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POSSIBLE CHANGES TO MILK CHECKS – The Federal Milk Marketing Order is proposing changes to the way milk checks are calculated. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses some of the proposed changes, which he says should benefit Kansas dairy farmers.

COLLECTING DATA ON CALVES – Dairy producers wanting to improve the management of their calves should be using the technology and data that’s already being collected. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says one of the key measurements is whether the calves get good passive transfer – something that can be determined through blood serum tests. He says dairy farmers might also want to track cases of pneumonia and scours in their calves and average daily weight gain.

KEEPING TRACK OF INDUSTRY TRENDS – As dairy producers look for ways to increase the profit margin on the farm, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages them to track the trends in the industry. He says that’s one way to spot strategies that might improve their operation and their bottom line.

SAFE FLOORING FOR DAIRY COWS– Dairy cow flooring should be designed to provide traction while also being easy to clean, durable, and smooth enough to reduce wear on hooves. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses some of the flooring options that will help prevent dairy cows from slipping and getting injured.

REDUCING STRESS IN TRANSITION COWS – Forage, stocking density, resting areas, slip-resistant flooring, and being careful while moving transition cows can help reduce stress. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says this can influence health, production, pregnancy rate and longevity of the herd.

UNAPPROVED USE OF ASPIRIN – The FDA is warning against unapproved use of aspirin for pain management for lactating dairy cows. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages dairy farmers to consult with their veterinarian to establish new pain management protocols and find another product that’s approved and legal.

MILKING IN WINTER WEATHER – Kansas dairy producers will most likely be faced with having to deal with zero or sub-zero temperatures this winter. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages them to be prepared to provide the necessary protection to help prevent frostbite and chapped or frozen teats.

GET THE CALF BLANKETS READY – It won’t be too much longer before colder temperatures are a concern for young calves. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says research shows the benefits of using calf blankets for the first three weeks of life during cold weather. He discusses how to properly use calf blankets.

INCREASING PARTICIPATION IN 4-H – A nationwide effort is underway to increase participation in 4-H. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says Kansas dairy producers can help Gen Z and 4-H by becoming volunteers, inviting 4-H clubs and members to tour their dairy, and allowing 4-H members who don’t have a dairy farm of their own to lease animals to show in the summer.

SUSTAINABILITY ON THE DAIRY – Dairy producers have been talking steps to become more sustainable. This includes both financially and environmentally. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses the steps that have been taken and other practices dairy farmers might consider moving forward to increase sustainability.

FLUID MILK SALES DATA FOR 2023 – The Central Milk Marketing Administrator recently released fluid milk sales data for 2023. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) looks at some of the findings and trends, and discusses a few areas producers should consider focusing on moving forward, particularly the amount of crude protein and the percent of fat.

IMPLEMENTING HPAI PRECAUTIONS – Kansas hasn’t seen a case of HPAI, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, since mid-April. However, the virus has impacted herds in California and K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages Kansas dairy farmers to continue following best practices for HPAI and take the necessary precautions to be ready if a new outbreak occurs.

ADDDING ISOACIDS TO THE DIET – Isoacids have drawn renewed interest as a dietary supplement for dairy cattle to improve fiber digestion, potentially resulting in increased milk production. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses some of the recent research on isoacids and why producers might want to talk to their nutritionist about incorporating it into the diet.

DETERMINING FORAGE NEEDS – With much of the forage season over, Kansas dairy producers should take an inventory of the forage they have on-hand and determine their forage needs for the next nine or 10 months. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says this year’s hay supply actually looks pretty good, but he recommends dairy producers secure their hay as soon as possible.

USING THE 2024 CORN SILAGE CROP– Kansas dairy producers wanting to start using their 2024 corn silage crop should check with their nutritionist to make sure they have the proper mix of old and new silage. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk has more information on the use of new corn silage.

USING HPAI BIOSECURITY MEASURES – Kansas dairy producers haven’t seen a widespread outbreak of HPAI, a viral disease that can infect many types of birds. However, the risk still exists. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages dairy producers to implement biosecurity measures that can reduce the transmission of HPAI in the herd.

