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DAIRY ST R
President Trump signs off on USMCA
Trade agreement to create level playing eld for dairy By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dairy organizations across the nation echoed their support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement as President Donald Trump signed a bill to implement the trade deal Jan. 29, at the White House in Washington. “On behalf of dairy farmers, we are extremely grateful to get to this point,” Bob Huffman said. “This is a big win for farmers and the dairy industry as a whole.” Huffman is the CEO of First District Association based in Litcheld, Minnesota. The agreement, which was accepted by Mexico’s government last year also, now awaits Canada lawmakers’ approval to take effect. “I’m looking forward to it being signed and done,” said dairy farmer Pat Lunemann. “When (Canada raties it), maybe then we can get back to a new normal.” Lunemann and his wife, Jody, milk 850 cows and run 1,600 acres of land at Twin Eagle Dairy in Todd County near Clarissa, Minnesota. The Lunemanns’ youngest son, Alex, also farms with them. The purpose of the new trade agreement is to modernize and rebalance components of the North American Free Trade Agreement as both Canada and Mexico continue to be critical destinations for United States’ agricultural exports. In 2018, Canada accounted for 34% of U.S. agricultural goods exported to free trade agreement partners and Mexico 30%, according to the Ofce of the United States Trade Representative. Turn to USMCA | Page 5
February 8, 2020
“All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 21, No. 24
Happily ever after on the farm Hebigs build life as fourth-generation dairy producers By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
LITTLE FALLS, Minn. – For Adam and Hanna Hebig, dairy farming has not only solidied their love for the industry and a familial career but also their affection for one another. “We’re together working on the farm all the time,” Hanna said. “And, I still get butteries for him.” The young couple milks 100 cows with Adam’s uncle, Peter Fussy, at Fussy Family Farm near Little Falls. Adam and Hanna are the fourth generation on the farm, and they are raising the fth generation – Adeline, 18 months, and Henry, 6 months. Days begin at 5 in the morning for the Hebigs. Within the hour, the couple and their small children are at the dairy farm,
Turn to HEBIGS | Page 7
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Hanna and Adam Hebig talk about their plans for the day Feb. 3 at the couple’s 100-cow dairy near Li�le Falls, Minnesota. The Hebigs dairy farm with Adam’s uncle, Peter Fussy.
Neighborly assistance
Vaughans feel welcomed to South Dakota By Jerry Nelson
jerry.n@dairystar.com
BANCROFT, S.D. – The Vaughan family admits that moving to an area states away from family has been tough; however, the kindness of neighbors has made the transition more bearable. “We wouldn’t be here without all of the support from our neighbors,” Kenn Vaughan said. “I hope to nd a way to pay them back someday.” Vaughan and his wife, Rebecca, who now have four children, Klaytonn, 7, Sophia, 5, Jethro, 2, and Autumn, 4 months, left their family’s dairy farm in New York and moved September 2017 to Bancroft to fulll
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
Klaytonn, 7, and Kenn Vaughan stand in the freestall barn on their dairy farm near Bancro�, South Dakota. Neighbors have helped the Vaughans get a foothold in dairying by assis�ng with manure hauling and selling them silage.
a dream to start a dairy farm of their own. From the very beginning, nothing went as planned for the Vaughans and their 100-cow herd. “Anything that could happen did happen,” Vaughan said. “Our loader tractor broke down with a bad injector pump, so I had to feed the cows in a blizzard using an open cab skid loader. We had three weeks of below zero weather and all of the manure in the barn froze. The herd of cows that we bought were accustomed to a pasture system and didn’t want to lie in the free stalls. Our cull rate was a lot higher than expected.” On top of it all, the price the Vaughans received for their milk went into a nosedive. “Our milk price began to drop in January of 2018 and continued to fall,” Vaughan said. “We struggled to pay our bills. It was tough. I was stressed out. Turn to VAUGHANS | Page 6
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
ISSN 020355 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) 352-5647 Published by Dairy Star LLC General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake - mark.k@dairystar.com 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition Nancy Powell 320-352-6303 nancy.p@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Editorial Staff Krista Kuzma - Editor/Wisconsin (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Andrea Borgerding - Associate Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com Stacey Smart - Staff Writer (262) 442-6666 • stacey.s@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Advertising Sales Main Ofce: 320-352-6303 Fax: 320-352-5647 Deadline is 5 p.m. of the Friday the week before publication Sales Manager - Joyce Frericks 320-352-6303 • joyce@dairystar.com Bob Leukam (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-1248 (cell) bob.l@star-pub.com Mark Klaphake (Western MN) 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (National Advertising, SE MN) 507-250-2217 fax: 507-634-4413 laura.s@dairystar.com Jerry Nelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) 605-690-6260 jerry.n@dairystar.com Mike Schafer (Central, South Central MN) 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com Amanda Hoeer (Eastern Iowa) 320-250-2884 • amanda.h@dairystar.com Julie Barnes (SE WI and Northern IL) julie.b@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@dairystar.com Ashley Curry (Northeast WI and Upper MI) 920-539-7268 • ashley.c@dairystar.com Deadlines The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Subscriptions One year subscription $35.00, outside the U.S. $110.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Advertising Our ad takers have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute nal acceptance of the advertiser's order. Letters Letters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters must be signed and include address and phone number. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. The views and opinions expressed by Dairy Star columnists and writers are not necessarily those of the Dairy Star LLC.
The Dairy Star is published semi-monthly by Dairy Star, LLC, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sauk Centre, MN and additional mailing ofces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246.
A glance at the other side
Among all the stories found in our newspaper, it might be hard to believe there are more stories to read each issue. Dairy Star likes to provide local stories, which is why we have two versions of the paper. While the majority of the features are the same, there are many stories in their respective coverage areas that are different. Want to read stories in the other version of the paper? Find full editions on our website, www.dairystar.com and click on the e-edition tab under the Dairy Star header. Here are a few highlights from stories you will not nd in this paper, but you can nd online in zone 2. From teen employee to farm owner Jim Grotjan fell in love with dairy farming at the age of 15 when he began working at a dairy farm near Eagle, Wisconsin. Years later, he would nd his way back to this farm and become its owner. During his journey, Grotjan bought cows and rented facilities until the opportunity to purchase his rst place of employment came about. He now milks 200 cows with his wife, Michele, after making numerous improvements to the dairy. Scanlans found happiness just across the road Even though they grew up on farms just across the road from each other, life led both Tim and Amy Scanlan their separate ways before bringing them to each other. After several years of developing a business relationship that turned into friendship, they fell in love and married, and are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary this month. Together they’ve elded the curveballs that life has thrown them, relying on their faith, family and love for each other while farming together near Fennimore, Wisconsin. Public service, dairy farming a way of life Public service and dairy farming make up the fabric of Lynn Kirschbaum, his son Tyler and daughter-in-law Kayla’s lives. The three are all members of the Glen Haven Volunteer Fire Department and First Responders, with Lynn serving over 20 years as the department’s chief. Tyler also works as a dispatcher for the Grant County Sheriff’s Department. Their transition to robotic milkers three years ago has given the family more exibility to pursue their love of public service in their hometown, Glen Haven, Wisconsin. The good, the bad, the unknowns of robots Many dairy producers are looking to robotic options to help deal with labor issues and increase efciencies on their dairy farms. Three central Wisconsin dairymen shared their experiences at a UW-Extension workshop held last month in Abbotsford, Wisconsin. From challenges faced to successes earned, from the planning and funding, to building and transitions, and the years after, the three each spoke candidly about what they have learned through their individual robotic journeys.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists
Pages 10 - 11 Second Section
Bon Yankton Homme
Clay
Lyon
O’Brien
Sioux
Country Cooking
First Section: Pages 1, 6
Page 22 Second Section
Monona
Palo Alto
e Buena Vista
Ida
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Sac
Harrison Shelby
nt
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DeWitt
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Kanabec
Washington
Ra
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Mitchell Howard Floyd
Guthrie
Dallas
Polk
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Story
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Bremer Black Hawk
Tama
Jasper
Kirckofs race sleds in pastime
Houston
aw
as
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Ch
Wright Franklin Butler
Boone
Fayette
First Section: Pages 34 - 35
Clayton
an
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Bu
Benton
Dela
Jones
Linn
Iowa
Madison Warren Marion Mahaska Keokuk
Adair
Taylor
Union old
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Brown Swiss 12-yearold is Franck family favorite Second Section: Pages 8 - 9
Worth
Hancock Cerro Gordo
old
mb
Hu
Greene
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Page
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Grundy un Webster Hamilton Hardin
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Mon
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Kossuth
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Pottawattamie Cass
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Crawford Carroll
Mills
Zone 1
Clay
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Woodbury
n inso Emmet
Dick
Au
Vaughans feel welcomed to South Dakota
Hubbard
Osceola
Plymouth
Bancroft
Wadena
Wilkin ln
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Lin
Fillimore
Mower
e
Turner
Freeborn
Faribault
Martin
iek
Hutchinson
Jackson
ake
Charles Mix
Nobles
Winona
sh
Douglas
Gregory
Rock
Belgrade
Wabasha
Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted
am
Tripp
McCook Minnehaha
Murray
ne
Todd
n
Ha
Moody
Goodhue
Rice
All
Mellette
n so
Lake
Nicollet
Brown
Clinton n Cedar
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Jo
Clarke
Lucas
Decatur Wayne
Monroe Wapello
A
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Jef
Van Buren
Jackson
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Muscatine
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Aurora
Miner
Redwood
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Brule
Sanborn
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W in
Lyman
Jerauld
Kingsbury
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Scott
Sibley
Lyon
hin
Buffalo
Beadle
Carver
Wa s
Hamlin
Hand
Hennepin
McLeod
Renville
Yellow Medicine
sh iek
Hyde
Deuel
Anoka
Wright
Meeker
Chippewa
Lac Qui Parle
Codington
Clark
Kandiyohi
Isanti
Po we
Jones
Hughes
Spink
Sherburne
Swift
Grant
Benton
Stearns
Pope
eu r
Stanley
Stevens
First Section: Page 23
Pine
Mille Lacs
Morrison
Douglas
Farmers gather to hear plan to battle dairy crisis
Carlton
Todd Grant
Greenwald
Aitkin
Crow Wing
Su
Faulk
Otter Tail
Big Stone
Day
Cass
n
Edmunds
Potter Sully
The “Mielke” Market Weekly
Roberts
Marshall
McPherson
Ziebach
Bennett
Sargent
Lake
go
Dewey
Haakon
Richland
Cook
Itasca
Becker
Clay
Brown Walworth
no
Mah
Ransom
Dickey
Koochiching
isa Ch
Shannon
Cass
Tra ver se
Campbell
Corson
Page 33 First SectionJackson
Fall River
Bames
LaMoure
McIntosh
Sioux
Come Full PenningtonCircle
Custer
Stutsman
Emmons
Page 32 First Section Meade
Lawrence
Kidder
men
Lincoln
Grant
Perkins
Butte
Polk
Trail
Steele
First Section: Pages 1, 7
St. Louis
Red Lake
Norman Burleigh
Logan
Adams Veterinary Wisdom
Making Cents of Dairy
Griggs
Morton
Page 31 First Section
Harding
Foster
Beltrami
Pipestone
Bowman
Wells
Sheridan
Hebigs build life as fourth-generation dairy producers
Lake of the Woods
Pennington
Grand Forks
Eddy
McLean
Roseau
Marshall
Benson
n
Slope
Page 30 First Section Hettinger
Walsh
Nelson
Oliver
Stark
Kittson
io
Golden Valley
McHenry
First Section: Page 39
Pembina
Ramsey
Mercer
Dear County Agent Guy Dunn
Billings
Pierce
On Mountrail the Road with PrincessWard Kay Page 27 First Section
Cavalier
Towner
Third Section: Page 7
Un
McKenzie
Rolette
Da vi so n
Williams
Bottineau
Little Falls
Dairy Prole: Mark Ainali
bo
First Section: Pages 37 - 38
Page 26 Renville First BurkeSection
Grey Eagle
Dairy’s Star Youth: James Minten
FSA News & Notes
Divide
Perham
du
Heart for Dairy
Le
Carrington
Pages 8-9 First Section
Clearwater
Ag Insider
Scott
Dennison
Heart for Dairy
First Section: Pages 37 - 38
Louisa
Henry Des
Moines
Lee
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE: What is your favorite winter hobby? First Section: Pages 15 - 16
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 5
ConƟnued from USMCA | Page 1 There are several areas within agriculture that will benet from USMCA. Dairy, in particular, will see signicant improvements. Within six months of USMCA becoming effective, Canada is to eliminate their Class 6 and 7 milk prices. This ensures the price for skim milk solids used to produce nonfat dry milk, milk protein concentrates and infant formula is no lower than the base price of nonfat dry milk from the United States. The northern country will also apply export penalties of those designated dairy products over certain quantity thresholds. “Resolving Class 7 in Canada is huge,” Huffman said. “As a cooperative, and an industry as a whole, this really opens up markets that are absolutely necessary for us.”
