MILK MONEY NEWS
March 21, 2007

Milk Money - a team-based program
for improving milk quality and profitability on Wisconsin Dairies

In This Issue...

Wisconsin's Milk Quality:
A Comparison

Visit Us on the Web
Milk Quality
Dr. Rhoda has an article on Biosecurity and Mastitis
UW Dairy Science
Resources at the University of Wisconsin's Dairy Science Department
Center for Dairy Profitability
Information to enhance your dairy's profitability
Valuable Links
Ag Source
Reporting, Analysis and Educational Center
National Mastitis Council
Information on udder health, milking management and milk quality
Tools
Resources to assist in mastitis and parlor management
Stop and Visit

WPS Farm Show
March 27, 28, 29, 2007 Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Booth D 6760-6761

Wisconsin's Milk Quality - A Comparison

Earlier this year Dr. Ruegg did two SCC comparisons from DHIA records for five peer milk producing states: 1) Average SCC Counts and 2) Percent of Herds Above 400,000.

Points to note in Percent Herds above 400,000:

  • Wisconsin has remained level or reduced the amount of herds with SCC counts greater than 400,000 and leads the way with the fewest herds having cell counts greater than 400,000
  • Minnesota reduced their herd numbers markedly in this category between 2001 and 2004 but since 2005 have begun to trend upward. During that time period they undertook a one time Milk Quality Improvement program similar to Milk Money.
  • California has continued to increase in herds with SCC counts above 400,000

Points to note in Average SCC:

  • Wisconsin has steadily reduced SCC counts
  • Minnesota again showed improvement during their Milk Quality Improvement initiative but numbers are now increasing again
  • California's SCC counts continue to increase

Is Milk Money Responsible for Wisconsin's Trends ?

Don't immediately dismiss the idea. Two points to consider:

1) The table shows the average improvement in Wisconsin dairy herds participating in Milk Money between 2001 and 2004 and clearly indicates a positive trend on an individual herd basis.

Results for MM Herds

 

2) Widespread industry involvement and media attention generated by Milk Money has resulted in greater awareness among Wisconsin's dairy producers on the issues impacting milk quality.

With continued growth and industry-wide support of the Milk Money program, it seems assured that Wisconsin's milk quality will continue to trend to the positive and that Milk Money will play a large part in that trend .

A Facilitation Moment from Ken Bolton

The facilitator's major functions are to encourage and assure participation of all team members, promote mutual understanding among members and foster inclusive solutions to challenges identified by producer goals. Good goals meet the SMART criteria:

  • S - Smart
  • M - Measurable
  • A - Achievable
  • R - Realistic
  • T - Time bound

An effective facilitator also takes advantage of opportunities to teach new thinking and decision making skills. These are the main tenants of facilitator function.

Milk Money Forms

The latest version of Milk Money Team forms are now available on line. Please use the forms found here with any new team that is formed.

Notice that there are some new offerings for producers on the Registration Form, including up to 20 Individual Cow Cultures.

Thanks.

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This newsletter is brought to you by the Milk Quality Team and the Milk Money program in the Department of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin, through the support of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board.