Dairy producers know early nutrition for young calves has far-reaching impacts, both for the long-term health and productivity of the animals and for farm profitability. With the goal of increasing not just body weight but also lean tissue gain, a new University of Illinois study finds enhanced milk replacer with high crude-protein dry starter feed […] Read more
Higher protein levels suggested for dairy calf starter
Science Notes: University study looks to find a winning combination
Drones and AI detect soybean maturity with high accuracy
Science notes: The technology could greatly reduce the need for boots on the ground
Walking rows of soybeans in the midsummer heat is an exhausting but essential chore in breeding new cultivars. Researchers brave the heat daily during crucial parts of the growing season to look for plants showing desirable traits such as early pod maturity. But without a way to automate detection of these traits, breeders can’t test […] Read more
Extruded grains may be better for pigs
Science Notes: Fibre digestibility saw little change when feeding extruded grains
Feeding extruded products is the norm in the pet and aqua feed industries, yet it remains unusual for swine feed in the United States and in Canada. The technology can improve energy and protein digestibility in pigs, according to research from the University of Illinois. “We’re not doing this much in the U.S., partly because […] Read more
Clay supplements boost cow immune systems
Science Notes: Clay binds to aflatoxin allowing it to be excreted through feces
In the fight against aflatoxin, dairy producers often turn to sequestering agents such as clay to reduce transference of the toxin into milk. It’s an effective tactic, but a new study from the University of Illinois shows that clay has additional benefits for overall cow health. “There has been a good amount of research showing […] Read more
Weedy conversations
A new inexpensive tool has emerged in the fight against weed resistance
In a newly released study, scientists at the University of Illinois and USDA’s Agricultural Research Service offer a new tool to fight herbicide resistant weeds that is not only highly effective, it’s free. All it costs is a conversation. Waterhemp, a weedy nemesis of corn and soybean farmers, has developed resistance to multiple herbicide modes […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