“As a cooperative, and an industry as a whole, this really opens up markets that are absolutely necessary for us.” BOB HUFFMAN, FIRST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
The agreement also provides unprecedented market access for American dairy products to Canada in addition to the current dairy exports, which accounted for $619 million in 2017. Those products include uid milk, cheese, cream, skim milk powder, butter and cream powder, concentrated and condensed milk, yogurt and buttermilk, powdered buttermilk, products of natural milk constituents, ice cream and ice cream mixes, whey, and others. South of the border, the agreement is set to protect commonly named cheeses and ensure a customer base into the future. This means Mexico will not restrict U.S. cheese solely based on the name. “The global demand for exports to
North America is signicant, and the U.S. needs to be a part of that and on fair terms,” Huffman said. “There’s no other country in the world that has the quality and production scale as the U.S. has, and to be able to be on a level playing eld in global market enables us to go after the demand that’s out there.” Yet, the agreement’s implementation does not come without fear from farmers. “I hope that it was worth the pain we as farmers felt from the tariff battle,” Lunemann said. “In order to keep selling our products there, someone had to pay for the tariffs. Fortunately, Mexico did not abandon us, but us farmers took a reduced price to make up for the tariff difference.” USMCA also includes modernized standards for sanitary measures and transportation, addresses biotechnologies to support 21st century agriculture innovations, and eliminates Canada’s discriminatory grading of U.S. wheat, among other key achievements. Once fully implemented, USMCA is expected to increase U.S. agricultural exports to the world by $2.2 billion, according to an analysis by the United States International Trade Commission. The true impact of the agreement will be seen in time as the North American countries delve into uncharted trade territory. “It will take time to gure out the macroeconomic effect USMCA will have on our industry,” Lunemann said. “Since (the North American Free Trade Agreement) was initiated in 1994, U.S. agriculture has beneted greatly. My hope is that our negotiators made some gains as we need signicant dairy exports in order for our milk price to be strong.” Huffman agreed. “If you look at overall milk consumption and our production in the U.S., the absolute future of U.S. dairy relies on global exports,” he said. “When we talk about our ability for market growth, any trade deal – this or China – will create a signicant impact for the future of our farmers and what we can do as processors.”
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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
ConƟnued from VAUGHANS | Page 1
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But then I realized that I couldn’t do anything about certain things, so I made up my mind to simply be grateful for what we have. I get to be here with my family every day and do what I love which is dairy farming.” By September 2018, the Vaughans were facing a grim reality. They needed to buy corn for silage but lacked the funds. They approached several lenders and were turned down. “I was talking with some of our neighbors about our silage situation and was put in touch with Darcy Penning who has a beef operation located a few miles away,” Vaughan said. “Darcy PHOTO SUBMITTED agreed to sell us truckloads of silage on a pay- The Vaughan family – (front, from leŌ) Klaytonn, 7, Soas-you-go basis. That got phia, 5, and Jethro, 2; (back, from leŌ) Rebecca holding us through until March. Autumn, 4 months, and Kenn – milk 100 cows near BanThen we entered into a croŌ, South Dakota. In 2017, the Vaughans moved from similar arrangement with New York. Fast Dairy located near Iroquois.” The Vaughan family continues to west some months later to check out dairy work with and depend upon their neigh- farms, he had seen a dairy online for sale near Bancroft. It was the 25-acre dairy bors. “One big difference I’ve noticed be- farm previously operated by Dave and tween New York and South Dakota is how Debbie Weaver. “I got in touch with Dave, and we were kind and helpful people are out here,” Vaughan said. “We have gotten a lot of eventually able to make a deal,” Vaughan useful insight and advice from locals. Our said. “Then came the hard part which was neighbors have made it a pleasure to be nding nancing.” Using the equity he had built up in his here. We have met some great people, such as Lynn Hoitsma, who have been very en- house, Vaughan was able to obtain a loan couraging. It has been a struggle, but ev- by working with the Farm Service Agency eryone we do business with has been un- and First Financial Bank of Louisville, derstanding. We wouldn’t be here without Kentucky. “It all fell into place,” Vaughan said. their help.” It was a big leap of faith to leave their “We sold our house Sept. 18, 2017, and we moved here Sept. 19, 2017.” home. Now that milk prices have improved, Vaughan grew up on the 500-cow dairy farm owned and operated by his the Vaughans are looking forward to parents, David and Susan Vaughan. Their what is ahead for their dairy. They have farm is located at Penn Yan, a small town increased their herd’s milk production, situated in the Finger Lakes Region of which was 40 pounds per head per day at the start, to 64 pounds per head per day New York. “I have three brothers and two sisters now. “I truly believe that if you work hard, who are older than me, so I knew that I didn’t stand much of a chance to take over you will succeed,” Vaughan said. The Vaughans are grateful to be able the operation from my parents,” Vaughan to secure their place in the dairy industry. said. “We love it out here,” Rebecca said. However, Vaughan knew he wanted a future in the industry, so he set a lofty goal “We love it that our kids get to grow up on a dairy farm where they can experience for himself at a young age. “When I was in high school, I decided farm life and learn responsibility and the that I wanted to be a dairy farmer by the value of hard work.” The Vaughan family is currently maktime I was 30,” he said. After completing high school, ing plans for some major changes. “Paul and Rachel and their kids want Vaughan began to work in the constructo join the operation,” Vaughan said. “We tion industry and was often the jobsite foreman. He also continued to help out on hope to build a house here for Paul and his family and double the size of our herd to his parents’ farm. “I bought my rst house when I was 200 head. Paul has mechanical skills, and 19,” Vaughan said. “I xed it up over the I have my construction background, so we make a great team. We think alike and have years and built up sweat equity.” the same goals. All of my brothers and I Then he met his future wife. “Kenn’s brother, Paul, who was dat- have a knack for nding a way to make ing my sister, Rachel, introduced me to things work. I am optimistic that Paul will Kenn when we were in high school,” Re- be able to move out here by March.” Looking out at the far horizon, becca said. Paul and Rachel are also married and Vaughan sees even more opportunities for growth and improvement. have three young children. “Our goal is to someday have a closed When it became clear to Vaughan that his parents were starting the process of herd and grow it from within,” Vaughan turning over their dairy to Jason, Vaughan said. “We have started to use sexed semen decided it was time to pursue his dream of and are using sires that carry the A2/A2 trait. If we decide to add onto our facilities having his own dairy farm. “In the summer of 2015, we ew out someday, Paul and I have the skills to do to Minnesota to look at some dairies in most of the work ourselves.” The Vaughan family is glad to have the Milaca area,” Vaughan said. “We also looked at dairy farms in Wisconsin but found a new dairy farm home in South Dacouldn’t nd anything that seemed like a kota. “Despite all the stress and the strugt for us.” gle, I’m happy to be here,” Vaughan said. When Vaughan drove out to the Mid-
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 7
ConƟnued from HEBIGS | Page 1 and they prepare to milk the cows. “The kids are with us all the time,” Adam said. “As Hanna and I milk, most of the time Adeline likes to sit in the swing we have in the alleyway, and Henry sleeps.” After the Hebigs make their way through the barn, Hanna feeds calves while Adam tends to other chores on the farm. They go their separate ways for a time – Adam continuing work on the dairy with his uncle and Hanna returning home with the children – before meeting again in the afternoon for chores and milking. “Some people really get annoyed working with their spouse, but I’m always thinking about what I can do, or what we can do, to be there for each other,” Adam said. Hanna agreed. “Farming together was always a fun idea, and then when I was pregnant we really wanted to be able to bring the kids with us to the farm,” she said. “With Adam as the fourth generation on the farm, it means a lot to him to raise his kids this way.” The Hebigs met a few years ago after both Hanna’s co-worker and friend encouraged her to meet Adam. At the time, Hanna was working at Rainbow Acres LLC and co-managing its calf facility. “My co-manager told me one day that her husband wanted me to meet this Adam guy, but I wasn’t interested,” she said. “Then, a few weeks later, I got this message from my friend saying I should meet this guy. It was Adam.” With two people in agreement, Hanna decided to entertain the idea of meeting Adam. “When I knew she was kind of interested, I sent her a Facebook message and it went from there,” Adam said. The couple had their rst date at the
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Hanna Hebig introduces a calf to her daughter, Adeline, 18 months, at the family’s dairy near LiƩle Falls, Minnesota. Hanna and her husband, Adam, enjoy raising their two children on the farm. area outdoor theatre where they talked through both movie showings and continued conversation as Adam dropped off Hanna afterwards. Adam and Hanna’s mutual interest in farming was apparent. “We had many dates in the tractor,” Hanna said. “And, I even met his extended family while helping chop silage.” Adam laughed, agreeably. “It didn’t take long for me to realize she was the one,” he said. During their courtship, Hanna attended Ridgewater College for veterinary technology. She then took a job at the clinic in Pierz before becoming a part of
the family farm operation in December 2018. Now, Hanna’s specialty on the dairy is calf care. “I don’t take care of the calves like she does,” Adam said. “Hanna is such a hard worker and she cares.” The couple agreed that farming has brought them closer together and is an occupation they enjoy doing with one another. Adam and Hanna take the vast amount of time they spend together as an opportunity to talk about and make decisions for the dairy. “Farming and farming with your
spouse isn’t all peaches and roses, but I still don’t want to be doing anything else,” Hanna said. In working alongside her husband, Hanna has realized the importance of being exible and dealing with issues as they come about. She relies on Adam to be a voice of reason in stressful situations. “I’ve always been a planner, and I’ve learned I tend to panic at times when Adam is very calm and can think things through,” Hanna said. “He’s very positive and knows things will get better.” While the Hebigs cherish their time at the dairy, they recognize the need to spend time off the farm, too. Once a year they plan a trip, just Adam and Hanna, and also make a point to spend time with the children as a family. Throughout the summer, the couple also goes four-wheeling with friends. Hanna has always liked hunting, so Adam helps her scope out a good location for her deer stand and setup for the season. “You have to take time to reconnect with each other,” Adam said. “And you can’t stop learning about your spouse.” Hanna agreed. “We need to take time for ourselves to be a couple,” she said. “It’s important for us to step away and not be parents of two under 2, not be Mom and Dad, or employees, to just be us.” As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Hebigs are reecting on their journey as a couple and all they have accomplished – and hope to accomplish moving forward with their young children and the dairy farm at the center of it all. “It’s hard to comprehend all we’ve done since we were married,” Adam said. “It’s so fun to watch the kids grow up on the dairy, and we’re closer as a couple because we farm together.”
