MSU nets $5 million grant to increase dairy production efficiency
As human populations increase and available arable land decreases, agricultural systems are under pressure to produce more food more efficiently. Michigan State University researchers believe that breeding dairy cows that produce milk with less feed can help meet this goal.
Concentrating on the basics pays off for Arenac County dairy herd
Tackling a problem with Johne’s disease taught Jake Fisk that concentrating on the basics can help eliminate the spread of many diseases, not just Johne’s.
Falmouth dairy farm confronts Johne’s disease head on
The Bunings of Falmouth pride themselves on producing award-winning, high-quality milk, but the herd’s unusually high culling rate signaled that there was a problem.
Warming boxes help MSU Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center calves grow into healthy cows
Controlling and managing the spread of Johne’s disease is a priority in dairy operations of all sizes, but farm managers at the Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center have an even greater incentive riding on achieving this goal than do most: diagnosing a cow infected with the disease can result in erroneous data results on university-led research projects.
Upper Peninsula dairy farm tackles big problem by making small changes
For Steve Brock, a dairy farmer in Menominee County, steadily reducing the number of cases of Johne’s disease in his herd is just as important as totally eliminating the problem. He’s been able to successfully achieve this goal by implementing a number of small changes to his management routine over the past five years thanks in part to participating in a research study with Michigan State University (MSU) researchers.
Dairy, beef producers can better manage Johne’s disease by focusing on calves
Focusing on the calf is the simple and straightforward take-home message for all dairy and beef producers when it comes to controlling Johne’s disease in their herds. This was the bottom-line conclusion of Michigan State University (MSU) researchers and MSU Extension specialists after conducting field research and evaluating Johne’s disease control strategies for close to a decade in Michigan herds as part of the Michigan Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project. The objective of the work was to identify which management practices are the most effective at controlling the spread of Johne’s disease.
Small management practices improve animal health, increase profitability for Cass County
Adopting simple management changes helped Cass County beef producer Gail Peterson significantly reduce the level of Johne’s disease in his 250-head Angus operation. Peterson, who farms with his wife, two of his sons and his mother, credits participating in the Johne’s Disease Control Demonstration Project with dispelling some common myths about the disease and determining how to decrease the disease’s incidence in their herd within a relatively short period of time.
Producers to learn options for mortality management at Ag Expo
Death is a part of life on all farms, and dealing with death is an important part of farm management for livestock producers. During the 2011 Michigan Ag Expo, producers and others who work with animals will have the chance to learn about the tools and techniques available to make the right management decisions for their farms as well as how to carry them out appropriately.
Get a handle on horse restraints: New DVD offers expert-recommended tips for horse handling and rest
Whether you are a novice or an old hand, learning effective techniques for handling and restraining horses helps ensure the safety of both you and your horse. My Horse University’s newest DVD features Michigan State University (MSU) horse farm manager Paula Hitzler explaining common horse restraints and many horse handling techniques. Her hands-on instructions will benefit horse handlers of all experience levels.
Pasch Dairy Inc. to host Isabella County Breakfast on the Farm July 16 in Mt. Pleasant
Pasch Dairy Inc. will host the Isabella County Breakfast on the Farm July 16 at their farm five miles west of Rosebush at 3837 N. Nottawa in Mount Pleasant from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A centennial farm, Pasch Dairy has been in business since 1910. Abe Pasch is the fourth generation to manage the family-owned and operated business. He farms in partnership with father Bob Pasch and uncle Mike Pasch.
Morenci farm to host Lenawee County Breakfast on the Farm on June 25
The Raymond and Stutzman Farm at 8055 Seneca Highway in Morenci will host Breakfast on the Farm June 25 at their Lenawee County farm. The rain-or-shine event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with breakfast served from 9 a.m. to noon.
New fact sheets from MSU focus on climate change, field crops
Researchers at Michigan State University (MSU) are developing a series of fact sheets to help Michigan field crop farmers adapt to and help mitigate a changing climate.
Where’s the beef? MSU researchers, food service professionals partner to bring university beef…
It’s hard to avoid the fact that eating local is the hottest thing in today’s food world. People are flooding markets and farm stands to get their “farm to fork” kick. For Michigan State University (MSU), however, eating locally has a completely new meaning as researchers from the Department of Animal Science and MSU Extension are partnering with MSU Culinary Services, a department of MSU Residential and Hospitality Services, to bring beef produced on MSU farms to restaurants and cafeterias throughout campus.
