Learn how to feed a complete, step-by-step nutrition program to deliver on the promise of each newborn calf, her potential as a growing heifer and her performance as a cow by visiting amplicalf.com.
Jim Leick, co-owner of Night Hawk Dairy unlocks the greatness in each calf to support her career in the milking herd.
1. A complete calf nutrition program
There’s no beginning or end on a dairy farm. Great calves grow into great cows and great cows give you great calves. That’s why Jim focuses on feeding his calves with three easy steps.
1. Two gallons of hand-fed colostrum within 24 hours of birth
2. An all-you-can-eat, full-potential milk diet with automatic calf feeders
3. Ample amounts of Purina® AMPLI-CALF® starter and grower
2. Data-driven decisions
The scale is a calf’s best friend at Night Hawk Dairy. Why? Because the Leick’s move calves based on weight, not age. Each heifer’s stats are recorded and progress plotted every 10 days. This data helps Jim better manage calves, track progress and find opportunities to uncover the next ounce of greatness. Some would say data is his passion project.
3. An innovative mindset
From genomic testing to a colostrum pasteurizer, the Leick family invests in what’s best for the calves. No one said technology had to be complicated. In fact, Night Hawk Dairy has found that something as simple as an exercise ball can help reduce stress in group pens. Who knew?
