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Doing what we have done before is an easy choice for most of us for all kinds of decisions. It’s a choice we often make regardless of changing circumstances. There is an article in the Dairy Pipeline series this month written by our very practical and effective young extension dairy agent in Southwest Virginia, Chase Scott, entitled “Who’s your cow’s daddy?” Chase shares a hypothetical phone call that he is sure to get again this year: “Every year after corn silage harvest I receive many calls saying, “I am way behind on my breeding, do you know where I can find a good bull?” Read his suggestions. Chase had to write that piece because some producers will need the information and he knew I could never bring myself to recommend bull breeding for dairy farmers! AI programs require constant effort, even in smaller dairy herds, and silo filling isn’t the only reason producers get behind. Field work dominates many dairy operations all summer long, meaning that the cows, and the AI program, take a back seat. The heat stress of summer doesn’t make it any easier to catch cows in heat or get them bred, either. But is an annual period of bull breeding the only way out? This year, I suggest that you call your AI representative and talk about contracting AI service during the busy times. Programs can be customized for all kinds of herd situations. The work is done by professionals who make it their business to solve reproductive problems. You don’t have to fall behind getting cows bred because of the demands of field work. You don’t have to do it like you did last year.

DHI Notes...