MSU students get schooled on the farm
For many students in the Michigan State University (MSU) Institute of Agricultural Technology (Ag Tech) beef management program, learning how to raise and care for beef cattle during the one-year certificate program was to be expected. However, for most, the degree to which they would receive hands-on experience was not anticipated, and yet, has made all the difference.
Smart phones and steaks: How MSU research is working to change the concept of ‘know your food’
Unless you purchased your steak from the farmer down the road, it can be hard to tell exactly where it came from, even if the sticker on the package says local. Thanks to a new pilot program being conducted at Michigan State University (MSU), though, the day may soon be approaching where a quick barcode scan with your smart phone could tell you the exact animal and farm where your steak originated.
Free fun for kids of all ages at 14th annual Great Dairy Adventure scheduled for July 20 at MSU
The 14th annual “Great Dairy Adventure” consumer education day takes place July 20 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Michigan State University (MSU) Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education. The free one-day event is geared to the young (and young at heart), families, day-care providers and summer campers, and anyone who is interested in knowing more about cows, how milk and dairy products are produced from cow to grocery store shelf, and the dairy industry as a whole.
MSU animal science students earn reserve platinum award in 10th annual contest
Five Michigan State University (MSU) animal science seniors competed in the 10th annual North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) held March 31–April 2 in Hickory, N.C. The team brought home the second highest award in the contest, including a $100 scholarship for each team member.
Extension educators help annual cattle sale soar to new levels
When cattlemen from across the country gathered for the 23rd Annual MCA/MSU Performance Tested Bull Sale at Plank Farm in Crystal, Mich., on March 19, they had only one thing on their minds: to take advantage of record cattle prices and select new genetics for their breeding programs. That goal was evident as buyers shattered sale records, spending a total of $218,250 and setting the highest average price – $2,949.32 per head – in the sale’s 23-year history.
MSU Extension and Michigan dairy farmers partner on developing more efficient water-use
Here’s a quick question: what’s the first thing a person thinks of when picturing a gallon of milk in the grocery store refrigerator case or envisioning a tall, cold glass of milk and a plate of freshly baked cookies on the kitchen table? Though a majority wouldn’t answer the question with “water,” perhaps they should. Not only is milk 87 percent water, but farmers need ready access to water to produce milk.
8 Breakfast on the Farm events to take place in 2011
When was the last time you visited a farm? Are you eager to learn more about how food is grown and harvested and how farm animals are raised and cared for? The perfect opportunity awaits you and your family and friends at one of eight Breakfast on the Farm events scheduled for June through September. Kids of all ages – young and old alike – will experience a memorable outing to a modern-day Michigan farm.
4-H Cow Camp is ‘udderly’fun way to learn about dairy industry and 4-H
Youth interested in learning more about dairy animals, the dairy industry and the various opportunities available through the Michigan 4-H Dairy Youth Program are invited to attend one of three 4-H Cow Camps in June. The camps are geared to young people aged 9 to 13, but anyone aged 5 to 19 as of Jan 1, 2011, can attend. Youth do not need to be 4-H members to participate.
MSU Extension workshop focuses on helping dairy producers interpret current industry conditions
The farm gate price that dairy producers receive for selling their milk may finally be increasing, but it’s quickly being offset by the rising cost of inputs, from livestock feed – especially corn – to fuel.
Bush, Casebere named 2011 Michgian Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program winners
Lauren Bush, Swartz Creek, and Kelsey Casebere, Clare, have been chosen as the 2011 Michigan Dairy Ambassador Scholarship and Leadership Program award winners. Bush, as a college student, was the winner in the senior category and received a $1,500 scholarship; Casebere, as a high school student, was the winner in the junior division and received a $1,000 scholarship that can be applied toward a college education or the purchase of a dairy animal.
Animal Agriculture Initiative awards more than $314,000 in research, outreach funding for 2011-2012
The Animal Agriculture Initiative (AAI) at Michigan State University (MSU) has announced the recipients of project funding for 2011-2012. The AAI awarded a total of $314,774 divided between seven projects.
