Explore the findings of a recent Wisconsin study that validates the effectiveness of pasteurization in neutralizing avian flu in milk. Concerned about the safety of your dairy products? Delve into the latest research and the measures ensuring your milk is safe.
In a groundbreaking study with profound implications for public health, researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have unequivocally demonstrated that pasteurization is a highly effective measure in neutralizing avian flu in milk. This discovery not only underscores the critical role of pasteurization in ensuring food safety but also provides a significant boost to consumer confidence.
“Our study shows that pasteurization isn’t just about extending milk’s shelf life; it’s crucial for eliminating threats like avian flu,” stated Dr. Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
The research demonstrated a remarkable 99.99% reduction in the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) via simulated pasteurization. Using samples from infected cows, the study reinforces the efficacy of pasteurization, providing a solid basis for future testing and reassuring consumers and industry stakeholders.
The study was conducted with meticulous precision, starting with the collection of milk samples from cows that were experimentally infected with H5N1. These samples were then subjected to simulated pasteurization processes that closely mirrored standard industrial protocols. By maintaining precise temperature controls and time intervals that mimic commercial pasteurization, the researchers observed a staggering 99.99% reduction in the virus, thereby confirming the efficacy of these methods.
The study confirms the effectiveness of milk pasteurization, showing a 99.99% reduction in the H5N1 virus. This underscores the importance of standard pasteurization methods in ensuring milk safety. It is crucial for consumers and industry stakeholders to adhere to proper pasteurization protocols across the dairy industry, as their adherence directly contributes to milk safety. This reassures consumers and highlights their role in maintaining milk safety.
Dr. Keith Poulsen, director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, emphasized the importance of the study’s findings in confirming the effectiveness of pasteurization. “Our research confirms that pasteurization can inactivate the H5N1 virus in milk, even if it doesn’t exactly replicate industrial processes. This is crucial for ensuring the safety of commercial dairy products,” he stated. These results lay the groundwork for scaling up to more extensive industrial tests, demonstrating a 99.99% reduction in virus presence. The ongoing and fruitful collaborations with the Center for Dairy Research are set to refine pasteurization techniques and improve safety across the dairy industry, providing a sense of reassurance to consumers and industry stakeholders.
The study also examined alternative pasteurization methods and their virus elimination efficacy. Deviations from standard protocols yielded inconsistent results, highlighting the precision needed in dairy processing. Notably, refrigerating raw milk proved ineffective against the avian flu virus, keeping its levels unchanged. This underscores the necessity of strict pasteurization standards for ensuring food safety and advocates for ongoing optimization in the dairy industry.
The collaboration with the Center for Dairy Research plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of pasteurization techniques. This partnership aims to rigorously test various methods under controlled conditions to identify the most effective protocols for eradicating avian flu virus and other pathogens. These studies will translate findings into practical guidelines for dairy processors nationwide, ensuring safety across all stages of dairy production. This rigorous validation is crucial to bolster consumer confidence and safeguard public health.
Currently, Wisconsin remains fortunate with no reported cases of H5N1 in its dairy cattle, highlighting the effectiveness of existing biosecurity measures. Yet, vigilance is vital. The virus’s presence in neighboring states continues to be a threat. However, ongoing research and collaboration between state labs, USDA, and CDC are in place to protect the dairy industry and ensure consumer safety. This ongoing effort instills hope in the audience about the future of milk safety.
Federal investigations have consistently shown no avian flu virus in recent retail dairy samples, reassuring consumers about the safety of commercially available milk. This testing by the USDA and CDC highlights the effectiveness of current dairy safety protocols and reinforces confidence in pasteurization methods.
Key Takeaways:
Researchers confirmed a 99.99% reduction in the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (H5N1) using simulated pasteurization processes.
The study highlighted the safety assurance provided by commercial pasteurization methods for milk.
Alternative pasteurization techniques showed varying degrees of success, stressing the importance of adhering to standard protocols.
Refrigeration of raw milk proved ineffective in reducing virus levels.
The virus was detected in both cream and skim components of milk, emphasizing the need for comprehensive pasteurization.
Further research and collaboration with the Center for Dairy Research are aimed at refining and diversifying pasteurization methods.
No cases of H5N1 have been reported in Wisconsin dairy cattle, but ongoing monitoring and research are crucial as the virus circulates in other states.
Federal investigations found no viable virus in recent retail dairy product samples, providing additional reassurance.
Summary: Researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory have found that pasteurization is an effective method for neutralizing avian flu in milk. The study, conducted on cow samples infected with H5N1, showed a 99.99% reduction in the virus through simulated pasteurization processes. The researchers maintained precise temperature controls and time intervals, observing a significant reduction in the virus. This confirms the effectiveness of milk pasteurization and underscores the importance of standard pasteurization methods in ensuring milk safety. Collaborations with the Center for Dairy Research aim to refine pasteurization techniques and improve safety across the dairy industry. Alternative pasteurization methods yielded inconsistent results, highlighting the precision needed in dairy processing. Refrigerating raw milk proved ineffective against the virus, highlighting the need for strict pasteurization standards for food safety. Collaborating with the Center for Dairy Research will advance our understanding of pasteurization techniques and translate findings into practical guidelines for dairy processors nationwide.
Discover how the 2021 Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle can boost your farm’s profitability. Are you feeding your cows optimally for maximum milk yield and quality?
Imagine running a business where nearly 60% of your expenses come from one thing. Dairy farmers face this, with feed costs taking up a large part of their budget. But here’s the empowering part: understanding how feeding practices impact a dairy farm’s economic outcomes is not just essential, it’s a game-changer. By optimizing feed to boost milk quality and yield, and at the same time, managing costs, dairy farmers can significantly improve their farm profitability and sustainability.
The dairy industry has transformed significantly over the past 20 years due to advancements in genetics, management practices, and nutritional research. Reflecting these changes, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released the eighth edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle in December 2021. This update, succeeding guidelines from 2001, incorporates the latest scientific insights and innovations to enhance dairy cow health, productivity, and profitability.
Understanding the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle is crucial for optimizing feed efficiency, improving milk production quality, reducing environmental impact, and ultimately ensuring dairy operations’ overall profitability and sustainability.
The Evolution of Dairy Nutrition: Adapting to Genetic Enhancements and Technological Innovations
Year
Average Milk Yield per Cow (liters/year)
Average Butterfat Content (%)
Average Protein Content (%)
2001
7,800
3.6
3.2
2006
8,400
3.7
3.3
2011
8,900
3.8
3.3
2016
9,300
3.9
3.4
2021
9,700
4.0
3.5
Over the past two decades, the dairy industry has undergone significant transformations thanks to advancements in cow genetics, management practices, research, and productivity. These changes have deepened our understanding of dairy cow nutrition, making it more intricate but also more impactful on farm profitability and cow health. For instance, in the early 2000s, the focus was on increasing milk yield, but now, we’re also considering factors like cow health, environmental impact, and feed efficiency.
Selective breeding has enhanced traits such as milk yield, disease resistance, and cow longevity. These genetic improvements have increased productivity and made herds more resilient.
Management practices have evolved with technological innovations, such as precision farming tools, automated milking systems, and real-time health monitoring, which help optimize cow welfare and milk production.
The research landscape has expanded, generating data translated into practical feeding strategies. This has led to sophisticated models that accurately predict outcomes, reflecting the complexity of dairy cow nutrition.
Increased productivity necessitates a nuanced understanding of nutritional requirements. Modern cow diets must meet heightened metabolic demands while ensuring rumen health and overall well-being.
The growing complexity of dairy cow nutrition underscores our need for precise feeding strategies. These strategies, when implemented effectively, can support and enhance the advanced genetic and productive capabilities of today’s dairy cows. They are not just tools, but a source of enlightenment and motivation for dairy farmers and nutritionists.
Navigating the Microbial Frontier: Insights into Rumen Function and Precision Feeding
Amidst the evolving landscape of dairy nutrition, our understanding of rumen microbial function has advanced significantly. Two decades ago, we had a rudimentary grasp of the microbial intricacies within the rumen. Today, our insights have deepened, highlighting the critical symbiosis between the cow and its rumen microbes for optimizing milk production and overall health. This understanding has led to the development of precision feeding strategies that take into account the cow’s specific microbial needs.
Recent advancements in rumen microbial nutrition have revealed the complexities of microbial populations and their intricate interactions with dietary components. We now recognize the essential role of specific microbial communities in breaking down complex carbohydrates, fermenting fibers, and synthesizing vital volatile fatty acids. This nuanced understanding has shifted feeding practices towards precision feeding strategies, which involve tailoring the diet to the cow’s specific needs, thus optimizing feed utilization and cow health.
The integration of predictive models has been pivotal. By simulating rumen fermentation processes, we can forecast nutrient outflow with greater accuracy, fine-tuning diets to meet the cow’s needs more effectively. This helps balance nutrition while mitigating issues like acidosis, thus safeguarding rumen health.
These models factor in the degradability of dietary components, the interaction of forage fibers, and the impact of particle size on fermentation rates. This complexity provides a framework for nutritionists to precisely calibrate diets, enhancing milk yields without compromising health. Such advancements underscore the importance of improved rumen microbial function understanding in modern dairy farming. By adopting the NASEM guidelines, dairy farmers can feel reassured and confident in their farming practices, knowing that they are backed by the latest scientific research.
Redefining Dietary Fiber: The Critical Role of Physically Adjusted Neutral Detergent Fiber (paNDF) in Rumen Health
The concept of physically adjusted neutral detergent fiber (paNDF) represents a significant leap in understanding fiber’s role in rumen health. It specifically addresses how fiber’s physical characteristics maintain the optimal rumen pH necessary for efficient digestion. In simpler terms, paNDF is a measure of the fiber’s physical properties, such as its size and how easily it breaks down, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy rumen environment.
PaNDF factors in critical elements:
Forage NDF (fiber from forage)
Fiber fragility (ease of breakdown)
Particle size (interaction with rumen microbes)
Dietary starch content (impact on rumen pH)
Considering these, the paNDF model maintains a rumen pH of 6.0 to 6.1, fostering an environment for optimal microbial activity and digestion. In simpler terms, a healthy rumen is like a well-functioning digestive system in humans. It’s crucial for the cow’s overall health and efficient digestion of the feed.
Dairy farmers and nutritionists need precise inputs on cow body weight, dietary forage NDF, and starch content. Tools like the Penn State Particle Separator measure these factors, particularly particle size, ensuring dietary adjustments to sustain the rumen environment. Though complex, the paNDF system ultimately allows dairy herd managers to optimize feed formulations, promoting cow health and efficient milk production.
Unveiling the Modern Energy Paradigm: Enhanced Maintenance Net Energy of Lactation (NEL) and Refined Non-Fiber Carbohydrates (NFC) Calculations
Component
20 Years Ago
Current Requirements
Maintenance Net Energy of Lactation (NEL)
25%
Increased by 25%
Non-Fiber Carbohydrates (NFC)
General category
Separated into starch and ROM
Digestibility of Supplemental Dietary Fatty Acids
92%
Reduced to 73%
Digestibility of NDF and Starch
Variable based on dry matter intake (DMI)
Refined with specific considerations
The recent energy requirement update shows a notable 25% increase in the maintenance net energy of lactation (NEL) requirement. This change highlights our growing understanding of the energy needs tied to today’s high-producing dairy cows.
Another crucial adjustment is the division of non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC) into starch and residual organic matter (ROM). This allows for a more detailed examination of starch degradability and its influence on rumen fermentation. At the same time, ROM is considered 96% digestible.
Advancements in digestibility calculations further enhance our predictive accuracy. Digestibility models, previously based solely on dry matter intake (DMI), are now more refined. For example, dietary fatty acid digestibility has been adjusted from 92% to 73%. NDF and starch digestibilities are tweaked based on intake levels, aligning dietary energy inputs with cow energy needs more precisely.
Revolutionizing Protein Nutrition: From Metabolizable Protein (MP) to Essential Amino Acids (EAA) in Dairy Cattle
Protein Requirement
Metabolizable Protein (MP)
Essential Amino Acids (EAA)
Maintenance
500 g/day
20 g/day
Lactation (30 kg milk/day)
1,300 g/day
60 g/day
Growth (500 g/day)
950 g/day
45 g/day
Pregnancy (6th to 9th month)
700 g/day
30 g/day
The recent NASEM report marks a significant shift in protein nutrition for dairy cattle by transitioning from metabolizable protein (MP) to essential amino acids (EAA). This change emphasizes precision in nutrient utilization to enhance dairy cow productivity and health. Previously, MP served as a broad measure of absorbed protein but fell short in predicting specific protein synthesis needs. In contrast, EAA provides a more accurate measure of the cow’s protein needs, allowing for more precise feeding strategies.
The NASEM committee conducted an extensive review to identify the EAA requirements for synthesizing various proteins, including those in milk, urine, scurf, feces, tissue growth, and pregnancy. They established EAA needs through a thorough examination of research, focusing on the efficiency of EAA use, which varies by protein type. This approach allows for more accurate predictions of dietary protein conversion, enabling precise and cost-effective diet formulations.
Adopting an EAA-centric model offers practical advantages. Nutritionists can now create diets with lower protein content while still meeting cows’ needs, reducing feed costs and environmental impacts from nitrogen excretion. As dairy nutrition advances, these improvements support more sustainable and economically viable farming practices.
Strategic Nutrition for Transition Cows: A Pivotal Aspect in Managing Post-Calving Health Risks
Stage
Energy Needs (NEL, Mcal/day)
Protein Needs (g/day)
Close-up Dry Period
14 – 16
1,200 – 1,400
Fresh Period
18 – 22
1,500 – 1,700
Peak Lactation
22 – 28
1,700 – 2,000
The period around calving is crucial for dairy cow health and productivity, making transition cow management and feeding vital. Proper nutrition during this phase can mitigate post-calving disease risks. The NASEM 2021 report adopts a continuous function approach to predict energy and protein needs during gestation. Though more physiologic, this method challenges meeting nutritional requirements with a one-size-fits-all diet.
Dry Matter Intake (DMI) predictions now factor in dietary Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) content to address this. As dietary NDF rises from 30% to 50%, DMI decreases, ensuring transition cows receive adequate fiber without overwhelming their digestive system.
The report also doubles the dietary vitamin E requirement from 1,000 IU to 2,000 IU per day for close-up dry cows, boosting their immune function during this critical period. Additionally, dry cows’ trace mineral needs have been increased to prevent deficiencies as they prepare for lactation. Minimal changes were made for heifers and lactating cows, highlighting the unique nutritional needs during the transition period.
