Nutritionist Mike Hutjens offers wisdom for dairymen facing low milk prices and low margins:
Do not –
- Remove minerals from rations
- Cheat heifers; slow down growth
- Delay breeding with longer calving intervals
- Avoid body condition scores > 3.25 without rBST
- Saving a dime and lose a dollar (organic trace minerals, hoof trimming, bull breeding)
Source: Dairy Herd Management, May 10, 2018. Link.
INSIGHTS: Engage dairy producers engage in discussions to see if they are executing at least five of these 10 recommended practices. You will likely find new common ground and a chance to create more value for your customers. Attention sales representatives! When you learn something new about a dairy, be sure to contact its primary veterinarian with the information. Closing loops goes a long way to build positive support for the producer.