The Economy and the Dairy Industry
By Dr. Jeff Hookstead

Each newsletter I try very hard to address a timely topic or a management practice with a “take home” message. While prepping for this newsletter, I realized that nothing is more timely than the state of the dairy economy. There are a lot of adjectives one could use to describe what has become a very difficult situation. During times like these, it is the little things that may have the biggest return on investment. I’m not talking about a new protein, stall design, or feed additive, but rather seeing the problem before it happens. William Hoard said decades ago “take care of the cow and she will take care of you.” Unexpected or preventable mortality is very costly. Little things like keeping a recently fresh cow in a pen for a couple days rather than a stall or stanchion may not prevent her from getting milk fever but may greatly improve her odds of responding favorably to treatment. Making sure the new born heifer calf gets her naval dipped in iodine, four quarts of good colostrum and placed in a clean, dry well ventilated area will help her get off to a good start. Keeping cows current with vaccines will help reduce abortions, respiratory disease subsequently minimizing involuntary culls. The adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” applies now more than ever. I realize that these examples sound simplistic and certainly cannot replace income loss due to poor milk prices. But unlike milk prices, which we can’t control, some things we can control. Any opportunity we have to prevent unexpected mortality or see the problem before it occurs will help us in getting through this economic valley.

 Return to Client Education

© Marsh View Veterinary Clinic, 2007
These articles are for your educational enjoyment. They may not be republished without the permission of Marsh View Veterinary Clinic. Please contact us at 920-326-3020 or 920-326-5738 if you have any questions.