PROVIDE INPUT ON PROPOSED CHANGES – Dairy producers are encouraged to offer their input on several proposed changes to the Milk Marketing Orders before the comment period ends September 13th. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says producers can make written comments or submit them online. Before making comments, he suggests taking a close look at the proposed changes to determine the impact they might have on the dairy’s bottom line.

THE DAIRY OUTLOOK FOR 2025 – The USDA Economic Research Service recently published some numbers on expected prices for raw milk for 2025. While the outlook is better, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says if producers have the ability to add some animals to the herd, that will help dilute some of the fixed costs and improve their profit margin.

MORE CORN SILAGE, LESS ALFALFA – Corn silage and alfalfa hay are the primary forages for dairy cattle, with about 25% of the total dry matter in a lactation ration being alfalfa hay. However, with an abundance of corn silage and the continued high cost of alfalfa hay, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says producers may be able to increase margins by visiting with their nutritionist about adjusting lactation rations to include more corn silage.

MILK-TO-FEED PRICE RATIOS – Dairy producers are always looking for ways to increase profit margins. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says the margin level on the dairy is often measured by milk-to-feed price ratios – which have been a challenge the past few years. He takes a closer look at the economics impacting the industry.

IMPROVING BREEDING EFFICIENCY – It’s not uncommon for dairy producers to experience a decrease in cattle breeding efficiency during the summer. To improve breeding efficiency in the herd, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages producers to perform weekly – or at least biweekly pregnancy checks – to more quickly discover which animals are still open or did not settle.

DRY MATTER AND STARCH CONTENT – During this year’s corn silage harvest, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages producers to consider the dry matter content of the whole plant, as well as the starch content. When possible, he says waiting just a few days for the kernels to mature before harvest can increase the starch content.

FEDERAL MILK MARKETING ORDERS – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released a recommended decision to update all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The decision includes changes to pricing formulas and milk composition factors. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at the proposed rule changes, how it might impact producers and how they can submit comments prior to the September 13th deadline.

INITIAL HPAI RESEARCH FINDINGS – Since this spring, dairy producers have been dealing with the impact of HPAI – or bird flu – in dairy animals. The big question has been how the virus is being transmitted within the herd. In research at Kansas State University and in Germany, the initial findings point to the virus spreading through the teat canal. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at the findings and what it may mean moving forward.

GROCERY PRICE VS. FARMER PRICE – Since 2000, there have been some great changes in the Class 1 Base Price, causing fluctuation and volatility in the price per hundredweight paid to dairy farmers. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says consumers often believe the price they pay for a gallon of milk at the grocery store reflects the price producers are being paid. However, data for milk markets in Kansas city, St. Louis, Denver and Oklahoma City shows that’s not the case.

EVALUATING HEAT STRESS – Summer heat has arrived and dairy producers should be monitoring the herd for signs of heat stress. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says measuring the herd’s respiration rate – their breaths per minute – in the morning and again in the evening is the simplest way to determine if the herd is cooling off at night and how well it’s handling daytime heat.

MILK PRODUCTION CONTINUES TO CLIMB – The trends in milk production across the United States, especially in fat and protein production, shows the hard work dairy producers have been putting into their operations is paying off. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says producers are continuing to see the 300 pound increase in milk production per year per cow that’s been occurring over the last four decades.

HPAI BIOSECURITY MEASURES – As more is learned about the transmission of HPAI, dairy producers are being encouraged to implement some biosecurity measures to protect animals on their farms from the virus. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses a few of the steps producers can take now to reduce exposure to the HPAI virus.

IDEAS FOR CELEBRATING DAIRY MONTH – June is Dairy Month and that typically means hosting events at the farm to show product and explain the process for making these safe, healthy dairy products. With the current HPAI situation, producers will probably want to avoid bringing large groups onto the farm. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk has several ideas for safely celebrating Dairy Month, such as providing snacks to area sports teams and 4-H clubs, hosting a wine and cheese tasting at a local winery or using social media to tell your dairy’s story.

HPAI RULES FOR FAIRS AND EVENTS – The recent detection of the H5N1 strain of HPAI, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in dairy cattle is going to have an impact on those wanting to transport lactating dairy cows to county fairs and other events in Kansas this summer. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses the safety measures that will need to be followed.