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Dairy industry seeks increased market access Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
In recent months, the United States has negotiated possible deal between Dean Foods and Dairy Farmers trade deals with Japan, China, Mexico and Canada. of America. Dean Foods is seeking bankruptcy Speaking at the Dairy Forum in Scottsdale, Arizona, protection and there is speculation DFA is interested International Dairy Foods Association President and in a portion of their business. Antitrust ofcials are CEO Michael Dykes said more trade agreements considering the impact that deal would have on are needed. In particular, Dykes cited farmers and retailers. Ag Insider the countries that were part of the TransPacic Partnership. “Our competitors are Starbucks sustainability strategy aggressive in getting trade agreements targets dairy and we need trade agreements to give us To be more sustainable, the Starbucks market access and a level playing eld so coffee chain plans to offer more plantwe can compete.” based options. That includes a move away from dairy products. Starbucks claims the dairy industry is a major contributor to Trump signs the U.S.-Mexico-Canada its carbon footprint. Dairy Management Agreement Inc. responded, saying dairy can be part Farmers and ranchers of the sustainability story. Over the past surrounded President Donald Trump ten years, DMI said the environmental at the White House as he signed the By Don Wick impact from producing a gallon of milk U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. Other Columnist involves more than 30 percent less water, industries, U.S. lawmakers and ofcials 21 percent less land and a 20 percent from Mexico and Canada were also represented. “They said it was too complicated, too smaller carbon footprint. big and it couldn’t be done. We got it done,” Trump said. “We’re nally ending the NAFTA nightmare EPA replaces the Waters of the United States Rule The Environmental Protection Agency replaced and signing into law the brand new USMCA.” Trump went on to say the agreement is a breakthrough for the Waters of the United States Rule. The new American agriculture. “Canada will nally provide Navigable Waters Protection Rule claries federal and greater access for American dairy. It (the USMCA) state protected waters. There are four categories of will grow annual exports to our neighbors by an jurisdictional waters under federal protection. Those estimated $315 million.” The Canadian parliament include territorial and traditional navigable waters, intermittent tributaries, certain lakes and ponds and now needs to ratify the agreement. wetlands adjacent to jurisdictional waters. The new rule outlines the waters not subject to federal control. Seeking trade deal with EU While in Davos, Switzerland for the World They include water that is in direct response to rain, Economic Forum, President Donald Trump said he groundwater, many ditches, including most farm and would like to nalize a trade deal with the European roadside ditches, and prior converted cropland. The Union before the 2020 election. With numerous EPA said all states have their own protections for protectionist policies in Europe, Trump admitted it waters within their borders. will not be easy to get a deal with the EU. Farm bureau sets 2020 policy priorities Delegates to the 101st American Farm Bureau DOJ investigates potential dairy deal The Department of Justice is investigating a Federation convention nalized policy priorities
for the year ahead. AFBF Vice President Scott VanderWal, who farms at Volga, South Dakota, said the decisions made by members address important issues facing the American farmer. “Our members are looking for economic opportunity to succeed. Trade continues to be a major focal point for us to provide a level playing eld.” Voting delegates updated labor and immigration policies, emphasizing signicant changes to the H-2A program. After a year-long process to review ways to modernize Federal Milk Marketing Orders, AFBF’s delegates also voted to support creation of a exible, farmer- and industry-led milk management system. “The lack of protability has been pretty severe and long standing for the dairy industry,” VanderWal said. Other key policy areas include conservation compliance, hemp, rural broadband and climate change research. A small bump in U.S. milk output Milk production in the 24 major dairy states totaled 17.4 billion pounds in December, up 0.9 percent from last year. In Minnesota, the size of the dairy herd declined 5,000 head and milk production is down 0.1 percent. South Dakota’s dairy herd grew by 5,000 head and the milk output increased nearly 4 percent. Seeking FDA action on labeling A bipartisan group of lawmakers has sent a letter to the Food and Drug Administration, seeking action on the use of dairy terms for non-dairy products. Under former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, the FDA began a process dening what could be labeled as a dairy product. That included a public comment period, which has wrapped up. The letter asks the FDA to move quickly to address the mislabeling of non-dairy products, like soy or almond milk. Kemps to shutdown operations at Rochester milk plant Kemps plans to discontinue operations at its Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 9
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 Rochester, Minnesota milk processing plant in June. This announcement follows a decision by the owner of the plant, Associated Milk Producers Incorporated, to suspend operations and sell the facility. Kemps leases a portion of that plant. Edge Co-op elects ofcer team A Hatley, Wisconsin dairy farmer has been elected to the Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative board. Heidi Fischer will serve a three year term. Brody Stapel of Cedar Grove, Wisconsin will serve another term as president. Todd Doornink of Baldwin, Wisconsin is vice president and Mitch Davis of Belle Plaine, Minnesota is the treasurer. Jim Winn of South Wayne will remain as board secretary and Michael Crinion of Estelline, South Dakota is a director. AgriGrowth Board elects new executive committee Rod Hebrink, who is president/ CEO with Compeer Financial Services,
has been elected chair of the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council. Hebrink succeeds Pat Lunemann of Twin Eagle Dairy. Tom Wegner of Land O’Lakes was elected vice chair. Jake Hamlin of CHS is secretary and Sheryl Meshke of Associated Milk Producers Inc. is treasurer. Trivia challenge Calcium is the mineral in milk that is critical for healthy bones and teeth. That answers our last trivia question. For this week, what fast food chain has a menu item called the Blizzard? We’ll have the answer in the next edition of Dairy Star. Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two adult sons, Tony and Sam, and ve grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.
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DALLAS, Wis. – From before the sun rises to long after it sets, Dority Valley Dairy is a busy place and the responsibilities are vast. Luckily, the help is aplenty. Three generations make up the workforce on the Barron County dairy. Together, Darryl Young and his wife, Barb, work in a 50-50 partnership with their son and daughterin-law, Brent and Tara, milking 110 registered Jerseys near Dallas. The Youngs’ granddaughter and Brent and Tara’s niece, Riah Young, also works full time on the farm. “I’m kind of spoiled,” Darryl said. “There aren’t too many people who get that privilege anymore.” Brent agreed.
“All three of us get to the farm each morning and we have our routine. Everyone has their position and post, and it works pretty well.” BRENT YOUNG, DAIRY FARMER
“All three of us get to the farm each morning and we have our routine,” he said. “Everyone has their position and post, and it works pretty well.” The Youngs begin their mornings at 4:30. They milk in a three-row 90-stall tiestall barn, each taking a row. Once milking is complete, Darryl washes the milkhouse as Brent and Riah feed the cows and youngstock. As the days go on, the family works together to complete tasks at hand, such as seasonal eldwork and on-farm maintenance, before evening chores bring them back to the barn. “This is all about seeing the family work together,” said Barb, who does the farm’s bookkeeping and drives tractor. The Youngs’ rich dairy career began in 1971. Darryl purchased a small herd of registered Jerseys for his family’s farm, where his dad raised sheep and also worked as a carpenter. Four years later, when Darryl graduated high school, he formed a partnership with his father, and they created Dority Valley Dairy. Over the years, the dairy continued to expand and change partners as Darryl’s father retired and his son returned home from vocational school.
Since 2005, Darryl and Brent have worked in partnership and developed a long-lasting business plan. “As we expanded, Brent and I would brainstorm, have a family discussion and away we would go,” Darryl said. For the past year, Riah has also been a part of the farm’s core as a full-time employee. However, her exposure to the farm began at a young age and was throughout her childhood. “What really cinched the deal was the day before she started kindergarten and she wanted to hang out at the farm,” Darryl said. “That night, she went home and told her mom that Grandpa and Uncle Brent said she didn’t have to go to school. She could just farm full time.” Riah agreed. “I was here so much as a kid; I have a great relationship with Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Brent and Aunt Tara,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed being on the farm.” The 20-year-old started working part time at the dairy in middle school. Then, after high school graduation there was an opportunity for Riah to work alongside her family. And it was a relief for everyone. “There was no shortage of work when Riah came back,” Brent said. “I think we were all thankful. It made the workload a little better.” The consistency, yet diversity, of each day keeps Riah enjoying being part of the family farm. “You have your routine in the barn, but most days you don’t do the same thing over and over. It’s a change of pace,” she said. “Since coming back full time I’ve learned a lot of new stuff.” The Youngs are a progressive group of farmers. Not only do Darryl and Brent teach Riah the mechanics of dairying, they also work together for the betterment of the farm. Darryl’s receptiveness to new ways of dairy farming is a philosophy his father displayed. “I’ve always told my kids that if they nd a better way to do it, then go ahead. If you’re going to see the next generation come in, someone has to let go of the reigns a little bit,” Darryl said. “That was the one thing my dad did. When we built an addition on the barn, he told me to build it how I wanted because I was going to be running it.” Most recently, the Youngs put in a stationary TMR system accompanied with a feed room. It was a collaborative idea between Darryl and Brent, and one all family members could agree matched the design of the old barn. Such changes to the farm have paid off. The Turn to YOUNGS | Page 11
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 11
ConƟnued from YOUNGS | Page 10
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Riah Young prepares to milk a cow Jan. 27 at her family’s dairy farm near Dallas, Wisconsin. Young works on the farm full-Ɵme with her uncle, Brent, and grandfather, Darryl.
550 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and rye. Since the dairy’s inception nearly 50 years ago, the Youngs have established a thriving family farm. As Darryl thinks about his farm’s progress, he feels grateful for the business that has been built and the three generations invested in its fuDARRYL YOUNG, DAIRY FARMER ture. “To look back to where the farm While the partnership is equally shared between Darryl and Brent, started from and where it’s today; it’s Brent has taken the initiative to invest all because everybody worked together and everybody has always had a little in land and equipment for the farm. Together, the family runs roughly input in this,” he said. closed herd boasts a rolling herd average of 18,500 pounds of milk with 5% butterfat and 3.7% protein. “The components have been a big plus for us,” Darryl said.
