Dairy Excel Team. 15 Measures of Dairy Farm Competitiveness.
Dianne Shoemaker, Extension Dairy Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
First published in 1997, this publication has been widely requested throughout the United States by dairy producers and their financial advisors. The original 15 measures remain strong indicators of profitable, sustainable dairy businesses. In this revised 2nd edition, the authors have adjusted some competitive levels to reflect current industry trends and realities. Overall, the measures continue to represent strong indicators of success in the dairy industry.
Income Tax Management vs. Managing Investment per Cow
Dianne Shoemaker, Extension Dairy Specialist, Ohio State University Extension
Soon it will be income tax season again. This article provides a few items to take care of and resources where you can get help.
Costs of Nutrients and the Cow-Jones Index: Ohio, September, 2008.
Normand St-Pierre, Dairy Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University Extension
Feed prices continue their roller coaster ride, swinging widely every time that the weather gets a bit drier or wetter than normal. From a historical standpoint, feeds are expensive. But some are still relatively under priced and if used wisely can reduce significantly the costs of feeding dairy cows. Unfortunately, milk prices have been falling and based on the newly created Cow-Jones Index, dairy is currently unprofitable and, unless something changes drastically soon, profitability and cash-flow in dairy could sink back to the dismal levels experienced in 2006.
Dairy Cows and Global Warming: a lot of Warm Air.
Normand St-Pierre, Dairy Extension Specialist, The Ohio State University Extension
There has been a lot of press recently to a report by the United Nations regarding the carbon footprint of agriculture in general, and livestock agriculture in particular. Unfortunately, some people like to cite the report when in fact they don’t seem to actually have read it. When the correct figures are used, the contribution of the U.S. dairy industry to the total national green gas emissions is in fact very small.
Good Corn Silage Will Reduce Feed Costs.
Dr. Bill Weiss, Dairy Nutrition Specialist, The Ohio State University
Following proper harvest and storage procedures reduce the cost of corn silage and improves its nutrient composition. This article highlights some key practices that should be followed as corn silage is harvested.