Southwest Research Center Pasture-Based Seasonal Dairy Joint effort of MU, allied industries and commercial producers

“Insanity: Doing the same thing the same way over and over again, and expecting to get different results” - Albert Einstein

The Situation Permits Issued to Grade A and Manufacturing Dairies in Missouri

The Reasons SocialEconomic Environmental

Dairying is 24/7/365

Is seasonal dairying for YOU?

Standard Lactation Curve

Non-Seasonal Dairy

Seasonal Dairy

Pros and Cons of Seasonal Dairying Some of the “Pros” are also “Cons” and some of the “Cons” are “Pros” Concentration of: Calving Calf Rearing Breeding

Seasonal Dairying Pros Grouping of calves calving concentrated to 2 mo period Cons Grouping of calves many calves in short time period

Seasonal Dairying Pros Grouping of calves calving concentrated to 2 mo period no year-round bottle feeding Cons Grouping of calves many calves in short time period feeding many more at a time

Mob Fed

Seasonal Dairying Pros Grouping of calves calving concentrated to 2 mo period no year-round bottle feeding can group bull calves Cons Grouping of calves many calves in short time period feeding many more at a time need more facilities

Seasonal Dairying Pros Grouping of calves calving concentrated to 2 mo period no year-round bottle feeding can group bull calves replacements all similar size and age Cons Grouping of calves many calves in short time period feeding many more at a time need more facilities need larger facilities

Seasonal Dairying Pros Group breeding no year-round heat detection and breeding Cons Group breeding very intensive heat detection and breeding

Seasonal Dairying Pros Group breeding no year-round heat detection and breeding bull needed only days Cons Group breeding very intensive heat detection and breeding maintaining “idle” bull for 10 mo

Seasonal Dairying Pros Group breeding no year-round heat detection and breeding bull needed only days Cons Group breeding very intensive heat detection and breeding maintaining “idle” bull for 10 mo late breeders must be culled

Timely, efficient breeding is essential to the success of a seasonal dairy

Timely, efficient breeding is essential to the success of a seasonal dairy Synchronization and AI

Timely, efficient breeding is essential to the success of a seasonal dairy Synchronization and AI “Clean-up” bull

Timely, efficient breeding is essential to the success of a seasonal dairy Synchronization and AI “Clean-up” bull HEAT DETECTION

Heat Detection Aids

Seasonal Dairying Pros Cows all dry for 2 mo Cons No milk check for 2 mo

Seasonal Dairying Pros Cows all dry for 2 mo Time for repairs/ renovations Cons No milk check for 2 mo Milk permit may need renewal or re-inspection

Seasonal Dairying Pros Cows all dry for 2 mo Time for repairs/ renovations Time for vacation Cons No milk check for 2 mo Milk permit may need renewal or re-inspection

Seasonal Dairying Pros Cows all dry for 2 mo Time for repairs/ renovations Time for vacation Time off to think and plan for the future Cons No milk check for 2 mo Milk permit may need renewal or re-inspection

Seasonal Dairying Pros Herd health needs are more uniform Cons

Seasonal Dairying Pros Herd health needs are more uniform Forage availability more uniform to cows at similar stage of lactation Cons

Seasonal Dairying Pros Herd health needs are more uniform Forage availability more uniform to cows at similar stage of lactation Decreased wear-and- tear on equipment Cons

“When should I calve?” Spring vs Fall calving

Fall calving Advantages: Milk prices historically higher

Fall calving Advantages: Milk prices historically higher Cows dry during hot summer months (also when kids out of school)

Fall calving Advantages: Milk prices historically higher Cows dry during hot summer months (also when kids out of school) Breeding during cooler weather

Fall calving Disadvantages: Cow’s nutritional requirements are highest at time when forage availability and quality is at its lowest

Fall calving Disadvantages: Cow’s nutritional requirements are highest at time when forage availability and quality is at its lowest Milking through coldest months

Spring calving Advantages: Peak forage availability and quality coincides with peak milk production and nutritional requirements

Spring calving Advantages: Peak forage availability and quality coincides with peak milk production and nutritional requirements Cows are dry when forage is low

Spring calving Advantages: Peak forage availability and quality coincides with peak milk production and nutritional requirements Cows are dry when forage is low Not milking during coldest months

February 22, 2001

Spring calving Advantages: Peak forage availability and quality coincides with peak milk production and nutritional requirements Cows are dry when forage is low Not milking during coldest months Can have Christmas and New Years off, take a winter vacation to warmer climates

Spring calving Disadvantages: Breeding as weather starts to turn hot

Spring calving Disadvantages: Breeding as weather starts to turn hot Lower milk price in spring

“But what will happen to our nation’s milk supply if everyone goes seasonal?”

“But what will happen to our nation’s milk supply if everyone goes seasonal?” Beef is seasonal Not everyone who goes seasonal will choose the same season

Two critical factors: Financial planning declining milk check after peak, then NO milk check for 2 months some lenders are willing to pro-rate payments based on milk check Must get cows bred in “window”

So… Is seasonal dairying for you?

Double 10 Modified New Zealand Parabone

Why Choose a NZ Style Parabone Milking Parlor §Milk in 1.5 hours or less §High through-put l 3-4 turns per hour l 1 person per 14 milking clusters §Low maintenance §Low-cost, readily available used equipment

Double 10 parabone

Double 27 parabone

Capital Investments §1.11 tractor/loader §.61 tractor §1.08 brush hog §.22 skidsteer §1.05 truck §.64 manure spreader §.28 blade §.25 post hole digger §.58 mower/haybine §.5 rake §.38 baler §.64 ATV §.25 seeder §.08 bale wrapper §.47 wagon §.42 trailer §.22 bale grabber §.33 tillage equipment Investment less than $50,000

Water Available in Each Paddock

$250 Portable Shade

Portable Shade

Doubles as Windbreak!

Winter Position