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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
FARM 4.0 puts focus on pre-weaned calves
New standards address disbudding, pain mitigation
He and his wife, Chelsea, milk 1,000 cows with Chelsea’s family – parents Mike and Sandi Zirbel, and brother Jordan – at Zirbel Dairy Farms LLC. The Scheiders’ three children – Owen, 14, Olivia, 11, and Evelyn, 8 – are the sixth generation on the WisBy Jennifer Coyne consin dairy. jenn@dairystar.com Over the course of a year, DE PERE, Wis. – Jan. 1 Scheider and fellow members was the start of a new year and of the advisory council helped new standards for dairy farm- develop new standards and improve already established ones ers across the country. In its fourth version, the for FARM 4.0. The standards are separatNational Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Manage- ed into written protocols and ment Program hones on ani- actions amongst animal groups on the farm. Then, within each mal welfare practices category, standards are and record keeping, supplemented with a particularly within timeline of when they pre-weaned calf promust be implemented. tocols on farms. For most writ“As new areas of ten protocols of preresearch are available weaned calves, stanand better managedards were moved ment practices are from continuous imevolving, we wanted provement plans to to develop protocols Kris Scheider mandatory corrective to help our calves get Dairy farmer action plans, meaning off to a better start,” Kris Scheider said. “These ani- such standards have to be esmals are valuable assets on any tablished within the next nine farm, and it’s best for the in- months. Previously, farmers dustry to use our best practices could implement the written protocols over the course of when raising them.” Scheider is the vice chair three years. The only new standard to of the FARM Farmer Advisory Council and dairy farms in written protocols is pain mitigation for disbudding which Brown County near De Pere.
DAIRY STAR FILE PHOTO
A calf is offered free-choice water. Under FARM 4.0, all pre-weaned calves must have access to clean, fresh water by day 3. was created as a continuous improvement plan. Of the seven practice standards, ve were developed with this version of FARM. “There was a lot of discussion in the council about preweaned calves,” Scheider said.
“We needed to nd solutions that were good for everybody.” Duane Laveau agreed. “We all realized education is important, and it’s important to be able to show the public how we take care of our animals,” he said.
Laveau serves on the council with Scheider. He and his wife, Doreen, milk 65 cows with their son, Paul, in Carlton County near Wrenshall, Minnesota. Turn to FARM 4.0 | Page 13
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 13
ConƟnued from FARM 4.0 | Page 12 The new standards in FARM 4.0 include proper transportation of calves from the maternity area; providing colostrum or colostrum replacer within six hours after birth; providing milk or milk replacer to maintain health, growth and vigor; disbud calves – both heifers and bulls – before 8 weeks old; and provide a form of pain mitigation for disbudding. P r e v i o u s l y, disbudding practices only had to be noted in writDuane Laveau ten protocols; Dairy farmer practices were not reviewed. Now, practices must be in line with the written protocols. “The FARM Program has always included written herd protocols, but year after year, there’s been a lot more emphasis on what we’re doing on the farm,” Scheider said. “With these practices, we’re working more closely with our veterinarians and that allows the public to know we’re producing a highquality product that starts at the calves.” Pain mitigation was established as a continuous improvement plan while all other standards are categorized as mandatory corrective actions. “We knew we had to appease the public with what they wanted,” Laveau said. The council, made up of dairy farmers from across the country, conducted several conference calls and in-person meetings. They spoke with veterinarians and looked at leading industry research to develop standards that would reect proper animal care.
“Having a plan for pain mitigation was a big thing we all wanted and needed to address,” Scheider said. “But we knew it couldn’t be cut and dry; just because one method works for someone doesn’t mean it works for someone else.” At Zirbel Dairy Farms LLC, calves are fed 6 quarts of colostrum following birth and before they leave the farm to a custom grower. Then, within 24 hours of birth, the calves are disbudded. Scheider’s calf grower is expected to follow FARM guidelines. “Everything in FARM 4.0, (the grower) is doing,” Scheider said. “With my animals there, I can go to the grower and review their protocols. If there is
New standards for pre-weaned calves under FARM 4.0
Written protocols – Pain mitigation provided for disbudding. Actions – Calves are moved from maternity area by lifting, walking or the use of designed mechanical transport. – Calves receive volume and quality of colostrum or colostrum replacer within six hours after birth. – Calves receive a volume and quality of milk or milk replacer to maintain health, growth and vigor until weaned or marketed. – Calves are disbudded before 8 weeks of age. – Pain mitigation for disbudding is provided.
DAIRY STAR FILE PHOTO
Calves rest in a freshly bedded pen on a dairy farm. Every dairy enrolled in FARM must provide wriƩen protocols for how their youngstock are cared for, including handling, nutriƟon and pain management, under the program’s latest revisions. anything I think we need to discuss, we make time to do that.”
“We have to be able to see what’s best for the industry and have a willingness to change.” KRIS SCHEIDER, DAIRY FARMER
Laveau houses his calves on his farm. The heifers are raised as replacements, whereas the bull calves are raised to about 500 pounds before being sold on the market. Calves have access to food and wa-
ter shortly after birth, and they are also disbudded in a timely manner. Implementation of FARM 4.0 began Jan. 1 and will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2022. Other improvements to the FARM Program include immediate corrective action for routine tail docking, and new action standards for non-ambulatory cows, euthanasia and continuing education. “We have to be able to see what’s best for the industry and have a willingness to change. Farming is not the same as it was 50 years ago, and it won’t be the same 50 years from now,” Scheider said. “It all comes down to having the public’s trust in what we’re doing.” More information about changes to the FARM Program can be found online (https://www.nationaldairyfarm. com/farm-animal-care-version-4-0/).
Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
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What is your favorite winter hobby?
Melendy Miller Plainview, Minnesota Wabasha County 85 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? I love painting. It’s a great stress relief for me, and I’ve started to get pretty good at it since I started doing it last year. How did you get into it? I started painting because a friend of mine was doing it, and she loved it. I started out doing simple things like silhouettes, and now I’ve moved on to more complex paintings. How do you ďƒžt it in between farm chores? I usually paint on Sundays since we usually make time for family every Sunday or in the evening after chores when my niece and nephew are around. They love painting with me. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? It’s important for me to have something to do outside of farming because farming can be stressful, so having painting as a way to recharge and destress is great. A lot of my paintings are farm or dairy related, but it’s nice to let loose and be creative in a different way. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? One of the most memorable nights painting was when I got a group of friends together, and we did a wine and paint night. We all picked out a picture from Pinterest and our favorite wine and had a good time. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? I don’t only paint in the winter, but I paint more frequently in the winter because some days it’s too darn cold to be outside for too long. In the summer, I love gardening and making my own salsa. I even try to grow some crazy plants inside like a grapefruit tree, lemon tree and kiwi to name a few. Being active in the summer is big for me. I enjoy hiking and rollerblading with friends. Tell us about your farm. I will be the fourth generation on my family’s dairy farm. I graduated from University of Wisconsin-River Falls with a degree in dairy science. I plan on staying on the dairy farm. My dad has been milking cows since 1987. I enjoy having some color in the herd, so we have a mix of Holstein, Red and White Holstein, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorn.
Ellen Harth Hinckley, Minnesota Pine County 120 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? I enjoy making tie blankets during my free time. I usually make blankets for myself or loved ones to stay warm during the winter. My favorite blanket I have made so far is a cow print on top and pink on the bottom. I am hoping to learn how to start making calf jackets. How did you get into it? I got into this hobby a few years ago when we made blankets to donate to a charity. How do you ďƒžt it in between farm chores? Aside from being a full-time college student at the University of Minnesota, I come home on weekends to do chores. Those weekends get pretty busy, so I usually do not have time to work on the blankets then. Over winter break was when I was able to balance farm chores and making blankets. I usually work on the blankets at night after chores. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? This activity allows me to tap into my creative side and helps relieve stress. I also love making these as gifts. It brings a lot of joy to people when they receive blankets. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? When any close friends of my boyfriend and I have babies, I always make sure to give them a baby blanket. It is really cool to see them use it as a tummy time blanket, and it becomes the child’s favorite. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? Throughout the year, I enjoy showing my Jerseys at various shows, sharing my dairy story as Pine County Dairy Princess and Midwest Dairy Ambassador, taking pictures, watching basketball and spending time with my puppy, Avery. Tell us about your farm. I grew up on my family’s dairy farm where we milk 120 Holsteins and registered Jerseys in a tiestall barn. The farm was started by my grandparents, Gerald and Arlene Harth. In 2011, my grandfather purchased my ďƒžrst calf to show in 4-H and since then my herd has grown to about 70 head. The farm is now owned by my dad, Harold, and uncles, George, Jerry and Mark. My favorite chore is taking care of the calves because it is a great feeling watching the calves grow to be successful milk cows.
Steve Baier Eau Galle, Wisconsin Dunn County 400 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? Snowmobiling is my favorite winter hobby. It is something my dad and I did. It is a good stress reliever for me, and it’s something to help make winter enjoyable. How did you get into it? I started riding with my dad, and I’ve been driving my own snowmobile since I was about 9 years old. How do you ďƒžt it in between farm chores? I generally day-ride in the area between chores. Between my dad, uncle and cousin, we all ďƒžll in for each other to get some time off throughout the year. We make it work. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? You have to get away. I enjoy farming, but you have to step away sometimes for a break. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? I love going new spots, seeing new things. When you ride to Buffalo County, it’s hills. You go north, it’s ďƒ&#x;at land up near Amery. You see a lot of different things. A couple of weeks ago, my friend and I came across a herd of elk around Clam Lake. I’ve seen pretty much everything but a black bear while snowmobiling. I’m taking a trip, riding up to Canada on my snowmobile, along the North Shore. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? I like to ATV in the summertime, and my girlfriend, Katie, and I have started raising meat goats as a hobby. Tell us about your farm. We milk 400 cows three times a day and have one of the top production herds in Dunn County. We raise two-thirds of our heifers. We farm about 1,300 acres and grow hay, corn, soybeans, barley and peas. The farm is owned by me, my dad, Ron, my uncle, Charlie, and cousin, Trevor. Trevor and I are the sixth generation on the farm.
B r i t t a n y Luchterhand S p e n c e r , Wisconsin Clark County 650 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? My favorite hobby is to take my horses out through the ďƒželds in the snow. They love to go through and rub their faces in it, and they enjoy the workout as much as we love to ride. We usually skip the saddles as our favorite saying is to never put anything between you and the heater. I love doing this with my daughter as it teaches her balance, and if she falls off, she has a soft landing. We are going to start adding sleds behind them to pull the smaller kids so we can include the whole family. How did you get into it? I have been riding horses my entire life. It is something that I just threw the kids into to see if they enjoy it. How do you ďƒžt it in between farm chores? I work off farm now, but when I was full time on the farm, I would get all my chores done, look out and say let’s go. Sometimes it took priority over cleaning my house. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? Life on the farm becomes crazy and hectic. It is important for me to have a sense of balance and clarity even if for an hour. Life becomes clearer with the view between the ears. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? When I have to pony my daughters pony home with an empty saddle because she is too stubborn to tell me that her feet are cold before they become too cold. I always laugh at her for it. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? Honestly, I don’t have any more. We ride year around but in spring and summer, I get to take the horses and family camping. It becomes a family event even if not everyone is riding. Tell us about your farm. We have a 650-cow dairy with a double-10 herringbone parlor. We employ 16 fulltime employees with nine of them being in the parlor and the additional seven working in the shop for maintenance and helping out with the custom dragline business. We will be running 1,400 acres this year to put up all of our feed.
