Dairy Q&A

Question: 

How long is a cow pregnant?

Answer: 

9 months

FYI: A pregnant dairy cow that is being milked will be removed from the milking herd at 7 months so she can rest, enjoy a special diet  and prepare for the birth of her calf. We commonly  call this the "dry" period. In human terms, this is maternity leave!

Dairy Q&A

                                                                    Question:

    Why does a farmer use genetically modified (often referred to as GMO)  seed when planting a crop?

                                                                    Answer:
Farmers are always looking for ways to increase efficiency and protect the environment.  Genetically modified crops are more tolerant  of drought,are more resistant to disease and herbicides and allow farmers to increase yields on the same amount of land.

According to the Center for Food Integrity, more than 80 percent of grain crops used for animal feed, such as corn and soybeans are genetically modified. Extensive research has revealed no difference in the
nutritional value of GMO feed compared to conventional feed, there is no evidence that GMO  feed impacts growth or feed intake and it is safe.

   

                                                         

Dairy Q&A

Question:

 Why do you wrap hay ?

                                               
                                                                     Answer:
Our dairy cows eat hay everyday so it's important to have a year round supply.   Wrapping the bales in plastic is an alternate option for storing and processing forage (hay). It also decreases the time it takes from cutting to baling, decreases the  need for  increased mechanical handling and increases the potential for higher feed quality.  It's also made it possible for us to bale later in the season and utilize a variety of grasses commonly found in Northwest Arkansas.