Dairy Month

Celebrating June as "Dairy Month" is very appropriate for Tulare County, since it is the number one county in the nation for cows and milk income. Additionally, the multiplier effect of this income on the local and regional economy is conservatively 4:1. In other words, there are a lot of people living off these cows. This includes wholesale and retail people, various service persons (including myself), and the general consumer public. The above average milk prices in 1998 have allowed most dairies to recover from previous years and prepare for future downsides of dairy product pricing.

On a local basis, milk sales represented 31% (899 million) of the total county agricultural products of 2.9 billion dollars in 1998. The local milk yield was 22% of the California total of 28 billion pounds in 1998 and was 31% of the San Joaquin Valley regional production. The total for Southern California was 23% of California production for last year. Percentage production for other valley counties this past year were, in round numbers, 13, 10, 8, 7, 6, 4 and 2% for Merced, Stanislaus, Kings, San Joaquin, Fresno, Kern and Madera counties, respectively.

On a national basis, the western regional dairy growth continues at an accelerated pace. Regional milk production has jumped 26% in the past 5 years, while other regions are declining or at best stagnant. The southern region dropped 13% in the same 5 years. Meanwhile in the West, cheese production rose 69%, powder was up 29%, and ice cream up 16%. Butter declined 32% during the same period. Back home, the following charts show a historical and current perspective on growth for Tulare County. Hats off to past, present, and future generations of the local dairy industry during Dairy Month and throughout the year.

Total Dairy Herds and Cows in Tulare County

Tulare County Top Ag $$$

Heat Stress

Hot weather is upon us and ways to cool cows to reduce milk loss and reproduction problems are once again the topics of conversation. A number of things can be done to alleviate heat stress on cows. First, improve natural ventilation by subdividing haystacks or relocating them to allow more breeze flow to cow holding areas. Installing misters over corral mangers, fans in free stalls and misters/fans in holding pens are all options. A large sized, low volume, overhead showerhead in the parlor exit lane can be helpful. For details on these ideas contact your local farm advisor, 733-6488.

Toxicity Alert

There have been recent reports of high nitrates in both silage and hay from winter cereals harvested this spring, especially forages harvested in the boot stage. Toxic nitrate levels are given in the following chart and even subtoxic levels can be a problem if not diluted out enough in the TMR!

This past spring has been cooler than normal with more cloud cover. These conditions reduce the plant's normal process of converting nitrate from the soil to protein in the plant. Weather conditions of this type can lead to nitrate accumulation. Nitrate can be pushed even higher where lagoon water or heavy nitrogen applications have been used.

Testing nitrate levels in forages is always a good idea, and this year is essential. Forage samples provide the most information when they are taken from product harvested from different fields or parts of fields that differ in soil type or management. (see table below)

Nitrate Levels in Forages for Cattle
Content of nitrate ion (DM basis) PPM	Content of nitrate nitrogen (DM basis) PPM	Comment
0.0 - 4400	0.0 - 1000	This level is considered safe to feed under all conditions.
4400 - 6600	1000 - 1500	This level should be safe to feed to nonpregnant animals under all conditions. It may be best to limit its use for pregnant animals to 50% of the total ration.
6600 - 8800	1500 - 2000	Feeds safely fed if limited to 50% of the total dry matter in the ration.
8800 - 15400	2000 - 3500	Feeds should be limited to about 35-40% of the total dry matter in the ration. Feeds containing over 8800 nitrate ion should not be used for pregnant animals.
15400 - 17600	3500 - 4000	Feed should be limited to 25% of total dry matter in the ration. Do not use for pregnant animals.
Over 17600	Over 4000	Feeds containing over 17600 nitrate ion or 4000 ppm nitrate nitrogen are potentially toxic. Do not feed.

Table: Nitrate Levels in Forages for Cattle taken from Dairy Tails, Volume 9, Number 9, October 1979, by D. L. Bath, Extension Nutritionist, University of California, Davis.

Consult with your agonomist, lab, nutritionist, and veterinarian for specific interpretation and recommendations or call the farm advisor at 733-6488.

Savings

There are several possibilities to save money on electric bills by special rate programs offered from your utility company. Variable speed drive pumps, motor replacements, and retrofits are among the options to look at. Details and eligibility can be obtained by calling 1-800-634-9175 for Michael Grosser in Southern California Edison or 559-263-5517 for Teresa Hunger in PG&E. For questions on the California Energy Commission loans and incentives, call Liz Boynton at 916-654-4304.