PRO-DAIRY's webinar series focuses on the latest dairy research and practical on-farm information for dairy producers. Webinars are free and registration is not required. For further information, please contact Kathryn Barrett at kfb3@cornell.edu or 607.229.4357
Spanish Webinars (presented entirely in Spanish) are also offered on a weekly basis.
Upcoming Webinars
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update
August 12, 2019
7:00 p.m.
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Presenters:
Dr. Julio Giordano, DVM, MS, PhD - Cornell University, Department of Animal Science, Assistant Professor - Dairy Cattle Biology and Management
Dr. Martin Perez, DVM - Cornell University, Department of Animal Science, PhD Student - Dairy Cattle Biology and Management
Dr. Rob Lynch, DVM - Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist
Come hear about two new research trials conducted by Dr. Julio Giordano's lab at Cornell University. Topics include strategies for improving dairy cattle reproductive performance and economics and using automated sensors for improving dairy cattle health monitoring and management.
PREVIOUS WEBINARS
10 Things To Consider Before Insuring Your Corn and Soybeans
March 8, 2019
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Presenters: PRO-DAIRY and Cornell’s Crop Insurance Education Team
“It’s too complicated” is an often heard comment from farmers looking to utilize crop insurance on their farms here in New York. This webinar will go over some of the first things a farmer would need to consider before reaching out to a crop insurance sales person. Understanding these concepts will improve the chance of purchasing a policy which will truly reduce the risk of growing crops. Fay Benson, who works with the South Central NY Dairy Team, will share some of his experience while farming as well as knowledge gained during working with crop insurance education in New York for the past 10 years.
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Dairy Beef Cross Calves
February 28, 2019
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Presenter: Michael J. Baker, PAS, PhD, Beef Cattle Extension Specialist, Cornell University
“The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" of the dairy x beef calf. Will crossbred calf be an added revenue stream or just a passing fad?
2018 Corn Silage Hybrid Test Results 2018
January 31, 2019
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Presenter: Joe Lawrence, MS, CCA, Dairy Forage Systems Specialist, PRO-DAIRY, Department of Animal Science Cornell University, Cornell University
New York and Vermont Corn Silage Hybrid Tests: If you are looking to get a sense of what silage hybrids performed well this year before your seed order for 2019 join us for this webinar. Joe Lawrence will share the results of the 2018 hybrid trials. The corn silage hybrid evaluation program included 77 hybrids from 17 companies in 2018. With this number of hybrids evaluated at multiple locations across New York and Vermont the resulting information provides a useful decision making tool for farmers.
Focus on Risk for Dairy Farmers
January 24, 2019 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
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Presenters: Dairy farmer Ron Robbins of North Harbor Dairy in Sackets Harbor NY; Ed Gallagher, President of DFA Risk Management; Fay Benson, CCE Dairy Educator
Ron has used many tools to manage milk price risks on his dairy over the years including those from FSA and RMA and also buying contracts on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. During the webinar he will relay some of these experiences and which tools he uses now for his farm’s milk protection. Ed Gallagher will review RMA’s new “Dairy Revenue Protection” policy. This is a new policy developed with the help of the American Farm Bureau. It is closer to the crop insurances offered for field crops and has helped that industry manage risks for a number of years. Fay Benson who works with Cornell University Crop Insurance and Risk Management and Education Program will host the webinar and indicate where more information can be found on the Dairy Revenue Protection Policy. Presented in collaboration with Cornell University Crop Insurance and Risk Management and Education Program.
2017 Corn Silage Hybrid Trials: Results and Interpretation
Presenter: Joe Lawrence, MS, CCA, Dairy Forage Systems Specialist, PRO-DAIRY, Department of Animal Science Cornell University, Cornell University
In 2017, over 70 commercially available corn silage hybrids were entered into the annual Corn Silage Hybrid Test Program for evaluation. In a collaborative effort between Cornell University and the University of Vermont hybrids were planted at multiple locations across New York and one location in Vermont to evaluate performance across a range of growing conditions.
In corn silage evaluation the focus is not just on crop yield but on key forage quality characteristics that impacts the performance of dairy animals fed these hybrids. The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein Synthesis (CNCPS) Model was used to assess how each hybrid is predicted to perform in a dairy cow feeding program based on measured forage quality parameters. Here we will discuss key factors for interpreting and utilizing trial results to make corn silage hybrid selections that best match an individual farm’s needs.
New Dietary Approaches to Manage Hypocalcemia in Transition Cows
April 12, 2018
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Presenter: Dr. Tom Overton, Professor of Dairy Management, Cornell University, Director, PRO-DAIRY, Associate Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Department of Animal Science, Agriculture and Food Systems
Nutritional management of hypocalcemia in transition cows continues to evolve. Dr. Overton will share the most current thinking on feeding and nutritional strategies for this important aspect of transition cow programs.
