News – Page 2

New Mexico Milk Price-Fixing Lawsuit Advances

Dairy Farmers of America and Select Milk’s attempt to dismiss a proposed class action in New Mexico, accusing them of colluding to control prices in the region’s multibillion-dollar milk sector, was unsuccessful. U.S. District Judge Margaret Strickland found that dairy farmers in New Mexico, Texas, and portions of Arizona, Oklahoma, and Kansas may pursue antitrust lawsuits against the cooperatives for the time being. The plaintiffs, who included farms and individual farmers, claimed an ongoing conspiracy since 2015 in which Dairy Farmers of America and other defendants illegally coordinated pricing choices. The farmers sued in 2022, alleging that they were unjustly underpaid for producing raw fluid Grade A milk in violation of US antitrust rules. Dairy Farmers of America said it was dissatisfied with the court’s ruling and will “vigorously defend” against the accusations. Texas and New Mexico are among the country’s major milk-producing states, with yearly dairy output in the southwestern United States worth more than $3.5 billion.

Wisconsin Summer Championship Show 2024 Judges Announced

The Wisconsin Holstein Association announced the judges for the Wisconsin Summer Championship Show.

Holstein & Jersey Shows – Matt Templeton, AUS
Milking Shorthorn & Ayrshire Shows – Josh Fairbanks, IA
Red & White Show – Tyler Reynolds, NY

The event will be held August 17-21. Stay tuned for a tentative schedule and more information at wisholsteins.com.

Unlocking Dairy Productivity: The Path to Acquiring Highly Productive Dairy Cows

In the pursuit of maximizing dairy production, acquiring highly productive dairy cows is a paramount consideration for dairy farmers. While there are various approaches to selecting and obtaining such animals, one of the most effective strategies lies in the careful evaluation and procurement of superior genetic stock. This article explores the importance of genetic selection and outlines key considerations for acquiring highly productive dairy cows.

Understanding the Importance of Genetics

Genetics play a foundational role in determining the potential productivity and profitability of dairy cows. Superior genetic traits can significantly influence milk production, reproductive performance, longevity, and overall herd health. By selecting animals with desirable genetic attributes, dairy farmers can lay the groundwork for a high-performing and sustainable dairy operation.

Identifying Desirable Genetic Traits

When seeking highly productive dairy cows, it is essential to prioritize traits that align with the goals and objectives of the dairy operation. Some key genetic traits to consider include:

  1. Milk Yield: Select animals with a proven track record of high milk production. Look for cows from elite dairy lines known for superior milk production genetics, as evidenced by their individual production records and the performance of their progeny.
  2. Reproductive Efficiency: Choose cows with strong reproductive traits, including high conception rates, short calving intervals, and extended productive lifespans. Reproductive efficiency is critical for maintaining herd fertility and maximizing the number of lactations per cow.
  3. Health and Longevity: Prioritize cows with robust health traits and genetic resistance to common diseases and disorders. Select animals with strong immune systems, excellent udder health, and longevity traits to minimize veterinary costs and reduce turnover within the herd.
  4. Conformation and Body Condition: Evaluate cows for optimal conformation and body condition, as these traits can impact milk production, mobility, and overall cow welfare. Look for animals with well-attached udders, balanced body proportions, and strong feet and legs to ensure long-term productivity and soundness.

Selecting Reliable Genetic Sources

When sourcing highly productive dairy cows, it is crucial to choose reputable genetic suppliers known for their commitment to genetic improvement and herd management practices. Consider the following factors when selecting genetic sources:

  1. Proven Breeding Programs: Partner with reputable breeding programs and genetics companies with a track record of success in breeding high-performance dairy cattle. Look for suppliers that emphasize genetic selection based on objective performance data and advanced breeding technologies.
  2. Pedigree and Performance Records: Evaluate the pedigree and performance records of potential breeding stock to assess their genetic merit accurately. Look for cows with strong genetic backgrounds and documented performance data, including milk production, reproductive performance, and health traits.
  3. Genomic Testing: Consider utilizing genomic testing and marker-assisted selection to identify animals with superior genetic potential at a young age. Genomic testing provides valuable insights into the genetic merit of individual animals, allowing for more informed breeding decisions and faster genetic progress.
  4. Health and Biosecurity Practices: Ensure that genetic suppliers maintain rigorous health and biosecurity protocols to prevent the introduction and spread of infectious diseases. Choose suppliers that prioritize animal welfare, herd health monitoring, and vaccination programs to mitigate disease risks.

Investing in Future Success

Acquiring highly productive dairy cows is an investment in the future success and profitability of a dairy operation. By prioritizing genetic selection based on desirable traits and partnering with reputable genetic suppliers, dairy farmers can secure animals with the genetic potential to drive productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in their herds.

In the competitive dairy industry, acquiring highly productive dairy cows is essential for maximizing milk production and profitability. Genetic selection plays a pivotal role in identifying and obtaining superior breeding stock with the potential to drive herd performance and success. By prioritizing genetic traits, selecting reliable genetic sources, and investing in superior genetics, dairy farmers can position their operations for long-term productivity and competitiveness in the marketplace.

Focus groups from 6 European nations to understand dairy producers’ requirements for tools and data to enhance herd health

The purpose of this research was to identify dairy farmers’ data and technological requirements in order to enhance herd health and guide innovation development. Eighteen focus groups were performed with 80 dairy producers from Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. Data analysis using Template Analysis identified six themes that reflect core needs: autonomy, comfort, competence, community and relatedness, purpose, and security. Farmers liked technology that promoted convenience, knowledge, and self-sufficiency. Data sharing, accessibility, and program usability were all obstacles that hampered technology adoption. Farmers also had difficulties in workforce recruitment and management, necessitating stress-reduction techniques. Controlling barn environmental factors like as air quality, cleanliness, and stocking density was of special interest. The results imply that developers should include farmers in the design process to create a great user experience and boost accessibility.

The dairy sector is gradually being urged to embrace technology that will enhance its economic, environmental, and social sustainability. To achieve this, efficiency and milk production costs must be improved, which may be accomplished by using a variety of technologies. Such technologies include automated milking systems (AMS), automatic feeders, activity sensors, and oestrus detection devices. However, a significant minority of farmers still do not use these technology, notably data-capture systems and those unrelated to milking techniques.

One explanation for the low adoption of certain technologies is that agricultural innovations are often designed from the top down, with minimal input from end users during the early phases of development. This may lead to unequal adoption of innovations by farmers, since designers prefer to concentrate on the advantages that technology can provide for farms. However, technology may also have negative consequences, such as the relocation of agricultural workers and the marginalization of some farms.

A Responsible Innovation method has been proposed for the development of agricultural technology, particularly those used in the dairy sector. This method recognizes that innovators must respond to the social and ethical problems of research and innovation via an interactive process including stakeholders. Anticipating possible effects, responding to social requirements, including key stakeholders throughout the development process, and reflecting on motives and assumptions are all important aspects of Responsible Innovation.

Living Labs provide an approach for generating ideas while meeting Responsible Innovation objectives. Living Labs are user-centered innovation environments based on daily experience and research that enable user input in open and distributed innovation processes including all relevant partners in real-world scenarios. They are divided into three stages: idea, prototype, and innovation, each having three phases: exploration, design, and evaluation.

The idea stage of Living Labs is critical for innovation creation because it enables users to maximize their effect by focusing the design. Three theoretical streams impact the Living Lab method of gathering knowledge about user needs: soft systems thinking, needfinding, and appreciative inquiry. Qualitative techniques are used to investigate user experiences, motivations, and future aspirations.

Researchers may utilize the typology of basic requirements to determine the needs of users, which consists of 13 fundamental needs and 52 sub-needs. The requirements typology served as a coding framework for assessing qualitative data. Overall, users’ needs may be formed by collecting data on their experiences, motivations, and objectives utilizing Living Labs’ theoretical underpinnings, and then applying the data to a basic need typology.

Many studies have examined the variables that influence technology adoption on dairy farms, but few have focused on farmers’ experiences with technology. These studies often concentrate on the implications of technology for human-animal connection and labor practices, rather than addressing dairy farmers’ technological demands. One research focused on smartphone applications, although it only examined the early phases of tool development.

Previous research on dairy farmers’ experiences with technology has solely examined technologies for adult dairy cows, which may have distinct demands in terms of youngstock management. This project employed a Living Lab technique to get a wide understanding of farmers’ demands for agricultural technology and data, with the goal of developing technological ideas that meet their needs.

Data from focus groups in six countries were studied to better understand dairy producers’ farm technology requirements for mature cows and youngstock. The studies revealed that farmers have demands for autonomy, comfort, competence, community and relatedness, purpose, and security. The study underlines the need of doing user experience research throughout technology development to promote intuitive usage and favorable emotional experiences.

Technologies might help meet needs in areas including workload, labor efficiency, and communication. Farmers also want tools that gave guidance, such as goal planning and recognizing areas that need attention. The Living Lab concept promotes Responsible Innovation by including farmers from the start of the innovation process and enabling researchers to respond to farmers’ requirements.

Read more: A living lab approach to understanding dairy farmers’ needs of technologies and data to improve herd health: Focus groups from 6 European countries

Does progressive weaning and separation lessen weaning discomfort in dam-reared dairy calves?

