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The article discusses the importance of managing alfalfa in the fall for future success. It emphasizes the potential negative impact of taking late cuttings to increase current forage yields at the expense of next year's yield. The article also highlights the importance of potassium in alfalfa growth and recommends fertilizer applications when needed. It provides guidelines for fall rest periods, cutting frequency, and cutting after freeze. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of a healthy and vigorous stand for tolerating fall cutting. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of technology to reduce calf mortality rates on dairy farms. The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association recommends keeping calf mortality rates below 5%, but many farms have rates closer to 8%. Wearable and indwelling monitoring systems are commonly used to track calf activity and temperature, with some systems also monitoring rumination and rumen pH. However, these systems have challenges, such as sensitivity to environmental changes and the need for efficient battery energy. Sensor-based health monitoring systems can be particularly valuable in high turnover situations, as they provide constant monitoring and management records. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the importance of managing corn diseases in order to maintain the quality of corn silage, which is crucial for the milk production of cows. The article emphasizes the need for disease scouting and management, as leaf diseases can lower silage digestibility and milk production. It also mentions the development of a disease prediction model to help farmers assess the risk of disease in their fields. The article provides information on fungicide products that can be used for disease management, highlighting their effectiveness for different types of diseases. It also discusses the timing and application methods for fungicide use. The article concludes by mentioning the importance of hybrid resistance, fungicide use, and weather conditions in achieving low levels of mycotoxins in corn silage. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Farm & Dairy warns readers about the presence of vomitoxins in straw, particularly when used for feed or bedding. The article explains that vomitoxins can come from infected wheat grain or the straw itself, and that levels of vomitoxins in straw can be three times higher than in the grain. The article advises farmers to test straw for vomitoxin levels and store it properly to prevent toxin issues. It also discusses the pricing of straw and the value of the nutrients it contains. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the hazards of hay barn fires caused by wet hay. Wet hay can create heat due to bacteria, which can lead to spontaneous combustion and fires. The risk of hay fires increases when the moisture content of the hay is over 20%. The article provides guidelines for assessing the risk of hay fires and monitoring hay temperature to prevent fires. It also emphasizes the importance of safety precautions when working with hot hay. [Extracted from the article]

This document provides information on managing heat stress in calves. It emphasizes the importance of proper hutch placement, elevation, and ventilation to reduce heat stress. The use of shade cloth and outside runs can also help calves find a more comfortable spot on hot days. Providing fresh water and increasing calorie intake during heat stress are recommended. The document also highlights the impact of heat stress on colostrum IgG content and passive immunity transfer in calves. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the challenges faced by farmers and livestock owners when storms blow debris into their hay fields and pastures. The debris can pose health risks to grazing livestock and animals that consume harvested forages from these fields. Different types of debris, such as fiberglass and metal, can cause various challenges and potential harm to animals. The article provides suggestions for managing and cleaning up the debris, including using magnets to trap metal and utilizing drone imagery to assess field conditions. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the growing concern of mycotoxins in dairy feeds in the region. The primary mycotoxins being battled are Deoxynivalenol (DON) and Zearalenone (ZEA), caused by the fungus Fusarium Graminearum. The fungus infects crops such as corn silage, small grains, alfalfa, and soybean fields, leading to mycotoxin contamination. The article provides recommendations for managing mycotoxins in small grains and corn, including variety selection and fungicide application. It also mentions a corn grain DON resistance screening program that identified hybrids with low levels of DON. [Extracted from the article]

When the unit opens system vacuum should drop by no more than 0.6" Hg at unit opening then recover at least partially as vacuum regulator closes. Once static operation vacuum is tested, leave the test vacuum gauge on and test the vacuum regulator. [Extracted from the article]