Make the Most of Advances in Forage Management
March 15, 2018
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Presenter: Joe Lawrence, Dairy Forage Systems Specialist, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Many exciting developments, from improved forage varieties, to precision equipment, to advances in the understanding of fiber digestibility, continue to enhance the value of forages in feeding programs. Here we will address harvest and storage strategies that are at times the missing link in capitalizing on these others advances.
Milk Quality: It’s Not Just About Cell Counts Anymore
March 1, 2018
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Presenter: Frank Welcome, DVM, MBA, Sr. Extension Associate, Quality Milk Production Services, Animal Health Diagnostic Center, Cornell University
Quality standards for food are increasingly being established by retailers who take their que from consumers. Consumers are no longer concerned with regulatory standards. They want evidence of measures and consistency of quality that often greatly exceed regulatory levels. Consumer definitions of quality are also expanding to include cow care and environmental stewardship.
Cow Comfort on NY Tiestall and Freestall Dairies
January 25, 2018
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Presenter: Lindsay Ferlito, Regional Dairy Specialist, North Country Regional Ag Team, Cornell University Cooperative Extension
Lindsay Ferlito will be sharing the results of two cow comfort studies done on NY dairy farms. One project looked at lameness, injuries, and lying time in tiestall dairies in NNY and Southern NY. The other project looked at cow comfort, management, and record keeping on NNY freestall dairies.
Managing Forage Quality: A Challenging Growing Season
August 2, 2017
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Presenters: Ron Kuck, Dairy / Livestock Educator, CCE of Jefferson County, Northern NY Regional Ag Team; Joe Lawrence, MS, CCA, Dairy Forage Systems Specialist, Cornell University PRO-DAIRY
It’s been a tough growing season. Join us for this PRO-DAIRY webinar to hear practical advice on what can still be done in the field to make life better this coming winter. Our presenters Ron Kuck and Joe Lawrence have extensive experience working with farmers to optimize forage production. They will share practical information that can be used now to impact forage quality and the feeding program, including outlook and management of corn for silage; optimizing, timing and segregation forage testing of future cuttings; and allocation and inventory management, storage and feed out considerations.
Managing Transition Cows During Heat Stress
March 23, 2017
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Presenter: Dr. Tom Overton, Professor of Dairy Management, Cornell University, Director, PRO-DAIRY, Associate Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Department of Animal Science, Agriculture and Food Systems
Dr. Overton will talk about the effects of heat stress during the dry period on the cow, and also the long-term effects on the calf from new research, and discuss the importance of heat abatement and specific nutritional strategies that may improve transition cow success during heat stress.
New Milk Analysis Technologies to Monitor Management and Improve Herd Performance
March 16, 2017
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Presenter: Dr. Heather Dann PhD, Dairy Cattle Nutrition Research Scientist, The William H Miner Agricultural Research Institute.
Dr. Dann will highlight some of the collaborative work done by Cornell University, Miner Institute, St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, and Delta Instruments. New tools have been developed in milk analysis for bulk tank and individual cow milks that will provide information to support decision making for management of feeding, health, and reproduction in dairy cows.
Crop Insurance Options for Corn Silage
March 2, 2017
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Presenter: Jennifer E. Ifft, PhD, Assistant Professor, Mueller Family Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow in Agribusiness and Farm Management, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management.
With the deadline looming, Dr. Ifft will discuss options available and factors to consider in making your decision.
Robotic Milking Systems-Effective use of reports to monitor milk quality and maintenance.
February 16, 2017
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Presenter: Dr. Rick Watters, Western Laboratory Director, Sr. Extension Associate, Quality Milk Production Services, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Robotic milking systems generate a tremendous amount of data that can be used for management decisions. It can be overwhelming. Dr. Watters will discuss how to use reports to pinpoint the information that can impact milk quality and maintenance management decisions.
Updates on energy content and amino acid supply considerations in transition cow feeding
February 2, 2017
Presenter: Sabine Mann, DVM, PhD,Dip.ECBHM, Dip.ACVPM, Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine
Updates on energy content and amino acid supply considerations in transition cow feeding
January 26, 2017
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Presenter: Brittany Sweeney Leno, Graduate Student, Overton Lab, Cornell University, Department of Animal Science
"Managing calcium imbalance in transition cows and roles for nutritional prevention, treatment and monitoring of hypocalcemia"
2017 Cornell Corn Silage Trial Results
January 12, 2017
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Presenter: Joe Lawrence, Forage Specialist, Cornell PRO-DAIRY Program
New and leading corn silage hybrids are annually evaluated for yield, moisture at harvest, quality characteristics, milk/ton, and calculated milk yields across NY locations. Corn silage variety tests were not conducted in 2014 or 2015, but with the hire of Joe Lawrence, Cornell PRO-DAIRY Dairy Forage Systems Specialist, were resumed on a limited basis in 2016. In 2016, 29 hybrids from eight companies were tested and more are anticipated in 2017.
