See All Dairy
Find educational material about dairy cattle, including nutrition and feed management, health and care, reproduction, facilities and technology, and business management from Penn State Extension.
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ArticlesFAQ on EID: Electronic Identification for Dairy Calves
This article summarizes recent updates to the USDA's Animal Disease Traceability rule and how this rule applies to non-replacement dairy calves. -
NewsWeir Joins Penn State Faculty
Date Posted 11/4/2025Dr. Becca Weir has joined the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education as an Assistant Professor of Agricultural Economics. -
ArticlesAverage Nutrient Composition of Typical High Quality Pastures (dry matter basis)
Reference table of typical nutrient composition of high quality pasture. -
ArticlesIs Shredlage a Good Idea?
Shredlage has been a hot topic in recent years, but studies have demonstrated it has the same overall dry matter and fiber digestibility as conventional silage. -
VideosDetermining Forage Dry Matter
Length 9:21Understanding dry matter is a key concept in animal nutrition. Learn the importance of dry matter and how to measure it using a microwave or Koster tester. -
ArticlesMilk Quality on PA Dairy Farms Using Robotic Milking Systems – Part 3
Robotic dairies surveyed in Pennsylvania had good hygiene scores overall. Even so, those with cleaner cows had lower bacteria counts in bulk tank milk samples. -
ArticlesMilk Quality on PA Dairy Farms Using Robotic Milking Systems – Part 2
Cleanliness of teats as the cow enters the robot and the ability of the robot to clean teats prior to milking will impact teat cleanliness at attachment and ultimately cow health and milk quality. -
ArticlesMilk Quality on PA Dairy Farms Using Robotic Milking Systems – Part 1
Automatic milking systems are gaining popularity on Pennsylvania dairy farms. -
ArticlesDo Your Cows Know How You Feel About Them?
Handling, transportation, environment, feed, interactions with other animals, and interactions with humans can stress cattle. Do our attitudes influence factors that can affect profitability? -
ArticlesHeifer Mastitis: Prevention is the Key!
Prevention of mastitis requires reducing exposure to mastitis pathogens and enhancing the ability of the heifers' immune system to respond. -
WorkshopsFree
Creating a Dairy Biosecurity Plan for HPAI
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 1 hour, 30 minutesEvent Format In-PersonDevelop a biosecurity plan to safeguard your herd and comply with Pennsylvania guidelines at this open house event with expert guidance. -
Workshops$10.00
Milk Matters: Practical Steps to Better Milk Quality
When Multiple Options AvailableLength 4 hoursEvent Format In-PersonLearn how to improve milk quality, reduce somatic cell counts, use DHIA records, and apply research findings from Pennsylvania dairy farms. -
ArticlesThe Benefits of Playing It Safe
Farm safety goes beyond equipment operation, personal protective equipment, and safe animal handling. -
VideosCattle Euthanasia
Length 6:04This video will help the viewer determine the most ideal time for euthanasia, and instruction on how to choose and perform appropriate euthanasia techniques. -
ArticlesFeed Me the Scoop on Veterinary Feed Directive
Description of in-feed medications and how they fit into the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules set forth by the Food and Drug Administration (2017). -
ArticlesUsing Bacterial Counts as a Tool for Troubleshooting Problems
Microbiological parameters used to screen for milk quality can provide direction for troubleshooting sanitation and procedural issues on the farm. -
ArticlesIs Your Farm Right For Value-Added Dairy?
Is your farm up to meeting the demands on production and labor of a value-added operation while conveying a consumer-friendly farm image? Here are some points to consider when evaluating your farm. -
ArticlesAnimal Feed Safety Practices to Prevent Aflatoxin in Milk
Animal feed production is undergoing a shift in approach to food safety, with preventive measures to address possible hazards before they occur. -
WorkshopsFree
Herds and Her: Empowering Women in Dairy
When 12/11/2025Length 5 hoursEvent Format In-PersonEmpower your dairy farm skills! Hands-on workshop for women covering milk quality, herd health, and farm management with expert guidance. -
Workshops$15.00
Milk Matters: The Importance of Milk Quality
When 12/10/2025Length 4 hours, 30 minutesEvent Format In-PersonLearn how to improve milk quality through best milking practices, Dairy Herd Improvement Association record analysis, and culturing techniques to boost herd health and profitability. -
ArticlesTunnel Ventilation for Tie Stall Dairy Barns
Tunnel ventilation is a special summer system that provides a combination of high air exchange rates and high-speed air flow over cows to help remove body heat during hot weather. -
ArticlesDesigning and Building Dairy Cattle Freestalls
Freestalls (cubicles) provide dairy cows a clean, dry, comfortable resting space. Well-designed and properly maintained freestalls are a key component in a freestall housing system. -
ArticlesOn Farm Biosecurity and Mortality Management
Reviewing your on-farm mortality management system and biosecurity practices ensure your farm is ready for emergencies. -
ArticlesDecoding Dairy Cattle Behavior for Safe Handling
By understanding dairy cattle behavior, farmers can create a safer and more productive working environment for both the animals and the animal handler. -
ArticlesIndividual vs. Pair Calf Housing
Weigh the pros and cons of calf housing systems in deciding which system is best for your farm.



