The Association of Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) recently announced funding for the project. It was one of two "outstanding" proposals awarded a combined $20,000 to bring together land-grant university partners to tackle challenges facing the Northeast.
UVM Animal and Veterinary Sciences Assistant Professor Dr. Kate Creutzinger is the Principal Investigator, and Penn State Extension Dairy Educators Dr. Jessica Mitchell and Emily Fread are Co-Investigators. All three researchers will investigate cow and calf health and management on organic dairy farms using nurse cow rearing systems.
This alternative practice houses calves with lactating cows outside the milking herd rather than separated at birth. Despite the adoption of this practice on some farms in the Northeast, no U.S.-based research on these systems has been published and no evidence-based guidelines exist to inform best management practices.
The team will visit 10 certified organic dairy farms across Vermont and Pennsylvania to collect animal welfare and health data on both cows and calves. And participants are still needed.
Participation would involve a one-time farm visit for the research team to conduct health assessments of cows and calves, plus administer a short questionnaire about the farmers' experiences.
Participating producers will receive $50 and have the opportunity to connect with other dairy farmers rearing calves with cows.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact Kate Creutzinger at 513-218-2721 or Kate.creutzinger@uvm.edu.
