While visiting the Cornell Valatie (Field Crops) Research Farm (Columbia County, NY), during late July 2012, I learned something interesting about alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Namely that some of the higher protein test values in early cut — properly managed — M. sativa hay crops fell in the category of “less than meets the eye.” I had long known that some of these higher protein figures — say the difference between 20% and 24% tended to be more soluble. That being the case, often this extra protein actually introduced more non-protein-nitrogen (NPN, basically all soluble) to the dairy cow than her rumen can efficiently metabolize. Total protein solubility in the lactating dairy cow’s diet should fall in the 30-33% range. (more…)

by Judy Van Put

Recently, Rutgers University Equine Science Center presented its first Virtual Summer Showcase. Although similar in content to Summer Showcase events in the past, by taking place online, participants needed only to log on to participate. The event was free of charge, and the program was open to anyone who registered in advance. I was happy I did, as the two-hour seminar provided a very enjoyable and educational afternoon. (more…)

by Katie Navarra

The first few hours of a calf’s life are critical. Calves are essentially born without immune systems. They rely on antibodies from colostrum to provide protection from bacteria and other pathogens. Colostrum, provided through the mother’s milk, jumpstarts the calf’s immune system through a process called passive transfer. (more…)

by Sally Colby

Clean pastured pigs might be an oxymoron, but Dr. Elizabeth Hines, Penn State Extension swine specialist, said cleanliness is the first biosecurity step in raising pasture-based pigs. (more…)

by Tamara Scully

Zoonotic diseases are those which can pass from animals to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 75% of emerging diseases that threaten human health originate in animals. What common diseases can farm livestock carry that might cause concern to farm families, farm workers and visitors? (more…)

by Evelyn Leubner

Growing up on my family’s dairy and crop farm crafted me into the person I am now. In high school, working on the farm led me to discover I enjoyed working instead of playing sports. The farm also showed me that I loved working with animals, so I went to college to obtain a degree in animal science. My roots will forever be buried deep on my family’s farm in central New York. That is why moving 1,000 miles away was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. (more…)

by Katie Navarra

Organic farmers, or those considering transitioning to organic production, now have access to a set of tools for analyzing the long-term profitability potential of organic production. The Excel-based tool was conceived by University of Wisconsin-Madison professor Erin Silva to assist organic farmers with planning. John Hendrickson of the University of Wisconsin Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems and Jim Munsch of Deer Run Farm in Coon Valley, WI, led the effort to develop the OGRAIN Compass. (more…)