Embracing Nutritional Nuance: The NASEM 2021 Report’s Evolved Approach to Mineral and Vitamin Requirements
Nutrient
Lactating Cows (mg/day)
Dry Cows (mg/day)
Heifers (mg/kg of DM)
Calcium
10,000
8,000
6-12
Phosphorus
6,200
4,500
3-7
Magnesium
2,500
1,800
2-4
Sodium
3,000
2,500
0.5-1.0
Potassium
15,000
12,000
10-15
Vitamin A (IU)
50,000
30,000
20,000-40,000
Vitamin D (IU)
1,500
1,000
700-1,000
Vitamin E (IU)
1,000
2,000
300-500
In addition to updated mineral and vitamin requirements, the NASEM 2021 report takes a nuanced approach to defining these essential nutrients. Unlike previous NRC guidelines focusing on specific production outcomes, the new report uses population mean values, moving away from a one-size-fits-all strategy.
A notable change is the increase in dietary vitamin E for close-up dry diets, doubling from 1,000 IU to 2,000 IU per day. This adjustment aligns with recent research highlighting vitamin E’s role in disease prevention and cow health. Trace mineral requirements have also been revised, emphasizing their importance during the dry period, while changes for heifers and lactating cows remain minimal.
The committee employs a factorial approach, utilizing data to calculate a population mean value instead of strict “requirements.” When data is sufficient, a safety factor is included. Due to limited data, the committee offers “adequate intake (AI)” recommendations rather than rigid requirements, allowing on-farm flexibility and adjustments tailored to specific herd conditions.
The Bottom Line
The new NASEM guidelines highlight pivotal updates reflecting two decades of advancements in dairy cows’ genetics, physiology, and nutrition. These guidelines equip dairy farmers with tools to fine-tune feeding strategies, emphasizing precise energy balance and a novel focus on essential amino acids for protein nutrition. Models like paNDF ensure optimal rumen health, which is crucial for maximizing feed efficiency.
Incorporating these guidelines allows dairy farmers to manage feed costs more strategically without compromising cow health or productivity. Enhanced energy and protein calculations lead to balanced diets, potentially reducing feed expenses by minimizing waste. Focusing on nutrient bioavailability and adequate intake also streamlines mineral and vitamin supplementation, further optimizing costs.
Adopting the NASEM guidelines offers significant practical benefits. They help farmers improve herd longevity and well-being, reducing veterinary costs and post-calving health risks. This boosts milk yields and enhances milk quality, leading to better market prices. By aligning feeding practices with the latest science, dairy farms can improve operational efficiency and profitability, ensuring a more sustainable and viable future for the industry.
Key Takeaways:
Feed costs remain a significant portion of production costs, ranging from 45% to nearly 60%, underscoring the need for efficient nutrient management.
The highest milk yield does not always equate to the best farm profitability; a balance between yield, composition, and quality is crucial.
The evolving understanding of rumen microbial function and nutrition guides precision feeding strategies.
Introduction of physically adjusted neutral detergent fiber (paNDF) to ensure rumen health by maintaining optimal rumen pH and efficient fiber digestion.
Significant updates in energy and protein requirements, including a 25% increase in maintenance net energy of lactation (NEL) and a shift from metabolizable protein (MP) to essential amino acids (EAA) for protein nutrition.
Continuous function approach in predicting the energy and protein needs of transition cows enhances disease risk management post-calving.
Revision of mineral and vitamin requirements with a focus on bioavailability and adequate intake (AI) rather than strict requirements.
Summary: The dairy industry has undergone significant changes in the past two decades due to genetics, management practices, and nutritional research. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released the eighth edition of the Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle in December 2021, reflecting these changes. Understanding the nutrient requirements of dairy cattle is crucial for optimizing feed efficiency, improving milk production quality, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring profitability and sustainability. Selective breeding has enhanced traits like milk yield, disease resistance, and cow longevity, increasing productivity and resilience. Technological innovations have evolved management practices, such as precision farming tools, automated milking systems, and real-time health monitoring. The research landscape has expanded, generating data that has led to sophisticated models that accurately predict outcomes. Adhering to NASEM guidelines provides dairy farmers with confidence in their farming practices, backed by the latest scientific research. The NASEM 2021 report emphasizes strategic nutrition for transition cows, adopting a continuous function approach to predict energy and protein needs during gestation.
Dive into the journey of emerging dairy leaders as they navigate educational hurdles, harness the power of internships, and adjust to evolving demographic trends. Are you prepared to delve into the future landscape of dairy education?
Farmers are recording details of each cow on the farm.
Every sunrise heralds a new opportunity in the dairy industry. To seize these opportunities, we must cultivate tomorrow’s leaders. These aspiring professionals, through the transformative power of internships, drive innovation and sustainability and face significant challenges, from integrating advanced technology to meeting strict environmental standards. Internships are not just crucial in this development, they are the catalysts, bridging academic knowledge with real-world application to pave a pathway toward insightful and practical leadership.
Internships offer invaluable hands-on experience in a landscape of mounting challenges. These experiences provide fertile ground for future leaders to cultivate crucial skills, resilience, and an innovation mindset. Blending academic rigor with practical exposure is essential to ensure our dairy professionals are ready to lead confidently and competently.
Explore the critical role of internships in shaping the dairy industry’s future as we examine the challenges of educating the next generation of professionals.
Navigating Educational Challenges in the Dairy Industry
Challenge
Description
Potential Solutions
Labor Shortages
The dairy industry faces significant labor shortages, exacerbated by an aging workforce and rural exodus.
Implementing robust recruitment and retention programs, offering competitive wages and benefits, and promoting the industry to younger generations.
Technology Integration
Advanced technologies are revolutionizing dairy operations, but there is a skills gap in managing and utilizing these tools.
Updating educational curricula to include training on latest technologies, fostering partnerships with tech companies, and continuous professional development.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship
There is increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and environmental stewardship in dairy operations.
Incorporating sustainability-focused courses in dairy education, promoting green technologies, and aligning with regulatory standards.
Access to Practical Experience
Students often lack hands-on experience necessary for readiness in real-world dairy farming and operations.
Expanding internship and apprenticeship opportunities, facilitating industry partnerships, and integrating practical training within academic programs.
The dairy industry’s educational landscape faces significant challenges that demand innovative solutions. A critical issue is labor shortages, a persistent problem that hampers productivity and growth. The aging workforce makes attracting new talent increasingly difficult. However, internships are not just crucial in drawing young people into dairy careers; they are the solution. By offering hands-on experience and substantial stipends, these initiatives address immediate labor needs and inspire long-term career commitments in the sector, ensuring a steady and competent future workforce.
Additionally, advanced technology integration is essential to enhance efficiency within dairy operations. Modern farms leverage automation, data analytics, and precision agriculture tools to streamline processes and optimize resources. Educational curricula must evolve to equip students with the skills to manage and innovate with these technologies, ensuring the industry maintains its competitive edge and operational excellence.
Promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship is also critical in training the next generation of dairy professionals. Given the industry’s substantial ecological impact, there is a pressing need to teach sustainable practices from the start of educational programs. Internships and courses should emphasize sustainable dairy farming techniques, waste management, and energy-efficient practices. By embedding sustainability at the core of dairy education, future professionals can lead the industry toward greater environmental responsibility.
Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines attracting and retaining talent, implementing advanced technologies, and promoting sustainability. These strategies are vital to prepare the next generation to navigate and shape the dairy industry’s future.
Understanding the Evolving Student Demographics in Dairy
Year
Average Age
Gender Distribution (M/F)
Background (Urban/Rural)
Median Education Level
2000
22
70/30
20/80
High School Diploma
2010
21
60/40
30/70
Some College
2020
23
50/50
40/60
Bachelor’s Degree
2022
24
45/55
45/55
Bachelor’s Degree
The student demographics in dairy education have shifted notably over the past decade, reflecting broader societal changes and trends within the agricultural sector. Traditionally, these programs attracted students from rural backgrounds. Still, there’s an increase in diversity, with more individuals from urban areas and various cultural backgrounds.
This shift enriches educational environments and strengthens the industry’s resilience and innovation. Diverse perspectives lead to creative problem-solving and a broader understanding of global agricultural challenges. Urban students often bring unique insights crucial for modern dairy operations, particularly in technology and business management.
Educational institutions are adapting their curricula to meet the needs of this varied student body. Programs now often include sustainability, international trade, and advanced dairy technology, reflecting industry demands and diverse student interests.
The influx of students from different cultural backgrounds enhances communication and trust within the dairy supply chain. These professionals will play critical roles in advocating for the dairy industry, promoting its benefits, and aligning practices with consumer expectations and environmental standards.
This demographic evolution aligns with the foundation’s mission to empower the next generation of dairy leaders. By investing in diverse student programs, these organizations ensure a robust and dynamic future for dairy, leveraging the strengths of all its members to address current and emerging challenges.
Adapting to Demographic Changes in Dairy Education
Embracing diversity within the dairy industry is a progressive ideal and a practical strategy for sustainability and growth. As demographics shift, with more women and people from various cultural backgrounds entering the field, the industry must adapt. This means actively recruiting talent from diverse backgrounds, as varied experiences can lead to innovative solutions and a more resilient sector.
Promoting inclusivity in leadership positions is crucial. Representation matters; seeing diverse faces in influential roles encourages aspiring professionals from all walks of life. This can be achieved through targeted mentorship programs, leadership training, and creating pathways for underrepresented groups. By integrating diversity into its core, the industry ensures a broad spectrum of ideas and strategies.
Valuing different perspectives enhances problem-solving and innovation in dairy education. Students with unique cultural insights or alternative agricultural techniques contribute to a more prosperous educational environment. They cultivate an atmosphere where diverse voices are harmonized into the broader farm narrative and yield practical benefits, from enhanced marketing strategies to improved dairy farming practices. Embracing diversity thus becomes essential for educating the next generation of dairy professionals, equipping them to thrive in a complex global market.
From Classroom to Farm: Bridging the Gap in Dairy Education
Culturing future dairy professionals demands a cohesive blend of theoretical and hands-on experience. The challenge is to integrate classroom learning and farm applications seamlessly. This balance is vital for students to grasp the scientific and practical facets necessary to solve modern agricultural challenges.
Internships form the backbone of this education, immersing students in the complexities of dairy farming operations. These programs, extending beyond local boundaries, offer six-week placements in markets like Mexico and South Korea. Interns engage in market research and media training and develop marketing strategies, enhancing their grasp of global dairy markets and their economic drivers.
Additionally, internships prompt students to connect academic concepts with practical tasks. By presenting their activities and insights through PowerPoint, interns cultivate reflective thinking and continuous learning, further honing their analytical skills and ensuring future program improvements.
The shift to incorporate practical learning in dairy education mirrors broader changes, adapting to the sector’s demands. By valuing classroom knowledge and real-world experience, the dairy industry fosters competent, innovative professionals ready to address its dynamic challenges and opportunities.
Internships: A Catalyst for Dairy Career Success
Internships in the dairy industry bridge theory with practical skills, offering students hands-on experience crucial for professional growth. These experiences go beyond daily tasks, covering production, marketing, technological advancements, and consumer behaviors, thus deepening students’ understanding of the industry’s complexities.
Structured mentorship and networking during these internships shape career paths. Interaction with industry leaders provides insights, guidance, and critical feedback, fostering a supportive skill development and professional relationship-building environment.
Internships also enhance leadership and management skills. Activities like market research and strategy development teach project management, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Internship programs empower young professionals with significant responsibilities, nurturing leadership qualities for future board or managerial roles, ensuring a well-prepared next generation of dairy professionals.
Real-World Experience: How Internships Shape Dairy Professionals
Internships bridge theoretical knowledge and practical application, which is crucial in shaping future dairy professionals. For instance, the CMAB International Internship Program plays a pivotal role by immersing students in the global dairy market through hands-on experiences in Mexico and South Korea. These internships enhanced my understanding of international dairy marketing and refined my research and presentation skills, as students must produce market analysis reports and multimedia presentations.
The six-week CMAB internship aligns students with real-world marketing challenges, fostering innovation and problem-solving. The $5,000 stipend and covered travel and lodging make these experiences accessible, reducing financial barriers and promoting diversity in the dairy industry.
Interns collaborate with industry professionals and engage in valuable networking, gaining insights beyond classroom settings. This engagement enhances technical knowledge and hones essential skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. The requirement to present findings ensures they can distill complex information—an invaluable professional skill.
The transformative impact of such internships is evident in the career success of past participants. Many find roles in dairy processing, sales, or marketing, often with a competitive edge. This investment reflects the industry’s commitment to nurturing future leaders, ensuring a robust and innovative future for dairy.
Future Trends in Dairy Education
Dairy education is set for significant transformation, with cutting-edge technology becoming integral to the curriculum. Advancements in precision agriculture, robotics, and data analytics are now standard, providing students hands-on experience that mirrors modern farming. This enhances technical skills and prepares students to navigate contemporary dairy farming complexities.
Emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship is growing within dairy programs. As the industry faces pressures to reduce its carbon footprint and promote animal welfare, educational institutions are embedding these principles into their courses. Training now includes best practices for sustainable farming, efficient resource use, and innovative waste management techniques.
The demographic shift in student populations is reshaping dairy education. Students today come from diverse backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives and skills. To accommodate this diversity, programs are becoming more inclusive, offering flexible learning options and culturally relevant content, ensuring all students can thrive and contribute to the industry.
Internships are expanding, with more programs offering international opportunities. For example, the CMAB International Internship program allows students to gain insights into global dairy marketing, broadening their understanding of the international marketplace. These experiences equip future professionals with a worldwide perspective essential in an interconnected world.
As the dairy industry evolves, so must its educational strategies. By embracing technology, promoting sustainability, fostering diversity, expanding global opportunities, and enhancing soft skills, the next generation of dairy professionals will be well-prepared to lead the industry into a sustainable and innovative future.
The Bottom Line
Preparing future dairy leaders is more than an aspiration; it’s crucial for the industry’s sustainability and innovation. Equipping the next generation with essential skills and knowledge ensures they can handle the complexities of modern agriculture.
Numerous opportunities exist despite challenges like shifting demographics and evolving education paradigms. By embracing diverse student populations and fostering real-world learning through internships, we can cultivate a resilient workforce ready to lead the dairy sector.
Industry leaders must act now. Investing in the development of future dairy professionals is essential. By supporting educational programs and offering robust internship experiences, we can ensure the dairy industry remains innovative and forward-thinking. The future of dairy depends on it.
Key Takeaways:
Addressing Educational Challenges: The dairy sector grapples with labor shortages, an aging workforce, and the need for advanced skills and sustainability practices.
Demographic Shifts: Changing student demographics demand adaptive teaching methods and inclusive strategies to attract a broader range of talent.
Critical Role of Internships: Real-world experience, provided through robust internship programs, is essential in bridging the gap between academic learning and practical application.
Embracing Technology: Integrating cutting-edge technology into educational curricula is vital for preparing students to lead in more efficient and innovative dairy operations.
Promoting Sustainability: Emphasizing environmental stewardship within dairy education programs is necessary for fostering a generation of professionals dedicated to sustainable practices.
Future Trends: Continuous evolution in teaching strategies and technologies will be required to stay ahead of industry demands and ensure a resilient, forward-thinking workforce.