In 2016, the NY trials used new methods for evaluating the milk producing potential of corn silage utilizing the Cornell Net Carbohydrate & Protein System (CNCPS) Model to predict the expected milk yield (in pounds per day) of a lactating ration with each of the participating corn hybrids entered into the same ration for comparison.
Proposing Change within Your Business
December 22, 2016
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Presenters: Jason Karszes, Dairy Farm Business Specialist and Betsey Howland, Dairy Farm Business Specialist ,Cornell University PRO-DAIRY Program
Have you ever wanted to propose a change within your business but not sure how to go about doing it so that you will be heard? This webinar will highlight different methods and approaches to proposing change with a focus on proposing change to the senior generation.
Farmers Assuring Responsible Management
December 15, 2016
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Presenter: Dr. Kim Morrill, PhD, NNY Dairy Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension
FARM, or Farmers Assuring Responsible Management, is a program open to all dairy farmers, co-ops and processors across the U.S. that sets the highest standards when it comes to animal care. Coops in NY are requiring farms that ship to them participate in FARM with the first deadline looming on Jan 1st for some. Dr. Kim Morrill is actively involved in the program and is a trained evaluator. Kim will provide an overview of the program.
Voluntary Wait Period Study Findings
November 17, 2016
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Presenter: Dr. Rob Lynch, DVM, Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist, Cornell University ProDairy Program
Review results of the Giordano Lab study on effects of voluntary wait period on milk production and profitability for 1st and later lactation animals.
Baby It’s Cold Outside! Winter Calf Care
October 26, 2016
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Presenter: Dr. Jerry Bertoldo DVM, NWNY Dairy Specialist, Kathy Barrett, Sr. Extension Assoc., Cornell ProDairy Program
As the cold weather approaches it’s a good idea to think about and prepare for calf care during the winter months. This webinar will review how to keep calves healthy and growing when the temperature drops. We will discuss cold weather nutritional needs; how to keep calves fed and growing; health concerns when the temperature drops; and keeping them clean and dry at calving and beyond.
Bedding and Bulk Tanks – What to do with that Information?
March 24, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Paula Ospina, DVM, PhD, Quality Milk Production Services, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Ospina discusses how to use information about bedding cultures to evaluate mastitis risk and how to use bulk tank information as an additional mastitis monitoring tool.
Using Test Day Data to Manage Udder Health and Milk Quality
March 17, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Rick Watters, PhD, Regional Director of Quality Milk Production Services, Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine
How do dairy producers use their SCC or test day results each month? Are the records placed in a folder and filed or are milk quality and udder health management decisions made with the results? New, chronic and high fresh infections can be monitored with test day data. New infections from the dry period and dry period cures can also be monitored monthly. If a farm is paying for SCC analysis, then the data should be use used to make management decisions.
Update on Ration Phosphorus and Reproduction
March 10, 2016 @ 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Presenter: Dr. Larry Chase, Professor Emeritus, Dairy Cattle Nutrition and Management, Dept. of Animal Science, Cornell University
Phosphorus (P) continues to be of interest in dairy cattle rations due to environmental and animal performance considerations. This webinar reviews recent work in the area of P nutrition and its impact on reproduction. In addition, results from a large, multi-state field trial using commercial dairy herds will be provided.
Applied Dairy Immunology and Vaccination Protocol Management
March 3, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Rob Lynch, DVM, Dairy Herd Health Specialist, Cornell PRO-DAIRY Program
Proper immune function is important to herd health. This webinar reviews strategies to minimize immune suppression during high risk periods. Use of vaccines to increase protection from specific disease challenges is common and Dr. Lynch will highlight ways to improve vaccine protocol implementation and oversight.
Valuing Farmland Proximity - methods for valuing proximity in farmland purchasing decisions
February 25, 2016
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Presenter: Jennifer E. Ifft, PhD, Assistant Professor, Mueller Family Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow in Agribusiness and Farm Management, Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University
This webinar focuses on how to objectively assess the value of land proximity when making decisions about buying farmland. Professor Ifft is developing a data set of New York farmland transactions from 1999 to present. She is interested in determinants of New York and U.S. farmland values and its effect on farm profitability and structure. Proximity is one determinant that plays a key role in prices paid for farmland.