CALCULATING FUTURE HEIFERS – With the price for heifers remaining high, dairy producers need to be sure they have enough heifer replacements on-hand. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says there are some important calculations that need to be made to determine how many heifers are actually needed on the farm. This includes: the herd size that needs to be supported, the current herd turnover rate, the average age at first calving, and current heifer mortality expectations.

2024 JUNIOR DAIRY SHOW – The Kansas All Breeds Junior Dairy Show will be held June 20th-22nd at the Saline County Livestock and Exposition Center. The show is co-sponsored by the Agriculture Division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Dairy Commission and the Kansas Dairy Association, in cooperation with Kansas State University Research and Extension. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk has more on this year’s show, including registration information.

THE SAFETY OF DAIRY PRODUCTS – The recent detection of the H5N1 strain of HPAI, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, in dairy cattle is raising questions from consumers regarding the safety of dairy products. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and USDA report that there continues to be no concern that this circumstance poses a risk to consumer health, or that it affects the safety of the interstate commercial milk supply because several safety measures are in place, including pasteurizing products before they enter the market.

DAIRY INDUSTRY EXPANSION – Kansas dairy producers might not really be liking what they’re seeing right now, but K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says there’s reason to be optimistic. He discusses expansion taking place in the dairy industry, including Kansas, and where profitability on dairy farms might be headed.

RESTRICTIONS ON MOVING DAIRY CATTLE – In response to recent cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in dairy herds, the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Animal health has introduced a crucial order to manage the movement of lactating dairy cattle across the state. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses the new regulations and what it means for Kansas farmers.

A LOW SUPPLY OF REPLACEMENT HEIFERS – The low supply of replacement dairy heifers is driving up costs. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses some options for addressing the situation, which is expected to last for at least a few more years. He recommends reviewing culling practices to avoid making unnecessary culls and identify animals that could be sold to take advantage of the higher prices.

FLY CONTROL MANAGEMENT – There are a number of steps that can be taken to prevent fly breeding on dairy farms, including the removal of manure from corners, around posts and under feed bunks. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says rotting hay or straw, silage or other spilled feeds should also be cleaned up regularly. His advice is to focus on three things: where flies rest, feed and breed.

EFFECTS OF HEAT STRESS ON DRY COWS – Research shows that the effects of heat stress on dry cows are profound and significantly contribute to lower overall welfare, productivity, and profitability. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says calves are born earlier from heat stress, are about 10 pounds lighter versus animals that are cooled during the dry period, and even at six-to-seven weeks, are still shorter in length, have less stature and weigh less.

OHLDE FAMILY FARM RECOGNIZED – Ohlde Family Farms, a multi-generational farm that started in the 1950s by Bob and Norma Ohlde, has seen its operation grow significantly over the years. Ohlde Family Farms now has 90 employees on six sites in Kansas and Nebraska and is milking 4,100 cows, raising 2,500 heifers and farming more than 5,000 acres. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says Steve and Cindi Ohlde and their family are being recognized as the 2024 Kansas Distinguished Dairy.

FEED BUNK MANAGEMENT – The feed side of the dairy operation accounts for 50-55% of expenses. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says proper feed bunk management can increase milk production in the herd and increase the marginal milk production in animals. He explains how the use of cameras and feed pushers can help prevent the feed bunk from becoming dry, especially between midnight and the 5 a.m. feeding.

A SET PROCEDURE FOR MILKING – There are a number of steps employees must follow to maintain the health of the herd, including the milking routine. When a standardized procedure is in place, it makes it easier to train new employees and reduces the risk of upsetting the cows. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk explains how to put together a perfect milking routine.

IMPROVING REPRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY – Pregnancy rates of 40% or greater and conception rates of 50% or greater are being seen on many dairy farms. If that’s not the case on your dairy, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says several factors could be responsible. He discusses the potential causes for low reproductive efficiency and how it can be improved.

WILL DAIRY EXPANSION OCCUR IN 2024 – In the past, lower feed costs and improved milk prices – like we’re experiencing now – generally led to an expansion of the dairy herd. However, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says there may be a key ingredient that’s missing in 2024 – excess replacement heifers. With that in mind, he suggests dairy farmers consider what might be happening with the dairy herd in 2024 as they decide whether to participate in the USDA’s Dairy Margin Coverage Program.

