Home > Crops & Livestock > Livestock > Dairy > An Economic Analysis of the Dairy Waste Lagoon Clean-out Program in Louisiana [Image: Figure 1.] Beginning in 1989, one-cell waste lagoons were being constructed on Louisiana dairy farms as new installations or were modified from established two-stage, aerobic and anaerobic cell lagoons using financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture under the Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP). Building these types of waste installations continued through 2000. En Route to Sustainability of Natural Resources in Dairy Farms [Image: LSU Southeast research station] The growing demand for food and fuel in the world has spurred widespread concern about the sustainability of agriculture’s intensive use of energy and nutrients. An easy and cost-effective method to improve nutrient balance in animal husbandry is to reduc inputs. Lime Precipitation and Phosphorus Removal from Dairy Wastewater [Image: Lime-Precipitation Unit] Nutrient management and recovery on livestock farms, such as dairies, is important for two reasons. The major concern is the gradual buildup in the soil of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from manure application. Improving Dairy Wastewater Treatment for Louisiana’s Environment [Image: Southeast Research Station] Regulations intended to assure public water safety in the United States have been in place since 1948 under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. Despite these laws, degradation of public waters continues.  more articles... A GIS-based Model of Optimal Transportation for Dairy Manure Used As Fertilizer [Image: cattle at southeast research station] Dairy producers face the challenge of minimizing the costs of manure disposal while at the same time complying with environmental regulations. Ration Strategies for Hot Weather One of the most difficult feeding challenges faced by dairy farmers is the dropoff in feed intake and milk production during the summer. To minimize these losses, rations must be specially formulated for hot weather. Calfnotes.com Calf Notes is your source for pertinent, non-commercial and unbiased information on raising young dairy calves. Corn Silage Management for Lactating Dairy Cows [Image: Corn silage management] This article includes recommendations on corn hybrid selection for silage, planting, harvesting, storing and feeding corn silage to dairy cows. A Survey of the Issues Facing Animal Agriculture in Louisiana [Image: survey] Many issues can affect the management, profitability and sustainability of beef, dairy and poultry operations. This is a survey of the economic, environmental, public policy and production issues facing animal agriculture in Louisiana. (PDF format only) Troubleshooting Milking Systems [Image: milking systems] One of the most often neglected areas on a dairy farm is the milking parlor. Even though it is used two or three times a day, it is often assumed to be working properly and operating correctly. Have milking systems checked at least annually by a qualified service person. Between checkups, follow these simple guidelines to monitor your system’s performance. Information on the how-to of milking cows also is included. (PDF Format Only) 2007 Louisiana Refundable Dairy Tax Credit [Image: Milk Producers' Refundable Tax Credit Program] Handbook for Understanding Act 461 of the 2007 Louisiana Legislature-Refundable Tax Credit for Dairy Farmers Alternative Fertilizer: Poultry Litter [Image: Poultry Litter as an Alternative Fertilizer] Poultry litter is relatively rich in nutrients and organic matter, but it needs to be properly managed. This article discusses how to realize the most benefits from poultry litter utilization as a fertilizer. Drought Management on Louisiana Dairy Farms [Image: Drought Management] This series of articles was prepared by LSU AgCenter extension personnel to address some of the most important topics affecting Louisiana dairy producers during a severe drought. Those topics include Feeding Drought-Stressed Hay and Silage Crops; Weed and Chemical Toxins in Drought-Stressed Forages; Pasture Options for Dairy Producers; Winter Annual Pasture Management and Costs; and Coping with Forage Shortages Due to Drought Conditions: Purchased Forages and By-Products. Keeping Show Animals Healthy [Image: girl brushing show pig] This article discusses common diseases in show animals and how to prevent them. Click for more information...