Business Management
Business Management
Good business management skills are essential as the dairy cattle industry increases in complexity. Find spreadsheets, dairy herd metrics, tips on record-keeping and cash-flow planning. Find advice on modernization, pricing and milk futures.
Articles Dairy Outlook: February 2019
David L. Swartz, Robert C. Goodling, Jr., Claudia Schmidt, Ph.D., Virginia A. Ishler, Timothy Beck
Pennsylvania All Milk Price remains plateaued around $18/cwt through the first quarter of 2019 with futures indicating moderate increases during the last two quarters. More
Webinars Free
This free webinar recording is part of a Dairy Management Monday series, which includes presentations on topics important to managing a dairy farm. Workforce Focus: "Don't Drift ... Manage!" was recorded on September 24, 2018. More
Articles The TMR Mineral Mismatch
Virginia A. Ishler
Carbohydrates and protein are critical nutrients in precision feeding; however, some interesting observations on calcium and phosphorus agreement have materialized. More
Webinars Dairy Financial Analysis
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Free
This free webinar recording is part of a Dairy Management Monday series, which includes presentations on topics important to managing a dairy farm. Dairy Financial Analysis was recorded on December 17, 2018. More
Workshops Understanding Dairy Business and Production for the Conservation Professional
Multiple Options Available
Free
The goal of this workshop is to help conservationists better understand the dairy business and become effective communicators when helping dairy farmers consider and implement conservation practices. More
Articles Dairy Outlook: December 2018
David L. Swartz, Robert C. Goodling, Jr., Claudia Schmidt, Ph.D., Virginia A. Ishler, Timothy Beck
Pennsylvania All Milk Price is projected to oscillate between $18.00 and 18.50/cwt in the first half of 2019 given current futures. Though slightly higher than 2018, it still may be at or below an operation's breakeven. More
Articles Margins and Cash Flow Impacted Herds Differently
Virginia A. Ishler, Timothy Beck
Good decisions can only be made when a farm’s breakeven margin is known and monitored. More
Articles Simplify Your Financial Records Process
Robert C. Goodling, Jr.
There is great potential in using software to help manage and decipher a business’ financial data. There are key concepts agricultural businesses can consider to simplify the process. More
Articles Dairy Outlook: November 2018
Robert C. Goodling, Jr., David L. Swartz, Claudia Schmidt, Ph.D., Timothy Beck, Virginia A. Ishler
Milk prices appear to be starting a slow, methodical climb. Feed costs remain in flux with harvest and quality uncertainties. More
Articles Dairy Sense: Milk Income and Ration Perspective for Milk Fat
Virginia A. Ishler
A balance between components and volume may be the best strategy to optimize milk income. More
Articles Train Farm Personnel for Better Animal Health and Fertility
Adrian A Barragan, DVM, MS, Ph.D.
Training farm personnel has positive impacts on animal well-being and performance, thus increasing overall farm profitability. More
Articles Dairy Sense: Preparing for Mycotoxin Problems
Virginia A. Ishler
Uncooperative weather patterns can increase the occurrence of molds and mycotoxins. Minimize their growth in storage by proper management of harvest, storage, and feed out. More
Workshops Management Opportunities During Challenging Times
02/22/2019
Grove City, PA
Free
The discussion will focus on topics requested by the group. It will provide an opportunity to share strategies, experiences, and ideas with peers regarding dairy management during challenging times. More
Articles Dairy Outlook: October 2018
Robert C. Goodling, Jr., David L. Swartz, Claudia Schmidt, Ph.D., Timothy Beck, Virginia A. Ishler
Current dairy markets are hinting at potential gradual increase in milk price into 2019. Global trade volatility continues to hinder widespread optimism. More
Articles Dairy Outlook: September 2018
Robert C. Goodling, Jr., David L. Swartz, Claudia Schmidt, Ph.D., Virginia A. Ishler, Timothy Beck
Milk prices remain on the low side of a four-year modest price range. Monitoring a producer's individual price regularly is vital to see trends and potential opportunities at the farm level. More
Articles Efficient Data Use Key to Maximizing Advisory Team Efforts
Robert C. Goodling, Jr.
Monitoring too many metrics can limit a team's discussion of current issues. Prioritize key data to make the best use of your team resources. More
Articles Dairy Sense: Getting Those Extra Pounds of Milk
Virginia A. Ishler
Focus on the first 100 days of lactation to find and fix bottlenecks that are limiting milk production. More
Articles Dairy Sense: What Is Soil Health?
Virginia A. Ishler
Soil health affects soil fertility and production potential, which affects crop yields, quality, and production costs. More
Articles Earning the Trust of Hispanic Dairy Employees
Mauricio Rosales
A friendly, trusted work environment can make the difference when trying to attract and retain Hispanic employees. More
Articles Do Your Cows Know How You Feel About Them?
Ginger D Fenton, PhD
Handling, transportation, environment, feed, interactions with other animals, and interactions with humans can stress cattle. Do our attitudes influence factors that can affect profitability? More
Webinars Free
This free webinar recording is part of a Technology Tuesday series geared toward dairy producers, employees, and agribusiness professionals. More
Having a Successful Advisory Team
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Free
Review recent research comparing the goals and subsequent achievements of various Pennsylvania advisory teams in relation to their cohort herds. More
Free
Guest Instructor: Mr. Ross Pifer, Director of the Penn State Agricultural Law Reference and Resource Center. More
News Specifics of assistance for farmers announced by the Department of Agriculture. More
Bringing the Right People to the Table
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Free
Recorded webinar from the "Friday Facilitators Forum" series. More