Low milk prices have plagued the dairy industry for several years. We have seen some improvement in the milk price recently. Dairy producers often feel helpless when prices are low. The farm-gate milk price is predominately driven by the price of butterfat and milk protein. The higher the butterfat and protein, the higher the price for the milk. The question, then, becomes ‘how do we increase butterfat and milk protein levels economically?’
Also, can we increase butterfat and milk protein levels without negatively impacting milk production levels?
Answers to these questions will be offered at the 2020 Central New York Dairy Day program from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 10, 2020, in Cooperstown. The Central NY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team is hosting this event, and a trade show will begin at 10 a.m.
Internationally known researcher Dr. Chuck Schwab will discuss what producers can do to increase milk protein percent. Dr. Tom Overton from Cornell will discuss how producers can increase butterfat levels and Dr. Rick Watters will discuss how producers can keep milk quality high so any quality premiums available can be obtained.
The cost is $30 per person and includes a buffet lunch. For more information or to register, visit cnydfc.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=987. For more information, call Cornell Cooperative Extension Herkimer County at 315.866.7920. Deadline to register is noon Friday, March 6.
The CNYDLFC Team is a CCE partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations in Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Otsego, Saratoga and Schoharie counties.