The weaning and separation period is a key difficulty in cow-calf-contact systems, since there is no scientifically proven progressive method that mirrors the naturally occurring drop in milk consumption. The purpose of this research was to assess behavioral and physiological indications of distress in dam-reared dairy calves who had been weaned and separated utilizing either progressive decrease of contact time with the dam (GR) or two-step weaning with a nose flap (NF). Behavior was recorded one week before weaning began and throughout the three-week weaning and separation phase. Blood and fecal samples were collected twice a week from the commencement of weaning until three weeks later. Calves were weighed regularly. The statistical analysis was carried out utilizing generalized linear mixed models. The results revealed that NF calves had a greater reduction in the number of lying bouts, quantity of locomotor play, average daily weight increases, and a larger increase in total mixed ration feeding time than GR calves. GR calves vocalized more often and searched more actively than NF calves. The neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio of NF calves increased on day 3 following nasal flap implantation relative to baseline, but did not alter for GR calves on any sample day. Overall, the findings suggest that a delayed weaning technique may reduce weaning and separation discomfort in dam-reared dairy calves.

A progressive weaning and separation strategy is a viable option for cow-calf contact systems because it mimics the natural drop in milk consumption during weaning. This strategy may assist calves adjust to separation times and boost their intake of solid feed, facilitating the transition to weaning. A research evaluating the behavioral and physiological distress reactions of dam-reared dairy calves during weaning and separation found that gradually reducing contact time between dam and calf was more beneficial than weaning with a nose flap. This strategy resulted in improved nutritional adaptation, more weight growth, and less declines in lying bouts and locomotor play levels. An increase in inflammatory blood markers was seen in response to nose-flap weaning but not progressive weaning. The research suggests that a progressive weaning approach is a potential way for weaning and separating dam-reared dairy calves, although it needs additional development. It is crucial to highlight that this guideline is based on the effects on calves and must be proven for the effects on dams.

Read more: Can a gradual weaning and separation process reduce weaning distress in dam-reared dairy calves? A comparison with the two-step method.

Purina Animal Nutrition is offering $20,000 in scholarships

Purina Animal Nutrition, along with the Land O’Lakes Foundation, has opened its scholarship program designed to assist students with experience in agriculture and livestock production in pursuing their passions and furthering their educations.
 
Now, along with undergraduate students, current high school seniors who have experience raising and caring for small or large livestock, equine and/or poultry, are eligible to apply for one of four $5,000 scholarships. Along with the impact animal agriculture has had on their lives, desired applicants will be able to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership skills, community involvement and have a clear vision for their future.
 
Scholarship applications will be accepted March 18 through April 17. Awardees will receive their scholarship funds for the Fall 2024 semester at their current or anticipated educational institution. The scholarship is open to all high school seniors who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic semester/term and undergraduate students enrolled in an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school.
 
To learn more about the Purina Animal Nutrition Scholarship and apply today, visit https://www.purinamills.com/scholarship.
 
Purina Animal Nutrition LLC (www.purinamills.com) is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other retailers throughout the United States. Every feed and nutritional product Purina makes is packaged with a purpose: to maintain the integrity of the innovative nutrition inside. Purina is now partnering with forward-thinking retailers and producers to give this packaging new life in an effort to leave a lasting legacy and impact for generations to come. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn. and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Land O’Lakes, Inc.

National Dairy Board Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

Applications are being accepted for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB).

Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, in addition to a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program.

Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2024-25 academic school year and enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy are eligible. Relevant majors may include: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.

Applications can be found at usdairy.com/about-us/dmi/scholarship

Completed applications must be received no later than May 31, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Questions about the program can be submitted to ndbscholarships@dairy.org

Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by America’s more than 26,000 dairy farmers, as well as dairy importers. Created to help increase sales and demand for dairy products, DMI and its related organizations work to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation, and to maintain confidence in dairy foods, farms and businesses. DMI manages the National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

Sayles & Osborne Named The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 2024 National Jersey Show Judges

Jersey Canada has announced the Judge for the 2024 National Jersey Show at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Jeff Sayles
 
Jeff Sayles owns and operates Bridon Farms in Paris, Ontario with his father Brian and brother Bruce and families. They currently milk 110 Jerseys with two DeLaval robots and crop approximately 600 acres. Bridon Farms has had several Jersey All-Canadian awards and nominations and is a past Master Breeder for both Jersey and Holstein as well as a 2024 Jersey Canada Constructive Breeder.
 
Jeff has judged many 4-H Shows, County Shows, Breeders’ Cups and Championship Shows. Some shows that Jeff has judged include the Quebec Spring Jersey Show, the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec Jersey Show, Stratford Championship Jersey Show and in 2005 he was the Associate Judge of the Jersey Show at the World Dairy Expo. In 2019, Jeff travelled to Australia to judge the NSW State Show.
 
In Jeff’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Julie, watching his daughters play hockey and show their calves, and breeding and showing Modena pigeons.

Working along side Jeff, in the ring will be the Associate Judge for the 2024 National Jersey Show at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Richard Osborne

Richard Osborne along with his wife, Teresa and children, Easton and Sienna own and operate their farm under the Willow Creek Genetics prefix. Here they milk approximately 100 Holsteins and Jerseys on a 200-acre farm in Hagersville, Ontario. Willow Creek has bred and owned several All-Canadian and All Ontario nominated cattle. With the herd currently comprised of 23 EX, 68 VG and 8 GP cattle.

While working towards the goal of owning a farm Richard worked for 12 years as a cattle fitter traveling across Canada, the U.S.A, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Holland. Richard also worked full time in the A.I. industry for Alta Genetics as well as in the Dairy nutrition industry for Grand Valley Fortifiers for several years while establishing their current dairy operation.

Richard has had the opportunity to officiate at multiple 4-H and Dairy breed shows and breeders’ cups throughout Ontario. As well as having the opportunity to place the conformation portion of the 2019 Western Canadian Classic in Alberta.

Furthermore, Richard has had the opportunity to judge internationally in the Dominican Republic for their National Jersey and Brown Swiss Show. Richard has been selected to participate as a judge for the All Canadian and All Ontario competition for both the Jersey and Holstein breeds. He will also be the Associate Judge for the 2024 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Showmanship Competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Outside of the farm Richard has served on his County Holstein club and dairy farmers of Ontario committees in the director and executive roles.

Source: Jersey Canada

Wisconsin dairy CAFO appeals pollution permit

The Wisconsin Dairy Alliance has filed an appeal against the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources over pollution discharge elimination system licenses. The initial complaint argued that the DNR lacked the jurisdiction to require farmers to get licenses under the state’s water quality statutes. Calumet County Judge Carey Reed dismissed this argument in January. Kim Bremmer of Venture Dairy Cooperative feels that farmers should not be required to get a discharge permit if they are not dischargers. Bremmer believes their appeal will be successful based on prior court decisions, since the federal Supreme Court has ruled against the EPA using identical wording. Bremmer thinks the state should halt polluters, but Wisconsin already has the nation’s strictest water regulatory regulations for big farms, and they are not polluting the state’s rivers. The Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Litigation Center is handling the appeals case.

Addressing the Growing Challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance in US Dairy Cows

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health globally, and the dairy industry is not exempt from its impact. In the United States, the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials in dairy cows have contributed to the emergence of resistant bacteria, compromising both animal welfare and food safety. This article delves into the factors driving antimicrobial resistance in US dairy cows, its implications for human and animal health, and strategies to combat this pressing issue.

The Overuse of Antimicrobials: Antimicrobials are commonly used in dairy farming for disease prevention, treatment, and growth promotion. However, the widespread and indiscriminate use of these drugs has led to the development of resistant bacteria in dairy cow populations. Factors contributing to antimicrobial overuse include inadequate veterinary oversight, economic pressures, and a lack of alternative management practices.

Public Health Concerns: The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in dairy cows poses a direct threat to human health through the food chain. Resistant bacteria can contaminate dairy products, such as milk and cheese, leading to the transmission of resistant pathogens to consumers. Furthermore, farm workers and individuals in close contact with dairy cows are at increased risk of exposure to resistant bacteria, potentially leading to treatment challenges in clinical settings.

Animal Welfare Implications: Antimicrobial resistance not only jeopardizes human health but also compromises the welfare of dairy cows. In cases where antimicrobials are less effective due to resistance, cows may suffer from prolonged illness, reduced productivity, and increased susceptibility to secondary infections. This not only impacts the well-being of individual animals but also undermines the overall sustainability and profitability of dairy farming operations.

Strategies for Mitigation: Addressing antimicrobial resistance in US dairy cows requires a multifaceted approach involving stakeholders across the agricultural, veterinary, and public health sectors. Key strategies include:

  1. Enhanced Surveillance: Implementing robust monitoring and surveillance programs to track antimicrobial use and resistance patterns in dairy cow populations.
  2. Responsible Use Guidelines: Promoting judicious antimicrobial use practices, including proper diagnosis, prescription, and adherence to withdrawal periods, to minimize the development of resistance.
  3. Education and Training: Providing education and training for dairy farmers, veterinarians, and farm workers on antimicrobial stewardship, biosecurity measures, and alternative disease prevention strategies.
  4. Research and Innovation: Investing in research to develop novel antimicrobial alternatives, vaccines, and management practices that reduce reliance on antibiotics while maintaining herd health and productivity.
  5. Regulatory Oversight: Strengthening regulatory oversight and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with antimicrobial use regulations and promote accountability throughout the dairy supply chain.

Antimicrobial resistance in US dairy cows is a complex and evolving challenge with far-reaching implications for human health, animal welfare, and food security. By implementing proactive measures to promote responsible antimicrobial use, enhance surveillance, and foster innovation, stakeholders can mitigate the spread of resistance and safeguard the long-term sustainability of the dairy industry. Collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders, and research institutions is essential to address this pressing issue and ensure the continued safety and viability of dairy farming in the United States.

McNeil & Osborne Named 2024 TD 4-H Dairy Classic Showmanship Judges

The TD 4-H Dairy Classic – Canada’s premier national youth dairy show – announced the showmanship judges for the 2024 show. The Showmanship portion of the Classic will take place on Monday, November 4th and the conformation classes will be judged on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024.

