Bovine Respiratory Disease: How to spot early signs
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...
CentralStar Cooperative scholarship open; applications due June 1
March 1, 2026, WAUPUN, WIS., and LANSING, MICH. — CentralStar Cooperative is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program, offering up to seven 1,000 scholarships to support students pursuing agriculture-related education. Applications must be...
CentralStar Cooperative scholarship open; applications due June 1
CentralStar Cooperative is now accepting applications for its 2026 scholarship program, offering up to seven 1,000 scholarships to support students pursuing agriculture-related education. Applications must be submitted by June 1, 2026, and are available at...
January 2026 DHI ECM Top Herds
Dick Piechowski 2025 Pioneer Award
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...
November 2025 DHI ECM Top Herds
Breeding for the future
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 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
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...
CentralStar opens paid agriculture-internship opportunities for summer 2026
CentralStar Cooperative, which supports dairy and beef producers across the upper Midwest and surrounding states, is now accepting applications for its paid summer 2026 internships. These opportunities give college students hands-on experience in fields such as cattle...
August 2025 DHI ECM Top Herds
November 2024 DHI ECM Top Herds
Gut Check on Gut Health
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...
March 2024 Top DHI ECM Herds
December 2023 Top Herds ECM
Four dairy herds recognized for outstanding reproductive performance
Four herds with 12-month pregnancy rates of 38 percent and greater were recently recognized with the CentralStar Cooperative ReproStar Award. Schmitz East Branch Dairy, Fond du Lac, Wis.; Model Dairy Farms, Dodgeville, Wis; Blue Star Dairy Farms, DeForest, Wis.; and...
CentralStar Big Book 2024
Considering Cow Monitoring Solutions? Discover the Power of Ear Temperature
The world of dairy farming is ever evolving, and more and more – and increasingly smarter – tools are available to add to the on-farm toolbox. For many dairy businesses, it’s no longer a matter of if they’re interested in using innovative technology; it’s become about...
Gary Smith honored as CentralStar’s Pioneer Award recipient
The CentralStar Cooperative Board of Directors, comprised of cooperative member-stockowners from throughout Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, is proud to announce Gary Smith as the recipient of the 2023 Pioneer Award. Established in 1977, the Pioneer Award is a...
November 2023 Top Herds ECM
Mycotoxin Binders: Reducing Nutrient Availability and Neglecting Mycotoxins
Mycotoxin binders (MTB) work by chemical interactions involving cation exchange capacity with various types of bonds and by their physical structure serving as a “net” to in essence “trap” mycotoxin molecules. The bonding and structural properties of traditional MTB...
October 2023 Top Herds ECM