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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Chris Fieber Goodwin, South Dakota Deuel County 850 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? Taking the time to represent the dairy farm industry. I sit on the Midwest Dairy Association board and am the secretary/treasurer for our South Dakota division. Our annual meeting is in April, and it is mostly somewhere warm. I like going to these meetings because they give me the opportunity to talk to other dairy farmers from the Midwest. It gives me the opportunity to see if we are doing things right as a dairy farmer or if there are things I can learn from them. The biggest reason why I like this organization is it teaches me how to be a good advocate for the dairy industry. It has opened my eyes on how to advocate for the dairy industry and help educate the consumer on how to make healthier decisions in their diet. I have had the opportunity to talk to consumers in the grocery store and ask them why they choose dairy alternatives. That’s the perfect time to explain the pros of milk verses the alternatives. Most of the time they drink it because they watched somebody else drink it or are lactose intolerant. They didn’t know they can have dairy alternatives like fairlife milk. They were shocked, took my advice and that’s how it starts. One person at a time, and I hope they spread the word. My annual meetings become a year-long advocation for me. How did you get into it? I got onto the MDA board by being appointed in 2013. I wasn’t sure about it at rst because I was the youngest person on the board at that time. It was a little scary at rst because I was in a room of hundreds of dairy farmers from across the Midwest who had much more knowledge and experience than me. But as time went by, I realized I had a lot in common with them. So over time, it’s kind of like we are a big family and work together. How do you t it in between farm chores? I am fortunate because I come from a fairly large family. I am the third generation. On our farm, we have my dad and his three brothers. Then it’s me with my two brothers who help. I also have 15 more employees. I am fortunate that everybody has job experience and can ll in for me when I leave to represent the dairy industry. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? It opens your eyes to other ideas. No matter if it relates to the farm or not, you still get to spend time with your family and friends and get a break from your job. When you return back to the farm, you are refreshed and open-minded and can bring in new ideas and take your farm to the next level. It also helps you think outside the box on new ideas and not just have tunnel vision. Every day becomes a routine, and sometimes it is nice to change the routine and add change. I love the cows, but it’s nice to get away and meet new people and see new ideas. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? When I met Walt Coleman at our annual meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was one of our speakers, and I got the opportunity to meet him and listen to him talk about his life experiences. Walt was a ref during the NFL season. But the rest of the week he was a dairy farmer in Arizona. He got to meet the most famous football players. At the end of the day, he had something in common with me. He has the privilege to make a great product for the consumers to enjoy. I realized no matter how much money you had or how much fame you had we still have the same things in common and that made be proud to be a dairy farmer. I always wondered if the grass was greener on the other side, but after hearing Walt talk about the hate mail he would get from football fans for making a bad call, it made me realize that the grass really was greener on my farm. Walt said he would dairy farm any day of the week than have to listen to the critics put him down for a bad decision that was made on the eld. Either way, that was an eye-opener for me to meet someone that was well-known in the United States but was able to share a common interest with me and what I do every day on the dairy farm. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? My family is also my hobby. I have a loving wife and three children. Our oldest son is 18, our daughter is 10, and our youngest son is 6. I vacation with my family. I enjoy watching my kids in sports. I help my children in 4-H. They show dairy cattle, goats and horses. I serve as an assistant re chief. Our family owns horses, and we love to go trail riding. We try to watch our son run at track events when we get the opportunity. We also do what we can for our church. We are part of a small group where we try to mission to local college kids to keep God in their lives or to even nd their faith. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is located right in city limits of Goodwin. We have more cows in the city than people. The population of Goodwin is around 120 people. We milk 850 cows three times a day and have 100 dry cows. We also have about 1,000 raised heifers. I am the third generation. My grandpa started the farm around 1955. Since then, we have only grown. Our farm has a lot of buildings that have great art pictures on them. My grandma loves to paint and has painted
Jim Leroux, pictured with Vivian (from left), John and Isaac Long Prairie, Minnesota Todd County 55 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? Skiing is a great time, and the kids love it. It is super important to have some physical activity. These days there are so many sedentary forms of entertainment. We have to make an effort to keep active. How did you get into it? I started skiing as a kid. The school I attended had ski club for seventh through ninth grade. We skied every Friday after school. How do you t it in between farm chores? We make it t. Everyone gets up on a ski day. We get our morning chores done and head out either to Andes in Kensington or to Powder Ridge in Kimball. We can be fairly worn out when we get home, but we work together and get done what we have to. My wife Katie doesn’t ski. She helps a lot to make it possible. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? Having a life besides the farm is important; without that, we become slaves to our occupation. We farm to live. We don’t live to farm. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? This past December, I had all ve of my kids trained in, and we were all skiing together. We met some great friends and extended family at Powder Ridge and skied all day. As part of our Christmas, Katie volunteered to take care of evening milking so we could stay late. We had a blast. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? Bowling, hunting, shing and hiking. Tell us about your farm. We try to stay diversied in crops, dairy and some beef cattle as well.
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about every old building on our farm to make it look nice. She has also painted old buildings in the town. She likes to put pictures of farms, animals, wildlife or any kind of scenery on the buildings. She is in her 80s and is still climbing a ladder to paint buildings. We have Holsteins and Holstein-Jersey crosses on our farm. Last year, we bred our Holstein-Jersey with Brown Swiss. We sell our milk to Valley Queen in Milbank, where they make cheese, so they like high butterfat. Jersey and Brown Swiss are able to make high butterfat milk. We like the Holsteins because they produce a lot of milk. With those three breeds combined, we feel we have the production and high components. With that being said, we receive a higher milk check.
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Gary Rakotz Albany, Minnesota Stearns County 200 cows What is your favorite winter hobby? My favorite winter hobby is bowling. How did you get into it? I got into bowling in early grade school. My mom took us to junior league every Friday after school. How do you t it in between farm chores? The only way it is possible for me to continue bowling is having my brother on the farm with me. He takes care of everything while I’m not around. Why is it important for you to have an activity away from the farm? It’s important to relieve stress as much as possible and retain somewhat of a social life. What has been your most memorable experience from your favorite winter hobby? That would be my two 800 series and the two 300 games I bowled. What other hobbies do you have throughout the year? I also enjoy hunting, shing and camping once in a while in the summer. Tell us about your farm. My mom and dad built the farm in the mid ‘70s. We milked 40 cows for years. We have now upgraded to a parlor system and milk about 200 cows. It is still 100% family owned and operated.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 17
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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
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Excellent care, genetics propels production at Synergy Dairy LLC Synergy Dairy LLC Pulaski, Wisconsin Shawano County 600 cows
What is your herd health program? Our vaccination program is designed to be thorough but not excessive. Calves receive First Defense TriShield along with 1 gallon of pasteurized colostrum at birth. In hutches and post-weaning, they get Once PMH and then Bovi-Shield Gold FP 5L5 HB at 5, 6 and 11 months. Cows receive a yearly dose of the BSG about one month after calving. In addition, we use SRP (Salmonella Newport) and Endovac Bovi in the milking herd. Our herd veterinarian does pregnancy checks via ultrasound every two weeks in the cows and heifers.
What is your current herd average, butterfat and protein? 31,662 pounds of milk, 4.4% or 1,400 pounds of butterfat and 3.3% or 1,035 pounds of protein. How many times a day do you milk? If you milk 3X a day, explain how that has worked for you. We have milked 3X for over 10 years and are condent we would not be able to achieve similar production or sustain milk quality on 2X.
What does your dry cow and transition program consist of? Our new freestall barn includes housing for cows and heifers throughout the preand post-calving transition phase. This area is close to our farm ofce allowing for consistent observation. Our pre-fresh cows and heifers are co-mingled in sand bedded freestalls starting at 30 days prior to calving. The TMR diet for this group consists of chopped straw, BMR corn silage and a negative DCAD mineral mix. Once they are within seven days of
Do you contract your milk? Has it been successful for you? This has been an animated discussion amongst us through the years, but we have not yet contracted any milk. Describe your housing and milking facility. We have a double-8 parallel parlor, and our cows are housed in two freestall barns. One is an older, naturally-ventilated barn with curtains and the other is a tunnel-ventilated barn constructed in 2018. Both barns are bedded with deep sand bedding.
Turn to SYNERGY | Page 20
Schedule of Events
28TH ANNUAL
Carver County
DAIRY EXPO
9:00 am 10:15 am
Over 50 Vendors!
10:30 am
Registration - Trade Show Open until 3:00 p.m. Early Bird Drawing in Trade Show Arena Session A
Session B
“Management Strategies in an Era of High Pregnancy Rates”
“Characteristics of Resilient Minnesota Dairy Farms”
Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist in Dairy Cattle Reproduction, Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Associate Professor and Extension Economist, Department of Applied Economics, University of Minnesota
Paul Fricke
COST: $10/person $5/Student (with ID)
Monday, February 17, 2020
9 AM-3:15 PM • CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
11:30 am
12:30 pm
Trade Show and Education for Dairy Producers.
grand prize. Must bets are eligible for the present to win. Multiple prizes for com pleting the program evalua and returning tion. Must be present to win .
Online information available at https://z.umn.edu/2020DairyExpo and Facebook: @CarverScottExtension
For Dairy Expo information, please call Carver County Extension (952) 466-5300.
Greg Vold - Dorrich Dairy, Glenwood, MN Harlan Poppler - Poppler Dairy, Waverly, MN Kevin Solum – Minglewood Dairy, Deer Park, WI
Dairy producers share cow comfort strategies with three different stall surfaces - solids, mattresses and sand. Also addressing stall design, ventilation, feed distribution and more.
531 Morse Street • Norwood Young America, MN
3:15 p.m. Grand & Evaluation Dr Prize awings All registered partici pan
Joleen Hadrich
Panel discussion: “Strategies to Maximize Cow Comfort”
(Includes lunch, refreshments and program notes. Cash or Check only.)
Hosted by University of Minnesota Extension-Carver County and the Carver County Dairy Core Team
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Jay and Heather Jauquet and their sons – (from leŌ) Mason, 20, Evan, 16, and Carter, 18 – own Synergy Dairy LLC near Pulaski, Wisconsin. They milk 600 head of registered Holsteins and farm 550 acres of cropland. The herd maintains a combined fat and protein of 7 pounds per head per day.