ANNUAL HERD HEALTH CHECKS – Performing an annual health check with your veterinarian is an important factor in the overall health of the herd. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk recommends reviewing health records and summarizing health events experienced throughout the year to share with your veterinarian to see if they might have any suggestions to add to your herd health protocols to help minimize these issues.

GETTING READY FOR FLY SEASON – It’s technically still winter, but spring and the beginning of fly season are just around the corner. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages dairy farmers to start preparing for the inevitable battle with flies, which can impact the health of the herd and milk production.

WHY IS MILK PRODUCTION DECLINING? – A close examination of milk production within the herd might reveal a gradual year-to-year decline in overall production. If that’s the case, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says it’s time to talk with your nutritionist about what you’re seeing and doing some investigation into why this is occurring in the herd.

K-STATE DAIRY RESEARCH AND TEACHING UNIT – Kansas State University is seeking state funds to rebuild its Dairy Research and Training Unit. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says the rebuilding plan replaces the 1977 unit with a modern and current industry standard facility that meets the need of the Kansas Dairy industry, both large and small. He says the project would increase the size of the milking parlor and free stall area, as well as provide space for more research, teaching and offices.ML

DAIRY MARGIN PROTECTION PROGRAM – Dairy farmers experienced tight milk margins in 2023 and it doesn’t look like that will change in 2024. The Dairy Margin Protection Program can provide some relief and K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages dairy farmers to act quickly when the sign up dates for the program are finally announced.

COLD WEATHER CALF CARE – Extremely cold temperatures create a variety of problems on the dairy, including the care of calves. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses three things dairy producers can do to aid calves: warming milk before feeding calves, using calf blankets and providing access to warm water following each feeding.

CREASE MARGINS WITH TECHNOLOGY – Increasing margins on the dairy farm in 2024 will be as challenging as it was in 2023. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says utilizing technology to find cows in the pen is one way to increase margins. Using transponders, typically hung around the cow’s neck, saves time on certain jobs and helps ensure those jobs get done, reduces disruption of the herd, provides health information and gives employees more time to focus on other jobs around the dairy.

CALVING AREAS ON DAIRY FARMS – There are essentially two types of calving areas on dairy farms. The first, primarily for large operations, is for calves that are attended by staff 24/7. The second, and most commonly found calving area on dairy farms, is for calves that are unattended. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) discusses the importance of keeping all calving areas as clean as possible.

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USING DAIRY CHECKOFF DOLLARS – Dairy checkoff dollars work to promote the consumption of milk and other dairy foods to consumers inside and outside of the United States. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says checkoff dollars also develop a positive image for dairy on behalf of dairy farmers, educate youth on the importance of dairy in their diet and conduct research to help shape the industry to meet the future needs of consumers.

WHAT ARE YOUR FORAGE NEEDS? – As dairy producers consider their forage needs for the winter and spring, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk thinks we’re probably in better shape than we were a year ago. Despite that, he suggests producers take an inventory of the silages and dry forage they have on hand and think about how they can minimize the use of certain forages in feeding the dairy herd.

REDUCING UDDER EDEMA IN THE HERD– Research shows it’s common for cows to have udder edema at least once in their lifetime. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses the discomfort udder edema causes and steps dairy farmers can take to help reduce the incidence of it on their farms.

REPLACEMENT HEIFER PROGRAMS– Dairy farmers have been reducing the number of replacement heifers by increasing efficiency of the number of heifers they produce and selectively culling the herd. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk offers tips for improving breeding efficiency and making sure heifers become inseminated on time.

WHAT ARE YOUR FORAGE NEEDS?– As dairy producers consider their forage needs for the winter and spring, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk thinks we’re probably in better shape than we were a year ago. Despite that, he suggests producers take an inventory of the silages and dry forage they have on hand and think about how they can minimize the use of certain forages in feeding the dairy herd.

REDUCING THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS– Antibiotics have been used in livestock care for more than 60 years for the prevention and therapy of common pathogens, such as mastitis, respiratory and foot diseases and for other purposes. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says the big issue is antibiotic resistance and trying to limit the use of antibiotics to situations where they’re actually needed.

