Mastitis is the most common disease in dairy cattle in the U.S. and can cause large economic losses for dairy farms. Since the 60s, farms have adopted blanket dry cow therapy as a management practice to reduce mastitis in herds. The main objective of blanked therapy is to treat during the dry period, infections that have low cure rates if treated during lactation, and to prevent new cases of mastitis during the dry period. Advancements in management have put many herds in a position in which some cows are healthy at dry-off and are at low risk of infection during the dry period. This is an opportunity to reduce the use of antibiotics in dairy production systems, which may also be an economic opportunity for dairy farmers. Learn more about how selective dry cow therapy can offer economical returns in appropriate herds by reading this article by Amy Vasquez and Sam Rowe that was published at the July edition of The Manager (published by Progressive Dairy). 

This podcast series hosted by PRO-DAIRY, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dairy Educators and industry partners focuses on troubleshooting herd health issues on dairy farms. Episodes will discuss specific areas to look at when experiencing issues in different life stages of the dairy cow.  Episodes focus on preweaned calves, transition through weaning, heifer phase, calving pen issues, metabolic disorders of the transition cow, specific fresh cow issues, lactating cow issues from mastitis, issues with reproduction, production, feeding behavior and facilities, hoof health and lameness, and problems during the dry period.

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Lindsay Ferlito and Casey Havekes from North Country Regional Team remind us of the importance of adequate ventilation on the calf barn to guarantee the health of pre-weaning heifers.

Found this interesting and want help troubleshooting calf barn ventilation at your farm? Contact Camila Lage (cd546@cornell.edu or 607-422-6788) for more information. 

SAM & DUNS registrations are free and needed to apply for federal grant opportunities. While it takes minutes to apply, it may take weeks to receive your number. Registering your farm or business now means that you'll be prepared for grant opportunities that may come your way.

Proposals are due by 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

Know if this program is for you here:

Make the most of beef-on-dairy calves

By Abby Bauer, Hoards Dairyman 

Mastering your colostrum management is key to a successful replacement heifer raising program. Recently, a group of calf experts revisited the goals for optimal antibody blood levels to improve calf health. Find more information here

Cornell Cooperative Extension's Farmer Tax School: An educational series from Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Business Management Specialists offering courses designed to inform and empower farm managers to better understand their tax obligations, management strategies, and improve farm profitability. This consists of four courses offered October 2021 - January 2022. For more information, visit tinyurl.com/ccetaxschool. 

Injections are a necessary part of livestock management. Not only is each formulated for a different part of the body, but they're also formulated to be injected into a specific layer of tissue (skin vs muscle vs vein). This article and graphic illustrate the proper angles for injection administration. 

SYRACUSE, New York, July 16, 2021 — Recent extreme weather conditions have impacted farmers and ranchers in New York. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), through the Farm Service Agency (FSA), has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after natural disasters, including floods. 

The solidity of cattle's feet is essential for proper health, gains, and performance, thereby reducing the potential for economic loss and added veterinary bills. Foot rot is an infectious disease that is treatable if caught early enough and properly managed, with most animals making a full recovery. This article by Oklahoma State University shares clinical signs, prevention, and treatment options.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center has introduced a new initiative to

support new or existing dairy farms that would like to increase grazing
practices within their operation. As part of this initiative, Fay Benson with
Cornell Cooperative Extension is partnering with Pennsylvania Association of
Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) to expand well-managed grazing lands in New York
and Pennsylvania and support regional farmers in their grazing transition.