2:15 pm
Enjoy Lunch and the Trade Show Session C
Session D
“Management Barriers to High Fertility”
“Building your Milk Check”
Paul Fricke
Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist in Dairy Cattle Reproduction, Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin-Madison
3:15 pm
Door Prize Drawings - Trade Show Arena
Barry Visser Dairy Specialist Vita Plus
In case of inclement weather, please call the Farm Information Line for event status: 1-800-232-9077
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 19
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From frigid days to year-round fresh groups: “People try to switch me, but Udder Comfort is the one.” — Bruce Vande Hey
VANDE HEY DAIRY, Bruce Vande Hey WRIGHTSTOWN, WISCONSIN 490 Holsteins and Jerseys 91 lbs/cow/day 130,000 SCC During Northeast Wisconsin’s coldest days, Bruce Vande Hey of Wrightstown is glad to have Udder Comfort™ as he is all year long. “It’s a no-brainer seeing how quickly it softens udders,” says Bruce, milking 490 Holsteins and Jerseys making 91 lbs/cow/day with 130,000 SCC. They also raise and sell additional fresh heifers. On frigid days, the whole herd typically gets Udder Comfort before leaving the parlor. “Removing swelling and improving blood flow help avoid frozen teats. It’s amazing how it works, keeps udders soft and teats pliable, which is what we want to see. People try to switch me, but Udder Comfort is the one,” Bruce explains. “For 7 years, we’ve used it routinely 2x/day in our fresh groups (6 to 8 days). We also start 2-year-olds with it 1x/day for a week before calving. Trust me, if Udder Comfort didn’t work better than anything else, I wouldn’t be using it.”
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Keep the milk in the system 1.888.773.7153 1.613.652.9086 uddercomfort.com Call to locate a distributor near you. For external application to the udder only after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking.
Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
ConÆ&#x;nued from SYNERGY | Page 18
their due date or showing signs of calving early, they are moved to a group calving pack that is bedded with dried sawdust. Cows are allowed to calve within the group setting and then separated in a small accessory pen where we can milk them, take care of the calf and provide any other care the cow may need. Our post-fresh pens (one for rst lactation and one for older
cows) are directly across the feed alley and allow for convenient, frequent monitoring. What is the composition of your ration? What has been one of your most recent changes that have been successful for you? BMR corn silage, haylage, canola, corn gluten and a complete feed including dry corn comprises the lactating TMR. Our ration
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Synergy Dairy LLC is home to 600 head of milking registered Holsteins. Improving the consistency of their forages by using custom harvesÆ&#x;ng has contributed to producÆ&#x;on increases throughout their herd.
has been pretty consistent for ve-plus years. Through the years you have been farming, what change has created the biggest jump in your herd average? We purchased our current facility in 2004. Early on, converting to deep sand bedding and improving forage consistency through custom harvesting contributed the most
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Jauquet brothers – (from leÅŒ) Evan, Mason and Carter – care for calves on a day with extreme cold temperatures. They feed pasteurized whole milk three Æ&#x;mes daily and keep the calves clean and well bedded.
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What role does genetics play in your production level, and what is your breeding program? Genetics has always played an important role in managing our herd and our business. Jay individually mates each animal using ge-
nomic and phenotypic data. We strive to produce at least 7 pounds of combined pounds of fat and protein per cow per day. Decades of emphasis in our genetics program has allowed us to consistently achieve high-component milk production. In addition, somatic cell score, daughter pregnancy rate and calving Turn to SYNERGY | Page 22
Stray voltage can develop at any time on any dairy. Have you noticed the following symptoms in your herd? • Increased somatic cell count • Poor reproductive performance • Decreased milk production Your dairy may have stray voltage! Contact us today and we’ll give your dairy facilities a thorough stray voltage checkup!
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to production increases. Later, incorporating BMR corn silage was a smart decision for our herd.
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Stray Voltage Consulting Over 30 years of experience 605-695-3328 • www.strayvoltageconsulting.org
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Dennis Thyen
Dealer Inquiries Welcome!
46310 164th Street Watertown, SD 57201 605.881.0647 Email: ddthyen@gmail.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 21
LOW RATE FINANCING AVAILABLE Financing subject to pre-approval through JD Financial. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.
127,200
JD 6110R, 2016, 513 hrs., $ # 144500
109,500
JD 1765, 2018, 12R30” #161082
JD 8320R, 2015, 1538 hrs., $ #1 143 4351 517 17 #143517
181,400
JD 7210R, 2015, 1584 hrs., #150804
JD 6135E, 2018, 476 hrs., #143698
84,900
JD 6130R, 2017, 294 hrs., $ #147778
$
$
95,900
DB60 Planter, 2014, 24R30” $ #1156690 907 07 #156907
75,900
JD 1770NT, 2014, 16R30” #156928
$
159,000
89,900
$
Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com BOX DRILLS
10 10 5 11 11 8
Melroe 202, 1985, 12’Width, 6” Spacing, #161328 .................................................................$1,700.00 JD 8300, End Wheel, 13’Width, 6” Spacing, #158233 ...............................................................$5,700.00 JD 455, 2016, Folding, 25’Width, 7.5” Spacing, #160567 ...................................................... $44,900.00 JD 9400, No Till, 10’Width, 6” Spacing, #164960 ......................................................................$4,750.00 JD 9400, No Till, 10’Width, 6” Spacing, #164959 ......................................................................$4,750.00 JD 455, 2019, Folding, 25’Width, 6” Spacing, #164918 ......................................................... $61,900.00
4 10 6 1 15 15 15 16 5 11 8 14 14 14 14 14
JD 2210, 2009, 53’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #154393 ................................................... $42,900.00 JD 960, 1998, 27’, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #159473.........................................................$6,900.00 JD 2230fh, 2018, 60.5’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #166421 ........................................... $89,900.00 JD 2210 LL, 2014, 45.5’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #165957 .......................................... $49,900.00 JD 2210, 2008, 65’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #166479 ................................................... $45,900.00 JD 2210, 2007, 65’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #166478 ................................................... $43,900.00 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, 60’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #154509 .................... $51,900.00 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, 60’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #154510 .................... $51,900.00 JD 2210, 2012, 55.5’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #162453 ................................................ $51,900.00 JD 960, 1989, 25.5’, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #158920 .....................................................$4,399.00 JD 2210, 2014, 55.5’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #154394 ................................................ $58,500.00 JD 960, 1989, 42’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #165959 ........................................................$9,900.00 JD 2200, 2002, 47’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #161487 ................................................... $25,400.00 Krause 5635, 2009, 28’, 3-Section Folding, #160777.......................................................... $19,400.00 JD 2210, 2013, 50.5’, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #160879 ................................................ $48,900.00 JD 980, 1998, #156455 ............................................................................................................ $14,430.00
4 4 2 10 10 17 17 7 7 7
JD 1775NT, 2018, 16R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, Row Command, #150736 .....$169,000.00 JD 1760, 2013, 12R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #156200................................. $52,500.00 JD DB60, 2014, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #156907 .....................................$159,000.00 JD 1750, 2000, 6R30”, Rigid, Finger Pickup, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #166057 ................................ $14,500.00 JD 1770NT, 2014, 16R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, Row Command, #156928 ............ $89,900.00 JD 1760, 2012, 12R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #166557................................. $35,000.00 JD 1765, 2015, 12R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, Row Command, #155243 ..... $54,500.00 JD 1770NT, 2010, 12R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #166423 ................................... $71,900.00 JD 7000, R30”, Rigid, Finger Pickup, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #161201 ...............................................$4,900.00 JD DB66, 2018, 36R22”, Flex Fold, Exact Emerge, Central Fill, Row Command, Elect. Drive, #161533................................................................................................................$315,400.00 White 6322, #156848 ............................................................................................................ $18,900.00 JD DB60, 2013, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, Row Command, #161245............$154,000.00 JD 7200, 1990, 6R30”, Rigid, Finger Pickup, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #166352.....................................$6,900.00 JD DB60, 2014, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, Row Command, #160470............$169,500.00 JD 1775NT, 2017, 24R30”, Wing Fold, Exact Emerge, Central Fill, #160204........................$262,900.00 JD 1790, 2012, 31R15”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #161182.......................................... $89,000.00 JD 1770, 1998, 16R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #159037 .................................. $20,900.00 JD 1765, 2018, 12R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, Row Command, #161082 ....... $75,900.00 JD DB66, 2012, 36R22”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, Row Command, #166296............$199,900.00 JD DB66, 2018, 36R22”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, Row Command, Elect. Drive, #161783................................................................................................................$279,500.00 JD 1780, 1999, 24R22”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #155446 .................................. $33,500.00 JD 7300, 1990, 12R30”, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #157581 ...................................$8,500.00 White 6722, 16R22”, Wing Fold, Vacuum,1.6 Bu. Hopper, #157535 .................................... $11,900.00 Moore Built, 24R22”, Vacuum, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #159607 .................................................... $27,900.00 JD 1725, 2018, 16R30”, Wing Fold, Exact Emerge, Central Fill, Row Command, Elect. Drive, #164717................................................................................................................$184,000.00
7 1 9 16 16 5 5 8 14 14 14 17 16 14 14
FIELD CULTIVATORS
(1) = GLENCOE 4561 Hwy. 212
PLANTERS
PULL-TYPE SPRAYERS
2 10 10 7 1 15 9 5 5
Hardi RANGER 2000, 2014, #155294 ................................................................................. $20,500.00 Blum 750, 1979, #158936.........................................................................................................$4,900.00 Miller Pro 750, #159603 ..........................................................................................................$6,500.00 Summers ULTIMATE, 2001, #159606 ................................................................................. $13,400.00 Hardi 4000, 2011, #166560 ................................................................................................... $19,500.00 Hardi RANGER 2000, 2014, #163524.................................................................................. $17,900.00 Fast 9518, #158292 ................................................................................................................ $25,900.00 Wil-Rich Trailmaster, #161848..............................................................................................$2,950.00 Top Air TA1200, 2008, #155358 ........................................................................................... $16,650.00
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 2 2
JD 6175M, 2017, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, 241 hrs., #139696 ......................$109,500.00 JD 8270R, 2019, MFWD, P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO,, Duals, 125 hrs., #152536 ......................$225,000.00 JD 8320R, 2019, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 540/1000 PTO,, Duals, 82 hrs., #152537.....$299,500.00 JD 8320R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1385 hrs., #163840....$229,500.00 JD 8320R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 000 PTO, Duals, 1423 hrs., #163839......$229,500.00 JD 8270R, 2018, MFWD, P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 964 hrs., #163841 .......................$209,500.00 JD 7210R, 2018, MFWD, e23, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, Loader, 767 hrs., #163862 ...............$189,500.00 JD 8270R, 2018, MFWD, P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 991 hrs., #163842 .......................$204,900.00 JD 6145R, 2018, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 348 hrs., #147213 .................................$134,900.00 JD 6175R, 2015, MFWD, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 4866 hrs., #156490 .......................... $98,500.00 JD 6175R, 2018, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 1973 hrs., #157577 .......$128,000.00 JD 6145M, 2017, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 2632 hrs., #156660 ........ $85,000.00 JD 8245R, 2017, MFWD, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 982 hrs., #153517 .....................................$199,500.00 JD 8345R, 2014, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 50K Transmission, 3288 hrs., #166449 ..................................................................................................................$189,900.00 JD 8345R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 209 hrs., #156041............$299,500.00 JD 8320R, 2015, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1541 hrs., #143517....$181,400.00 JD 4640, 1981, 2WD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, 8312 hrs., #165249............................. $22,500.00 JD 8100, 1995, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, 7684 hrs., #163584 .......................................................... $59,500.00 JD 6170R, 2013, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 2490 hrs., #165468 ..........$115,000.00 JD 6155R, 2018, MFWD, P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 127 hrs., #147651.....................$136,900.00 JD 6175R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 72 hrs., #148777......$172,900.00 JD 8295R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 298 hrs., #148223......$246,900.00 JD 7230R, 2015, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, Front Hitch, Front PTO, 657 hrs., #159658 ...............................................................................$189,500.00 JD 8120, 2005, MFWD, Power Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 596 hrs., #166475 ............................ $94,500.00 JD 8295R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 804 hrs., #163758............$251,900.00 Ford TW35, MFWD, Syncro, 1000 PTO, Duals, 6265 hrs., #163951....................................... $24,500.00 JD 8370R, 2016, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1741 hrs., #146276 .........$239,000.00 JD 8320R, 2014, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 3176 hrs., #155355....$179,500.00 JD 8245R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 122 hrs., #148225............$234,900.00 JD 4020, 1966, 2WD, Syncro, 540/1000 PTO, 3035 hrs., #166038 ........................................ $10,900.00 JD 8400R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, e23, 1000 PTO, Duals, 199 hrs., #148295 ..........$314,900.00 JD 8400R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, e23, 1000 PTO, Duals, 124 hrs., #148294 ..........$314,900.00 JD 8370R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 61 hrs., #147746..............$309,900.00 JD 8370R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 109 hrs., #147755............$304,900.00 JD 8245R, 2018, MFWD, P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 192 hrs., #148229 .......................$204,900.00 JD 8270R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 125 hrs., #148233......$234,900.00 JD 6155M, 2019, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, Loader, 100 hrs., #153304 $134,900.00 JD 6170R, 2013, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 3400 hrs., #166366 ......... $77,500.00
2 10 17 17 17 17 17 17 7 6 6 6 6 6 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 12 15
ROW CROP TRACTORS
Visit one of our 17 locations in Central Minnesota! (7) = ALEXANDRIA (9) = PRINCETON (4) = ST. CLOUD 1035 35th Ave. NE
(2) = HOWARD LAKE (5) = GLENWOOD 5845 Keats Ave. SW
1710 N. Franklin
(3) = STEWART
(6) = SAUK CENTRE
78412 Co. Rd. 20
14 JD 7200, 24R22”, #159126 ...................................................................................................... $14,900.00 3 JD 1710, 24R22”, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, Row Command, Elect. Drive, #164780 $42,900.00