INCREASING FAT PERCENTAGE IN MILK– To increase the fat percentage in the milk being produced on the farm, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk suggests working with a nutritionist. Healthy matured dairy cows should ruminate about 8 hours a day which requires around six pounds of undigested fiber each day. A nutritionist can perform a test that determines the amount of undigested fiber that’s being fed and from there can figure out the level that works best on your dairy.

COLD WEATHER CARE FOR CALVES– As colder weather arrives this fall and winter, dairy producers should be ready to care for their calves and young stock developing on their farms. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk suggests reviewing the cold weather procedures with those working with the calves, making sure quality bedding is available, and providing calves and young stock with the additional calories required when it’s cold.

DETERMINING PREGNANCY RATES– In the last 15 years, the dairy industry has made tremendous progress in its reproductive efficiency. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says one of the reproductive programs that’s helped is the application of what’s called the pregnancy rate. He explains how the application works and how it’s been so effective in increasing pregnancies.

USING BEEF SEMEN TO BREED DAIRY COWS– The practice of breeding dairy cows to beef semen continues to grow within the industry. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says this breeding practice is proving to be profitable because it helps reduce the number of replacement heifers that need to be raised. He explores how this practice is being used on dairy farms across the United States.

BANKING ADDITIONAL COLOSTRUM – When a cow freshens during the fall or winter, she tends to produce less colostrum than during the spring or summer. There’s no way to prevent this seasonal depression in colostrum yield, but there are ways to help combat it. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says banking additional colostrum throughout the year can help farmers get through periods of lower colostrum production.

ALTERNATIVES FOR FLUID MILK– Starting in about 2010, the dairy industry saw a fairly dramatic decrease in the amount of fluid milk being consumed across the United States. Today, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says there continues to be a shift toward other dairy products and away from beverage milk, presenting producers an opportunity to utilize the volume of milk that would normally go into fluid milk sales into other dairy products that are in higher demand, such as yogurt and ice cream.

THE BENEFITS OF DAIRY PRODUCTS– The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee is currently reviewing dairy product consumption in the American diet to determine if any changes need to be made. Studies show dairy consumption is well below the recommended daily amount. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says this presents an opportunity for producers to increase consumer demand as well as the demand for raw milk. The first step is educating consumers about the nutritional value of milk and other dairy products and how dairy can be part of a healthy diet.

FEED COSTS VERSUS NUTRITION– Feed cost is generally more than 50% of a producer’s total expense, so cutting feed costs should improve an operation’s bottom line. However, milk production is tied to nutrition. As a result, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says cutting feed costs could come at a cost of increased milk production. He encourages producers to check with their nutritionist before making any feed decisions.

TREATING CALF SCOURS– Calf scours can be a major problem for cow-calf operations. However, controlling the disease is complex because there are so many variables. University of Minnesota Extension has been researching the causes and prevention of beef calf scours. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses the report and how dairy producers can benefit from the findings and recommendations.

THE COST OF OPEN ANIMALS– As dairy producers review breeding records, they may discover they didn’t get as many animals pregnant at they wanted. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says animals that are 150 days or more open cost producers anywhere from three-to-five dollars per day. Cull prices are currently good and he says replacing open cows with heifers is something producers should consider.

ENCOURAGING MIDWEST DAIRY NUMBERS– According to data from the Central Milk Marketing Administrator, dairy farmers in the Midwest region experienced growth in several areas over the last five years. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk takes a closer look at the findings and what it means for dairy farmers in the central part of the United States moving forward.

MONITORING KERNEL PROCESSING– Due to the wide range of dry matters out in the fields this year, farmers, as they chop corn silage, are encouraged to monitor the amount of kernel damage several times per day. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says this monitoring enables producers to make adjustments during chopping and to be more aware of the starch availability in the silage when it’s fed a later date.

DRY MATTER CONTENT OF DRY FEEDS– A cost-saving measure that producers might not be taking advantage of is accurately determining the dry matter content of their dry feeds. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says if the feeding management software being used isn’t correct, producers may be overfeeding animals in order to get the amount of protein the animals actually need, resulting in increased feed costs.

KANSAS ALL BREEDS JUNIOR DAIRY SHOW– The 58th Annual Kansas All Breeds Junior Dairy Show is being held August 17th-19th at the Saline County Livestock and Exposition Center in Salina. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk previews the upcoming event, co-sponsored by the Agriculture Division of the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce, Kansas Dairy Commission and the Kansas Dairy Association, in cooperation with K-State Research and Extension.