Summary: The dairy industry faces challenges like labor shortages, aging workforce, and innovative solutions. Internships are crucial in bridging academic knowledge with practical experience, ensuring dairy professionals are prepared to lead confidently. Educational challenges include labor shortages, advanced technology integration, and sustainability. Internships provide hands-on experience and substantial stipends, addressing immediate labor needs and inspiring long-term career commitments. Advanced technology integration enhances efficiency within dairy operations, and educational curricula must evolve to equip students with the skills to manage and innovate with these technologies. Promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship is also crucial in training the next generation of dairy professionals. Overcoming these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that combines attracting and retaining talent, implementing advanced technologies, and promoting sustainability.
Are dairy exports and milk production set for another uninspiring year in 2024? Discover the trends and expert insights shaping the industry’s future.
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t.b.v. Misset/Boerderij Opdrachtnummer: 416573 Kostenplaats 06003
Fotograaf: Van Assendelft Fotografie
The dairy industry‘s backbone has been its milk yields and exports, critical for regional economies and farmers’ livelihoods. While demand for high-quality dairy products boosts growth and revenue, the sector faces significant changes.
The U.S. dairy industry is currently at a crossroads. Year-over-year milk production declined by 1.3% in February 2024. The U.S. milking cowherd has shrunk monthly since June 2023, with limited heifer availability adding to the woes. Despite some resilience in milk component production from December to February, larger challenges overshadow these gains.
“It’s hard to imagine milk production making material improvements with cow numbers down year-over-year, heifers in short supply, and rough economics in several regions,” says Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insight.
With fewer cows, economic stress, and stagnant heifer replacements, 2024 may bring more uninspiring results. Consequently, the dairy sector‘s growth and sustainability metrics could fall short, impacting potential recovery and expansion.
Understanding The Decline: Year-Over-Year Milk Production Trends
Notably, the USDA Milk Production Report highlights a 2% year-over-year decline across 24 central states in April. This pattern aligns with nationwide trends, reflecting more profound systemic challenges in the U.S. dairy sector. Although May 2024 saw a slight increase in per-cow output, total production fell marginally.
Several key points arise from these reports. The persistent reduction in herd size contrasts with improved per-cow productivity, which fails to offset the decline fully. The milking cow population has dropped to 8.89 million head, a year-over-year reduction of 55,000.
Regional disparities add complexity. Some areas sustain or boost production slightly, but places like New Mexico saw a drastic 17.3% decline, exposing regional vulnerabilities.
The economic landscape, marked by falling prices and moderate shipment volume growth, also dampens producers’ recovery prospects. Thus, closely monitoring economic conditions will be crucial for predicting future milk production trends.
Year
Milk Production Volume (in billion lbs)
Year-Over-Year Change (%)
2020
223.2
+2.2%
2021
225.6
+1.1%
2022
223.5
-0.9%
2023
220.0
-1.6%
Analyzing Annual Shifts in Dairy Export Patterns
The past year has marked significant changes in dairy export trends, with volume and value experiencing notable fluctuations. Although 2023 saw U.S. dairy exports total $8.11 billion, this represented a 16% decrease from the record year of 2022, highlighting the volatility of global dairy markets.
One primary factor in these shifts is the decline in domestic milk production, directly impacting export volumes. Despite some milk and milk component production growth from December to February, the overall trend remains challenging.
Volatile agricultural markets and external factors like El Niño weather patterns have further complicated global supply chains. Additionally, reductions in farmgate milk prices and persistent on-farm inflation continue to strain U.S. dairy farms.
Year
Total Export Value (in billion USD)
Percentage Change from Previous Year
Key Factors
2020
6.2
+5%
Stable milk prices, moderate global demand
2021
7.0
+13%
Increased global demand, favorable trade agreements
2022
9.7
+19%
High global demand, favorable prices, export market expansion
2023
8.11
-16%
Weakened global demand, eased prices
2024 (Forecast)
8.5
+5%
Slow recovery in demand, stable prices
Key Determinants in Milk Production Outcomes
Environmental challenges like droughts and extreme weather events have become significant obstacles to stable milk yields. These conditions can severely affect forage quality and availability, impacting the quantity and quality of milk from dairy cows. For instance, droughts reduce grazing land and drive up feed costs, further straining production budgets.
Rising production costs have also hindered farmers’ ability to invest in essential technologies. Modern dairy farming requires advanced milking systems, automated feeding mechanisms, and enhanced herd management software. Yet, persistent economic pressures and on-farm inflation make such investments challenging, directly affecting milk yields by reducing farm efficiency.
Labor shortages continue to impede dairy operations. The industry relies on a consistent and skilled workforce. Still, the COVID-19 pandemic and immigration policy uncertainties have left many farms understaffed. This labor scarcity delays essential operations and hinders the implementation of quality control measures, impacting overall milk production.
Key Influencers on Dairy Export Performance
Trade tensions continue to cloud the outlook for U.S. dairy exports. Tariffs and trade barriers stemming from geopolitical conflicts create uncertainty and hinder competitiveness in global markets. These economic disruptions inflate costs and squeeze profit margins for U.S. dairy farmers.
Additionally, changing consumer preferences are shifting demand away from traditional dairy products to plant-based alternatives, driven by health and environmental concerns. This trend challenges dairy exporters to develop innovative strategies to recapture market share.
Moreover, the U.S. dairy industry faces stiff competition from dairy powerhouses like New Zealand and the European Union. These countries are backing their dairy sectors with proactive export strategies and government support, making the global market fiercely competitive. U.S. producers must innovate and improve efficiency to sustain their place in the international market.
Potential Implications for 2024
The anticipated decline in dairy exports could impose significant financial strain on U.S. dairy farmers. With exports representing a crucial revenue stream, any downturn will likely impact their bottom lines and economic stability. This financial pressure may force producers to reassess their operations, potentially leading to further reductions in herd sizes and investments.
Compounding these challenges, lower milk yields are expected to affect overall supply, which could, in turn, drive up prices. While higher prices might seem beneficial, the reality is more nuanced. Increased prices can lead to reduced consumer demand and heightened competition from global markets, making it harder for U.S. products to remain competitive.
In light of these hurdles, there is a clear need for government intervention and support to stabilize the industry. Programs such as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) have relieved producers, and their continuation will be essential. Additionally, new initiatives could be explored in the upcoming Farm Bill to address the evolving challenges faced by the dairy sector, helping to ensure its long-term viability and sustainability.
Producers’ Perspective: Navigating a Challenging Market
Producers nationwide are acutely aware of today’s challenging market. Many are reevaluating their strategies with dwindling cow numbers and fluctuating feed costs driven by volatile agriculture markets and adverse weather conditions. Persistent declines in farmgate milk prices and high production costs continue to squeeze profit margins, leaving dairy farmers in a precarious position.
In response, innovative measures are being adopted. Beef-on-dairy operations, merging beef genetics with dairy herds, enhance profitability. Raising fewer heifers and cutting operational costs are becoming standard practices. Automation and technology promise to improve efficiency and cost management.
However, the pandemic-induced labor shortage remains a critical bottleneck, with health concerns and regulatory constraints limiting workforce availability. Producers are diversifying income streams to mitigate these issues, venturing into agritourism or other agricultural enterprises to buffer against market volatility.
Looking ahead, producers are closely monitoring market dynamics and profit margins, with any potential rebound in milk production depending on improved economic conditions and informed decision-making. Enhanced sustainability practices are also a focus as farmers strive to reduce methane emissions and implement eco-friendly methods.
Future Forecast: What Lies Ahead for Dairy Exports and Production?
The outlook for dairy exports and milk production is complex and shaped by various factors. Dr. Christopher Wolf of Cornell University emphasized the role of El Nino weather patterns, potentially causing feed cost volatility. Combined with persistent on-farm inflation, these conditions challenge dairy producers facing reduced farmgate milk prices.
The shrinking dairy herd adds to the difficulties, with a limited supply of heifers restricting milk production growth. USDA reports forecast a slight downward trend for 2024.
However, high beef prices and decreasing milk production might boost milk prices later in the year, offering market stability. Krysta Harden of the U.S. Dairy Export Council aims for a 20% export target, reflecting ambitions to expand the U.S. presence in global dairy markets despite trade uncertainties.
In contrast, the EU projects a 1% increase in cheese exports but declines in butter and skim milk powder, presenting market gaps that U.S. exports could fill to boost overall value and volume.
The future of U.S. dairy exports and milk production hinges on economic conditions, weather patterns, and strategic industry moves, requiring stakeholders to stay informed and adaptable.
The Bottom Line
The dairy industry’s challenges in 2024 are undeniable. The outlook appears grim with a persistent decline in milk production, reduced cowherd sizes, and a heifer shortage. Although U.S. dairy exports showed some promise, achieving long-term goals is still being determined amid fluctuating markets and soft milk prices.
Industry stakeholders must take proactive measures. It is crucial to explore strategies to enhance production efficiency and improve margins. Expanding export opportunities could capitalize on a potential market resurgence later this year.
The path to recovery is complex but possible. With informed decision-making and efforts to address current challenges, stabilization, and growth are within reach. Adapting to market trends will be vital in navigating these turbulent times successfully.
Key Takeaways:
Year-over-year milk production saw a 1.3% decline in February 2024.
The U.S. milking cowherd has been consistently shrinking each month since June 2023.
Despite a dip in cow numbers and heifer availability, milk component production showed some growth from December through February compared to the previous year.
Phil Plourd, president of Ever.Ag Insight, highlights the difficulty in imagining significant improvements in milk production under current conditions.
Economist Dan Basse expects tight cow numbers to persist given the static heifer replacement rates.
U.S. dairy exports were strong in February 2024; however, they remain below the record levels achieved in 2022.
Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) indemnity payments provided essential support to producers in 2023 amid declining feed prices and soft milk prices in 2024.
Summary: The dairy industry, which relies on milk yields and exports for regional economies and farmers’ livelihoods, is facing significant challenges in 2024. In February 2024, year-over-year milk production declined by 1.3%, with the U.S. milking cowherd shrinking monthly since June 2023 and limited heifer availability adding to the woes. Despite some resilience in milk component production from December to February, larger challenges overshadow these gains. The USDA Milk Production Report highlights a 2% year-over-year decline across 24 central states in April, reflecting more profound systemic challenges in the U.S. dairy sector. Regional disparities add complexity, with some areas sustaining or boosting production slightly, while places like New Mexico saw a drastic 17.3% decline. Milk production volume has seen significant changes in the past year, with U.S. dairy exports totaling $8.11 billion in 2023, a 16% decrease from the record year of 2022. Environmental challenges like droughts and extreme weather events have become significant obstacles to stable milk yields, impacting forage quality and availability, and straining production budgets. Rising production costs have hindered farmers’ ability to invest in essential technologies, and labor shortages continue to impede dairy operations. Trade tensions and geopolitical conflicts are causing uncertainty and hindering global market competitiveness for U.S. dairy exports. Government intervention and support are needed to stabilize the industry.
Discover which dairy feed system best predicts essential amino acid outflows in cows. Are NRC, CNCPS, or NASEM systems more accurate for your herd’s nutrition?
The dairy industry thrives on the delicate balance between nutrition and productivity, with essential amino acids (EAA) playing a pivotal role. These building blocks are crucial for dairy cows’ health, growth, and milk production, serving as the foundation of successful dairy farming. But how do farmers ensure their herds get the right EAA mix? The answer lies in advanced feed evaluation systems that predict and optimize EAA outflows. This article explores the effectiveness of three such systems: the National Research Council (NRC), the Cornell Net Protein and Carbohydrate System (CNCPS), and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).
Optimal EAA delivery in dairy diets boosts cow health and productivity and enhances overall farm sustainability through efficient nutrient utilization.
This study compares these three systems, focusing on their ability to predict post-ruminal outflows of EAAs. Analyzing data from 70 duodenal and 24 omasal studies aims to determine which method offers the most reliable predictions, guiding better feed formulations and promoting improved dairy cow health and productivity.
Essential Amino Acids in Dairy Cows
Essential amino acids (EAA) are vital nutrients that dairy cows must obtain through their diet. They are critical for protein synthesis, enzyme activity, and other metabolic processes.
In dairy nutrition, EAAs are vital to maintaining optimal milk production. An imbalance in amino acid ratios can lead to nutrient waste and inefficient milk production. Proper balance ensures that dietary proteins are used effectively, producing higher milk yield and quality.
Deficiencies in EAAs like methionine and Lysine can reduce milk protein synthesis, impacting milk production and cow health. Addressing these deficits through precise ration formulation sustains high milk yield and ensures cow well-being.
Dairy Feed Systems
In addition to the three dairy feed evaluation systems, the feed delivery method is crucial for amino acid absorption and utilization. Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and Partial Mixed Ration (PMR) are the two central systems.
Total Mixed Ration (TMR): This system mixes all dietary components into a single blend, ensuring each bite is nutritionally balanced.
Partial Mixed Ration (PMR): This method combines forage and concentrate portions separately, providing flexibility but potentially less consistency in nutrient intake.
Pros of TMR:
Ensures balanced nutrient intake in every bite, improving amino acid absorption.
Promotes stable rumen fermentation, essential for microbial protein synthesis and cow health.
Cons of TMR:
Requires costly specialized mixing equipment.
Less flexible in adjusting to individual cow needs or changes in forage quality.
Pros of PMR:
Offers flexibility to manage forage and concentrate portions for individual cow needs.
It is cheaper to implement as it doesn’t require sophisticated mixing equipment.
Cons of PMR:
This may lead to inconsistent nutrient intake, affecting amino acid absorption.
It can cause sorting behavior, leading to imbalanced nutrition.
When choosing between TMR and PMR, consider:
Equipment and Cost: Initial investment and maintenance of feeding equipment.
Nutritional Consistency: TMR ensures balanced intake, which is crucial for amino acid absorption, while PMR needs careful management.
Cow Behavior: Feeding systems should align with cow behavior to maintain milk production and health.
Flexibility: PMR might be preferable for operations requiring quick ration adjustments.
Both TMR and PMR have merits and limitations. The choice depends on farm-specific factors like resource availability, herd size, and management goals. Implementing the right feeding strategy with accurate feed evaluation optimizes amino acid absorption, ensuring better productivity and health in dairy cows.
Predicting Essential Amino Acid Outflows
Predicting essential amino acid (EAA) outflows in dairy cows accurately is vital for crafting balanced rations that boost health and productivity. Three primary dairy feed evaluation systems are in use: the National Research Council (NRC), the Cornell Net Protein and Carbohydrate System (CNCPS), and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).
These systems use models based on rumen-undegradable, microbial, and endogenous protein outflows. The NRC model underpredicts most EAAs, while CNCPS overpredicts amino acids like Arg, His, and Lys. On the other hand, NASEM occasionally overpredicts Lysine but is more accurate overall in predicting absolute values.
Several factors affect amino acid absorption and metabolism, including the cow’s physiological state, feed composition, and microbial protein synthesis efficiency in the rumen—the sample collection site, whether omasal or duodenal, significantly impacts model accuracy. Changes in crude protein and EAA chemistry in feed also influence predictions, highlighting the complex relationship between diet formulation and nutrient absorption.