Showmanship Judge
Curtis McNeil is from Goderich, Ontario where he operates Heather Holme Farms with his wife Cathy, their children Sam, Beth, James and Clark, along with his parents Glen & Vanda McNeil. The farm consists of 115 kg of quota and 300 acres. Heather Holme is an entirely homebred herd with a current classification of 26 EX, 47 VG, 24 GP. They have earned three Master Breeder shields, numerous All- Canadian, All-Canadian Nominations and All-Ontario Awards.

After graduating from the University of Guelph Curtis was a full time cattle fitter and traveled across Canada, the US, Australia, Italy, Spain, Holland, Germany and Switzerland. Curtis has judged showmanship at the Western Canada Classic and World Dairy Expo. He has judged many breeders cups and county shows across Ontario, as well as internationally at the India National Show in Punjub, India.

In 2005, Curtis was Champion Showperson at the TD Classic 4-H Show and the Holstein Canada Presidents Cup, being the first person to ever win both in the same week. He is an Executive board member of the Semex Alliance and a board member of Eastgen, a two-time Past President of the Huron County Holstein Club, 4-H leader for 17 years and past president of the Huron County 4-H Leaders Association. Curtis is always happy to support 4-H or youth programs whenever possible.

Associate Showmanship Judge
Richard Osborne along with his wife, Teresa, and children, Easton and Sienna, own and operate their farm under the Willow Creek Genetics prefix. Here they milk approximately 100 Holsteins and Jerseys on a 200 acre farm in Hagersville, Ontario. Willow Creek has bred and owned several All-Canadian and All Ontario nominated cattle. The herd currently is comprised of 23 EX, 68 VG and 8 GP cattle.

While working towards the goal of owning a farm, Richard worked for 12 years as a cattle fitter traveling across Canada, the U.S.A, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Holland. Richard also worked full time in the A.I. industry for Alta Genetics, as well as in the dairy nutrition industry for Grand Valley Fortifiers for several years while establishing their current dairy operation.
Richard has had the opportunity to officiate at multiple 4-H and Dairy breed shows and breeders’ cups throughout Ontario, and officiated at the conformation portion of the 2019 Western Canadian Classic in Alberta. He has also had the opportunity to judge internationally in the Dominican Republic for their National Jersey and Brown Swiss Show. Richard has been selected to participate as a judge for the All Canadian and All Ontario competition for both the Jersey and Holstein breeds. Away from the farm, Richard has served on the Haldimand County Holstein Club and Dairy Farmers of Ontario committees in the director and executive roles.

Revolutionizing Dairy Farming: The Impact of Wearable Technology on Cow Health and Productivity

In the age of digital innovation, the dairy industry is undergoing a technological transformation, with wearable technology emerging as a game-changer. These devices, designed specifically for dairy cows, offer real-time monitoring and insights into various aspects of their health and well-being. From activity tracking to health management, the integration of wearable technology promises to revolutionize dairy farming practices. This article explores the potential benefits and applications of wearable technology for dairy cows, highlighting its impact on animal welfare, farm efficiency, and overall productivity.

Enhanced Health Monitoring: Wearable devices equipped with sensors can monitor key health indicators in dairy cows, such as body temperature, heart rate, rumination, and activity levels. By continuously collecting and analyzing this data, farmers can detect early signs of illness, stress, or discomfort, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. This proactive approach not only improves individual cow health but also helps prevent the spread of diseases within the herd, ultimately reducing veterinary costs and improving overall herd management.

Optimized Reproduction Management: Reproduction plays a critical role in dairy farming, impacting herd profitability and sustainability. Wearable technology enables accurate estrus detection and monitoring of reproductive cycles in cows, facilitating timely insemination and maximizing breeding success rates. By leveraging data insights from wearable devices, farmers can optimize breeding strategies, minimize calving intervals, and enhance genetic selection, ultimately improving the overall reproductive efficiency of their herd.

Precision Feeding and Nutrition: Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining cow health, milk production, and reproductive performance. Wearable devices can track feeding behavior and rumination patterns, providing valuable insights into individual cow dietary preferences, digestive health, and nutrient intake. Armed with this information, farmers can tailor feeding programs to meet the specific needs of each cow, optimize ration formulations, and minimize feed wastage, thereby improving feed efficiency and reducing production costs.

Monitoring Lameness and Comfort: Lameness is a common and costly issue in dairy farming, impacting both cow welfare and productivity. Wearable technology can detect subtle changes in gait, posture, and movement patterns, allowing farmers to identify lameness issues early and implement targeted interventions, such as hoof trimming or treatment protocols. By prioritizing cow comfort and mobility, farmers can reduce the prevalence of lameness, improve overall welfare standards, and enhance milk production efficiency.

Data-Driven Decision Making: One of the most significant advantages of wearable technology is its ability to generate actionable insights from real-time data analytics. By integrating wearable device data with farm management software and predictive analytics algorithms, farmers can make informed decisions regarding herd health, reproduction, nutrition, and productivity. This data-driven approach empowers farmers to optimize resource allocation, mitigate risks, and drive continuous improvement in dairy farm operations.

Wearable technology holds immense potential to transform the dairy industry by providing actionable insights into cow health, reproduction, nutrition, and welfare. By leveraging real-time data monitoring and analytics, farmers can enhance herd management practices, improve productivity, and ensure sustainable long-term success. As the adoption of wearable technology continues to grow, its role in shaping the future of dairy farming cannot be overstated, offering a win-win solution for both farmers and cows alike.

The Hidden Risks of Prolonged Standing: Contributing Factors to Claw Issues

Prolonged standing is a common aspect of various professions, including retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. While often overlooked, the effects of extended periods spent on one’s feet can have detrimental consequences on musculoskeletal health. Among these, claw issues, characterized by the deformation of the toes and feet, are increasingly recognized as a significant concern. This article explores the relationship between prolonged standing and the development of claw issues, shedding light on contributing factors and preventive measures.

Understanding Claw Issues: Claw issues, also known as claw toes or hammertoes, refer to a deformity where the toes bend downward at the middle joints, resembling claws. This condition can cause discomfort, pain, and difficulty in walking, ultimately affecting an individual’s quality of life. While various factors contribute to the development of claw toes, prolonged standing emerges as a significant precursor.

Contributing Factors:

  1. Footwear: Ill-fitting shoes with narrow toe boxes and high heels can force the toes into unnatural positions, increasing the risk of developing claw issues, especially when combined with prolonged standing. Shoes that lack adequate support or cushioning further exacerbate the problem.
  2. Muscle Fatigue: Standing for extended periods places excessive strain on the muscles and ligaments of the feet, leading to fatigue and weakness. As the muscles weaken, they become less capable of maintaining proper toe alignment, contributing to the development of claw toes.
  3. Poor Posture: Maintaining the same posture while standing for prolonged durations can lead to postural imbalances, affecting the alignment of the toes and feet. Over time, this can manifest as claw issues, particularly if corrective measures are not taken.
  4. Occupational Demands: Certain professions, such as retail, hospitality, and manufacturing, often require employees to stand for the majority of their shifts. Consequently, individuals in these occupations are at a higher risk of developing claw issues due to the repetitive stress placed on their feet.

Preventive Measures:

  1. Proper Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes with ample room for the toes is crucial for preventing claw issues. Opt for shoes with a wide toe box and adequate arch support to reduce pressure on the toes and promote proper alignment.
  2. Regular Breaks: Incorporating regular breaks and opportunities to sit or rest can help alleviate the strain on the feet and reduce the risk of muscle fatigue and deformities.
  3. Stretching Exercises: Performing regular stretching exercises targeted at the feet and toes can help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, and maintain proper alignment.
  4. Ergonomic Considerations: Employers should prioritize ergonomic workplace design, providing anti-fatigue mats, adjustable standing desks, and supportive footwear to minimize the adverse effects of prolonged standing on employee health.

While prolonged standing is often unavoidable in certain professions, awareness of its potential health implications, including claw issues, is essential. By addressing contributing factors such as footwear, muscle fatigue, poor posture, and occupational demands, individuals and employers can take proactive measures to mitigate the risks associated with extended periods spent on one’s feet. Through a combination of proper footwear, regular breaks, stretching exercises, and ergonomic considerations, individuals can safeguard their musculoskeletal health and reduce the likelihood of developing claw issues.

Charles Wayne Lutz Obituary

Charles Wayne Lutz, 72, of Mocksville, was unexpectedly called to his heavenly home on Sunday, March 10, 2024.

Wayne was born on January 31, 1952, in Catawba County, to the late Charles Lewis and Ethel McLail Compton Lutz. Wayne was a member of First United Methodist Church. He was raised on the family Jersey dairy farm, to which he returned upon graduation from NC State in 1974. Wayne relocated to Davie County in 1979, renting the dairy facility owned by Richard and Mable Allen. In 1981, he purchased Deerview Jersey Farm at its current location off of Cana Road. He milked pure bred Jerseys until his semi-retirement in 2017, retaining enough heifers to allow his grandchildren to participate in dairy livestock shows. Wayne was known as loving, funny and genuinely kind by those lucky to share his life.

In his youth, he was an accomplished 4-Her, honing his dairy judging and showing skills at local, regional and national level. Later he was a frequent judge of the same, judging in excess of 300+ county and district dairy shows. Wayne took immense pleasure is working with and promoting youth activities.

He was honored to be inducted into the NC State Fair Livestock Hall of Fame, having exhibited at every NC State Fair since the age of 3 and being Premier Breeder and Exhibitor numerous times; was awarded the Marvin E. Sengar Distinguished Dairy Farmer, as well as Davie County Conservation Family of the Year in 1990 and 2011.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and infant brother, Steven.