MILK PRODUCTION IN THE UNITED STATES– The Milk Market Administrators Office in Kansas City tracks the milk produced in the U.S. and recently released data from 2022. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at how Kansas dairy farmers fared in the report and some of the emerging trends reflected in the report.

PRICING CORN SILAGE FOR 2023– Factors somewhere between seven and 11 times the price of corn grain are often used for pricing corn silage. However, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says there are a number of considerations that need to be taken into account to determine the fair price for corn silage.

INCREASING FAT CONTENT – As margins tighten on the dairy farm during the summer, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages producers to focus on ways to increase Tier One production. He says working with a nutritionist and using food additives can increase fat content in the herd and bring in additional revenue to offset higher feed costs.

REGIONAL RETAIL MILK PRICES – Most consumers expect the retail price for a gallon of homogenized milk in Kansas City, Denver, St. Louis and Oklahoma City to be relatively the same. However, that’s not always the case. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses how retail milk prices can vary within a particular region.

NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY– July is National Ice Cream Month and July 16th is National Ice Cream Day. For the average American, ice cream is part of their diet. In fact, on-average, Americans eat more than 48 pints of the tasty treat each year. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at the history of ice cream, including which flavors we like the most.

ADDRESSING ADDED SUGARS– Because of the amount of added sugars in flavored milk, USDA is discussing whether to continue offering it as part of the school breakfast and lunch program. While there’s no immediate plan to make any changes, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk is encouraging the dairy industry and producers to be proactive and begin researching alternative methods for producing flavored milks with fewer added sugars.

SECURING BEDDING SUPPLIES– Straw for bedding and feed will soon be available. It’s going to be expensive, but K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk is encouraging dairy farmers to secure enough for the coming year. He also discusses some options for extending straw supplies and reducing costs.

TIGHTEN THE BELT THIS SUMMER – Dairy production typically drops off during the summer by as much as 10 pounds per cow per day. With low milk prices and relatively high feed costs, producers may be facing a cash flow issue. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses some options for deferring some costs to a later date.

SHARE YOUR STORY THIS MONTH– June is Dairy Month. In addition to what’s being done nationally to promote the dairy industry, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages Kansas producers to share their story by opening their dairy to the community, inviting 4-H clubs to tour the dairy or asking the local grocery store if they can set up a booth to offer customers free samples.

TIPS FOR REDUCING FEED COSTS– Reducing feed costs during the summer months can be difficult. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says correct face management of stored silages, cleaning bunks and feeding animals only what’s needed can help reduce feed costs.

CONTROL OF SUMMER MASTITIS– Because of the conditions, dairy farmers often see an onslaught of mastitis in the herd during the summer. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says vaccinating for E. coli, removing or limiting access to ponds and other wet areas, and proper stall maintenance can help prevent the spread of summer mastitis.

SECURING FORAGE FOR BEDDING– It’s beginning to look like there may be limited supplies of straw for the 2023-24 season. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says dairy farmers who haven’t yet secured straw for bedding should do so as soon as possible. He also says farmers may have an opportunity to increase their forage supply following the harvest of wheat by planting a corn hybrid, milo or sorghum.

HEAT ABATEMENT MEASURES– As temperatures continue to climb, dairy producers are encouraged to start implementing their heat abatement plan for keeping the herd cool this spring and summer. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says a feedline sprinkling system, clean, operational fans, keeping dry cows cool and providing extra water space along fence lines are four steps producers can take to keep animals cool.

AVERAGE SOMATIC CELL COUNTS– Even in the summer, when bacteria grows more rapidly, Kansas dairy producers are making progress in reducing somatic cell counts in the herd. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at some of the practices producers are using to reduce the level of somatic cell in raw milk leaving their farms.

DISPLACED ABOMASUMS – Displaced abomasums in dairy cattle are not common but they do occur and can be costly. Animals with higher body condition scores are more likely to have issues with fat mobilization and displaced abomasum. However, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says excess abdominal fat – possibly associated with trying to achieve higher levels of milk production – may be impacting the genes associated with fat metabolism.

