University of Kentucky

Management Practices Employed by the Top Dairy Farms in Kentucky

Institution

University of Kentucky

Abstract

Kentucky consistently ranks at the bottom among the 50 states for milk production per cow, despite the economic benefits of higher milk production. Though best management practices are continuously communicated to dairy farmers through the Cooperative Extension Service, trade magazines, and internet resources, dairy producers often make their decisions based on what other producers are doing. Thus, the objective of this research project was to determine what management practices were employed by Kentucky herds with average milk production greater than 22,000 pounds per cow (N=26) based on records obtained from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Compiled results were then distributed to other Kentucky dairy farmers with the hope of encouraging other most recommended best management practices. For example, most producers utilize a nutritionist to balance their rations, regularly test their forages for nutrient content, implement a dry cow treatment protocol, utilize artificial insemination for genetic improvement, and regularly utilize veterinary services for reproductive management. Hopefully, these results will provide motivation to other Kentucky dairy farmers to alter management practices toward the goal of achieving higher milk production per cow, and all farmers to adopt some of these practices. A questionnaire was developed to gain insight into each dairy’s practices in the following areas: nutrition, forage and crop management, facilities, equipment, herd health, reproduction, milk quality, and genetics. Interviews were conducted onfarm and over the phone. Interestingly, most dairy producers with high milk production seem to have adopted these best practices.

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Management Practices Employed by the Top Dairy Farms in Kentucky

Kentucky consistently ranks at the bottom among the 50 states for milk production per cow, despite the economic benefits of higher milk production. Though best management practices are continuously communicated to dairy farmers through the Cooperative Extension Service, trade magazines, and internet resources, dairy producers often make their decisions based on what other producers are doing. Thus, the objective of this research project was to determine what management practices were employed by Kentucky herds with average milk production greater than 22,000 pounds per cow (N=26) based on records obtained from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association. Compiled results were then distributed to other Kentucky dairy farmers with the hope of encouraging other most recommended best management practices. For example, most producers utilize a nutritionist to balance their rations, regularly test their forages for nutrient content, implement a dry cow treatment protocol, utilize artificial insemination for genetic improvement, and regularly utilize veterinary services for reproductive management. Hopefully, these results will provide motivation to other Kentucky dairy farmers to alter management practices toward the goal of achieving higher milk production per cow, and all farmers to adopt some of these practices. A questionnaire was developed to gain insight into each dairy’s practices in the following areas: nutrition, forage and crop management, facilities, equipment, herd health, reproduction, milk quality, and genetics. Interviews were conducted onfarm and over the phone. Interestingly, most dairy producers with high milk production seem to have adopted these best practices.