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Karen and their three daughters, Whitney Munden (Christopher) of Advance, Kelsey Daye Lutz (Shamus Eberhardt) of Anacortes, WA, and Avery Lutz of Richmond, VA; siblings, Brenda Lutz of Huntersville, Corey Lutz (Bridgett), and Kevin Lutz; all of Lincolnton; and grandchildren, Coet Munden, Piper Munden, Atlas Munden, Wilder Munden, and Oslo Eberhardt.

A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Thursday, March 14, at Carrigan Farms West entrance 1213 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville, with Rev. Lori Anne Bowen officiating. The family invites friends visit with them following the service for lunch, fellowship and the celebration of a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, please consider memorials to Davie High FFA, 180 War Eagle Drive, Mocksville NC 27028.

Online condolences www.lambertfuneralhomenc.com

 

U.S. Milk Production Increases 35% in 23 Years

Total milk production in the United States from 1999 to 2024 (in million pounds)*

* Excludes milk sucked by calves.
** Forecast
Data for 1999-2021 were taken from previous USDA reports.

The United States produced around 226.6 billion pounds of milk for human consumption in 2023. In 2000, this sum was roughly 167.4 billion pounds. The global production of cow milk has significantly increased in recent years.

Milk production in the United States has been relatively steady over the last three years, with the Midwest and Northeast contributing 1.4% and 0.9% of milk, respectively. However, output declined by 1.3% in the West and Southeast. The Southeast area has always declined, although this drop comes after years of expansion. The Northeast’s production has been constant, dropping 0.3% from five years ago. Over the previous five years, the Midwest has led in production, increasing output by 7.5%, with South Dakota leading the way. Kansas and Michigan also saw double-digit increases. The national herd size has not altered much, with 9.386 million cows in 2023, down just 0.2% from 2022. Cow numbers rose slightly in the Midwest and Northeast, but they fell 0.6% in the West and 2.3% in the Southeast. The average milk output per cow was 24,117 pounds, up 30 pounds from the previous year, and milk per cow has increased by 1,203 pounds during the last five years.

US milk market

Milk production has increased in recent years, while retail sales have decreased. The retail price of milk has fluctuated over the last several years, peaking in 2022 at 4.21 US dollars per gallon.

Leading US milk brands

Private label milk sells more than any other dairy brand in the United States. Hood had the most dollar sales of any name brand of whole milk in 2022, totaling more than 190 million USD. In the flavored milk category, TruMoo was the largest brand, selling about 91 million units in 2018. However, private label flavored milk sold many more units than the main name brand.

World Championship Cheesemaker Claims Fourth Victory

The fourth World Champion Cheese title, and the third consecutive one, has gone to a little mountain creamery in Switzerland.

Gourmino cheese is made in Bern, Switzerland, by Michael Spycher at Mountain Dairy Fritzenhaus. The river that runs beside the creamery is the inspiration for his Hornbacher cheese. It beat out 3,302 other submissions with a score of 98.98 out of 100.

Joe Salonia of Gourmino was there in Madison, Wisconsin on Thursday when the winner was announced. He explains that the cheese is crafted using milk from local, small farmers. “There are nine or ten dairy farmers within five or six kilometers who will deliver fresh, raw, beautiful Swiss cows milk twice a day.”

The Area of Protection (AOP) contains stringent regulations, according to Salonia, which affect local Swiss farmers. They still need to spend time outside, even in the dead of winter. The cows may eat grass or hay, with a little grain or snack every now and again, but silage—preserved hay—never allowed since it would induce gas bubbles, which would ruin the lengthy ripening process of raw milk cheese.

The majority of the cows milked by the local farmers are Holsteins or Red Fleckviehs, a cross of Simmental and Red Holsteins, according to Salonia.

Four world championships have been won by Michael Spycher’s creamery, with the latest three being consecutive.

On a biannual basis, the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association holds the World Championship Cheese Contest.

Heavy pathogen discharge leads Michigan AG to sue dairy farm

Michigan’s attorney general’s office is suing J&D Brenner Farms in Allegan County after environmental authorities discovered elevated amounts of dangerous bacteria in drainage into the Kalamazoo River. Attorney General Dana Nessel filed a lawsuit against Brenner in February, stating that the farm is polluting waterways with nutrients and diseases due to inappropriate animal waste management. The farm produces around 650 cows on 8 acres in the manner of a concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO), but does not have the permission necessary of such operations. According to the state, the Brenner farm violates state water quality standards and creates a public nuisance.

In 2016, regulators informed Brenner that the farm housed and fed too many cows to operate without a pollutant discharge permit. State inspectors visited the farm in April 2017 and October 2019, and issued a violation notice after discovering “unlawful discharge of production area waste” into drains that go to the Rabbit River, which joins the Kalamazoo River near New Richmond. There are two waste storage lagoons on the farm, but the state claims Brenner has not submitted design documents, and the storage capacity is unclear.

In January 2023, state testing revealed unusually high levels of biological oxygen demand in a drain outfall, which may degrade water quality. Testing also revealed “extreme readings” for chlorides, suspended particles, turbidity, ammonia, nitrates, phosphorus, calcium, copper, magnesium, zinc, and acidic pH levels. In September and October 2023, watershed monitoring discovered E. coli in a drain near the farm at concentrations 14 times higher than the permissible state threshold of fecal coliform bacteria in surface water.

The state has urged Ingham Judge Wanda Stokes to order Brenner Farms to cease releasing nitrogen and pathogens, acquire and comply with a discharge permit, and pay civil penalties.

Digesters on Dairy Farms: Maximizing Efficiency and Sustainability

In recent years, dairy farmers have been increasingly turning to innovative solutions to manage waste and reduce their environmental footprint. One such solution gaining traction is the implementation of anaerobic digesters. These digesters offer a promising avenue for converting organic waste into valuable resources while also mitigating greenhouse gas emissions.

Anaerobic digesters function by breaking down organic materials, such as manure and food waste, in an oxygen-free environment. This process generates biogas, primarily composed of methane and carbon dioxide, which can be captured and used as a renewable energy source. Additionally, digesters produce nutrient-rich digestate, which can serve as a potent fertilizer for crops.

One dairy farm that has embraced this technology is the Green Pastures Dairy Farm in the heart of agricultural country. With a herd of over 500 cows, waste management had long been a significant challenge for the farm. However, by investing in an anaerobic digester system, they have not only addressed this challenge but have also unlocked numerous benefits.

The digester at Green Pastures operates round the clock, processing thousands of gallons of manure daily. The captured biogas fuels a generator, producing electricity to power the entire farm and even surplus to sell back to the grid. This renewable energy source has significantly reduced the farm’s reliance on fossil fuels, leading to substantial cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint.

Moreover, the digestate produced by the system has revolutionized the farm’s approach to fertilization. Instead of relying solely on chemical fertilizers, which can be costly and have negative environmental impacts, Green Pastures now utilizes the nutrient-rich digestate to nourish their fields. This closed-loop system not only cuts down on waste but also enhances soil health and crop yields.

The success of anaerobic digesters at Green Pastures serves as a testament to the potential of this technology for dairy farms across the globe. By harnessing the power of anaerobic digestion, farmers can simultaneously address waste management challenges, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and generate renewable energy. As sustainability becomes an increasingly pressing concern in agriculture, digesters offer a practical and impactful solution for dairy farmers committed to environmental stewardship and economic viability.

South Dakota sees a decline in dairy farms

North Dakota’s dairy sector has declined, with just 29 Grade A Dairy farms left in the state.  The sector is becoming more difficult to maintain, since there is no location to send milk, making it tough for farmers to prosper.

The milk market is particularly volatile, with lows being lower for longer than highs. Companies can capitalize on highs more effectively than small businesses, and they can remain afloat better during a crisis. Pay Dak Dairy’s owners, Sam and Jonas Heyl, produce 20,000 pounds of milk each day, or 7.3 million pounds annually. Their milk is delivered to Pollock, South Dakota, every three days. As a third-generation farmer, Sam has seen the sector evolve, noting that everyone who dairy farmed had a few cows to support their families.

With a smaller business of 300 milking cows and ten hired personnel, the farm requires 365 days of labor to care for the animals. Their enthusiasm and affection for animals make their work worthwhile every day.

The fatal Listeria outbreak may land a raw cheese manufacturer in jail.

Vulto Creamery, a former cheesemaker in Walton, New York, has pleaded guilty to inducing the introduction of contaminated food into interstate commerce. The firm was connected to a Listeriosis epidemic in 2014 and 2017, when swabs obtained from the cheese production plant between July 2014 and February 2017 tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, the organism that causes Listeriosis when consumed. The epidemic caused two fatalities and eight hospitalizations in four states: Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Vermont. The cheeses were dispersed around the country, with the majority sold in retailers in the northern and Mid-Atlantic states, California, Chicago, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, D.C. The FDA and CDC investigated and discovered that the company’s soft raw milk cheese was the cause of the incident.

In 2018, a federal judge ordered Vulto and his firm to stop producing ready-to-eat aged soft, semi-soft, and hard cheeses until they comply with food safety rules and take corrective procedures that satisfy the FDA. The government said that the cheeses were manufactured, packaged, or stored in unclean circumstances, and that the company never sought to identify the kind of bacterium or its source. The FDA also claimed that the corporation neglected to undertake microbiological testing on its completed product despite the discovery of Listeria on food contact surfaces.