USING CLASSIFICATION SCORE DATA– Data from the Holstein Association shows how classification score is related to herd life as well as how productive animals might be in the herd over time. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at the findings and how producers can use classification scores to improve efficiency in their herd.

IMPROVING FEED EFFICIENCY – Calves present an opportunity for producers to improve feed efficiency on their dairies. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says the best opportunity for achieving higher rates of gains is while the animals are in the milk-fed stage of life. In most instances, this involves accelerated gain programs that include more liquid and a little less dry feed.

2022 KANSAS MILK PRODUCTION– According to the latest data, Kansas ranked 17th for total milk production in the United States in 2022 and 15th in production per cow. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says Kansas once again remained a strong exporter of milk to states with a milk production deficit.

REDUCING THE FLY POPULATION – Fly season is here – and dairy farmers need to take action now to reduce the fly population on their farms. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says it’s easier to control flies early in the season and that can lower the risk of having to take more aggressive action this summer.

PREPARE NOW FOR DAIRY MONTH – National Dairy Month isn’t until June. However, K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk encourages dairy farmers to start thinking about how they want to promote their dairy and the dairy industry. This might include hosting an event with food, activities for children and educational material from dairy industry partners.

RESPIRATORY DISEASE ISSUES– Temperature fluctuations in the spring and fall can cause respiratory disease issues for calves. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk covers some of the issues dairy producers may see in their calves this spring and what they can do to help protect their calves.

MANAGING TOTAL MIXED RATION– Feeding a total mixed ration (TMR) that contains all the feeds and nutrients the cow needs is an effective and efficient way to feed dairy cows. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) says producers should evaluate the mixing and delivery of TMR’s to their cows, paying close attention to feed moisture, the accuracy of feed delivery, the consistency of the mix and anti-nutritional factors in some of the feed being fed to animals.

REDUCING GREENHOUSE GASSES– In an industry-wide effort to reduce greenhouse gasses, dairy farmers are investing significant resources into technology and feed additives. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says this includes building anaerobic digesters, covering lagoons to capture methane, and using feed additives to reduce the methane emissions from cows or the number of times they burp during the day.

2022 MILK SUMMARY– By all accounts, 2022 was a banner year for milk prices. However, feed costs were also up. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk looks at some of the interesting numbers for 2022 and encourages dairy producers to focus on component values, primarily fat and protein, to get higher raw milk prices in 2023.

FLY CONTROL STARTS NOW– Flies may not be a major concern for dairy farmers right now, but that will change in the coming months. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says the first step in reducing fly populations is to eliminate breeding areas now. He explains the areas to concentrate on and why it’s important to take action now.

ECONOMIC IMPACT OF KANSAS DAIRIES– The dairy industry in Kansas is a major economic driver for local communities. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk takes a closer look at how Kansas dairy farmers impact local economies through employment, operating costs and growth.

SPRING FORAGE CROP OPTIONS– As the 2022 crop forage dwindles, dairy producers should be thinking about spring forge crop options to bridge the gap between the 2022 and 2023 crop. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk covers several crop options that can be planted in early spring.

BOVINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS– Bovine Leukemia Virus, or BLV, is an infectious disease that’s been around a long time. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says more than 50% of dairy cattle are impacted by BLV and a small percentage will develop tumors or other issues. He says there are new tests which can help dairy producers identify which animals may need to be moved out of the herd.

EVALUATE 2022 CORN SILAGE– Evaluating the 2022 corn silage crop, especially moisture and starch content, can aid producers in making decisions for 2023. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk says if moisture and starch were not what they expected, there are steps they can take to improve corn silage quality.

OFFSETTING LABOR COSTS– As more states consider legislation regarding wages for hourly employees, it’s important for agricultural producers across Kansas to consider how they would offset higher labor costs. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk (brook) encourages producers to take a close look at their operation and identify areas where they could increase efficiency and reduce the time it takes to complete daily tasks. He also says producers should treat all employees fairly.

HAVE A PLAN FOR BARN FIRES– Benjamin Franklin is quoted as saying ”If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail” and if dairy producers don’t have a plan for what do in the event of a barn fire, it could be tragic. K-State dairy specialist Mike Brouk discusses what needs to be in the plan and why the plan is important.