1140 Centre St.
320-763-4220 5005 Co. Rd. 82 SE
3708 Baptist Church Rd.
(8) = PAYNESVILLE
16069 Hwy. 27 E.
725 Lake Ave. S.
15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 9 16 16 16 16 16 16 5 11 11 11 11 11 8 8 8 14 14 14 14 3 3 3 3 4 10 7 6 1 16 5 8 14 14 14
62505 US Hwy. 10
SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS
Ag-Chem 1074, 2009, 100’ boom, Stainless Tank, 3650 hrs., #158291 .............................. $56,900.00 JD 4920, 2004, 4600 hrs., #157917 ........................................................................................ $69,500.00 Melroe 216, 1985, Poly Tank, Tire Width: Mid, 20” nozzle spacing, #165990 .........................$5,650.00 JD R4038, 2019, 120’ boom, Boom Leveling, Stainless Tank, Tire Width: Mid, Hydraulic Tread Adjust, Guidance-ready, Guidance Receiver, Guidance Display, Traction Control, Nozzle Spacing: 20” nozzle spacing, 97 hrs., #165472 ........................................................................................................$327,900.00 JD R4038, 2018, 120’ boom, 20” nozzle spacing, 511 hrs., #150887 .................................$314,900.00 JD R4038, 2018, 120’ boom, Boom Leveling, Stainless Tank, Tire Width: Mid, Hydraulic Tread Adjust, Guidance-ready, Traction Control, 20” nozzle spacing, ExactApply, 316 hrs., #157823 .........$329,500.00 JD R4030, 2015, Dry Box, Hydraulic Tread Adjust, Guidance-ready, Guidance Receiver, Guidance Display, Traction Control, 972 hrs., #164771 ...........................................................$159,500.00 JD 4940, 2013, 120’ boom, Boom Leveling, Stainless Tank, Tire Width: Narrow, Hydraulic Tread Adjust, Guidance-ready, Guidance Receiver, Guidance Display, 20” nozzle spacing, 2741 hrs., #163551....................................................................................................................................$132,000.00 JD R4038, 2017, Hydraulic Tread Adjust, Guidance-ready, 510 hrs., #143961 ...................$299,500.00 Melroe 220, 1985, 60’ boom, 20” nozzle spacing, 1233 hrs., #160062 ..................................$8,450.00 Melroe 218, 1988, 60’ boom, 20” nozzle spacing, 924 hrs., #160063................................. $10,900.00
CALL TODAY! (320)365-1653 (12) = AITKIN 1120 2nd St. NW
(10) = LITTLE FALLS (13) = BAXTER (11) = WADENA
JD 8245R, 2017, MFWD, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1956 hrs., #165917 .............................$158,400.00 JD 8245R, 2017, MFWD, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1786 hrs., #165918 .............................$163,900.00 JD 8245R, 2017, MFWD, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1065 hrs., #162058 ...................................$199,900.00 JD 8320R, 2019, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 129 hrs., #155882............$299,500.00 Case IH Magnum 315, 2012, MFWD, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 2550 hrs., #163419 .....$112,400.00 JD 8295R, 2017, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 903 hrs., #146274............$224,900.00 JD 7230R, 2018, MFWD, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 192 hrs., #156513..............................$209,000.00 JD 8220, 2004, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 11500 hrs., #166457 ...... $46,900.00 JD 8335R, 2012, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1949 hrs., #157884 .........$174,900.00 JD 8335R, 2012, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 3200 hrs., #165963 .........$156,000.00 JD 8320R, 2015, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 430 hrs., #163735............$262,400.00 JD 8345R, 2016, MFWD w/ Suspension, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1563 hrs., #146351....$259,000.00 JD 8245R, 2017, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1042 hrs., #146268 .........$209,500.00 JD 6175R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, Rear PTO: 540/1000, Singles, 705 hrs., #158177....................................................................................................................................$139,500.00 JD 8295R, 2014, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 850 hrs., #157103............$209,500.00 JD 8295R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 682 hrs., #163756............$251,900.00 JD 7210R, 2017, MFWD, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 814 hrs., #153518 .............................$159,500.00 JD 6145M, 2016, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, Rear PTO: 540/1000, Singles, Loader, 400 hrs., #141878 ....................................................................................................................$112,900.00 JD 8345R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 290 hrs., #147199............$299,500.00 JD 8270R, 2017, MFWD, P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 391 hrs., #138467 .......................$199,500.00 JD 7520, 2004, MFWD, Partial P. Shift, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 805 hrs., #159783................. $49,900.00 JD 8295R, 2016, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1220 hrs., #153516 .........$219,500.00 JD 8345R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, Rear PTO: 1000, Duals, 133 hrs., #165247 ..$319,000.00 JD 7210R, 2018, MFWD, IVT, Rear PTO: 540/1000, Duals, 851 hrs., #163755....................$180,400.00 JD 8345R, 2016, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1913 hrs., #166297 .........$239,900.00 JD 8245R, 2017, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 1123 hrs., #162059 .........$212,900.00 JD 8300, 1995, MFWD, P. Shift, 1000 PTO, Duals, 10129 hrs., #158662 ................................ $49,500.00 JD 8345R, 2018, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 278 hrs., #155384............$299,500.00 JD 8335R, 2011, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, Duals, 4937 hrs., #165966 .........$139,000.00 JD 7210R, 2015, MFWD, IVT, 540/1000 PTO, Duals, 1374 hrs., #150804 ...........................$127,200.00 JD 6145R, 2018, MFWD, P. Shift, 540E, 540/1000 PTO, Singles, 310 hrs., #147212 ..........$129,500.00 JD 8370R, 2015, MFWD w/ Suspension, IVT, 1000 PTO, 1000E, 1938 hrs., #156835 ........$229,500.00
7045 Foley Rd.
(14) = ELBOW LAKE
(16) = BENSON
(15) = MORRIS
(17) = MADISON
110 2nd St. NE
23604 State Hwy. 9
380 Atlantic Ave. 516 1st St. E
SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY WITH PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS AT: www.mmcjd.com
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
ConƟnued from SYNERGY | Page 20
DeLaval Parlor P500 milking system
96
”
max ceiling height requirement for DeLaval SynchroArc™
Up to
56
%
reduction in exit cycle time with DeLaval SynchroSweep™
3
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Synergy Dairy LLC raises all of its replacement animals and focuses on developing geneƟcs to conƟnue to improve the herd.
ease are traits we watch closely to keep our cows productive, healthy and efcient.
cow flow control options
ZERO
obstructions at cow exit
What type of improvements would you like to make that would increase your rolling herd average even higher? We are more focused on pounds of combined fat and protein shipped than milk alone. Honestly, although we will always work toward improving that number, we are increasingly focused on doing that efciently and protably. A feeding center is something on our radar to help reduce feed costs and make the feeding process more efcient. List three management strategies that have kept you protable. Take excellent care of the cows, heifers and calves. Produce a quality product that is in demand and adds value. Focusing on our strengths. One example would be spending our time managing the cows and genetics while custom hiring cropping and manure hauling.
