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Why monitoring cow body temperature matters

Why monitoring cow body temperature matters

May 10, 2026 | News, Educational Blog

Today, many dairy producers rely on monitoring systems to track behavior, activity, and other indicators that help identify potential health issues earlier. One physiological factor that plays an important role in animal health is cow body temperature. Because...
Beef on dairy success: ADSA Conference 48 insights

Beef on dairy success: ADSA Conference 48 insights

Apr 29, 2026 | Educational Blog

This year’s Discover Conference brought together more than 200 experts to take a deep dive into the booming beef on dairy sector. With food demand rising and margins tightening, efficiency is critical. Our efforts impact food production, food security, the...
Low bulk-tank SCC doesn’t tell the whole story

Low bulk-tank SCC doesn’t tell the whole story

Apr 3, 2026 | Educational Blog

A herd with a bulk tank somatic cell count (SCC) of 115,000 would be considered a milk quality success by most industry standards. Yet, a look at this 1,000-cow herd, shows cows with an average lactation somatic cell score (SCS) of 4.0 or greater produced 900 fewer...
Reduce Heat Stress Impacts On Reproduction

Reduce Heat Stress Impacts On Reproduction

Mar 17, 2026 | Educational Blog

When temperatures rise, dairy cow performance often drops—but the effects of heat stress go far beyond just a short-term dip in milk. Heat stress triggers physiological challenges that affect milk production, reproduction, rumen health, and even the next generation of...
Bovine Respiratory Disease: How to spot early signs

Bovine Respiratory Disease: How to spot early signs

Mar 4, 2026 | Educational Blog

Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) is one of the most common and costly health problems on dairy farms. It’s also known simply as pneumonia, or “shipping fever”; an acute, stress-related form of BRD that typically develops after a long transport. It isn’t caused by just...
Dick Piechowski 2025 Pioneer Award

Dick Piechowski 2025 Pioneer Award

Dec 8, 2025 | News

CentralStar Cooperative has named Richard “Dick” Piechowski, Waupaca, Wis., as the 2025 Pioneer Award recipient, honoring his decades of leadership and lasting impact on the cooperative and its members. Established in 1977, the award recognizes individuals whose...
Breeding for the future

Breeding for the future

Nov 30, 2025 | Educational Blog

Located in Waunakee, Wis., Maier Farms is a multi-generational dairy committed to cow longevity and team-driven success. Honored as one of CentralStar’s ReproStar Award winners in 2025, the farm has achieved impressive statistics, including a 42% pregnancy rate, 73%...
Your milk check tells a story

Your milk check tells a story

Nov 23, 2025 | Educational Blog

Your milk check isn’t just a number, it reflects cow health, herd management, and genetics. Producers often point to above-average components, low SCC, and residue-free milk as hallmarks of quality.¹ These traits are more than “nice to have,” they drive milk quality...
Keeping rations on point

Keeping rations on point

Nov 7, 2025 | Educational Blog

Your DHI records are more than just numbers, they’re a roadmap for ration and herd management. Butterfat, protein, and the fat-to-protein ratio give early warnings when things aren’t balanced, letting you act before production or cow health suffers. By regularly...
Gut Check on Gut Health

Gut Check on Gut Health

Jun 7, 2024 | Educational Blog, New

Cows thrive on consistency, preferring the same reliable meal daily. However, adjusting to this steady diet can be challenging for the gut health of fresh cows. What can be done to help with this adjustment? Include a nutritional supplement that supports gut health...