G97-1325 What Management Practices Are High Producing Dairy Herds Using?

This NebGuide outlines management practices used in high-producing dairy operations. In 1996, a national dairy survey was undertaken by the National Health Monitoring System. This survey of management practices was sent to 2,500 herds in 20 states representing 83.1 percent of all dairy cows in the United States. The states included in the survey were California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin. The survey asked 13 questions ranging from computer use, ration balancing, BST use and veterinarian usage to various calf rearing procedures. The survey results were categorized by various herd sizes, as well as high and low milk production groups. These results can be used to help you identify where your herd management practices rank nationally