Accurate EAA outflow estimates are crucial for ensuring dairy cows receive proper nutrition, which optimizes milk production, enhances feed efficiency, and improves reproductive performance. Misestimations can result in nutrient deficits or excesses, with economic and health impacts. Therefore, continually refining these prediction models is essential to meet the evolving needs of dairy nutrition and maintain productive, healthy herds.
Comparative Analysis: NRC vs CNCPS vs NASEM
Evaluation System
Prediction Accuracy (EAA Outflows)
Mean Bias
Linear Bias of Concern
Strengths
Weaknesses
NRC
Accurate
Underpredicted most EAA (5.3% to 8.6%)
His
Higher concordance correlation in duodenal studies Slight superiority in predicting dietary change responses
Underprediction of most EAA except Leu, Lys, and Val
NASEM
Accurate
Overpredicted Lys (10.8%)
None
Small superiority in predicting absolute values
Overprediction of Lys
CNCPS
Variable
Overpredicted Arg, His, Lys, Met, and Val (5.2% to 26.0%)
All EAA except Leu, Phe, and Thr
Lowest mean bias for Met in omasal studies
Mean and linear biases of concern for many EAA
Analyzing raw observed values, the NRC system underpredicted EAA outflows, with deviations ranging from 5.3% to 8.6% of the observed mean except for Leu, Lys, and Val. Conversely, NASEM overpredicted Ly’s outflow by 10.8%. CNCPS overpredicted multiple amino acids, with deviations from 5.2% to 26.0%.
Regarding linear bias, NASEM showed no significant biases for any EAA, highlighting its robustness. NRC only had a linear bias of concern for His at 6.8%, while CNCPS had biases for almost all EAAs except Leu, Phe, and Thr.
For dietary changes, NRC showed fewer EAAs with linear biases of concern, precisely only two. NASEM and CNCPS had biases for four and six EAAs, respectively. Notably, He exhibited linear biases across all three systems.
The variability in sampling sites—omasal versus duodenal—revealed systematic discrepancies in Met outflows. NRC performed better with duodenal studies, while CNCPS showed the most negligible mean bias for Met in omasal samples. This 30% difference in Met mean biases mirrors discrepancies observed in Met versus nonammonia nitrogen outflows.
Detailed reporting of crude protein and EAA chemistry for feed ingredients, as observed in 36% of studies, helped reduce linear biases across all systems, emphasizing the importance of precise ingredient characterization.
Overall, NRC and NASEM showed vital prediction accuracy for EAA outflows, with NASEM excelling in predicting absolute values and NRC in adapting to dietary changes. Despite CNCPS’s broader mean and linear biases, it still offers valuable insights, making the system choice dependent on specific nutritional priorities.
Addressing Mean and Linear Biases in Feed Evaluation Systems
Understanding and addressing biases in feed evaluation systems is crucial for improving amino acid (AA) prediction models. Our meta-analysis of the NRC, CNCPS, and NASEM systems revealed significant insights into their predictive capabilities.
Mean and linear biases were considered concerning if statistically significant and exceeding 5% of the observed mean, mitigating Type I errors and ensuring actual predictive discrepancies.
Examining raw observed values, NRC tended to underpredict most essential amino acids (EAA) outflows, with deviations between 5.3% and 8.6% of the observed mean, except for Leu, Lys, and Val. NASEM overpredicted Lys by 10.8%, indicating a need for refinement. CNCPS overpredicted multiple EAAs, with biases from 5.2% to 26.0% for Arg, His, Lys, Met, and Val, suggesting algorithm adjustments.
Regression analyses indicated that reporting the measured chemistry of crude protein and EAA in feed ingredients, present in 36% of studies, significantly reduced linear biases in all three systems, emphasizing the importance of accurate input data.
Sampling site differences, particularly between omasal and duodenal studies, also affected mean biases for Met outflows. NRC showed better concordance in duodenal studies, while CNCPS was more accurate in omasal studies. This suggests that feed evaluation system applicability may vary with sampling methodology, warranting a nuanced model application approach.
This analysis highlights the strengths and limitations of current feed evaluation systems, prompting further refinements for enhanced accuracy and reliability. Addressing biases and leveraging precise feed composition data are essential for advancing dairy feed evaluation frameworks.
Impact of Study Adjustments on EAA Predictions
Adjusting data for the random effect of the study revealed notable changes in the feed evaluation systems’ ability to predict EAA outflows. These adjustments are crucial for reducing biases from study-specific variations, providing a clearer picture of predictive capabilities. The Concordance Correlation Coefficient (CCC), indicating predictive agreement, ranged from 0.34 to 0.55, showing moderate reliability across the systems.
NRC showed an advantage in predicting EAA responses to dietary changes, with biases of concern for only two amino acids. This could be due to NRC’s fine-tuned foundational equations. In contrast, NASEM and CNCPS displayed more significant biases, with NASEM having four and CNCPS six EAA with linear biases of concern.
Interestingly, measured crude protein and EAA chemistries in feed ingredients—reported in 36% of the studies—significantly decreased linear biases in all three systems. This underscores the importance of precise ingredient characterization in improving prediction accuracy.
Histidine (His) outflows showed linear biases of concern across all three systems, suggesting a common modeling issue for this amino acid. Additionally, methodological differences between duodenal and omasal studies are notable; NRC showed better concordance for methionine (Met) in duodenal studies. CNCPS exhibited lesser mean bias in omasal studies.
Overall, these adjustments highlight the complexities in predicting EAA outflows. While NRC and NASEM are relatively reliable, each with unique strengths, CNCPS’s significant biases suggest a need for refinement. Future work should focus on identifying and correcting the causes of these biases to enhance nutritional precision for dairy cows.
The Bottom Line
The comparative analysis of NRC, CNCPS, and NASEM systems revealed distinct performance traits in predicting post-ruminal outflows of essential amino acids (EAA) in dairy cows. NRC and NASEM demonstrated solid accuracy, with NASEM slightly better at predicting absolute values and NRC superior in dietary change responses. In contrast, CNCPS showed significant biases for various EAAs.
These insights are crucial for dairy farmers and researchers. Accurate EAA outflow predictions are vital in formulating balanced rations, optimizing milk production, and enhancing overall herd health. The study highlights the need to choose the right evaluation system for absolute values or diet changes. The choice of sampling site, duodenal or omasal, also affects EAA prediction accuracy, which is vital for effective feeding strategies.
Future research should focus on reducing biases in feed evaluation systems and improving EAA prediction methods. Developing advanced models that include data from various sampling sites is essential. Further exploration into feed ingredient chemistry and its effects on EAA outflows will drive advancements in dairy nutrition, benefiting both economic and animal welfare outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
Essential Nutrients: Accurate prediction of EAA outflows enables better nutritional planning for dairy cows, leading to improved growth, milk production, and overall health.
Evaluation Systems: This study compares NRC, CNCPS, and NASEM in terms of their ability to predict postruminal amino acid outflows.
Meta-Analysis Scope: The data set includes 354 treatment means from 70 duodenal and 24 omasal studies, ensuring a comprehensive comparison across various methodologies.
Bias Consideration: Mean and linear biases are critical factors, flagged if statistically significant and representing more than 5% of the observed mean, to avoid Type I error.
Consistent Findings: NRC and NASEM are consistent in their predictions, with NASEM slightly better at predicting absolute values and NRC being superior in predicting dietary change responses. CNCPS, however, exhibits mean and linear biases for numerous EAAs.
Practical Applications: Understanding the accuracy and biases of these systems can help farmers and dieticians in optimizing diet formulations, thereby improving the effectiveness of dairy production practices.
Summary: The dairy industry relies on a balance between nutrition and productivity, with essential amino acids (EAA) playing a crucial role in cow health, growth, and milk production. Advanced feed evaluation systems help farmers predict and optimize EAA outflows. This study compares Total Mixed Ration (TMR) and Partial Mixed Ration (PMR) to determine the most reliable predictions for predicting post-ruminal EAA outflows. TMR ensures balanced nutrient intake, improving amino acid absorption and promoting stable rumen fermentation. PMR offers flexibility and is cheaper but may lead to inconsistent nutrient intake and imbalanced nutrition. Both systems have merits and limitations, depending on farm-specific factors. Implementing the right feeding strategy with accurate feed evaluation optimizes amino acid absorption, ensuring better productivity and health in dairy cows.
Discover the new mutation linked to calf muscle weakness in Holsteins. How does this affect calf mortality and what are the implications for dairy farming?
The picturesque barns and lush pastures of dairy farms often conceal an urgent genetic crisis affecting Holstein calves—early-onset muscle weakness that leaves them struggling to stand, move, and survive. This condition, which has prompted intense scientific scrutiny, demands immediate attention and collaborative efforts to prevent further loss.
Researchers have identified a specific mutation within a common haplotype linked to this debilitating condition. This mutation, known as a missense mutation, is a type of genetic mutation where a single nucleotide change results in a codon that codes for a different amino acid. Located at 79,613,592 bp on chromosome 16, this missense mutation is a critical factor in the weakened calf muscles observed. Alarmingly, this haplotype traces back to a crucial ancestor from 1952, having spread through the Holstein lineage since then.
“Given the economic importance of Holstein cattle, understanding and mitigating genetic defects like this mutation is paramount,” asserts Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned livestock geneticist. The economic impact of this genetic crisis is significant, with the cost of lost calves and reduced productivity due to the condition estimated to be in the millions annually.
Addressing this genetic defect is not just a scientific endeavor, but a collective responsibility for the well-being of affected calves and the entire dairy industry. Optimal health directly impacts productivity and profitability. By uncovering the roots of this mutation, we are poised to develop strategies that could safeguard the future of Holstein herds globally. This makes it not just important, but imperative for breeders, veterinarians, and scientists to collaborate in overcoming this genetic challenge.
Introduction to Calf Muscle Weakness in Holsteins
Holstein dairy cattle, known for their milk production prowess, face genetic challenges like calf muscle weakness (HMW). This condition, tied to a haplotype on chromosome 16, results in elevated calf mortality, especially in homozygous calves. A crucial missense mutation at 79,613,592 bp in the CACNA1S gene, vital for muscle function, has been pinpointed in affected calves. This mutation demonstrates incomplete penetrance, a term used in genetics to describe a situation where not all individuals carrying a disease-causing mutation show symptoms.
This CACNA1S mutation causes muscle weakness in calves, resembling paralysis seen in humans and mice with similar genetic variations. Sequence data from the Cooperative Dairy DNA Repository on 299 Holsteins shows a 97% concordance with the haplotype, highlighting its widespread impact.
Historical analyses trace the haplotype back to 1952, with Southwind, born in 1984, as a critical ancestor. Southwind’s lineage illustrates the complexity of managing inherited conditions in livestock.
Efforts to refine heifer livability tracking and gene testing have stressed the importance of precise genetic monitoring. Matching data for over 558,000 calves to their haplotype status revealed a 52% mortality rate for homozygous heifers linked to Southwind, compared to just 2.4% for noncarriers.
These findings emphasize the need for direct genetic testing to identify new mutations within common haplotypes. Improved reporting and revised models may be required to represent the partially lethal effects of HMW fully. Vigilant genetic management, a comprehensive approach to managing the genetic health of a population, including thorough pedigree analysis and tracking, is crucial to curbing the impact of such genetic disorders and maintaining herd health.
Tracing the Origins: The 1952 Connection
The 1952 connection underlines the haplotype’s historical significance in Holstein herds. Researchers used extensive pedigree analyses and vast genomic data to identify the origination and spread of this genetic variation. Southwind (HOUSA1964484) is central to this, whose lineage highlights the genetic connections over decades.
Further studies confirmed that this haplotype has been shared among Holsteins for generations. Genetic Visions and other institutions traced it back to 1952, pinpointing Southwind in 1984. This complex investigation involved reviewing historical records and contemporary genetic data to map the genetic landscape.
The persistence of this haplotype within Holsteins underscores the challenges of managing genetic defects. Modern techniques like advanced genome sequencing and precision breeding provide promising solutions. Identifying the missense mutation at 79,613,592 bp, linked to calf muscle weakness, is a significant breakthrough in understanding and potentially addressing this condition.
Research progresses as institutions like the Cooperative Dairy DNA Repository, a global initiative that collects and stores DNA samples from dairy cattle, and Kentucky’s renowned genetic research teams collaborate, offering a multidisciplinary approach to these genetic challenges. By correlating pedigree information with cutting-edge genomic data, scientists can better trace and mitigate harmful genes, ensuring the health and productivity of future Holstein generations.
Mortality Rates: Homozygous Heifers vs. Noncarriers
Group
Number of Heifers
Mortality Rate (%)
Average Age at Death (months)
Homozygous Heifers
46
52%
1.7 ± 1.6
Noncarriers
N/A
2.4%
N/A
The contrasting mortality rates between homozygous heifers and noncarriers unveil the severe implications of this genetic mutation. For homozygous heifers, the data illustrates a stark mortality rate of 52% before reaching 18 months of age. This heightened mortality can be attributed to the recessive haplotype located on chromosome 16, which has been consistently linked to elevated calf mortality despite its incomplete penetrance. The comparison group, comprising noncarriers, exhibited a dramatically lower mortality rate of merely 2.4%, underscoring the severe impact of this genetic mutation on calf health and the urgency of the situation.
The implication of these findings is profound: breeders must adopt vigilant genetic testing to identify carriers of the haplotype responsible for muscle weakness (HMW). By determining the HMW status—whether carriers, noncarriers, or homozygous—producers can make informed management decisions that could mitigate calf morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the potential underestimation of death rates in homozygous heifers suggests that existing records may not fully capture the extent of the issue. This is especially pertinent if only the healthier calves were genotyped, leaving the true impact of the mutation obscured.
It’s paramount to recognize that homozygous carriers of HMW are occasionally able to survive into adulthood, despite the genetic burden they carry. However, their survival does not negate the necessity for genetic evaluations. Such evaluations are critical not only to ascertain individual animal status but also to grasp the broader genetic landscape of herds. Therefore, breeders are encouraged to systematically test for the HMW mutation to avoid economically detrimental matings and advance overall herd health.
Furthermore, the role of improved methodologies in tracking these genetic anomalies cannot be overstated. Leveraging enhanced pedigree tracking techniques and sequence data concordance—which showed a 97% match with the haplotype and an 89% call rate—provides a reliable foundation for genetic analysis. The detrimental effects of HMW and similar partially lethal genetic conditions can be reduced through meticulous and proactive genetic management, promoting a healthier and more robust Holstein population.
Implications for Selection and Mating Strategies
Integrating genetic testing into selection and mating strategies is crucial for managing herd genetic health. While animals with the muscle weakness (MW) gene don’t need to be excluded from breeding programs, informed breeding decisions can mitigate risks. Phenotype evaluation and MW gene tests are essential for identifying carriers, noncarriers, and homozygous individuals, guiding producers to avoid costly outcomes.
