Grain and stalks left in corn or milo fields after harvest can also provide adequate nutrition for dry cows. Supplementary feed is used in most grass dairies to establish the proper protein to carbohydrate ratio. Go To Top Seasonal dairying Dairying in the U.S. has traditionally produced milk on a year-round basis with a feeding system of silage, hay, and grain. However, seasonal dairying is becoming more popular. It was first practiced in New Zealand where little grain is grown and government subsidies disappeared years ago.
Seasonal systems match the reproductive cycle of the cows to availability of forage.
In seasonal dairying, since all the cows dry off at once, it is not necessary to milk for a couple of months during the year. The idea is to avoid the period of highest cost milk production. Many dairy producers appreciate this rare opportunity for time off from milking, but all must adjust to a period of no income from milk. As more dairies have become seasonal, milk processors have begun indicating that they may dock these producers, especially in certain parts of the country, where there is already an oversupply of milk in the spring of the year. Synchronized breeding is critical to the seasonal dairy.