FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT

Once cows were free animals that lived in groups and could decide when to stand up, when to walk and when to rest.

When resting, they of course chose quiet, ventilated spots that were soft and clean. Now dairy cows have a strict daily routine, mainly based on the rhythm of milking.

There are enough teat dips and different teat dip formulations on the market to make your head spin (and kudos to whomever can pronounce the names of all the ingredients listed on a teat dip label).

The power take-off (PTO) shaft is an efficient means of transferring mechanical power between farm tractors and implements.

This power transfer system helped to revolutionize North American agriculture during the 1930s. It is also one of the oldest and most persistent hazards associated with farm machinery. This article discusses several aspects of PTO safety.

A cow’s comfort level affects her health, productivity and performance if not assessed routinely over time.

How are you gauging the comfort level of your cows, especially when it comes to the farm’s cow housing environment, particularly freestalls?

"There is a lot you can tell about person just by looking at their shoes.” If this saying is really true, I believe there is a lot you can tell about mechanics by looking at their shops.

Recently, I was buying some used equipment and ended up making a drive to Middleton, Idaho. There, I purchased a used diesel engine for a good price. I was excited about the buy but even more excited when the seller took me in to his shop to show me the engine.

Spring is here and, not surprisingly, diesel prices are trending upward. Taking time to implement a few simple management techniques can reduce farm fuel consumption and keep machinery running smoothly.