Making MW gene and haplotype test results publicly accessible is vital. Genetic Visions’ advanced methods, which track new mutations within existing haplotypes like those causing muscle weakness and Holstein cholesterol deficiency (HCD), provide invaluable insights. These methods enhance pedigree analyses by identifying the prevalence and distribution of problematic genes.
Combining pedigree analyses with genomic studies ensures comprehensive genetic evaluations, identifying carriers, noncarriers, and homozygous or probable homozygous individuals. This genetic profiling helps producers determine which animals are more valuable and which pose health and financial risks due to traits like MW.
Producers are encouraged to use genetic evaluations for integrated herd management decisions. Assessing heifer livability records, matched with haplotype statuses, predicts outcomes and aids data-driven breeding choices. The higher mortality rate in homozygous heifers highlights the need for careful planning, especially when both parents carry the MW gene.
Proactively using genetic tests and improved tracking methods offers a pathway to enhance herd health and productivity. Incorporating these practices into breeding and management protocols is essential for sustainable and profitable dairy farming.
The Bottom Line
Early-onset muscle weakness in Holstein’s calves is a significant concern, affecting calf mortality rates and imposing economic burdens on dairy farmers. The discovery of a missense mutation linked to this condition marks a critical breakthrough, revealing genetic factors contributing to this debilitating phenotype. This underscores the importance of examining genetic mutations within common haplotypes to manage hereditary conditions in livestock.
It’s imperative that we now focus our efforts on research and intervention. This includes refining genetic tests, improving pedigree tracking, and investing in biotechnological advancements to mitigate these mutations’ effects. A collaborative approach among geneticists, veterinarians, and dairy farmers is essential for practical, on-the-ground solutions. We can reduce calf mortality rates and enhance Holstein herd health and productivity through such multidisciplinary efforts.
Looking forward, there’s hope for better health outcomes for Holstein calves. Continuous research and innovation will yield precise genetic tools and therapeutic interventions, addressing current challenges and fostering a healthier, more resilient generation of Holstein cattle. Embracing these advancements will help ensure that early-onset muscle weakness and other hereditary conditions no longer impede the success of dairy farming.
Key Takeaways:
The identified mutation is a missense mutation found at 79,613,592 bp, which is homozygous in affected calves and heterozygous in carriers.
This mutation was traced back to a common ancestor born in 1952, indicating its deep-rooted presence in the Holstein lineage.
Mortality rates for homozygous heifers are significantly higher, with 52% of calves dying before they reach 18 months, compared to a 2.4% death rate for non-carriers.
Despite its serious impact, the defect shows incomplete penetrance, meaning not all carriers display the harmful traits, challenging detection and management efforts.
Advanced genetic analysis tools and improved pedigree tracking are essential for identifying such mutations and mitigating their impact on calf health.
Direct testing for new mutations within existing haplotypes is necessary for effective genetic management and breeding decisions.
Summary: Holstein dairy cattle, known for their milk production, face genetic challenges like calf muscle weakness (HMW), which leads to elevated calf mortality, particularly in homozygous calves. Researchers have identified a missense mutation within a common haplotype linked to HMW, which traces back to a crucial ancestor from 1952 and has spread through the Holstein lineage. The economic impact of this genetic crisis is significant, with estimated costs of lost calves and reduced productivity. Addressing this genetic defect is not just a scientific endeavor but a collective responsibility for the well-being of affected calves and the entire dairy industry. Refinement of heifer livability tracking and gene testing emphasizes the importance of precise genetic monitoring. Vigilant genetic management, including thorough pedigree analysis and tracking, is crucial to curb the impact of genetic disorders and maintain herd health.
Like many Bullvine readers I grew up on a small dairy farm, took part in 4H clubs and fell in love with a breed of cows. I attended college and studied animal agriculture. I graduated during the Green Revolution, not green like we know it today, but green in the fact that the developed countries felt that they could ramp up production and feed the world without the need for developing countries to produce their own food. And since that time animal agriculture has focused on animals producing more and more. Well the truth is that both of these models where animals produce more and more and where only developed countries need to produce food are broken. We ignored factors such as a country needing a strong agricultural base to be successful and more and more milk per cow leading to poor and poorer reproduction rates. Furthermore the idea that the majority of the world’s population growth would occur in the developing nations never even crossed our radar screens back then. How could we have been so wrong in our thinking? Are we thinking any clearer in 2013, when it comes to dairy feeding people in the years ahead?
Today’s Dairy World
Few of us are aware that India is the country that has the most cows (48 million) kept for milk production purposes. The production of India’s cows is low (1,200 lbs per year) but through improved husbandry there is great potential. China’s rapid growth as an importer of dry milk powders (whole and skimmed) is predicted to grow in 2013 by 12% and 18%. The USA in 2013 is exporting the equivalent of 15% of its annual production where just a few years ago it was thought that USA milk prices were too high for significant exportation to take place. USA cheese exports in 2013 will be double the exports in 2008 and that will make it the largest single exporting country for cheese. Cheese is the darling child of milk products when it comes to exports and EU countries which export almost half of the cheese globally are looking for new customers. To say the least, the world is hungry for dairy products. The demand for dairy is expected to increase at a rate faster than the world’s population growth. (Read more: “Got Milk” is becoming “Got More” and MILK MARKETING: How “Got Milk?” BECAME “Got Lost”)
Tomorrow’s World
We have all seen the prediction that there will be 9 billion people by 2050. That is a 25% increase. If dairy is to fill more of the average global diet the world will need 30 to 35% more milk to be produced in 2050 than there is produced today. The rapidly expanding middle classes in China and India will consume more milk products as will consumers in Africa, SE Asia and Russia. At the processing industry level, expect new products (including low lactose and ingredient enriched milk products) and more uses for milk. At the farm level the rate of applying technology will be at an ever increasing rate. But the dairy industry does not exist on a vacuum.
Feeding the growing world population, the application of technology, the elimination of duplication and waste and the best use of all resources will be on every country’s agenda. Are these issues too big or too far away? We lose if dairy is replaced in the diet. All things dairy lose if we think too small, only nationally or only about self preservation. All dairy agendas are inter-related.
Tear Down the Silos. Ramp Up the Herd.
It is paradigm shift time. The big picture question is how can more milk be efficiently produced to feed a hungry world?
Are farmers, their organizations, their service providers, the milk processors and the global traders thinking in terms of mutual (collective) benefit or individual benefit? The survivors will be in supply chains that can provide a quality product at a price that consumers are willing to pay. Quality is the watchword. For those that are not prepared to work with others it will not be Who Moved My Cheese but who replaced my cheese with their product.
What will that look like? At the farm level the list of changes needed will be extensive but in the immediate future it is likely to include larger herds to take advantage of technology, information and critical mass. At the industry level our organization leaders will need to dismantle and re-create new organizations and structures to provide the best and most relevant services dairy farmers will need. If you are looking for an example read the announcement in the Bullvine last week to merge Dairylea Cooperative Inc. and the Dairy Farmers of America in the USA (Rad more: Dairylea announces proposed merger with DFA).
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Everyone in the dairy world will need to think collectively and globally. The rewards will go to those that can adapt, adopt and act. Cattle breeders in just ten years will be using technology and information that is hardly on the researcher’s bench just now. If you are looking for an example we need only to remember back five years to 2008 when we asked each other how to pronounce genomics. Today it is an important tool in breeding dairy cattle for the future. Will you and your farm be part of dairy’s future or part of its history?
“Drink your milk.” Dairy farmers aren’t the only ones who have been raised with this mantra and its follow-up don’t-argue-with-me reasoning, “It’s good for you!” There are many parenting proverbs that haven’t stood the test of time. but milk`s goodness has.
Milk has Already Got More Good Stuff
There is significant recent scientific research to prove that milk contains several disease- fighting compounds. Research is also evaluating the potential health benefits of proteins that are found in milk.
Cows are Putting More Good Stuff Into the Milk
With the proof of milks’ already healthy properties, comes the good news that scientists have learned that these properties can be increased by feeding cows specialized diets. The potential is definitely here for dairy farmers to change the way they feed their cows and thereby raise the health-enhancing properties of milk.
For example, in a recent study, Oregon State researchers were able to increase the level of omega-3 fatty acids in milk. They also were able to decrease the amount of saturated fat. Both these results came through feeding flaxseed to cows. This is great news for consumer health. Less cholesterol and more omega-3 fatty acids in our human diet reduces the risk of heart disease.
What More Has Milk Got for Me?
Research trials have shown that consuming butter with elevated levels of CLA can reduce the size of cancerous tumors. CLA is Conjugated Linoleic Acid and is a naturally occurring anti-carcinogen. Researchers at several universities, including Cornell. have discovered they can increase the level of cis-9 trans-all CLA by feeding cows certain nutrients.
Other news from this area reports that a2 brand milk comes from cows specially selected to produce A2 beta-casein protein rather than A1. Most cow milk contains both types of beta-casein protein – A2 and A1. The A1 beta-casein protein has been linked with digestion and health issues so having more A2 is a plus.
A2 Corporation, the manufacturer of a2 brand milk products, targets three areas of growth: building its beverage business in Australia and New Zealand, capturing niche shares of global milk and dairy product markets and developing an infant formula business with an initial focus on China. In April 2012, they announced a strategic agreement with Synlait Milk Limited in New Zealand to manufacture a2 brand nutritional powders, including milk powders and infant formulas for A2C. According to A2C managing director Geoffrey Babidge, the a2 brand’s growing credibility will provide a platform for the firm’s expansion plans in the UK, Ireland and China. In December 2012 production of the China-destined a2 branded infant formula was set to begin.
Milk has Got to Have More Taste!
When a food has earned the label “good for us”, we sometimes choose not to eat or drink it claiming it doesn’t register on our taste scale. Since the 1970s milk consumption has been declining and certainly consumer taste preferences are part of that statistic. In the U.S. the volume of total liquid dairy is declining. Consumption of white milk is forecast to decline by 6.5% between 2011 and 2015. But then comes the “good taste” news. Consumption of flavored milk is growing and expected to increase to 9.5% by 2015. Flavored milk, the second most widely consumed Liquid Dairy Product (LDP) after white milk, is forecast to increase globally by a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.1% between 2012 and 2015, rising from 17.0 billion liters to 19.2 billion liters.
The World Wants More Flavors
In the past five years, 2009 to 2013, four emerging countries – Brazil, China, India and Indonesia – are driving the increased demand for flavored milk. While developing countries accounted for 66% of flavored milk consumption, this is forecast to rise to 69% by 2015.
Research shows that China, South Asia and Southeast Asia drink more than half the world`s flavored milk. In fact, just six Asian countries – China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand – consume 47% of the world`s flavored milk. This highlights that emerging economies are the growth engines of the dairy industry.
North America`s Got Apple Pie Milk and More
While not leading the consumption of flavored milk, North America is certainly not out of this tasteful picture. Just in time for birthday celebrations on Independence Day Shatto Milk Co. of Osborn, Mo., stocked store shelves with apple pie-flavored milk to celebrate its own 10th anniversary. Other flavors this flavorful company produces include cherry chocolate and mint chocolate milk. According to Dennis Jonsson, President and CEO of Tetra Pak Group “For consumers unwilling to compromise on taste, health or convenience, flavored milk is proving to be an increasingly popular alternative to other beverages.”
Flavored Milk’s Got More with Less Packaging
Cartons have become the established packaging format for flavored milk, according to Tetra Pak. They accounted for 62% RTD (ready to drink) flavored milk packaging in 2012, up from 57% in 2009, and are expected to rise to above 64% in 2015. Portion packs are expected to reach 81% of RTD flavored milk consumption.
Milk’s Got More Added Value
Whether you`re attracted to milk for its high nutrition, health benefits or good taste, milk products today can meet a huge range of needs. It starts with the desire for nutritious and healthy food. Developing countries are turning to nutrient-rich milk products. In prosperous urbanized areas of the world the fast pace of modern life demands tasty, flavored milk in convenient packaging. Consumers are eager to try new and unusual food and drinks. New varieties of milk products will most definitely increase milk consumption. Additionally, these “designer” dairy products could sell for premium prices.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Kudos to dairy producers, the scientific community and marketing wizards. The production of milk with so many “Got-More” features means we are improving the health of the consumer and the health of the dairy industry simultaneously! Now that’s more like it! So “Drink your milk! It’s good for you!”
In North America we are accustomed to having the freedom to pursue our chosen business, in our case dairying and to proudly wave our American and Canadian flags at every opportunity. We assume that all is well with the world when we can raise cattle, make milk and pay the bills on a regular basis. In June 2013 I read a Hoard’s Dairyman article by Utah dairy producer, John Nye entitled, “Opportunity Knocks, New Zealand’s Fonterra Answers”. It turned out to be a wakeup call for me.
I don’t have a background in finance and economics but I will admit I am reassured by headlines that say things like “Markets well supported at mid-year” or “U.S. exports reach record levels in April”
The shrinking world is a fact of everyday life. It’s exciting to correspond with fellow dairy breeders from every corner of the globe and share our dairy passions. We can – and do – learn from one another. Dairy genetics, dairy technology and dairy sales are being shared worldwide. What we may be missing is the very important point of who controls what we are taking to the bank today and, most definitely, what our financial success will be tomorrow. When our hard earned dairy dollar takes a dive we blame it on the weather, the government, the fickle market or numerous variables that are out of our control. Realistically, we should be blaming at least some of the effect on ourselves!
We take huge care to see that genetics inputs and management don’t skim off our profits but then we leave the economics of the marketplace in other hands.
Three facts from the previously mentioned Fonterra article stood out for me. Firstly, Fonterra owns enough supply in the US that they could dump supply domestically thus lowering prices and therefore making the export of US product more affordable for them. Secondly, Fonterra’s partnership in mega dairies (10,000 to 20,000 cow dairies in China) gives them the financial leverage to pay twice what Americans can afford for alfalfa hay. And thirdly this raised the question for John Nye, “How does New Zealand that produces about as much milk as Wisconsin, control the world`s market like they do?”
As a Canadian, with supply management in place, it’s hard to imagine that our hard earned dairy income could be manipulated by outside forces from another county. Or is it? If we are so focused on keeping a protected wall around our shrinking dairy market, would we even notice if a third party came in and quietly scooped up the opportunities for growth and development?
What is the growing edge of the dairy industry in 2013? If you can’t answer that question, that is exactly what has allowed companies like Fonterra and investors from offshore to make billions of dollars at the expense of a naive North American dairy industry. As Nye quotes in the article, “Fonterra’s attitude is that dairymen in the U.S. could not agree on what kind of rope to hang themselves with. As long as we are divided on dairy policy, Fonterra is very happy to take advantage of us.” The finger of blame for who is responsible for this predicament points squarely at us, “They are pretty sure we will never get together as an industry with one voice in this country.”
We are not only divided we are in opposition to each other. It is so much easier to pick a fight with the neighbour you see – whether he’s over the fence or on one side or the other of the USA-Canada border. While we are wrangling over the fine details of who has bragging rights for being the “best” and how to prevent each other from chipping away at our market share — the well-organized, unified and government supported visionaries from other countries are scooping up not only the opportunities but doing it with our permission.
