Dairy calves are an investment in the future of the dairy operation and the treatment they receive early in life impacts their future milk production.

2025 was great for high cattle prices, but the risk and uncertainty of the cattle business is still there and I know many of us remain cautious about what the future holds.

My dry erase board in the office now has 15 projects listed for winter and spring and space for some more as they come up. It is just part of the continuous quest to leave the land and this place better than when my family landed here back in 1951.

The fact that it takes time to build a cow herd is reality and that reality is playing out in the cattle market.

Meat production was the most commonly reported primary production type across all flock sizes in the National Animal Health Monitoring System Sheep 2024 study.

Today’s dry-off challenges look different than those of the past. More cows are entering the dry period at higher production levels — a sign of progress, but one that brings added considerations for cow comfort and mastitis risk.

The Illinois Milk Producers Association recently recognized Amy Hildebrandt and Tony, Walt and Bobby Graves for their leadership, stewardship and excellence in the dairy industry during the organization’s 2025 annual awards program.

Working with a new administration during 2025 has been fast-paced and challenging for those dealing with regulatory and legislative policies.

People don’t buy into what you do or how you do it. They buy into why you do it.