Julyaugust2014

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KENTUCKY

July - August 2014 w w w. k y d a i r y. o r g

Milk Matters Dairy Situation and Outlook

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Find out more on pages 8-9

Dairy Farmer Asks to Lower Diversion Percentage Limits More info on pages 14-15

Technology and On-Farm Innovation Highlights Kentuckiana Tours By Sherry Bunting

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mix of new technologies, on-farm innovation, top-notch management, family farm transitions, and the incorporation of bedded-pack barns as stepping stones to expansion highlighted the 2014 Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange tours in Taylor, Greene and Adair counties, Ky. July 29-30 and included an evening educational program featuring Dr. Nicola Blackie, from Writtle College in England. A combined 100 dairy producers from both states attended for a time of learning, networking and sharing ideas. Indiana Dairy Producers president Steve Obert -- whose dairy is located just 25 miles f rom the Kentucky border -- noted the group f rom Indiana found “a lot of ideas to take North” from this year’s Kentuckiana Dairy Exchange. An 8-year tradition -- alternating between the two states -- the

Father and son team Tony (left) and Ben (right) Compton talk about how they achieved SCC of 70 to 80,000 at their 200-cow dairy in Kentucky. Photo by Sherry Bunting

event is organized annually by the UK and Purdue extension, and is promoted by the Kentucky Dairy Development Council (KDDC) and the Indiana Dairy Producers (IDP). “We picked dairies that have features of interest to other producers and with intergenerational transfer,” said UK’s Dr. Jeffrey Bewley about the 2014 Kentuckiana tours. Low somatic cell counts were a primary feature on the first day, showing “we can achieve high quality milk in the South,” said Bewley. Compton Dairy and Hutchison Holsteins were recognized as the top two dairies in 2013 for milk quality. Tony and Ben are the father and son team at Compton Dairy, and they have taken their SCC down to an average of 70 to 80,000. The 190 cows produce an RHA of 23,000 pounds (2x). “One of the biggest things we focus on is to keep the parlor dry at all times,” said Tony Compton. “We put no water on the cows, and our milkers wear gloves.” They rely on fully laundered microfiber towels and pre- and post-dip, and cull at 45%. The new Cont’d on page 16 freestall barn built six years ago

Tony Cowherd, dairy farmer in Taylor County, talking with other producers about his automatic calf feeder and new heifer barn.


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