The challenges for the USA and Canada include:
Politicians (some with no ag understanding) are making crucial decisions
Politicians with their own agenda have the final say
Outside interests are getting their voices heard first
Is short term financial gain the best way to “sell off” our commodities?
Why do processors have so much more influence than producers?
Pricing schemes (and even price protection) don’t work if, in the long term, we are preventing the sustainability of our dairy industry
Everyone can state that the dairy producer’s price is being eroded. Who is doing anything about it?
Even if we appear to be holding our own today, what about the future of the industry?
Being able to state the problem is the first step. Doing something about it is next.
Who PAYS THE (export) PIPER?
Regardless of which side of the border you’re on (actual residence or political leaning), you have to have an informed answer to the question, “Is there a downside to the market for dairy exports?” What this means is that there is the potential that not ALL exports are good. At the end of the day, is the farmer getting any benefit? Working 24-7 with more and more members of the family working off the farm doesn’t seem the best way to keep a healthy bottom line.
Let’s Mind Our Own Business
Politics, economics and world markets have tremendous impact on the dairy industry. Like us those areas have experts who can weigh the pros and cons and their lasting effects. Once again it isn’t necessary to “win” or “beat” these interests.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
We need to cooperate and work together as dairy businesses with shared interests and common goals. The potential is there. If we don’t mind our own business, who will?
It’s haying season here. A wonderful time of year for dairy farmers who produce the food that feeds the cows that produce the milk that feeds the consumers. As we are watching the weather with one eye and with the other one on the cows and machinery, do we ever spend any time thinking about the next person who buys our dairy genetics? We love dairying and we do it to the best of our ability. Our hearts and minds are engaged. Do we consider engaging the hearts and minds of our genetics customers? Or are their wallets all we care about?
We have to be careful that we don’t think only of the pay cheque and forget that we are providing a product for real people. In today’s marketplace we have two distinct customers. First, the milk drinkers who we are more or less involved with, depending on the product we produce and what country we produce it in. And secondly, the cattle buying customer. Just as our future in the dairy aisle depends on the product we deliver, our future in the genetics industry depends on what we deliver and not what we can get away with.
The milk drinking public gets turned off by the media message of scary farm practices, rising health issues and poor animal care. These concerns reflect badly on each one of us in the dairy industry. We can’t separate ourselves from the message. Likewise, when it comes to selling cattle, we have to respect ourselves and our customers enough that buyers know what we stand for. If we allow ourselves to be the type of business where responsibility ends once the cheque is cashed, then we deserve to have our sales drive out the lane and forget us the next time they buy.
Dairy Sales Are All About People First
If you ever found it impossible to find out details about animals in a sale. If you have been disappointed after purchasing an animal to find out that there is an issue that wasn`t revealed. If you ever found that you were taken in by the fine print in a contract, you know where bad feelings start. “It’s nothing personal.” is the exact opposite of how you feel. It’s very personal!
Good Business is Built on Trust
Good dairy business kicks in when marketers are smart enough and brave enough to work side by side with their buyers for the same end result – good dairy cattle. When full disclosure allows you to make informed decisions, you remember it. You will go back to that source again and again. Of course, this means that a huge opportunity exists. You will likely do best if you avoid misdirection and pandering and instead embrace an honest approach to doing business. RULE #1: Build trust by treating your customers like respected peers and admired family members.
As Good as Your Word
Think about the last time you were impressed by how you were treated in a sales transaction. It’s unfortunate that it’s rare enough to be remarkable. It is so refreshing to find your issues meaning more than a dollar sign and receiving more than was promised and not simply the legal bare bones. Today – especially with the instant sharing possible through social media – your happy transactions and your sad ones are shared far and wide. The word gets out and has instant repercussions on your business credibility and bottom line.
Marketing is More About the Stories than the Sales
Social media has found its way into the dairy business and is having a tremendous impact. Everyday there are new blog posts, videos and press releases. While this is fantastic for agriculture as a whole, it can be really hard to get your dairy business noticed. If you want to rise above the herd, you have to have a good story that captures attention. You need to share what you believe in, who you are and what you stand for. The invisible face behind a magazine ad or an AI brochure listing is too easily lost in the 21st century crowd.
Today You DON’T Get What You Pay to Advertise For
In the not too distant past dairy players where the ones with the money to step up to the marketing table. It took advertising money to make money. Today, with social media, a business of any size can connect with customers and do it without spending a dime on paid advertising. Social media has changed the game and now anyone can compete regardless of the size of their marketing budget.
Where to Go? What to do?
No sooner do you get comfortable with one or two pieces of modern technology, then a whole handful more present themselves to your flying fingers. Sites like Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, and YouTube have totally changed the relationship we have with present and future customers. It can be challenging to figure out where to focus your time and energy. Here again it’s not the single choice of one site over another. In easily understood farmer terms, it’s about cultivating relationships. Find the way to tell your story in a way that is comfortable, honest and open and you will engage customers loyal to you and your business.
Talk is NOT Cheap
This may sound like a complete reversal from the “free” advertising mentioned earlier but, in this case, it is referring to what happens after everyone finds you and then has the ability to share their experience and thoughts, not just with the neighbor over the fence, but with hundreds to thousands of people. Today, more than ever, you must walk the talk and be accountable to your customers. The minute what happened in your barn, in your office or at your auction sale hits the wires it becomes the measure of your business. Believe it! When bad news gets out there it’s going to be shared so quickly it will make your head spin and your bank balance shiver in fear. In the past when bad news raised its ugly face, you had a certain amount of time to plan how to respond. Today, if you wait to respond, it can be too late. Responding in real time with real information will be more successful in transforming negative publicity into a building opportunity.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Is there a way to use social media so that you won`t have to suffer through scary mistakes? No! Mistakes happen in any environment. Equipment fails. Hay weather upsets the routine. Cows get sick. And that’s just one farm. Ramp that up to real-time techie interaction on the web and you can’t expect perfection of yourself or anyone else. Rather than worrying about making mistakes, you should be worried about not making them! If you’re not experimenting with social media that means you’re missing out on a myriad of ways to win hearts, minds and wallets!
Today the average North American is three generations removed from a farm. Food is still being provided even though the numbers would suggest that dairy farmers themselves are going missing. Both husband Murray and I represent the fourth generation to live on the family dairy farm, which puts us among the 2 percent who still live on farms. Although each succeeding generation has spent more time working off the farm, all three of our children are in agricultural careers in A.I., nutrition and ag marketing.
In the modern marketplace milk and the dairy industry are misjudged and misunderstood. (Read more: How got milk? Became got lost?) Those of us who remain are concerned about what happens to the milk they produce between the time it leaves the farm lane and takes up shelf space in the dairy aisle. This formerly “perfect food” is marked by a hit and miss journey that has many more misses than hits. Targeted by misconceptions, misinformation, and communication is it any wonder that there are days when both sides feel that dairy pride could be presumed missing?
MIStaken Identity
Every one of us who grew up with a farmer as a role model is astonished today at the metamorphosis from “Farmer in the Dell” to “The Farmer is the Devil”. However on the farmer side of the fence, we too shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that the consumer is “the Big Bad Wolf.” ready to huff and puff and blow our dairy world down. None of these images fully portrays the real strengths, challenges and fears facing 21st Century farmers and their customers.
MISunderstood
It’s extremely difficult to understand how some of the public perceives farmers as “MOST WANTED!” for abuses against our own animals. The immediate question arises, “How can anyone imagine that people who work daily with livestock don’t care about the animals?” It would seem to be a no-brainer that only the best possible care allows animal handlers to survive and thrive on the farm. Having said that, neither are financial reasons the main motivation. “You do it because you love the animals. Otherwise why would you be up before sunrise and making final rounds after sunset day in and day out?” You wouldn’t.
MISlabeled
Over time, fewer and fewer find the rewards that are commensurate with the commitment and dedication that dairying demands. For those who do have the desire, farming methods have become more efficient. Technology has contributed to the sustainability. Automated equipment, robotic milkers and GPS tractors are just a few of the tools that keep efficiency growing. As in any other industry, investing in new technology requires that the business, in this case the farm, must get bigger. In responding to the challenges, it is frustrating to be labeled with the implied derogatory term, “Factory Farmers.” The truth is 98% of farms are family owned (what other business can claim that) and the goal is, as it has always been, to provide food …. for everyone. Not selfish. Not criminal.
MISjudged
It’s ironic in this day and age of mass production, mega stores and IMAX that big farms are judged to be bad. It’s hypocritical to accept the growth of computer assembled cars and think that food producers can remain at a static size. There was a time when one famer fed five. Everyone respected their hard work. Today one farmer feeds 200 and it seems like everything from motives, to ethics to animal husbandry is being questioned. Is there any other profession, where the consuming public insists on reverting to the past? If you’re reading this, you are using a computer. How many channels are available on your TV? Is your transportation provided by a “mom-and-pop” car shop? Do you drink your water from a pump in your yard or do you reach for a plastic bottle?
MISconceptions
As an industry we need to accept responsibility for debunking myths that have taken hold in consumer understanding. Jude Capper, assistant professor of dairy science at Washington State University spoke at the Alltech Symposium. “Organic dairy farming certainly has a very favorable consumer perception. But, productivity on the typical organic dairy farm is lower than conventional farms – anywhere from 14 to 45 percent lower in terms of milk yield per cow.” she said. “What that means is that more cows are needed in the organic systems, along with more natural resources, to make the same amount of milk as the conventional systems. And, that increases the carbon footprint per pound of milk.” Since 1944 the carbon footprint per pound of milk has been reduced by 63%. Dairy farmers have made major progress and it is something they should be proud to declare and share.
MISinformation
For whatever reason – perhaps because of their agrarian forefathers – people feel quite comfortable assuming their expertise about modern farming. Where they might tread lightly in pronouncing how factories should be managed yet there are many “activists” who can speak against modern agricultural practices. Genetically modified organisms deepen the divide between farmers and consumers. GMOs are crops that have been scientifically altered to enhance the plant’s quality and resistance to elements and pesticides. In a national survey 64 percent of people said they were unsure if eating GMOs was safe. It is time for the dairy producer to stand proudly behind the products we produce, eat, drink and serve to ourselves and our children.
MIScommunication
Farmers and consumers too often have an “us against you” mentality, which the media intensifies by focusing on negative instances that can colour the entire industry. More consumers are asking questions about where their food comes from and about farming in general. That’s great. Just asking questions is the best way for the public to learn about farming. Asking and getting an answer is the only way to bridge the gap between emotional finger pointing and mutual thumbs up!
MISSing the Opportunity
The time is long past, where we can rely on our good intentions to spread the good word to the consuming public. It’s time to proactively take whatever role we are most comfortable with. Rather than witness a loss in dairy and consumer confidence – I would rather stand on my soapbox, share great stories, teach what I believe in, and raise my voice at every opportunity. It’s time to be the “change I wish to see!”
The Bullvine Bottom Line
It’s not easy being on the receiving end of blame. However whether producer or consumer it’s in our best interest to make sure that there are voices, from both sides, speaking with pride, about the products we produce and eat!
With the recent announcements about both Canada and the US entering significant trade negotiations with the European Union (EU), there has been a great deal of discussion by breeders on both sides of the border about what this means to the future of the North American Dairy Industry (Read more: A Nation Held Hostage By Dairy Cows and Dairy Groups Welcome Launch of U.S.-EU Negotiations). One thing I learned in my microeconomics class is that in any competitive marketplace the price is determined by supply and demand. As we enter into a more competitive global marketplace there is no question that the dairy industry will depend on this economic model to determine its future.
The Future of Supply Management
It’s really pretty simple. In any industry you need a buyer and a seller. If you have more buyers (demand) than you do sellers (supply) the price goes up. If you have more sellers than you do buyers then price goes down. Well, unless you are in Canada, where there is supply management and then that is a completely different story. In Canada the 12,700 dairy farms have been protected from this economic model because of the supply management system. It blocks foreign competition from coming into Canada by placing elevated tariffs on milk and milk products thus making it impossible for imports to compete. Only about 5% of the Canadian dairy marketplace is supplied by imported products. It has also controlled the level of production domestically (Quota) so that there is not an oversupply in the marketplace. This protects the price of milk so that dairy producers in Canada have been able to enjoy a stable milk price and consistent predictable revenue.
The challenge with this is that the world is very quickly moving to a global marketplace. In addition, one of the global requirements is that there is “fair” and equal trade in all industries. This means that systems like supply management are being removed in many countries and certainly are key issues in international trade negotiations. Many Canadian producers have millions of dollars tied up in quota. Compare this to the $12 billion a year trade negotiations Canada is having with the EU and you can see why there is concern about the future of supply management. While I totally can see the benefits to Canadian farmers from the system, you simply cannot deny the benefits of world trade to the whole country. Hence you can see why these programs are severely at risk.
Canadian dairy farmers simply need to look south of the border to see what life without supply management is like. Dairy operations have to operate very differently when sale price and production is not set by a managed system. There you are forced to run your farm more like a corporate organization, with detailed analysis of profit and loss and all decisions dependent on the effect it will have on the bottom line instead of on emotion. Yes it makes dairy farming more of a business than a way of life, but that is the future. The other is the past.
It also means that the marketplace will determine who stays in business and who goes under. If there is an over production of milk, milk price will go down. Those organizations that are having challenges will go under. It’s simple business. Run a good business you will succeed. Run a poor business and you will fail. Notice how I said business and not farm. Dairy farmers have to start looking at things differently. Dairy farmers need to be business persons first and farmers second. This could be a change that many farmers are not able to make.
Demand the Other Side of the Equation
The second part that I learned in my long and boring microeconomics class is that if you want to increase milk price and cannot decrease supply, then you need to increase demand. According to estimates, the world population is set to reach 9.3 billion by 2100. Much of this growth is set to come from countries like China, South America and Africa. Very impressive numbers for sure, but let’s look at milk consumption in those regions. China averages 28.7 kg/capita/year, most African countries average less than 50 kg/capita/year, and most South American countries average around 100 kg/capita/year. That is nowhere near the 253.8 kg/capita/year that Americans consume, 206.83 kg/capita/year for Canadians and over 225 kg/capita/year for most EU countries.
Therefore, if population growth alone is not going to help significantly increase demand for dairy products, we then need to look at how milk and dairy products compete for market share. As we highlighted in our recent article, Milk Marketing: How “Got Milk?” became “Got Lost”, the land of milk and money is gone. As an industry we forgot about the consumer, we forgot about the product, and we forgot how to innovate!
A simple trip to the local grocery store reveals that while products like organic foods, international foods and soft drinks are always innovating and battling for market share. Milk, for the most part, has not done anything. Look at these pictures that show the amount of shelf space (key in driving sales) these other products have compared to milk. We can no longer rest on our milk stools. We have to compete for the marketplace with all the old beverages … and countless innovative new ones. That may seem to be a daunting task but it can no longer be ignored!
