/battle-belt-season-2-episode-27-soybean-pod-shatter
by CrownRandall | Oct 8, 2024 | Agriculture
“Awareness is the first step toward effective management. The SCN Coalition emphasizes the importance of identifying whether SCN is present in your fields and knowing your numbers. The promotions for National Nematode Day aim to keep SCN top of mind for farmers and agronomists, encouraging soil testing this autumn.”
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN), along with other types of plant nematodes, are important for agriculturalists to be aware of. SCN in particular is a threat that can cause significant yield loss to soybeans. The purpose of National Nematode Day is to raise awareness of concerns so that producers can properly manage them.
Also in this article, OSU Specialist Horacio Lopez-Nicora reminds growers of the opportunity to have up to two soil samples tested for SCN; additionally, he mentions a new tool developed to assist soybean growers: the SCN Profit Checker.
https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-34/celebrate-national-nematode-day-and-collect-soil-sample-scn
by CrownRandall | Oct 8, 2024 | Agriculture
“Whether you are milking cows in a traditional parlor or through an automated milking system, a cow’s locomotion is important… Barn hygiene practices, such as preventative hoof trimming and regular alley scrapping, are critical for hoof health, but these practices also need to include the regular use of a footbath with a disinfectant to control foot rot and digital dermatitis.”
Foot and leg health is critical for dairy animals, as OSU Extension Specialist Jason Hartschuh points out in the article. Hartschuh explains the negative impact poor hoof health can have on your herd and explains that one of the most important hoof health measures a dairy producer can take is proper utilization of a footbath.
https://dairy.osu.edu/newsletter/buckeye-dairy-news/volume-26-issue-5/footbath-practices-lameness-prevention