On March 5, 2024, Vulto pleaded guilty in a Syracuse federal court to one misdemeanor count of causing the introduction of contaminated food into interstate commerce. According to US Attorney Freedman, the investigation and prosecution will hold the defendant and his company responsible for causing disease and death to customers via hazardous practices in an absolutely avoidable tragedy.

Minnesota dairy farm denies stealing $3 million from hundreds of workers.

Attorney General Keith Ellison is suing Evergreen Acres’ owners, Keith Schaefer and his daughter Megan Hill, for allegedly taking over $3 million in pay from hundreds of employees while billing them for dismal living accommodations in barns and garages. The lawsuit compares Evergreen Acres’ working conditions to Upton Sinclair’s “The Jungle,” with employees working 12-hour days six or seven days a week and being charged rent to sleep in the same bed as others doing opposite 12-hour stints.

Schaefer and Hill reject almost everything in the lawsuit, including the fact that many of their employees are undocumented immigrants, mostly from Mexico. They acknowledge to employing hundreds of workers over the last three years, many of whom were recruited from Mexico by present staff. They also deny consistently underpaying workers by up to 32 hours every two weeks and neglecting to pay overtime payments.

Ellison’s office claims that the accommodation workers were charged $70-$150 every two weeks was not appropriate for human habitation, and that Evergreen managers conducted unannounced inspections and withheld money from workers’ salaries for unclean quarters.

Dairy farms are among the most hazardous workplaces in the nation, since they depend on foreign labor and get minimal regulatory control. Ellison accused Evergreen Acres of abusing workers’ infirmities, claiming that many are from the Oaxaca area and speak Zapotec as their first language and Spanish as a second. Workers are required to do “physically demanding tasks that run the risk of death and serious injury.”

CDCB: April 2024 Evaluation Changes: What’s New?

The Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and USDA Animal Genomics Improvement Laboratory (AGIL) announce enhancements in the U.S. dairy genetic evaluations on April 2, 2024.

New Variance Component Estimates and Variance Adjusted Weights for Health Traits

By Taylor Marie McWhorter, Kristen Parker Gaddis, Ezequiel Nicolazzi, and Paul VanRaden

Since the 2018 debut of CDCB evaluations for disease resistance, the number of health records in the National Cooperator Database has tripled or quadrupled – depending on the trait. With this data surge, the trait model has been adjusted with new variance component estimates and adjusted weights, effective with the April 2024 evaluations. This follows a typical progression and evolution of newer traits.  

CDCB genetic evaluations are provided for six direct health traits for the resistance to Milk Fever (MFEV), Displaced Abomasum (DA), Ketosis (KETO), Mastitis (MAST), Metritis (METR) and Retained Placenta (RETP). The health evaluations were first incorporated for Holstein in April 2018, Jersey in April 2020, and Brown Swiss in August 2022. Variance components were originally estimated in 2018, when Holstein records available for each trait ranged from 1.2 to 2.2 million. The available records by trait are summarized in the first table.

  Milk Fever Displaced Abomasum Ketosis Mastitis Metritis Retained Placenta
# Records, Millions (HO) 2018 Estimate 1.2 M 1.9 M 1.4 M 2.4 M 2.0 M 2.2 M
# Records in Database, Millions (HO, JE, BS) Dec 2023 5.8 M 5.8 M 4.3 M 7.7 M 6.3 M 7.6 M
Incidence Rates Dec 2023 1.06% 1.63% 5.84% 11.72% 7.16% 3.39%

A single-trait linear animal repeatability model with random effects (additive, permanent environment, herd-by-year, and herd-by-sire) is used to estimate genomic Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) for animals. New variance components were estimated for all six health traits. The new estimates affect overall heritabilities (h2; all lactations together), h2-by-lactation, variance ratios for other random effects, and repeatability.

  Milk Fever Displaced Abomasum Ketosis Mastitis Metritis Retained Placenta
h2  2018 0.6% 1.1% 1.2% 3.1% 1.4% 1.0%
h2  2023 0.6% 3.1% 1.7% 3.2% 1.6% 1.3%

In addition, weights applied to health traits were updated from 0 or 1 to be a value estimated from the variance components. These variance-adjusted weights are used to standardize genetic variance across differing parities that have differing heritabilities. The new weights are a function of repeatability, h2, and h2-by-lactation. The previous weights of 0 or 1 are now 0 or 0.25-1.46 depending on lactation and trait.

In evaluations, both the existing variance adjusted phenotypes and the new variance adjusted weights are employed to account for the heterogeneous variance.

To investigate the impact of the upgrades made to the health evaluations, a test using data from the December 2023 run was completed. Correlations between the official December 2023 evaluation and the test evaluation with the updates were examined for old and young animals by breed and for genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) and genomic reliability (GREL). GEBV (GREL) correlations for MFEV, KETO, MAST, METR, and RETP were ≥0.96 (≥0.98) for Holstein, ≥0.90 (≥0.95) for Jersey and ≥0.92 (≥0.99) for Brown Swiss. The DA GEBV (GREL) correlations were ≥0.95 (≥0.93) For Holstein, ≥0.82 (≥0.84) for Jersey and ≥0.81 (≥0.96) for Brown Swiss. The lower correlations observed for DA are due to the largest change in h2, which also impacts the variance-adjusted weights. 

Given the new variance components and correlations between official and test run, some variation is expected in PTA for individual animals. However, the variance adjustments effectively capture the categorical trait of incidence in a linear model. The impact on Net Merit is expected to be very small, given the weighting of these traits in the index.

Foreign Unknown Parent Groups

By Paul VanRaden and Andres Legarra

Unknown Parent Groups (UPG) are used in the genetic evaluation to provide an average Predicted Transmitting Ability (PTA) value to all animals with missing pedigree information. Starting in the April 2024 evaluation, all foreign UPG effects will be merged with domestic UPGs.

Accurately estimating UPG effects requires that foreign unknown parents have descendants with domestic phenotypes. That has been the case with Canadian dams and international sires, which describe the first foreign-genotyped animals. As genotyping has expanded across the world, a high proportion of recently genotyped foreign unknown parents do not have descendants with domestic phenotypes. Thus, the automated system defining UPG has recently been detecting a much larger need for UPGs, alongside a drastic reduction in the available information to estimate them. Furthermore, a recent study showed the behavior of these foreign UPG could be introducing bias in the evaluation. For this reason, starting in the April 2024 evaluation, all foreign UPG effects will be merged with domestic UPGs. Foreign genetic trends were assumed equal to domestic trends, which is a reasonable assumption for Europe and Canada. Lack of information to estimate actual trends in South America or Asia, where most of the unknown parents are, makes this a need to reduce overall bias.

Before implementation, AGIL and CDCB tested the impacts and correlations. For example, fertility traits of Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR), Cow Conception Rate (CCR), Heifer Conception Rate (HCR), and Early First Calving (EFC) were compared with and without separate foreign UPGs in the pedigree model before adding genomic information. For Holstein bulls born in the last 10 years with >50% reliability, PTA correlations before and after merging the groups were >99.98% for all four traits. Across all years, PTA correlations were >99.97%, except EFC with correlation of 99.86% due to a 10% faster estimated genetic trend. For the EFC trait, the largest changes were for European bulls of breeds Simmental or Montbeliard, and for U.S. bulls with Canadian dam IDs but no further pedigree.

Generally, this change will have little effect on animal evaluations across the population, although there will be significant effect on specific animals that used the removed UPG.

Breed Base Representation (BBR) Update Delayed to August

By Ezequiel L. Nicolazzi

The Breed Base Representation (BBR) reference population update is typically updated on an annual basis, in the April evaluations. This year’s BBR update will be delayed for four months, as we are working to introduce a new SNP list. To avoid two consecutive changes to BBR reference animals, the new SNP set and update to the BBR reference population are scheduled to be implemented together in August 2024.

Interbull Validation on Fertility, Somatic Cell Score and Mastitis

By Rodrigo Mota and Taylor Marie McWhorter

Since 1995, the U.S. evaluation system has participated to the Multiple Across-Country Evaluation (MACE) for bulls, managed by Interbull. This multi-country evaluation is beneficial because it allows receipt of evaluations, on U.S. scale, for bulls with daughters in other countries. This enhances the comparison of performance of most of the bulls in the world, while improving the accuracy of parent averages of their U.S. progeny (if any). In order to exchange evaluations, countries are required to achieve Interbull validation that their evaluations are free from bias. This validation happens every two years, or when a trait has model changes, as is the case for Mastitis.*

CDCB fertility traits, Somatic Cell Score and Mastitis were due for a check-up in 2024, and all traits were successfully validated for all breeds.

*The model changes for Mastitis are described in the first section, “New variance component estimates and variance adjusted weights for health traits.”

Balancing Consumer Demands and Economic Realities: The Dilemma of Animal Welfare Costs

Consumer awareness and concern regarding animal welfare have grown significantly in recent years, prompting discussions about the ethical treatment of animals within the food production industry. However, while consumers express a desire for improved animal welfare standards, a critical question remains: Are they willing to pay the price for it? This article delves into the complex interplay between consumer preferences, economic considerations, and the feasibility of implementing higher animal welfare standards within the food production chain.

Consumer Preferences and Expectations: A growing segment of consumers is prioritizing ethical considerations, including animal welfare, when making purchasing decisions. Factors such as transparency in sourcing, humane treatment of animals, and adherence to higher welfare standards resonate with these consumers. Surveys and market research consistently indicate that a significant proportion of consumers are willing to pay a premium for products that align with their ethical values, including those related to animal welfare.

Economic Realities of Animal Welfare: Despite consumer preferences for better animal welfare standards, implementing and maintaining such standards within the food production industry entail significant costs. Investments in infrastructure, technology, personnel training, and compliance with regulatory requirements are necessary to ensure humane treatment and optimal living conditions for animals. These costs can exert upward pressure on production expenses, potentially impacting the affordability and accessibility of animal-derived products.

