The public-at-large is unfamiliar with dairy production practices. When improper handling of dairy cows is portrayed to the public, as was the case in a recent media report, the entire industry suffers, even if that incident does not represent how the vast majority of producers operate. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook) calls upon dairy producers to take their positive story to the public, to help everyone understand that the dairy industry is committed to doing things the right way.

It’s essential that dairy heifer calves get off to a good nutritional start, according to K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook). That sets the stage for their milk productivity on down the road. This week, Mike talks about attaining the necessary growth rate for those calves during the first two months of their lives.

Dairy producers: are there shortcomings in your winter forage program that need to be addressed? Now is the time to identify those and plan to make changes during the upcoming forage production season. This week, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook) shares some specifics toward that end, especially with respect to silage management.

Optimizing milking herd productivity is an absolute must in these difficult economic times for dairy producers. One thing to focus on there is maximizing the milk letdown from each cow. Three steps will help achieve that, as covered this week by K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook).

2009 was a dismal year economically for most dairy producers. There are signs that 2010 may be a bit better, according to K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook). For individual producers, the emphasis remains on seeking efficiency in one’s milk production. This week, Mike offers a couple of suggestions in that respect.

Their unsanitary habits are more than just a nuisance…starlings can actually lead to dairy production losses. This is the time of year when they tend to roost around dairy facilities, feeding where the dairy herd does, and potentially leading to problems, as outlined this week by K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook).

This is a good time to take stock of the state of your milking system, says K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook). It’s one of several facets of the dairy operation that deserve an end-of-year review. Mike talks about some of the potential trouble spots to check in that milking system.

One of the many challenges dairy producers face during winter months is maintaining teat condition in the herd, says K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook). There are a number of options for producers that may help alleviate this problem. This week, Mike reviews those methods.

Keeping newborn dairy calves in good health during cold winter weather is a big challenge, concedes K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook).   That task starts by making sure those calves are kept dry, and this week, Mike reviews several effective methods of accomplishing that.

Dairy producers in the central plains have been fighting mud problems for the better part of 2009. Muddy conditions around the dairy can lead to a litany of problems, as outlined this week by K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (Brook). He’s advising producers to be thinking about ways of resolving those mud issues before next spring’s rains come.