Two cow tech conferences coming this summer
Researchers to test biopolymer rumen bolus to reduce methane emissions
IDFA and Ever.Ag announce second annual DairyTech Conference
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and Ever.Ag recently announced registration for the second annual DairyTech conference is now open.
Dairy business and technology executives from around the world will convene at the second annual DairyTech conference in Minneapolis, Minn. The two-day conference May 17-18, 2023, will present a mix of keynotes, panel discussions, networking sessions, and evening receptions for senior executives and experts in technology, innovation, data, and cybersecurity.
The conference will draw concepts from around the world and showcase research, expertise, and technology that can inspire solutions to drive innovation and efficiency and enhance global competitiveness. Sessions will focus on digital transformation across the dairy supply chain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and sustainability and the circular economy.
“Emerging technologies are changing the food and beverage landscape, and this change is increasing on an exponential scale,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “IDFA is thrilled to once again partner with Ever.Ag on a conference that shines a light specifically on the technological challenges and opportunities for dairy’s future.”
“To meet the challenges of tomorrow, companies need to push the bounds of innovation and integrated technologies today,” said Scott Sexton, CEO of Ever.Ag. “DairyTech will inspire dairy business leaders to embrace change and connect them with experts specializing in technological transformation.”
DairyTech will take place at the Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot. To register for DairyTech, visit DairyTech Conference.
Precision Dairy Conference dates announced
Mark your calendars for the next Precision Dairy Conference hosted by the University of Minnesota. This in-person event will be a ‘neutral space’ where many technologies come together to be discussed and learned about. Producers, consultants, veterinarians, industry leaders, and researchers will be on the agenda, which is end-user focused. The conference will be held June 20-21, 2023 in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Nedap introduces wireless smart flow milk meter
Nedap Livestock Management recently announced its SmartFlow Milk Meter is now available to North American dairy farms.
“This is the first milk meter that’s completely wireless,” says Maarten Idink, managing director, Nedap Livestock Management. “Its free-flow design means teat-end vacuum drops and fluctuations caused by milk meters are a thing of the past. Cows not only are more comfortable; they’re also milked faster.”
The company claims the new product’s compact wireless design ensures even and unrestricted milk and airflow through the meter. According to the company, there are no flow obstructions or interruptions which could cause a vacuum drop or fluctuation. As a result, cows milk more gently and completely than with other metering technology, improving udder health and milk quality, including reduced free fatty acids.
The new product measures and registers the milk yield and flow rate of individual cows during each milking with the highest accuracy, empowering farmers with real-time performance and health insights on individual cows, groups and the herd.
“These meters offer dairy farms of all sizes accurate, consistent data to help ensure each cow in their herd is profitable,” says Matt Heisner, Nedap Livestock Management dairy product specialist. “Farmers can now know exactly how much milk each cow produces and use this information to improve management decisions.”
For more information, visit here.
Researchers to test biopolymer rumen bolus to reduce methane emissions
The University of Queensland is funding research of a biopolymer rumen bolus that would be filled with a gas-reducing bioactive. The technology could be beneficial to reduce methane emissions for beef cattle on pasture. Because supplementing cattle on pasture with methane-reducing supplements is not feasible, this technology could help eliminate methane emissions from free-range cattle.
“The ability to ensure each animal receives a sustained dose of a methane-reducing active agent over an extended timeframe would be a fantastic win for the beef cattle industry, helping it achieve its goal to reduce methane emissions – particularly in cattle grazing extensive pastures.”
The slow-release biopolymer bolus would break down in the rumen over time. If proven successful, the biopolymer technology could be helpful to administer other types of treatment to cattle.
Read more here.
Dairy profit projections from ZISK
Projected profitability for the next 12-month for two dairy herd sizes HAVE DECREASED in the last month in recent profit projections from ZISK.
ZISK is a profit-projection smartphone app that tracks individual dairy farm profitability based on current CME board prices. Projections for a 1,000-cow dairy producing an average of 80 pounds of milk per cow and a 2,500-cow dairy producing an average of 85 pounds of milk per cow are provided.
12-month dairy farm profit projections (as of Oct. 28, 2022):
1,000-cow dairy = $442,000 (DOWN about $164,000 since September)
2,500-cow dairy = $1.890 million (DOWN about $435,000 since September)