The Price-Premium Paradox: While consumers express willingness to pay a premium for products with higher animal welfare standards, their actual purchasing behavior may not always align with this sentiment. Studies have shown that consumers’ willingness to pay for animal welfare improvements diminishes when faced with higher prices at the point of sale. This phenomenon, known as the price-premium paradox, highlights the challenge of reconciling consumer preferences with economic realities within the food production industry.

Navigating the Trade-offs: For food producers and retailers, balancing consumer demands for improved animal welfare with economic considerations poses a complex dilemma. Striking the right balance requires careful consideration of various factors, including market segmentation, pricing strategies, product differentiation, and communication of value propositions. Additionally, collaboration across the supply chain, including farmers, processors, retailers, and regulatory agencies, is essential to drive meaningful improvements in animal welfare while ensuring the sustainability and viability of the industry.

Innovations and Solutions: Innovations in animal husbandry practices, technology, and supply chain management offer promising avenues for addressing the challenges associated with improving animal welfare. From precision agriculture and IoT-enabled monitoring systems to alternative production systems such as pasture-raised and free-range farming, there are opportunities to enhance animal welfare while optimizing resource utilization and production efficiency. Moreover, strategic partnerships between industry stakeholders, academia, and advocacy groups can facilitate knowledge sharing, research collaboration, and the development of best practices for ethical animal production.

The issue of animal welfare in the food production industry represents a delicate balance between consumer preferences, economic realities, and ethical considerations. While consumers express a desire for improved animal welfare standards, the feasibility of implementing such standards hinges on the ability of stakeholders to navigate the trade-offs inherent in the process. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and informed decision-making, the industry can move towards a more sustainable and ethically responsible approach to animal production, meeting consumer expectations while ensuring the long-term viability of the food supply chain.

Gradual recovery in major global dairy markets in 2024

Dairy experts anticipate a gradual but sluggish recovery in major global dairy markets in 2024, with Europe projected to be down in the first half of the year, New Zealand flat after four to five years of loss, and the US weak in the first quarter. Weather, tight business margins, and sustainability and regulatory challenges that affect production all contribute to a decrease in milk supply. The United States has had seven straight months of decreasing output, with milk cow numbers at their lowest since 2019.

Despite the low supply, dairy researcher Lucas Fuess does not anticipate the market to move bullishly. The theme for 2024 is gradual but consistent price rises as demand strengthens and tightness persists. The positive is the promise of increased profit margins if milk prices rise while feed costs fall. Class IV milk (used for dairy products such as butter, dry goods, and evaporated or sweetened condensed milk) is predicted to be more expensive than Class III milk until 2024 owing to increased cheese output.

Despite reduced milk availability, milk is predicted to flow freely to cheese processors owing to the industry’s rapid expansion, with new cheese facilities coming this year and in 2025. However, large supplies of cream from cows producing a lot of milk were unable to keep global butter prices down, which have hit record highs many times in recent years and are expected to reach new highs in 2024. Nonfat dry milk prices have remained rangebound for many months, despite stockpiles reaching their lowest levels since 2015.

Walmart to Build Third Milk Processing Plant in Texas

Walmart, America’s biggest retailer, has revealed plans to construct its third milk processing plant in Robinson, Texas, costing $350 million and slated to open in 2026. The facility will largely receive milk from Texas dairy farmers, after the company’s decision in October of last year to construct a second processing plant in Valdosta, Georgia. Walmart formerly bought its great-value branded milk from other dairy cooperatives, but it has subsequently created a network of milk processing factories to control the supply of price-sensitive food staples.

The new facility will deliver high-quality milk largely from Texas dairy farmers, demonstrating Walmart’s commitment to creating a more robust and transparent supply chain. Bruce Heckman, Walmart’s vice president of manufacturing, stated his delight about bringing high-quality milk to Texas and the neighboring states.

Leaders throughout Texas have weighed in on the retailer’s announcement, with Governor Greg Abbott expressing enthusiasm for the investment and job growth in McLennan County. Bert Echterling, Mayor of Robinson, lauded the city’s industrial sector and Walmart’s intention to establish itself in the region. Judge Scott M. Felton, Judge of McLennan County, praised the Robinson City Council, its city manager, Craig Lemin, and McLennan County Commissioner Jim Smith for collaborating with Walmart to guarantee required requirements were satisfied.

The factory will process and bottle a wide range of milk varieties, including gallon, half gallon, whole, 2%, 1%, skim, and 1% chocolate milk for Walmart’s Great Value and Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark brands. The items will be sent to over 750 Walmart and Sam’s Club locations throughout the South, including Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, sections of Arkansas, and Mississippi.

Johne’s Disease Genetic Parameters and Trends: An Updated Study

Johne’s disease (JD) is a major worldwide economic burden caused by an infectious gastrointestinal sickness. The purpose of this research was to use current data to analyze the genetic features and phenotypic alterations of JD in Holstein cattle in the United States. The data set includes 365,980 Holstein cows from 1,048 herds that participated in a voluntary JD control program. Two protocol kits, Idexx Paratuberculosis Screening Ab Test (IDX) and Parachek® 2 (PCK), were used to test milk samples by ELISA. The overall prevalence of JD in US Holstein cattle was 4.72%. 25,000 animals were genotyped using 78,964 SNP markers. The posterior heritability estimates for JD susceptibility ranged from low to high. The average reliability of anticipated breeding values of JD susceptibility using single-step analysis was 0.18 (THR) to 0.22 (ssTHR) for IDX and 0.14 (THR to 0.18) for PCK. The projected genetic trends for JD susceptibility were negative and very significant (P-value < 0.01). There were little relationships between bulls’ estimated transmitting ability and economically significant traits such as milk yield, milk protein, milk fat, somatic cell score, and mastitis, indicating a non-overlapping genetic selection process with features in current genetic evaluations. The results indicate that including JD into national genetic evaluation programs might possibly lower the incidence rate.

Dairy output in South Dakota is on the rise

Dairy output in the United States is dropping, with California, Wisconsin, Texas, Idaho, and New York among the leading milk producers. However, South Dakota’s dairy cow herd has grown significantly, reaching 208,000 in January 2024, a 70.5% rise from 2019. Drought, floods, loss of attractiveness, and labor shortages in the Great Lakes area have all contributed to this increase.

South Dakota’s benefits include a lack of problems for dairy producers in other states, such as overtime work laws, severe manure and effluent control, and rising water scarcity. It also boasts a plentiful supply of feed, a suitable environment for forage development, and a low population density. State government have created a significant highway corridor (I-29) for milk and dairy product transportation and are actively recruiting more dairy farms.

Since 2012, the South Dakota Dairy Drive, launched by dairy processors and farmers, has played a key role in increasing on-farm output and processing capacity. Attending national expos, engaging in regional forums, and cooperating with South Dakota State University are some of the activities.

Bel Brands and Agropur have commenced processing expansion, with Agropur finishing it in 2019. Valley Queen Cheese, a 95-year-old processor, has also increased its operations, with plans to add around 25,000 cows to South Dakota’s dairy herd in 2025 and 2026.

World Champion Elle St. Pierre: Olympic Runner and Dairy Farmer

Elle St. Pierre, a 29-year-old Vermont dairy farmer, has broken another American record in the 3,000 meters and became a world champion. She defeated two-time world champion Gudaf Tsegay and won the gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. St. Pierre’s winning time of 8 minutes, 20.87 seconds broke the previous national record by more over four seconds and propelled her to third position on the world’s all-time indoor rankings. Tsegay of Ethiopia holds the world record in the 5,000 meters.

St. Pierre, who gave birth to her baby in March and returned to race a few weeks later, broke her American record in the indoor mile at the 2024 Millrose Games on February 11. She is the most decorated athlete in the history of the University of New Hampshire, and she will compete in the 2021 Olympics for the United States. She currently farms with her husband in Montgomery, Vermont, and has been a champion for dairy products throughout her sporting career.

St. Pierre’s baby turns one on March 4, and she feels like a different person and athlete. She feels that the Wanamaker Mile triumph was “for all the moms out there.” St. Pierre is also the most decorated athlete in University of New Hampshire history, and she has promoted dairy products throughout her athletic career.

Introducing Australia’s Second Ever EX-96 Point Cow

Congratulations to Chris and Mary Gleeson of Elm Banks Holsteins in Victoria’s Western District on the accomplishment of Australia’s second EX96 point cow, Elm Banks Brook Misty EX96-5E. Misty, in her ninth lactation, is the dam of two Excellent daughters: Elm Banks Sid Misty EX91-2E and Elm Banks Misty Rain EX90-2E.  Tallelms Meadow Nancy EX96-6E, owned by CD and SP Russell of West Gippsland, was the only other cow in Australia to be classified as EX96 in 2011.  Congratulations to the Gleeson family on the breeding and development of such an exceptional cow.

Bradnick daughter, Ducasse Jaka Wins Grand at SIA in Paris

Ducasse Jaka, the reigning National Champion, won the prestigious event in November as part of the French herdbook Prim’Holstein’s centenary commemoration. This week, the superbly poised Bradnick daughter of Earl de Banos revealed her favorite part. She won the Grand Champion title at SIA in Paris for the second consecutive year!

European farmers protest, demand ministerial action.

A man holds a tire during a protest of European farmers over price pressures, taxes and green regulation, on the day of an EU Agriculture Ministers meeting in Brussels, Belgium February 26, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman

Farmers throughout Europe have opposed the EU’s environmental rules, blaming low retail pricing and unfair competition from outside. The 27-nation EU has already compromised several of its Green Deal environmental measures, deleting a commitment to reduce agriculture emissions from its 2040 climate roadmap. However, farmers are seeking more. They claim that the EU is not listening to their requests for fair income, since they produce food but do not earn a livelihood owing to free trade agreements, deregulation, and prices that are lower than the cost of production.

