Dairy

The Maryland Milk Moos is a quarterly newsletter published by the University of Maryland Extension that is focused on dairy topics related to Nutrition and Production, Herd Management, and Forage Production.

These are difficult days for dairy farmers. After the high milk prices of 2014, prices have plummeted with no significant upturn in sight. Large dairies across the country have captured economies of scale that turn a profit at these low prices. So as small dairies go out of business, the large dairies continue to expand, maintaining the supply that suppresses the prices.

There is no question that heat stress can negatively impact animal performance. Exposure to heat stress reduces daily gains, milk production, and reproductive efficiency, though specific impacts on production varies depending on the magnitude and duration of heat exposure. Prolonged exposure to heat stress is much more detrimental than short-term heat stress and its effects linger long after temperatures drop back below the heat stress threshold.

Summer is here and with that comes, what sometimes seems, a never-ending battle with flies. Flies can pose a significant problem for all animals on the farm. Following a (usually much welcomed) bout of wet summer weather, fly populations sometimes seem to explode. There are three major types of flies with economic significance to the U.S. dairy industry: horn flies, face flies, and stable flies. Control measures vary somewhat depending on which type of fly is causing issues. Below are four steps you can take to help reduce the fly load for your animals.

What price are you getting per cwt of milk? Like most dairy farmers, you know the price or you can get it quickly by reviewing milk check receipts. How much does it cost you to produce a cwt of milk? Like many dairy farmers, you may not know. Dairy farming is complex, and determining your costs of production is sometimes difficult. Yet, your costs directly affect your profit, and it is important to understand them.

About dairy cow longevity

This article discusses herd-level indicators of transition program success. Whether you are building a new program or evaluating your current program. You need to look at areas that can help pinpoint needed improvements.

With over 50,000 dairy cows in Maryland it only makes sense that the state drink of Maryland is Milk! So if you are thinking of starting a dairy you are in the right state! Utilize these resources to learn about dairy herd management and production.

All farms will likely be impacted by COVID-19 in some capacity. It is important for producers to develop a plan and be prepared for COVID-19-related issues should certain scenarios become reality.

Information about the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) affecting Dairy and Beef producers.