Southwest Center Research and Demonstration Dairy
Manager of SWC Dairy: Dallas Ross
Farm History: Conversion of 90 acres began in 1998 as a demonstration of an alternative dairy management strategy. Farm began with approximately 50 cows and is in the growth phase to 125 cows. Currently milking 95 U.S. genetics Holstein, Jersey and Cross-bred.
Employees: 3 FTE employees. (1 salaried and 2 union hourly)
Production: 11,000–13,500 lb/cow/yr, depending on research and demonstrations
Milking Facilities: Double 10 parabone Americanized New Zealand style shed
Cows: 95 cows. Cows are U.S. genetics. In 2008 the SWC began breeding to NZ Fresian, Jersey and Cross-bred to develop a portion of the herd for comparison to U.S. genetics. Heifers are bred to sexed U.S. Jersey semen to hasten expansion without purchase of outside cattle.
Breeding: Farm is a seasonal spring calving herd (Feb 5 - April 20)
Farm Layout: 90 effective acres on farm, split up into 2-3 acre paddocks.
Forage System: A mix of perennial ryegrasses and novel fescues are the main forages. Summer annuals in conversion areas.
Fertilizer: Annual nitrogen applied 60-100lb/acre depending on growth rates
Research and Demonstration: Bermuda vs. Caucasian Bluestem; Fescue vs. Perennial Ryegrass; Winter annuals; Summer annuals; Cross-bred versus Holstein versus Jersey: synchronization protocols
Southwest Center Dairy Resources
University of Missouri Pasture-Based Dairy Program
SW Center Dairy Financials - XLS
SW Center Dairy Financials - PDF
SW Center Dairy Milk Checks
SW Center Seasonal Dairy Rations
SW Center Dairy Calendar
SW Center Protocols
SW Center Forage Samples 2007, 2008, and 2009.
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