Maureen Hanson

3 weeks ago | dairyherd.com | Maureen Hanson

The effects of heat stress on calves has been the topic of a good share of research in recent years. So, too, has been the study of social versus individual calf housing. Now, University of Wisconsin researchers have published a first-of-its kind study that examined the two factors together.

3 weeks ago | dairyherd.com | Maureen Hanson

Prices for dairy replacement heifers and beef-cross calves remain out of this world, with both springers and newborn calves reaching astronomical levels. Holstein springers topped out in May at $4,200 per head in Pipestone, Minn., and newborn beef cross calves exceeded $1,600 per head in Wisconsin. How far and long this launch into record territory will last remains to be seen, but beef-cross breeding will continue to make a big bang in the markets for the foreseeable future.

3 weeks ago | communitynewspapergroup.com | Maureen Hanson

AMES – Nineteen members of the Benton County 4-H Livestock Skills interest group had a highly successful weekend participating in the 2025 Iowa 4-H Livestock Triathlon in Ames. Held on the campus of Iowa State University, the Triathlon was a two-day event featuring competitions in Livestock Quiz Bowl, Skillathon, and Judging. Benton County’s Junior Quiz Bowl team came home with state champion honors.

3 weeks ago | dairyherd.com | Maureen Hanson

There’s an innovative new way to potentially monitor the digestive activity, environmental impact, and health of dairy cows – and it’s as simple as breathing. Dairy nutrition researcher Dr. Mutian Niu, Assistant Professor of Animal Nutrition at ETH Zurich, Switzerland, explained the science of “exhalomics” on a recent edition of the Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt podcast. Niu said exhalomics is the study of metabolites and compounds found in exhaled breath.

4 weeks ago | dairyherd.com | Maureen Hanson

If there is anything that could derail your business literally overnight, it’s a serious injury or illness in your family. That’s why health insurance is an absolutely critical risk management tool, even though the cost of the insurance itself can also strain your business. While it probably won’t cover every medical expense for your family, it can protect you from the catastrophic effects of a major health event.