I-29 Moo University Launches New Dairy Podcast

Dairy producers in the I-29 corridor and across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota have a new way of receiving information, thanks to a new podcast launched by the I-29 Moo University dairy consortium. Extension dairy specialists from each state help to develop the topics for the bi-weekly podcast.

“The show’s focus is unique because it aims to discuss current issues faced by dairy producers along the corridor ranging from economics and animal health, to forage, labor and farm programs,” say’s Kim Clark, Nebraska Extension Dairy Educator, and one of three regular hosts for the program.

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Iowa Milk Production Up 2 Percent In April

Milk production in Iowa during April 2020 totaled 449 million pounds, up 2% from the previous April according to the latest USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service – Milk Production report. The average number of milk cows during April, at 219,000 head, was the same as both last month and last year. Monthly production per cow averaged 2,050 pounds, up 30 pounds from last April.

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Dairy News and Views Podcast Keeps Iowa Producers Informed

Listen to dairy team experts as they discuss important topics in the industry amid COVID-19

Dairy producers across Iowa have a new way of receiving information, thanks to a new podcast launched by dairy specialists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“Dairy News & Views from Iowa State University” began recording in April, featuring timely topics related to the COVID-19 pandemic and dairy production in general.

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Finding The New Normal

Prior to COVID increased national dairy herd and increased production pointed to lower milk prices in the future. Generally, product stocks were increasing. However, with the CARES and HEROS aid programs, government purchases have begun to lower cheese stocks. Post COVID EU is purchasing powder and storing, begging if this will negatively affect world price when they start selling.

The flip side, is for seven months exports topped year-earlier levels according to the most recent USDEC report. In March, U.S. suppliers shipped 190,456 tons of milk powders, cheese, whey products, lactose and butterfat, two percent more than the year before. This is the highest figure since May 2018. On a solids basis, exports were up three percent. Meanwhile, the value of all exports was the most since August 2014 – $592 million, 10 percent more than a year ago.

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Timing First Crop Harvest of Alfalfa with PEAQ

Timing first crop alfalfa harvest by calendar date does not work well. Spring climates vary from year to year, and fields managed differently also affects spring regrowth. Different varieties, age of stand, fertility, last season’s cutting schedules, fall harvest or not, can all influence the rate of regrowth in spring. PEAQ, which stands for predictive equation for alfalfa quality, is a quick and easy method to use to assess when individual alfalfa fields are ready for harvest based on a forage quality estimate. All you need is a yard stick and Table 1 in ISU Extension publication CROP 3141, which is available from your county ISU Extension office or download at: https://store.extension.iastate.edu/Product/15234

 

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