Bovine Banter

Crops play a crucial role on dairy farms, and forages are arguably the most crucial part of a dairy diet. Feed costs on a dairy farm represent about 75% of total expenses and, in most cases, can make or break a business. Penn State Extension came up with a program to analyze these feeding systems on the farm, called the Penn State Feeding Assessment. The program was designed to analyze the current feeding programs on dairies to help troubleshoot problems and check for efficiencies. Join us this week as we discuss who would benefit from a feeding assessment, what happens during the assessment, and what results to expect. 

In this episode, we'll talk with Dr. Claudia Schmidt, a Penn State faculty member, who will share her insight and observations about agritourism as a way to diversify the farm business. 

Episode host and guest: Ginger Fenton (host) with Guest Dr. Claudia Schmidt

Image Credit: Ginger Fenton, Penn State Extension

 Join Angela Breneman and Michael Peachey from Acuity Advisors and CPAs July 15th on Bovine Banter to discuss farm transition. Angela and Mike discuss who needs a succession plan, what should be in a plan and how to start a conversation with family centered around planning for the future business.

Join Dairy Educator Emily Fread as she interviews Hayley Painter of Painterland Sisters Organic Skyr Yogurt. Hayley, and her sister, Stephanie, started Painterland Sisters to help stabilize the milk market for their farm located in Tioga County, PA. Listen to learn more!

"Join dairy educator, Kasey Hower, as she chats with Kent, Kyle, and Chad Heffner with Jersey Acres Farms and Stone Mountain Wine Cellars located in Schuylkill County Pennsylvania. The Heffner’s have a unique operation where they milk 200 head of registered Jersey cattle, have a roadside market selling seasonal produce, and a winery. They offer insights to their farm diversification and transition to remain a profitable business for future generations.

Join Dairy Educators Emily Fread and J. Craig Williams as they interview Colin Kadis from EverAg. Colin talks about how HPAI has impacted dairy markets.

In this episode, dairy educator Daniela Roland talks with first responders Steve Brown and Rob Nese about farm safety and emergency response on the farm. They share practical tips for implementing farm safety and insights that farmers can use on their operations. 

Photo credit: Penn State Extension

Join Angela Breneman, Dairy Management Educator, and John Williamson from Team AG for tips on how to keep you, your family, and your employees safe around manure storage systems this spring