UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A New Resource For Dairy Farmers And Commercial Dairy Heifer Growers, The Penn State Dairy Heifer Reference Guide, Is Now Available.

This compilation of publications from Penn State and other respected sources of agricultural information represents the most complete and up-to-date resource related to dairy heifers in the United States today, according to Jud Heinrichs, professor of dairy and animal science.

"The notebook covers nutrition, management, health, labor issues, housing, reproduction, agronomic and economic components of raising heifers," he says "The resource also includes contract issues for those who are considering raising heifers for other farms."

Heinrichs says many of the components are available at various places on the Web, but the guide consolidates them in one place, saving the user time and effort. The 300-page-plus guide also includes a few for-sale publications not available on the Web. "The binder also features a CD with interactive Excel spreadsheets to help heifer growers monitor growth of heifers and calves, determine body conditioning, and calculate the cost of raising replacement heifers," says Heinrichs. "The program to calculate the cost to raise heifers also includes the cost and benefits of manure produced by heifers. It's the first reference of its kind to actually account for this timely aspect of the farm operation." Order forms for the guide can be found online at http://www.das.psu.edu/dcn/CALFMGT/index.html#refguide.

The price of the guide is $25, plus $5 postage and handling. To order a binder, send a check payable to Penn State Dairy Alliance, 324 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802. For more information about the Penn State Dairy Heifer Reference Guide, contact Michele Moyer, Dairy Alliance program manager, toll-free at 888-373-7232.

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EDITORS: Contact Jud Heinrichs at 814-863-3916 or by e-mail at ajh@psu.edu.

Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877