Keeping it Clean for the Tank! Reducing spore forming contaminants in the bulk tank
February 18, 2016 @ 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Presenter: Nicole Martin, MS, Associate Director, Milk Quality Improvement Program
Bacterial endospore (spore) forming bacteria enter raw milk from the dairy farm environment, survive pasteurization and subsequently grow in and spoil a number of dairy foods. Recent research indicates that spores are abundant in the farm environment and are associated with various sources and farm management practices. Reducing spore forming contaminants in raw milk requires a systematic approach to control transmission from the farm environment to bulk tank raw milk.
Heifer nutrition and economics - What the new edition of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System tells us
February 11, 2016
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Presenter: Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Professor of Dairy Management, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University
This is the second part of a two-part webinar that explores what the 6th edition of CNCPS model tells about heifer nutrition and growth. The model includes updated feed amino acid profiles and characterizations in the library and an updated growth model for dairy replacements that includes the calf with the capacity to formulate starting at birth. Dr. VanAmburgh explains the impact of these changes and what it tells us about overall replacement economics.
Heifer nutrition and economics - What the new edition of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System tells us
February 4, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Mike Van Amburgh, Professor of Dairy Management, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University
This is a two-part webinar that explores what the 6th edition of CNCPS model tells about heifer nutrition and growth. The model includes updated feed amino acid profiles and characterizations in the library and an updated growth model for dairy replacements that includes the calf with the capacity to formulate starting at birth. Dr. VanAmburgh explains the impact of these changes and what it tells us about overall replacement economics.
Shredlage - What have we learned
January 21, 2016 @ 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Presenter: Dr. Larry Chase, Associate Professor of Dairy Cattle Nutrition, Department of Animal Science, Cornell University
This webinar covers what shredlage is, research results and current harvesting recommendations.
Hot topics in transition cow nutrition
January 14, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Tom Overton, Professor of Dairy Management, Cornell University, Director, PRO-DAIRY, Associate Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Department of Animal Science, Agriculture and Food Systems
Transition cow nutritional strategies continue to evolve. Dr. Overton presents the latest in feeding strategies for dry cows and fresh cows, along with research on feeding management from a large transition cow field study that involved 72 farms in New York and Vermont.
Clinical mastitis treatment decisions and using pathogen ID
January 7, 2016
Presenter: Dr. Daryl Van Nydam, Associate Professor, Cornell University, Director, Quality Milk Production Services, College of Veterinary Medicine
Dr. Van Nydam discusses how and when to use pathogen ID in an effective mastitis treatment program.
Rumination and Activity Monitors Update
December 17, 2015
Presenter: Dr. Matias Stangaferro, DVM, MS, PhD candidate in the Giordano Lab.
Rumination and activity monitoring has implications for cow health management. Dr. Stangaferro describes his research on what these technologies can and cannot tell us about animal health performance.
Reproductive Management-Focus on 2nd and Subsequent Service
December 10, 2015
Presenter: Dr. Julio Giordano, DVM, MS, PhD. Cornell University Assist. Professor – Dairy Cattle Biology and Management
Dr. Giordano presents an overview on the latest developments in applied reproductive research to maximize performance of lactating cows from the 2nd service and greater.
Reproductive Management - 1st Service
December 3, 2015
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Presenter: Dr. Julio Giordano, DVM, MS, PhD. Cornell University Assist. Professor – Dairy Cattle Biology and Management
Dr. Giordano presents an overview of the latest developments in applied research to maximize reproductive performance of lactating dairy cows. This webinar will focus on 1st service postpartum.
Genetics on the Farm
November 19th, 2015 @ 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Presenter: Dr. Heather J. Huson, Ph.D. Cornell University Asst. Professor, Animal Geneticist
Genetic technology and research has advanced tremendously over the past few decades with the dairy cattle industry leading the genetic revolution for livestock. However, the abundance of information can be daunting to farmers who are the end users of genetic evaluations and health reports. Dr. Huson provides an overview of the type of genetic data available and basic steps for understanding and applying genetic data in farm management.
Preparing for Manure Spills and other Emergencies on Your Dairy, Who Is Part of Your Response Team?
August 20, 2015 @ 12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Presenter: Mark Burger, Onondaga Soil & Water District Manager
This webinar is designed to help farms and their consultants think about their emergency response team as related to manure spills and other emergencies on the farm. Mark Burger shares the successful model they created in Onondaga County by outlining the composition of the response team and examples of spills that they have responded to. Mark highlights “lessons learned” and shares thoughts about potential improvements and how they hooked into the county 911 system.