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The world is changing, old systems and production models are being eliminated and new ones are being established daily. Those that sit and try to battle to keep the old will be left behind. We need to look to the future instead of fighting for the past. Consumer demand is the most serious issue impacting the future of the dairy industry. We need to understand what the consumer wants instead of fighting for what we used to have. If you want to be part of the future, think about SUPPLY and DEMAND. There are good reasons why it is NOT called The Law of Supply and PROTECT!!
People are starting to realize that the old market for purebred cattle, if not dead, is definitely endangered. Why is this once “healthiest” of marketplaces facing the current flat line?
The basic assumption has always been that there is a premium for purebreds that is paid back on sale day. Ever since there have been purebred cattle there has been a movement to convince commercial operators of the value of owning purebreds and registering their cattle. For about the past 20 years the focus has gone from educating the commercial producer on the increased value of purebred cattle to making the process and the system a better fit for the commercial producer. While the intentions were great, this change in philosophy has ultimately led to the demise of the premium received for purebred cattle.
Industry vs. Breeders – Whose Fault Is It?
For years I have heard both sides of this discussion. Seed stock cattle breeders complain that industry executives in organizations like milk recording and A.I., as well as geneticists, would not know a good cow if one kicked them in the head. I have also heard the other side of this argument where these geneticists and officials complain that purebred seed stock breeders don’t know how to see the bigger picture and the two sides have batted heads at the board level all along the way.
The part that many people don’t understand is that these industry officials did not set out to harm seed stock breeders. Neither were they looking to discriminate against them. Rather they saw this group as a niche segment of the market place and thought they needed to serve the bigger picture instead of catering to this small, but vocal group.
For many years the only organizations that seemed to hear the cry of the seed stock breeders were the breed associations. Initially, the breed associations were great about trying to build new marketplaces, as well as trying to help educate commercial producers on why they should pay a premium for these purebred cattle. They also educated commercial producers that by registering their cattle they too would receive a premium when they went to sell these cattle. Ironically, all that changed when breed associations started to try to become a greater service provider to commercial producers, instead of building the marketplace for purebreds. This shift in emphasis from worldwide market potential to bottom line domestic cattle and membership numbers, as much as anything, killed the premium paid for purebreds.
It Started Slowly, but Got Rolling Quickly
In the beginning the changes were small. They simply made it easier for commercial operations to register their cattle. Then came subtle (and necessary) changes to the classification systems to target a more commercial friendly cow. Followed by significant changes where breed associations stopped being a marketplace developer and focused on being a service organization to the commercial producer.
While this helped increase registrations and showed that the breed as a whole was growing, the objective set out by our breeder boards, it started to have a small but significant side effect. As the system changed to be more commercial friendly, the premiums commercial producers were expecting to receive for selling purebred animals disappeared. Take a look at many of the sale barns today and compare the price of a grade fresh heifer to that of a registered one. There is not as much difference as there once was. There is certainly not enough for many commercial producers to justify the cost and effort of registration and type classification. Add to that the fact that in many regions and with certain high end sires, there are no longer semen incentives for young sire usage, semen cost for young sires is almost as expensive as proven, and commercial producers ask, “If it doesn’t make financial sense, why do it?”
Without that premium selling price, many producers will stop registering their cattle. With less herds registering, that means that costs for the programs will fall on the niche group of seed stock breeders. Breeders who already have less income from fresh animal sales, and like all milk producers are battling the increased cost of production and the decreased milk sale price. It certainly isn’t a time to take back additional expenses.
Yes, your top 0.1% index seed stock breeder is seeing greater prices than ever. In addition, there is certainly still value in consistent generation after generation breeding families that provide a stable investment (more on that to come next week) but we are talking your average every day purebred breeder. They have certainly seen the prices for fresh heifers go down. Many have attributed that to the introduction of sexed semen and genomics. I would contend it was more accurately due to the fact that the cost of milk production went up, milk prices worldwide went down, and commercial producers, the buyers of these animals, no longer see the need for the extra investment in the purebred pedigree they once did.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
By making that small shift from building the marketplace for purebred cattle, to trying to woo the commercial producers into registering their cattle, the industry as a whole has, in a sense, contributed to its own demise. Now all sides need to find a way to work together, before it’s too late.
Has the heart of the industry stopped? Is there time for resuscitation? Who knows marketplace CPR?
Hockey fans, which most dairy farmers are, know Brian Burke as the guy with the permanently askew necktie and reddish face, and a plug of chewing tobacco planted firmly beneath his cheek and gums as he stared down at his hockey team from the general manager’s box in the press level at the Air Canada Centre, chirping at opposing teams or on-ice officials and urging on his Toronto Maple Leafs. They also know him as the guy who talked a good game but failed to deliver a competent goaltender and overspent for players. Something far too familiar to many dairy industry executives. Burke was fired this week.
The thing that many dairy farmers need to realize from this scenario is that dairy farming, just as hockey is a results oriented business. Just like hockey, when someone is not performing, change is needed. When Burke was ushered in to Toronto many fans were already planning the Stanley Cup parade down Yonge Street. The problem is it never materialized. Similar to the announcements of many dairy industry executives.
Leadership starts at the Board Level
The same can be said of many dairy organizations. New leadership comes in and it seems to take a long time to see any change, and even longer for the boards that preside over these organizations to realize it’s not working and enact change. Take a look at the Leafs, the board at the time when Burke was hired, was comprised of mostly hockey fans (Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan owned the Leafs as much for the PR value with membership as they did for ROI). Then about a year ago Canada’s two media giants, Rogers and Bell, teamed up to purchase the majority stake in the Leafs for $1.07 billion, with official transfer happening in late August. As one of their first moves, though delayed by the lockout, the very results driven board decided that Burke was not the man to lead them forward. He’s gone.
This is one area that I think many of the dairy breeder boards (Breeds, Milk Recording, A.I., Milk Marketing etc.) do not do a good job of. While everyone likes to be everyone’s friend, management must be held accountable for results. This is its very mandate that every board should hold itself to. Now I know that in many cases breeders tenure on these boards is short (something many big corporate boards would never allow), so the ability to bring about change can be hard. However, it is also why I think as an industry we need to look closer at how we comprise these boards.
While there is no doubt I believe the breeders should be represented, it can also be very helpful to have people from outside the industry on these boards. Any good board needs to have its stakeholders (the breeders) on its board. However, it’s also important to bring non-investor (non-breeder) who has outside perspectives to the board. Typically this means bringing people from financial, legal and organizational growth to the table. This will help in bringing a more balanced approach to growing the organization.
Blue and White Disease
For all his performance shortcomings, there were certainly things about Brian Burke’s tenure that I have a great deal of respect for. One thing is the way in which he worked at getting rid of the “blue and white” disease. This was the clever phrase Brian used to slam the culture of entitlement they believed every Leaf was stricken with. We see this in many dairy organizations, where staff and board members seem to have a sense of entitlement just because of their position with that organization. They seem immune to the performance and accountability that all employees and boards should feel as paid or elected representatives of a public or co-operative organization.
Now I understand that there is a time and a place for different styles of leadership. At times, it is better to lead from the rear than the front. No questions asked. However, much like William Wallace (Braveheart) and Maximus (Gladiator) there is also a time that you need to lead your organization from the front, leading the fight at risk of firing or in Wallace and Maximus case even death. That is what it is going to take to win. In a time where there was no superstar capable of being the front man for the Leafs, Burke took the heat and stood up for the organization. (Don’t even get me started on Kessel, whose trade may be the one biggest mistake Burke made that ultimately cost him his job). Now he may have partly done it out of ego, but when the organization or even certain players were under severe scrutiny (which happens a lot in the hockey crazed city of Toronto), Burke stepped up and took the heat, something that earned him a great deal of respect from all internal staff and players. This is one thing I see severely missing in the dairy industry. At one time there were people like Moe Freeman, Roy Snyder and George Clemons, that when it was needed stepped up and led from the front lines.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
The dairy industry is stricken by its own Blue and White disease. The sense of entitlement held by many of its breeder organizations is staggering. These organizations need to be accountable for performance, and when performance metrics are not met, heads need to roll. Currently, there is rising uncertainty, due to changes in consumer demand, marketplace decline and genomics. It is time for leaders to step up to the plate. It is time to lead from the front. It is time for accountability. Brian Burke accepted that leadership responsibility. He was willing to risk it all, knowing that performance would dictate his fate. Can dairy breeders expect the same from our boards and leaders?
It’s just eight days into a New Year and already I’m thinking about the ‘good ol’ days!”. Remember when the dairy industry was at the top of the agricultural sustainable list, milk was the “perfect food” and milk moustaches were seen on celebrities and sports stars? Hmmm. Where has all the glory gone? In 2013, the dairy industry is fighting to stay alive, the North American diet, including milk, is under attack as obesity from babes to the elderly is out of control and, when all is said and done, milk is a slipping way down on the favorite beverage list!
The land of milk and money is gone. In the cold light of the soul searching brought on by a new year, it seems that this shocking state of affairs has happened suddenly and for no apparent reason. In actual fact, the signs have been there for more than thirty years and we as an industry let it happen.
MILK OF AMNESIA – We forgot the basics
It took three steps for the milk market to evaporate!
We forgot about the consumer.
The first commandment of business, “The customer is always right!” in the dairy industry has become “The cow always comes first!”
We forgot about the product.
Somewhere production, with the myriad of logistics in between, pulled out in front of the inherent value of our end product – milk.
We forgot delivery.
Despite the first two failures, we still expected that the product we produced could be delivered in boring, hard-to-open cardboard cartons, heavy jugs or even plastic bags and compete against the “cool” the “sexy” and the “handy” beverages provided by competitors – who wanted — and stole — our market share!
MISSING THE TARGET: Where’s The Consumer? Where’s the market?
Consumer demand is the key to market sustainability. There’s no use producing a product if there is nobody to buy it. The truth is demand for milk has been in a free fall for the last three decades. North American milk consumption has dropped a startling 36% since the 1970s. The continuing economic downturn has refocused consumers on value. They not only are choosing private label products and discount store venues, they are seeking low calorie, reduced sugar and functional value in the beverages they consume. Milk – even though billions of pounds are being produced is losing out to fortified, organic, sports drinks and a myriad of better-for-you products. We are paying the piper for focusing on just one highly commoditized product, ignoring market trends, and trying valiantly to sell what we make rather than what people want. If we don’t give consumers what they want, someone else will.
LOOK BEYOND THE PAIL: Think outside the box stall.
For decades industry strategy has been to make dairy operations more efficient. It has succeeded: From 1970 to 2006, the number of cows declined 25%, output per cow more than doubled. But while the dairy industry focused on squeezing more milk out of fewer cows, they largely ignored the fact that demand was getting squeezed as well. That’s the nature of business. Where’s the competitive spirit that drives all the other parts of the dairy industry? Even the perfect sire or model cow, needs to be marketed. Our over-riding concern to “protect” ourselves from each other, the economy and even mother-nature, has made us put on blinders to the dangers of not being relevant to the marketplace. Breeder beware! We could protect our industry right to zero!!
4 STEP ACTION PLAN: It’s Time for a MILK SHAKE Up!
Three steps got us into this mess. Let’s start with four to get us out.
Pay Attention:
With per-capita North American milk consumption down 36% between 1970 and 2011, it isn’t whether or not there is a problem. The fact is the dairy industry is in trouble.
Make it Functional:
You’ve got to get the drink – in our case milk – into consumers’ hands. This is no time for doing things the way they’ve always been done. Look at Nestle. They wanted their milk drink containing probiotic for children to have a shelf life of one year. Realising that it is impossible to keep the probiotic alive at room temperature for more than a few days. The solution was a shelf-stable nutritional drink with the probiotic in the straw, instead of in the drink. Inside the patented straw of boost Kid Essentials is the probiotic lactobacillus reuteri ‘protectus’, released by the liquid when the consumer drinks through the straw! Now that’s functional! On-the-go consumption is increasing. Milk packaging needs to conform to this trend. Consumers are increasingly looking for a range of package sizes to suit different beverage types and thirst levels, as well as functional and aesthetically-pleasing packaging. Not my area, you say as a dairy farmer? Whose is it? Who cares?
Make it Healthy:
Whether it’s the health benefits you get from drinking milk or the environmental benefits of how it is packaged – the consumer cares about both! Parents are increasingly concerned about the nutrition and sugar content of the products consumed by their children. This can work for us (with soft drink competition) or against us (sugar added milk products). Again packaging enters the discussion. Studies in 2011 showed there is a substantial proportion of European consumers that would be prepared to pay extra for glass containers, especially for milk, yoghurts, juices and wine. “it may well be that consumers are willing to pay more as good packaging protects the health benefits and taste of the product for longer”. The health and wellness trend is not going away. We have a healthy product but it won`t sell itself if we continue our milk-sells-itself mind set!
New Products. New Location.
We`ve got to ask ourselves what does the market want and then find innovative ways to provide it. Perhaps even before we answer those questions we have to zero in on “where” the market will be. In a global marketplace, we need to consider the enormous potential of focusing on the end user – perhaps in another country!
LIVE OR DIE MILK BATTLE: Consumption is the Key
We can no longer rest on our milk stools. We have to compete for the marketplace with all the old beverages … and countless innovative new ones. That may seem to be a daunting task but it can no longer be ignored. Again. The world is waiting. Look at the graphic below. While our own markets are mature in the milk marketplace, there are HUGE opportunities for dairy in the global scene.
Consider this: One glass of milk per day per child in China could surpass the milk consumption of the entire North American market. It’s a new frontier to be won!
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
We can’t continue to let narrow focus override finding the consumer and serving them the milk products they want. Laying blame won’t stem the downward trend of the dairy industry. Remember when land-line phones had a monopoly on communication? Think about large phone companies (another almost monopolistic industry, especially in Canada). Where would they be today, if they had continued to whine about the intruders into the marketplace? The faster we learn from their example, the sooner we’ll prove that the North American dairy industry isn’t ready to kick the milk bucket yet!
Accuracy of bull proofs has been one of the biggest challenges for dairy cattle improvement for many years. It has been well known that top index cows have always received some level of “preferential treatment” and as a result their indexes have been inflated. Usually this didn’t affect their sire’s proof since they were usually already proven sires and when weighted with many other daughters this had little to no effect on the sires proofs. Enter genomics and large portions of young sire daughters receiving preferential treatment and this could have huge effects on the proofs of these genomic index bulls. There is no question that the current systems around the world cannot account for this preferential treatment and as a result many genomic sires’ first proofs will be inflated.
In the past when young sires were sampled they were used across many different herd environments and regions. I remember when regionally proven sire (California, etc) or breeder proven sires were released. Many breeders where hesitant to use them because they were not confident that these sires proofs would hold up. Young sire programs in the past offered semen at low cost or pretty much free (when you factor in incentives) to many different breeders in order to ensure that the sire got enough daughters and that they would be able to achieve a reliable proof.
Does random sampling still exist?