Protesters in Brussels tossed bottles at police, as over 900 tractors clogged portions of the Belgian city. Farmers from all throughout Spain asked the EU in Madrid to relax restrictions and remove certain modifications to its Common Agriculture Policy (CAP), which includes subsidies and other programs. They are tired of the bureaucracy and prefer to work in the field during the day and deal with paperwork at night.

In Poland, farmers are furious about cheap imports from non-EU. Ukraine has closed the A2 highway at a border crossing with Germany. As Ukraine confronts a Russian invasion, the EU agreed two years ago to remove taxes on its food exports. The EU is looking for a more efficient approach to ensure that Ukrainian agricultural goods reach their usual markets outside the EU. The agricultural ministers also discussed a fresh set of suggestions to alleviate financial strains on European farmers, such as reducing farm inspections and exempting small farms from some environmental rules. They requested the European Commission, the EU’s executive, to offer more ambitious recommendations for reducing red tape.

Cem Ozdemir, German Agriculture Minister, said that the EU must guarantee that farmers can make a fair living if they choose biodiversity and green initiatives. He described present EU agriculture policy as a “bureaucracy monster.” The EU has previously removed a goal to decrease agricultural emissions from its 2040 climate roadmap, repealed a regulation to minimize pesticides, and postponed a target for farmers to leave some land fallow to boost biodiversity.

At the Madrid demonstration, several farmers said that they just wanted to be able to use the same pesticides as colleagues outside the EU whose products are imported into the union. Grievances differ per nation, and not all farmers want for an end to green standards.

Will people pay for animal welfare?

Since announcing its Farm to Fork Strategy, the European Commission has been striving to reform animal welfare regulations. However, some Member States have implemented their own national policies, such as the culling of male chicks after birth, resulting in an unequal degree of animal welfare among the Member States. In response, the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) surveyed 8,000 individuals in eight countries to assess consumer demand for enhanced animal welfare rules in meat and fish. Initial data indicate that customers desire improved animal welfare and corresponding labeling, but are they ready to pay for it?

Almost 90% of consumers in the EU favor new legislation to enhance the wellbeing of farmed animals, such as increasing living space and prohibiting cage systems. Consumers also want to learn more about how farmed animals are raised and want reliable labeling. 72% of respondents wanted the method of production marking to be applied to items other than eggs.

Consumers also have poor faith in firms’ promises about animal welfare, with 84% responding adversely to ‘welfare-washing’, in which operators pretend to have greater animal welfare standards than they really do. Three out of four customers want to know more about how animals were grown for items like meat and dairy because they believe they don’t know enough. Industry should consider hard before indulging in ‘animal welfare-washing’, since it might permanently damage their companies’ image.

In actuality, upgrading animal welfare standards is not inexpensive, thus the issue becomes: who should pay for it? 74% of poll respondents felt the EU should assist farmers with funding to adopt better welfare criteria. BEUC emphasized that the EU and national governments must guarantee that the costs of this transformation are appropriately distributed throughout the value chain and not borne only by consumers.

Consumers Educated with Dairy Nutrition Facts Buy and Eat 26% More Dairy

A research published by the American Dairy Science Association and Elsevier found that when consumers are taught about dairy nutrition, they purchase and eat more dairy products such as cheese, ice cream, milk, and yogurt. The study was divided into three phases: a screening survey, nominal focus groups, and a follow-up survey with voluntary adult participants.

The research included 4,542 participants who filled out a 15-question screening survey. After the screening survey was completed, 195 individuals were assigned to nominal focus groups based on their interest, absence of food allergies, and reported dairy intake of fewer than three servings per day. Four infographics were created to assist participants learn about food labels and dairy concepts, including nutrition data panels, lactose maldigestion, nine key nutrients, and prebiotics and probiotics.

During the nominal focus groups phase, facilitators gave participants a pre-survey, then guided them through the graphical lesson before giving an ice cream acceptance test. Participants were given one of four combinations of scripted instructional messages and infographics. Following the ice cream test, participants were given a post-survey, followed by another one month later.

The study’s findings revealed that attending notional focus groups had a substantial and beneficial influence on dairy product purchase and consumption between the pre-survey and the one-month follow-up survey. The average weekly purchase of dairy products has climbed by 26% to 4.4 servings. The average intake of each dairy product also increased: 23% for cheese, 20% for ice cream, 26% for yogurt, and a stunning 53% for milk. Overall, participants consumed eight servings of dairy per week, a 35% increase.

However, the study team emphasized the significance of future research to better understand the long-term effects of education on dairy consumption and whether modifications to educational materials or delivery might increase their effectiveness. Overall, this research shows that well prepared educational messages on the advantages and nutritional properties of dairy foods may favorably affect consumer behavior, resulting in higher dairy product purchases and consumption.

A Rough Week on LaSalle Street as Markets Rise and Fall

  • The dairy industry experienced a rough week due to mediocre demand and a short-lived rebound for Class III dairy markets.
  • Cheese inventories grew seasonably in January, reaching 1.45 billion pounds, up 0.5% from January 2023.
  • Cheese prices must remain low enough to keep product moving abroad, suggesting continued volatility in the range between $1.45 and $1.70 per pound.
  • CME spot Cheddar blocks finished at $1.55, while Barrels climbed 3.5ȼ to $1.65.
  • Whey prices tumbled, with CME spot whey powder falling 9.75ȼ to 42.5ȼ, erasing six weeks of hard-won gains and slashing nearly 60ȼ from nearby Class III values.
  • The butter market retreated, with spot butter falling 9.25ȼ to $2.7575.
  • The milk powder market took a small step back, with CME spot nonfat dry milk (NDM) slipping a quarter-cent to $1.1975.
  • USDA announced the February Class III price at $16.08 per cwt, up 91ȼ from January’s painful lows, but still inadequate for producers who continue to suffer steep discounts despite a tighter milk market.
  • The steep setback in whey prices took a big bite out of Class III values this week, with the March contract losing 53ȼ and the April Class III falling $1.10 to $16.75.
  • Class IV prices are much better, with the February contract going off the board at $19.85, up 46ȼ from January.
  • The dairy herd is in decline, and milk-cow head counts are likely to keep dropping.
  • Feed prices bounced back from last week’s steep selloff, with May corn settled at $4.2475 per bushel, and May soybean futures closed at $11.5125, up 10.75ȼ.

The dairy business had a hard week on LaSalle Street, with decreased milk production and a smaller herd driving markets higher. However, lackluster demand continues to plague the dairy industry, rapidly suffocating any major rallies. Class III’s rebound has been short-lived, since unrelenting rise in cheese output calls into question the idea that decreased milk production is sufficient to reduce supply. Cheese inventories increased seasonally in January, reaching 1.45 billion pounds at the end of the month, up 0.5% from January 2023. Cheap cheese helped boost export sales, but the industry dried up after prices rose. Cheese prices must remain low enough to maintain goods going overseas, implying continuous volatility in the well-trodden band of $1.45 to $1.70 per pound.

Whey prices plummeted, with CME spot whey powder sliding 9.75̼ to 42.5̼, wiping six weeks of hard-won gains and chopping roughly 60ɼ off neighboring Class III values. Domestic demand for high protein whey concentrates continues to lower the proportion of the whey stream intended for the dryer, but increased cheese manufacturing means more whey output. The rising currency has significantly harmed US whey export prospects. Currency linkages have resulted in dairy goods priced in euros being 2% less costly than the identical product sold in dollars since the turn of the year, before accounting for any decreases in European whey prices.

This week, spot butter fell 9.25˼ to $2.7575. On January 31, there were 249 million pounds of butter in refrigerated warehouses, a 5.8% decrease from the previous year but much higher than in January 2022. Butter purchasers expect that less costly cream would increase production and allow them to avoid the exorbitant pricing of recent holiday seasons. Despite this week’s setback, butter prices are historically high and are expected to stay so.

The milk powder market took a modest step back, with CME spot nonfat dry milk (NDM) down a quarter cent to $1.1975. The February Class III price of $16.08 per cwt is up 91% from January’s lows, but it is still insufficient for farmers who continue to face substantial discounts despite a tighter milk market. The February Class IV contract sold for $19.85, a 46 percent increase over January.

Feed prices have rebounded following last week’s severe selloff, with Central Brazil trending drier, which may lower production predictions for the safrinah or second-corn crop. The trade is also afraid that farmers would plant fewer acres than usual since prices are just too low to cover input expenses.

Original Report At: https://www.jacoby.com/market-report/a-rough-week-on-lasalle-street-as-markets-propel-upward-and-downward/

Analyzing Market Signals: Will Milk Prices Rebound?

The dairy industry operates within a complex ecosystem influenced by various factors, including supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, and regulatory policies. In recent years, milk prices have experienced volatility, prompting stakeholders to closely monitor market signals for indications of potential rebounds. This article examines key factors that impact milk prices and identifies important market signals to watch for insights into future price trends.

Supply and Demand Dynamics: One of the primary drivers of milk prices is the balance between supply and demand. Oversupply can lead to downward pressure on prices, as producers compete to sell their products in a crowded market. Conversely, a shortage of milk can result in increased demand and higher prices. Monitoring production levels, inventory levels, and consumption trends provides valuable insights into the supply-demand balance.