Young sires are no longer randomly sampled. In today’s genomic age, a lot of the systems and controls are gone. Yes, many of the sires are still offered to all breeders, but these high-ranking young sires are sold at a much higher price, and marketed much heavier. In addition often the first release semen is only used on contract matings on extremely high index, carefully selected mates. This results in anything but random sampling and in reality is almost the perfect method for receiving an inflated proof. It isn’t just because of the actual mates they are being used on but also because of the care the resulting calves will receive.
Why do daughters receive preferential treatment?
Think about it, if you have paid upward of $750 for a dose of semen (Read more – $750 Dollar Semen! Are you crazy?) to be used on your most valuable animals, wouldn’t you make sure you protected your investment by giving them the best care possible? It is well known that top index cattle around the world have received over inflated indexes as a result of preferential treatment. The problem is ‘how do we account for the biases?
Does the current system account for preferential treatment?
Genetic evaluation systems assume that all animals in the herd are treated equally. Yet while there is nothing wrong with a breeder wanting to ensure their return on their investment in these top genetic animals, it certainly causes many problems when accounting for it in the genetic evaluations of these animals. (Read more – The Hot House Effect on Sire Sampling).
Most “animal-model” genetic evaluations in the world account for the genetic merit of a sire’s mates. However, when the US first added females to their genomic reference set they actually got lower reliabilities as a result of inaccuracies in female’s proofs due to preferential treatment. That is why some countries actually leave female genomic data out of their reference sets, as a large portion of the females are these high index animals that, in many cases, have received preferential treatment. In the US they actually implemented a scaling-effect adjustment to bring those top females down. The US has also implemented a new single-step model that includes genomic and traditional data together designed to account for this in bull proofs. Other countries are also looking for potential solutions. This includes potentially withholding early data from evaluations as well as other options. The challenge is that no one has found a real solution to the actual problem, and steps so far just mask the issue with scale downs and other band-aids.
How to identify preferential treatment?
I recently attended a GEB session put on by CDN (Canadian Dairy Network) where they gave a presentation on accounting for herd bias. Brian Van Doormaal presented a few different ways he theorized would identify bulls’ daughters who might have received this preferential treatment. One indicator he presented of possible preferential treatment was if a high percentage of a bull’s early offering were the result of ET. Another indicator he looked at was the percentage of daughters that have been genotyped. However, neither delivered conclusive results. Another suggestion that was presented was increasing the number of daughters a sire needs in order to receive an official proof. The challenge with that is that A.I. companies and most high profile breeders are wanting sires to get a proof as quickly as possible and increasing the requirements will cause delay. In addition, analysis of semen price so far does not show it to be a great predictor either. Currently there are simply no answers.
In Brian’s presentation he equated this problem to the challenges we have seen with second-country proofs. In Canada bulls like Shottle, Planet and more recently Man-O-Man (Read more – Man-O-Man will he turn platinum? and Is Man-O-Man really going to be a sire of sons?) that come through with initial Canadian proofs over 3500 LPI, which everyone knows to be unrealistic, in time saw their proofs drop 300+ points with the addition of more daughters. Van Doormaal also comments that you could expect bulls like Snowman, and genomic sires to do the same.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
Currently there are no definitive answers only growing concerns. This preferential treatment problem is going to get greater attention, as more high profile genomic sires, priced high and highly marketed will start to receive proofs in 2013. The industry must be proactive about this issue. If not we are going to see breeder confidence in proofs decrease, instead of increase, because of genomics. That would be a killer!
Not sure what all this hype about genomics is all about?
Want to learn what it is and what it means to your breeding program?
The Art of Livestock Breeding: It starts with a need
The breeding of domesticated livestock has long been considered to be an art practiced by food producers of the world. It is has definitely not been static. It started with observant farmers seeing an opportunity to improve the attributes of their stock. Initially this meant fixing the characteristics of their stock and establishing breeds. Breed purity was the primary focus which often meant coat colour in cattle or ability to pull heavy loads in horses; reproduction rates in pigs’, egg production volume in chickens; ability to find their way home in carrier pigeons and so on as the need or goal was established.
Dairy Cattle Breeding: The cream rises to the top
Over the centuries species and breeds have evolved. In cattle it meant animals that were developed for draught, meat and milk production. Milk has achieved special designation and has been recognized as nature’s most perfect food. Over time, there have been hundreds of attempts at developing breeds of cattle for their milk producing ability. That progressed to the point where there were only a few. Today Holstein and Jersey are the major survivors. These breeds were developed in temperate regions of Europe each with their own characteristics.
Advancement of North American Breeding: No decade stands still
Over the twentieth century dairy farmers in North America have molded their dairy cattle into what they are today by taking many steps. A brief and not all inclusive synopsis of some of those changes by decade are:
Early 1900’s
Milk recording groups formed to authenticate volumes and milk quality
1920’s
Type Classification programs started
1930’s
With electricity came the start of machine milking, larger herds and the need for teats to point to ground and be close together
1940’s
Artificial insemination, the painting of breed True Type pictures and the need for milk not to carry diseases humans could contact
1950’s
Mechanization of field work resulted in farms specialization, improved forage quality, off farm processing of milk and sire daughter raw averages
1960’s
Sire proving coops were formed, milk recording started to be used for more than just animal authentication purposes and farmer marketing coops were established
1970’s
Greatly expanded numbers of young sires being sampled, BLUP analysis technique and genetic indexes for both bulls and cows
1980’s
Significant changes in genetic indexing methodologies, breeds and breeding companies with specified breeding strategies, the practise of on-farm preventive medicine programs by veterinary practices and amalgamation of farmer coops for recording, breeding and milk marketing
1990’s
Dairy cattle breeding adopted more finely tuned breeding formula’s (TPI, LPI and Net Merit), total mixed rations, on-farm least cost feeding, increased on-farm management practises including computer software programs, data analysis to better predict genetic merit, and in Canada governments , due to budgetary constraints removed themselves from the provision of milk recording and genetic indexing services
2000’s
Greatly enhanced rates of genetic advancement, capture of data for auxiliary and functional traits, refinements in breeding strategies to consider more than milk and conformation, routine use computerized farm management for both production and economics, greatly expanded herd sizes,management took on greater importance on all farms and researchers started to consider if the DNA make-up of an animal could be used for genetic advancement
Finding a New Path: Adding Genomics
Very definitely the move about five years ago by a few AI companies and the USDA to compare the DNA snips results with the genetic evaluations for dairy bulls proven in the USA and Canada was significant. However the decision not only to study but to make the results openly available to breeders was a gigantic step. Breeders could know the genomic results for bulls and cows. This meant that breeders were central to the genetic future of their animals and their industry. Compare that to the swine and poultry industries where relatively few breeding companies own the genetics of the world. Now in 2012 all dairy cattle breeding regions of the world are using, or are about to use, genomics to evaluate their animals’ genetic composition.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
I have always noticed that people who make a difference are the ones who, not only don’t resist change, but welcome it. It is important that producers through their breed societies and breeding coops continue to have open minds and collectively research and develop the genetics of their dairy cattle. If breeders are to govern their destinies, they need to make sure that their elected and organization officials are objective and dynamic in how they approach changes to cattle breeding such as genomics. Many changes are yet to be thought of. We always need to remember that, “When you are through changing, you are through.”
One of the outstanding benefits of living on a dairy farm is that it provides the opportunity to learn how to compete in the dairy ring. Working with dairy animals improves physical fitness, coordination, self-discipline and teamwork, but these beneficial activities can also put participants at risk for injury.
Show-related injuries are preventable. It is a matter of protecting bodies, while they are still growing and just beginning to understand the skills involved in working with animals. Unlike sports such as baseball or hockey where flying objects can cause injuries to the face, the danger in the show ring most often lies in the child’s awareness of the living, and sometimes unpredictable, animal at the end of the lead.
Training of both the child and the animal is the key to avoiding injuries to both participants. Of course, it is up to the adults in charge to make sure that youth participating in the events are safe from foreseeable harm.
Dairy Show Injury Prevention Tips
Dress participants in appropriate protective equipment. Most sports teams require participants to have specific equipment that is the proper size and adjusted to each athlete. We should do the same for young cattle show persons. Footwear that can withstand tromping on and that is safe from slipping in wet, muddy or messy conditions. Steel toed work boots are the safest choice. Flip flops, clogs and bare feet are strictly unacceptable when working with cattle. If proper protective equipment isn’t available, it is NOT alright to go ahead. It teaches two incorrect things: a- the rules don`t count b- rules can be broken.
Proper halter size. A halter that is too big is dangerous as it can be easily pulled off. The halter should not cause discomfort to the calf. As well, make sure the lead shank is neither too long nor too short. This is where experience will be the best teacher but don`t let the handling of the halter or lead become a bigger job than moving easily with the calf.
Maintain safe show ring conditions. Wherever, cattle are being shown, basic safety precautions should be in place. Clear the area of debris. Beware of broken glass, rusty nails, used syringes, rocks and other items that would increase injury if a child fell or slid on them. If this will be an outdoor event, watch weather forecasts; have a set of guidelines for postponing the event, if necessary.
Have an emergency plan for injuries during shows. If at all possible have an adult trained in first aid techniques on hand. At least have an adult with a charged mobile phone. Provide the adult supervisor with a notebook of emergency phone numbers for parents or guardians of all participants. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit.
Enforce basic sportsmanship rules. This is the beginning of learning how to care for animals, prepare them for showing and putting forth their best feet forward in the ring. By all means, prevent bullying of competitors by adults or children. Young show persons need to focus on showing, not on their shame, embarrassment or humiliation.
Ensure children drink plenty of liquids. In the excitement of participating in this highlight of dairy cattle this may be overlooked and could result in dehydration. This is especially important in high heat, high humidity or high altitudes or with children who are novices and may not have experience in maintaining control of their animal for an extended time.
Provide proper training and skills building for young show people. Select a calf that will be a suitable size for the child to work with and show. Begin training as soon as possible. Training is not something that can be done in a couple of days! As the child builds fundamental skills, they will gain confidence in handling the calf and in presenting it for the judge`s consideration.
NEVER wrap the lead rope around the hand, arm, wrist or any body part. If they are bound like this and the heifer moves away quickly, the child could be seriously hurt.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE
When children are properly prepared to show dairy cattle, the skills they learn and mentors they meet will last them a lifetime. Safety first. Memories forever.
Movie fans will remember the movie “BIG” where a young boy makes a wish at a fairground machine to be big. He wakes up the following morning to find that his wish has been granted and his body has grown older over night. But he is still the same 12 year old kid on the inside with a whole lot of strange new people and experiences to deal with! Some, including Canada, are finding themselves in a grown up world trying to catch up.
The Cream Rises to the Top of the Milk Maker List?
Globally, dairy farming, along with agriculture in general, is experiencing the “BIG” phenomenon. Milk production is expected to grow an average 2% per year for the next decade. Asia will account for most of it. Now that`s a lot of milk and BIG indeed!
Today we are looking at the list of Top 10 Countries By Milk Production as per US Department of Agriculture, 2011:
Everyone feels patriotic when their country does well on ranked lists. Did you look to see where your country stood in the Top 10? How did it make you feel? Where you even on the list? If you’re like me, you probably thought (because of numerous publication writers telling you so) that Canada is a major milk producer. Ooops! We better make that major milk consumer. We are higher on the milk consumer list than we are on the milk producer list. We’re approximately 12th for per capita consumption, according to the United States Department of Agriculture and we’re 19th for production. Sounds a little far back even for a die-hard Blue Jays and Maple Leafs fan.
Where’s the Wiggle Room?
There’s lots of room for everybody to take advantage of the opportunities. If you’re at the top of the list, like the U.S. you can take heart from the fact that food production will be challenged to increase 70 percent over the next 30 years. The scary part is the fluctuating nature of consumer demand. An editorial in Hoard’s Dairyman, 8/25/10 made these points, “Of the countless wildcards in the dairy business, the future role of dairy exports is, perhaps, the wildest. That is why it is vital that our industry leaders and policymakers keep export potential in perspective. What our industry must have is a system that enables us all to expand production when domestic and foreign demand calls for it and to cut back on production when the market signals tell us to.” The comments are definitely something to think about. On the other hand, there are dangers in holding back as well. The truth is there is a huge gap between growing global demand and global supply. You might rewrite the axiom to say, “Nature abhors a gap!”You can be 100% sure of one thing. Somebody will move to fill it. The earliest ones into the game with vision and dollars will be able to profit from providing the milk, even it has to be accessed outside their own borders. It has been suggested that New Zealand could accomplish this. Or perhaps one of the mega-food companies who see the opportunity and are ready to take it. There is huge potential for countries or companies who have a low cost of production to move to the forefront of milk production.
But what if you`re further down the production side of the list? You may decide that it’s time to start movin’ on up! Hang on! It could be a bumpy ride. Consumer demands, trade regulations and national food policies are just three of the variables that are going to present ongoing challenges. even though many forecasters see agriculture as the greatest growth industry of our time. Super! All we have to do is increase the production of animals and plants. But then there is the increasing squeeze from land use, sustainable agriculture and available water. It’s ironic that at the very time when markets are growing and science and technology are making great strides, land and water use from growing urbanization are providing counter pressure.
Although we are learning to accept and adapt to the speed of new technology, it is probably true, that what we are familiar with today may not be the breakthrough that will take us into the future. For example, new technologies, such as nutrigenomics, will become increasingly important. With nutrigenomics, it will be possible to influence or control genetic expression in animals. Certain feed ingredients will be able to switch on genes in the animals, leading to improved production. It will revolutionize nutrition, said Karl Dawson, chief scientific officer at Alltech, when speaking at the Alltech International Symposium held in May in Lexington, Kentucky. He added. “You’re going to see more changes in nutrition in the next 10 years than you have seen in the last century.”
Thus far we see that there is growing demand and improved methods of delivering milk and milk products. Another key factor is the initiatives throughout the world to train farmers in the business of dairy farming. Rural development and sustainable agriculture projects are seeing successes that will affect milk production worldwide, while sourcing information and mentors in the areas of animal genetics, product development and dairy cattle management.
THE BULLVINE BOTTOM LINE:
So far, everyone agrees that it will be possible, somehow, to keep up with the food demands of a growing world population. What we may not be so sure of is the exactly how it will happen. Nevertheless, milk will be an important product in feeding world populations. If you`re already in the dairy industry, you have an advantage that not all of the companies who aspire to global trade can claim and that is that the market is far from saturated and demand is continually growing. No wonder the stock market is recognizing that you can put your money where the milk is.
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Marketing
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Other news from this area reports that a2 brand milk comes from cows specially selected to produce A2 beta-casein protein rather than A1. Most cow milk contains both types of beta-casein protein – A2 and A1. The A1 beta-casein protein has been linked with digestion and health issues so having more A2 is a plus.
While not leading the consumption of flavored milk, North America is certainly not out of this tasteful picture. Just in time for birthday celebrations on Independence Day 
MISunderstood
MISinformation
One of the outstanding benefits of living on a dairy farm is that it provides the opportunity to learn how to compete in the dairy ring. Working with dairy animals improves physical fitness, coordination, self-discipline and teamwork, but these beneficial activities can also put participants at risk for injury.