Global Economic Conditions: The dairy industry is interconnected with the global economy, with factors such as exchange rates, trade policies, and economic growth impacting prices. Changes in currency values can affect the competitiveness of dairy exports, influencing market prices. Additionally, shifts in consumer purchasing power and demand from emerging markets can drive fluctuations in milk prices.

Government Policies and Regulations: Government policies and regulations also play a significant role in shaping milk prices. Subsidies, tariffs, and trade agreements can impact the competitiveness of domestic dairy producers relative to their international counterparts. Moreover, regulatory changes related to environmental standards, animal welfare, and food safety can affect production costs and supply chains, influencing price dynamics.

Market Signals to Watch:

  1. Milk Production Trends: Monitoring production levels, particularly in major dairy-producing regions, provides insights into supply dynamics. Changes in production due to factors such as weather conditions, input costs, and technological advancements can influence market prices.
  2. Consumer Demand: Tracking consumer preferences and consumption patterns helps gauge demand for dairy products. Shifts towards healthier, plant-based alternatives or changes in dietary trends can impact the demand for milk and dairy products, affecting prices.
  3. Trade Policies and Tariffs: Changes in trade policies, including tariffs and trade agreements, can have significant implications for dairy exports and imports. Monitoring developments in international trade negotiations and market access agreements helps assess the competitiveness of domestic dairy producers.
  4. Input Costs: Fluctuations in input costs, such as feed prices, labor costs, and energy expenses, affect production economics for dairy farmers. Rising input costs can squeeze profit margins, potentially leading to adjustments in supply levels and prices.
  5. Weather Conditions: Weather-related events, such as droughts, floods, or extreme temperatures, can disrupt feed production and impact milk production levels. Monitoring weather forecasts and agricultural reports helps anticipate potential supply disruptions and price fluctuations.

In conclusion, milk prices are influenced by a myriad of factors, including supply and demand dynamics, global economic conditions, and government policies. By monitoring key market signals such as production trends, consumer demand, trade policies, input costs, and weather conditions, stakeholders can gain valuable insights into potential price rebounds and navigate the dynamic dairy market landscape effectively. Adaptability, informed decision-making, and strategic planning are essential for dairy producers, processors, and industry stakeholders to thrive in an environment characterized by uncertainty and volatility.

Global Dairy Trade Declines 2.3%

The Global Dairy Index lost 2.3% during Tuesday’s trading session. Prices for Cheddar cheese, buttermilk powder, lactose, and anhydrous milk fat increased, but costs for skim and whole milk powder, butter, and mozzarella cheese decreased. Lactose prices increased 4.8% to $818 per metric ton, or $0.37 per pound. Cheddar cheese rose 4% to $4,277 per metric ton, or $1.94 per pound. Buttermilk powder increased 3.7% to $2,504 per metric ton, or $1.13 per pound. Anhydrous milk fat rose 1.4% to $6,637 per metric ton, or $3.01 per pound. Mozzarella cheese prices dropped four-tenths of a percent to $3,945 per metric ton, or $1.78 per pound. Butter dropped 1% to $6,461 per metric ton, or $2.93 per pound. Whole milk powder prices fell 2.8%, to $3,286 per metric ton, or $1.49 per pound. Skim milk powder prices fell 5.2%, to $2,640 per metric ton, or $1.19 per pound. Tuesday’s trade event sold 21,235 metric tons of dairy goods in fourteen bidding rounds, with 125 successful bidders.

What the heck do we call lab-grown meat?

Cell-cultivated meat, a lab-grown protein with animal byproducts but no murdered animals, is now the industry standard. In 2013, Dutch scientist Mark Post from Maastricht University in the Netherlands created the first lab-grown beef product for human consumption. Today, over 150 firms worldwide offer cell-cultured beef, including 43 in the United States. However, the product is now prohibited in the Netherlands and Europe, with only the United States, Singapore, and a few other countries permitting cell-cultured beef sales to the public.

The USDA permits fake meat to be labeled as “cell cultured meat” or “cell cultivated meat.” Sandra Eskin, Deputy Undersecretary for Food Safety, said new federal labeling guidelines will be issued shortly, and many states are also developing laws for how lab-grown meats may be tagged and marketed in their territories. Some corporations want to utilize only “cultivated” meat, while others choose “fake meat,” “imitation meat,” “clean meat,” “manufactured meat,” and “cell-based meat.”

The Fair Foods Act, proposed in Congress earlier this year, would require stronger labeling for grown meat. Madeline Cohen, a senior regulatory attorney at The Good Food Institute, feels that the cultured meat sector should be allowed to use common phrases that customers like as long as they are true and not deceptive. Labels should also inform customers about the advantages of cell-cultured meat and how to utilize it. As regulatory agencies explore labeling requirements, she feels it is critical to maintain a fair playing field and prevent the government from selecting winners and losers in the marketplace.

Consumer Reports’ Director of Food Policy, Brian Roholm, feels that labeling should be straightforward. While eliminating the word “cell” may go too far, he is OK with the phrase “cell cultivated meat.” He is concerned, however, that labels may exclude critical manufacturing process information for customers. For example, when cultured cell chicken is formed, chicken cell lines are immersed in a medium containing fetal bovine serum. An anti-clumping substance, previously authorized by the FDA as a stool softener, is added. Some goods may also include components from cattle and pigs.

Despite enormous expenditures in cell-cultured meat, the business is unlikely to compete with conventional agriculture in the next decades. The method of producing lab-grown meat is continually evolving, and even with advancements, no one has worked out how to disseminate produced meat on a significant scale.

Westcoast Blakely Most Popular Sire in Switzerland for January

Westcoast Blakely

In the January Holstein Switzerland overview, Chief and Delta-Lambda each had two VG-86 two-year-olds, demonstrating once again why they are still among Switzerland’s top three selling bulls. The most popular sire in January was Westcoast Blakely, a versatile, powerful Gameday son from the Clear-Echo line.

China relies less on foreign dairy suppliers as domestic production rises.

Dairy imports into China declined 12% last year owing to higher local supply and lower consumer demand. Powder imports fell due to a 38% decline in WMP volume year on year. In contrast, SMP imports showed modest milk increase, with quantities increasing by 3% in 2023 compared to 2022. Meanwhile, USDA estimates reveal that Chinese milk output surpassed 41 million tons last year, rising 4.6% from 2022 and 28% from 2019 levels.

The shift in the Chinese economy and its impact on demand, particularly for dairy in the foodservice industry, has further impacted demand as consumers tighten their purse strings. New Zealand continues to be the leading supplier of dairy products to China, accounting for 42% of the market in 2023, with milk and cream accounting for another 30%. Other major importers are the United States, Germany, and Australia. The UK has a 1% market share in Chinese dairy imports, accounting for 72% milk and cream in 2023, or 16,000 tons.

Import levels from all significant locations into China fell, with New Zealand’s imports falling by approximately 183,000 tonnes in 2023. However, China’s domestic production of high-value goods, such as cheese and butter, is now constrained by processing capacity, leaving room for usage in bakeries and foodservice industries. Chinese cheese consumption has surged in recent years, with a compound growth rate of 16% between 2012 and 2022.

Evaluating the Benefits of Lower Undegraded Forage Fiber in Dairy Rations

Forage fiber is a crucial component of livestock diets, providing essential nutrients and facilitating proper digestion. However, the level of undegraded forage fiber in these diets has been a topic of debate among animal nutritionists and researchers. Undegraded forage fiber refers to the portion of fiber that remains intact in the digestive tract without being broken down by rumen microbes. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential benefits of lower undegraded forage fiber levels in livestock diets. This article explores the rationale behind this trend and evaluates its implications for animal health and performance.

The Role of Forage Fiber: Before delving into the debate over undegraded forage fiber levels, it is essential to understand the role of forage fiber in livestock nutrition. Forage fiber encompasses both structural carbohydrates, such as cellulose and hemicellulose, and nonstructural carbohydrates, including pectins and lignin. These fibers provide bulk to the diet, promoting rumen motility and stimulating saliva production. Furthermore, microbial fermentation of forage fiber produces volatile fatty acids (VFAs), which serve as a significant energy source for ruminants.

Undegraded Forage Fiber: While microbial fermentation is essential for breaking down complex carbohydrates in the rumen, not all fiber undergoes this process. Some portions of forage fiber remain undegraded and pass through the rumen to the lower digestive tract, where they contribute to fecal bulk and promote hindgut fermentation. However, high levels of undegraded fiber may reduce nutrient digestibility and hinder overall feed efficiency in livestock.

Benefits of Lower Undegraded Forage Fiber: Advocates for lower undegraded forage fiber levels argue that reducing the amount of indigestible fiber in livestock diets can enhance nutrient utilization and improve animal performance. By optimizing the balance between degradable and undegradable fiber, producers can maximize feed efficiency without compromising digestive health. Furthermore, lower undegraded fiber levels may lead to reduced fecal output and improved manure management on farms.

Considerations for Implementation: While reducing undegraded forage fiber levels holds promise for optimizing livestock diets, several factors must be considered when implementing this approach. Firstly, producers must carefully select forage sources with favorable fiber characteristics, such as high digestibility and low lignin content. Additionally, dietary formulations should be tailored to meet the specific nutritional requirements of different livestock species and production stages. Regular monitoring of animal performance and digestive health indicators is essential to ensure that adjustments can be made as needed.

In conclusion, the debate over undegraded forage fiber levels in livestock diets highlights the complex interplay between dietary components, digestive physiology, and animal performance. While lower undegraded fiber levels may offer potential benefits in terms of nutrient utilization and feed efficiency, careful consideration must be given to factors such as forage selection, dietary formulation, and monitoring protocols. Ultimately, a balanced approach that takes into account the unique needs of individual livestock operations is essential for optimizing animal health and productivity.

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