www.delaval.com
Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: IOWA Kramer Bros. Monticello, IA 319-465-5931 Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United-Suckow Dairy Supply West Union, IA 563-422-5355 Postville, IA 563-864-7417 WISCONSIN Advanced Dairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713
Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Mondovi Dairy Systems Inc. Mondovi, WI 715-926-5777
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466 East Central Dairy Supply Mora, MN 320-679-1029
Professional Dairy Services Waunakee, WI 608-849-5043
Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Watertown, SD 605-886-7401 Sioux Falls, SD 800-284-0015
Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579
S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288
The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470
Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
West Salem, WI 608-769-2113
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2020 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. All facts and figures are the result of data collected on test farms and pilot farms. Data compared to DeLaval Champion. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. www.delaval.com
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 23
Farmers gather to hear plan to battle dairy crisis Fair market access, pricing among topics discussed By Andrea Borgerding andrea.b@dairystar.com
GREENWALD, Minn. – Entering the fth year of depressed crop and milk markets, nearly 100 farmers, community members, local legislators and the state attorney general led into a room with standing room only at the Greenwald Pub Jan. 30 in Greenwald to hear a potential plan to gain a fair price for milk and commodities, as well as to regain control of milk market access. The meeting, sponsored by Land Stewardship Project, brought to light the ongoing struggle of the dairy farm crisis. “Government and agribusiness has been working against us for 50 years to get us out of business,” Joe Neaten said. “They tell you they want family farms, but yet they support programs that put you out of business.” Neaten, president of Minnesota National Farmers Organization, addressed the crowd to rally support behind a proposal to restructure the current Federal Milk Marketing Order. “This is step No. 1,” Neaten said. “The NFO wants to remind every farmer that the power they have is their production. It’s food that is powerful.” NFO enlisted the expertise of Dr. Richard Levins, professor emeritus with the University of Minnesota, to develop a plan to promote orderly marketing, improve farmer income, create equality and bargaining among farmers and assure an adequate supply of milk. The plan, called Dairy Farm Structure Management Plan, addresses the large portion of the milk market and market access being taken by dairies 5,000 cows or larger. “That’s what makes this an issue of leveling the playing eld,” Levins said. “We can’t keep everything the way it is and add a 5,000-cow dairy.” To create fair market access, the new management plan proposes a national milk marketing order that covers all the milk production and works within that milk marketing order to price milk in a method fair to farms of all sizes. “We’ve been pricing milk based on different uses since the 1930s using Class I, II and III,” Levins said. “If we pull all the milk back together then buyers start ghting over Class I.” To avoid this, the proposed plan would pay a premium on the rst 1 million pounds of milk produced per month. The premiums would go to both the processor and farmer, creating a larger value for those farmers producing under the 1 million pound threshold. “It’s not meant to squeeze anyone out, but if we are going to have any dairies at all, we are going to have to do something to stay away from just 300 dairies lling the entire nation,” Levins said. One attendee questioned Levins on whether a premium on the rst 1 million pounds of production, or the equivalent of 500 cows, would be too high. “There is a lot of discussion about that cut off level and some people want it lowered,” Levins said. “The DMC cutoff is 5 million per year which is less than half of what NFO proposes. There is a lot of room to adjust.” The proposed plan would be different in that it would not be government controlled but rather by participating farmers and would return fair market access. The plan would also give voting power based on individual farmers and not by cow numbers. “This would open the door to get control back where it needs to be – to the people in this room rather than the government or massive dairy buyers,” Levins said. To further level the market access for farmers, Levins said the next step is to determine what help NFO can receive from the government on terms of reinforcing antitrust laws. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, along with several staff members, was in attendance. He invited citizens to bring him concerns of price xing to aid his staff who are already assigned to gathering information on this issue to build and prepare a potential case. “The help I need from you is information on things like this – price xing schemes and anti-com-
ANDREA BORGERDING/DAIRY STAR
Dr. Richard Levins, professor emeritus with the University of Minnesota, speaks during the Jan. 30 dairy crisis meeƟng at the Greenwald Pub in Greenwald, Minnesota. petitive behaviors,” Ellison said. “I’ve never been a dairy farmer, but I care very deeply about the challenges you are facing. As attorney general, I can sue individuals who are in illegal dealings and in violation of the law.”
Also during the meeting, members of The Land Stewardship Project encouraged those in attendance to sign a statement generated by LSP to address the current farm crisis. The statement included a list of demands from the Minnesota Governor, legislature and attorney general including: – Strengthen Minnesota Farm Advocates programs so farmers know their rights – The Minnesota Attorney General’s ofce must investigate large farmer-owned cooperatives – Farmers need accessible opportunities to restructure loans – A moratorium on dairies over 1,000 animal units – Affordable healthcare for farmers From the federal leaders, the LSP statement demands: – End corporate mega-mergers – Establish a supply management system – Implement short-term dairy relief and a long-term solution for small and mid-sized dairies – Federal farm subsidies should have payment limits – Enact Country of Origin Labeling – Farm Service Agency must offer 40-year xed farmland loans Upon signing the petition and urging support of the Dairy Farm Structure Management Plan, Neaten encouraged farmers to take a stand in this time of crisis. “We have to do something for ourselves,” he said. “If we don’t, this trend will continue because there are people out there who think this is the right way to go. Phone your congressman today.”
ANDREA BORGERDING/DAIRY STAR
AƩendess listen to speakers during the dairy crisis meeƟng Jan. 30 at the Greenwald Pub in Greenwald, Minnesota. The event was sponsored by Land Stewardship Project.
Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 25
How to deal with farm stress Tranel discusses coping with difďƒžculty in dairy life By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
CALMAR, Iowa – Dr. Larry Tranel said having stress is normal and can even be healthy for a person’s life; however, sometimes stress can get to be too much. “When farmers get under too much stress ‌ we become immobilized, confused,â€? Tranel said. “It’s tough to process what’s happening, what’s causing this, what’s going to happen, a lack of energy and a loss of hope. A loss of hope is a pretty big one. When you start losing Dr. Larry Tranel hope, there are Iowa State University deďƒžnitely issues we need to try to work with.â€? Tranel, Iowa State University dairy ďƒželd specialist, presented “Dealing with farm and family stressâ€? Jan. 21 during the Iowa Dairy Days 2020 in Calmar. The dairy industry’s economy throughout the last few years have put many dairy farmers in stressful situations.
“In the dairy industry, we have experienced the worst grief I’ve seen in my 31 years working in extension,â€? Tranel said. “Farmers are losing farms. They’re losing a way of life. ‌ This is quite unexpected for a lot of farmers. Sometimes some pretty darn good farmers have given me calls saying they might not last too much longer.â€? Tranel talked about how people – whether farmers or not – need to develop resiliency, the ability to deal with stress. He used the acronym PRIMER to learn the skill. P stands for perception. Tranel said there are three types of people if all were put into the same situation: One who thinks it is a problem, one who thinks it is a challenge, and one who thinks it is an opportunity. “People look at life as a problem,â€? Tranel said. “People look at life as being difďƒžcult. Once we learn and realize that life is full of problems and that life is difďƒžcult and it’s the challenge and opportunity of overcoming them that you get life with a lot of meaning; it changes our perspective on things.â€? Tranel also said to look at what can and cannot be controlled in a situation. “Maintaining a sense of control even if it’s small can make a big difference for the positive,â€? Tranel said. “Reinterpret negative thoughts to positive thoughts.â€? R stands for reality which is a person’s capacity and environment to understand the situation. Sometimes things happen that are not expected like the loss of a loved one, for example. This can cause immediate stress. Ac-
cepting that reality can help lessen the stress. “The grass is greener on the side of the fence that you fertilize and water,â€? Tranel said. “It’s deďƒžnitely a perception. What we think is reality is sometimes not actually what it is.â€? I is for identify emotions of stress related circumstances. “Ninety percent of the time, counselors help people sort through emotions because emotions are attached to something that happened in earlier times,â€? Tranel said. For example, anger is a secondary motion. “When we get angry, it’s important for us to actually identify what’s the source of it,â€? Tranel said. Because positive thoughts are precursors to positive emotions, it is important to think positive thoughts, Tranel said. “People who tend not feel good about themselves tend not to think good about themselves,â€? he said. “Choose happy and return there even when life gets us down.â€? M is for managing stress. This can be done using the acronym BEE SET – breathe, exercise, eat healthy, sublime, express and talk. When under stress, the body reacts by taking quick, short breaths. Tranel said lie down and try to slow down breathing, taking in air as deep as possible and exhaling as far as possible and repeating for ďƒžve to seven minutes. “If you really focus on breathing, you can put yourself in la-la land, the feeling just before you fall asleep,â€? Tra-
nel said. Tranel said seven minutes of heartpumping exercise – even for farmers – is healthy for things like psyche and serotonin levels. “It’s said to be one of nature’s best healers,â€? Tranel said. Eating healthy is better for your body and your brain. “Junk sugar and junk carbs are your two biggest culprits,â€? Tranel said. “People think fat is the issue. I will attest that I started drinking whole milk and added fat to my diet, and I lost weight.â€? Sublime is trading pain or stress for something else by using visual thinking of happy times and places to relax and change thoughts for a while. “Research shows you can change your pain for something else,â€? Tranel said. Express acceptance of the reality of the situation to help focus on the response or the solution, Tranel said. And talk through emotions with a positive attitude. E stands for extend out to others for social interaction. “Being lonely is the equivalence of smoking 15 cigarettes a day research has found,â€? Tranel said. “Become intertwined with other people’s lives. Find social support. It’s a basic human need.â€? R stands for resources. Find problem solving techniques that work. Find support from family and community. Set SMART – speciďƒžc, measurable, achievable, realistic and time-based – goals.
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Complete ARC/ PLC enrollment by March 16 The deadline for agricultural producers to sign up for the general Conservation Reserve Program through the United States FSA News & Notes Department of Agriculture is Feb. 28 while signup for continuous CRP is ongoing. Farmers and ranchers who enroll in CRP receive a yearly rental payment for voluntarily establishing long-term, resourceconserving plant species, such as approved grasses By Ryan Brunn or trees (known as covers) to control soil erosion, Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. improve water quality and develop wildlife habitat on marginally productive agricultural lands. CRP has 22 million acres enrolled, but the 2018 farm bill lifted the cap to 27 million acres. This means farmers and ranchers have a chance to enroll in CRP for the rst time or continue their participation for another term. By enrolling in CRP, producers are improving water quality, reducing soil erosion and restoring habitat for wildlife. This in turn spurs hunting, shing, recreation, tourism and other economic development across rural America. CRP general signup will be held annually. The competitive general signup will now include increased opportunities for enrollment of wildlife habitat through the SAFE initiative: State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement. While some practices under SAFE will remain available through continuous signup, CRP continuous signup will focus primarily on water quality with the Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative. The 2018 farm bill prioritizes water quality practices such as contour grass strips, lter strips, riparian buffers, wetlands and a new prairie strip. The USDA will also be working with Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program partners to relaunch CREP continuous options in each state under new statutory provisions. CREP will continue to target high-priority local, state or regional conservation concerns. The CRP Transition Incentives Program is an option for producers interested in transitioning land to a beginning farmer or rancher or a member of a socially disadvantaged group to return land to production for sustainable grazing or crop production. CRP contract holders no longer need to be a retired or retiring owner or operator to transition their land. TIP participants may have a lease less than ve years with an option to purchase, and they have two years before the end of the CRP contract to make conservation and land improvements. Land enrolled in CRP under a 15-year contract that expired in September 2017, 2018 or 2019, may be eligible for enrollment if there was no opportunity for re-enrollment, and the practice under the expired contract has been maintained. FSA recently posted updated soil rental rates for CRP on its website. Soil rental rates are statutorily prorated at 90% for continuous signup and 85% for general signup. The rental rates will be assessed annually. Under continuous signup, producers also receive incentives, including a signup incentive payment and a practice incentive payment. To enroll in CRP, contact a FSA county ofce or visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/crp. A reminder: The sign-up period for the 2019 Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage programs ends March 16. Contact a Farm Service Agency ofce as soon as you know your election and complete this process soon. Farm Service Agency is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Visit the Farm Service Agency Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov/ for necessary application forms and updates on USDA programs.
Who is your valentine? All my life I have enjoyed Valentine’s Day. A table covered in glitter, red and pink paper, jewels, stamps, markers, scissors, glue and pens has been a signal that it is that time of year. Each handmade valentine goes to someone who is a part of my life. Some valentines are pretty emotional as I On the Road with take the opportunity to tell my family and very Princess Kay best friends how much I love them. As I was thinking about Valentine’s Day, this year as Princess Kay I want to send two additional valentines. My rst valentine would go to all the dairy farmers across Minnesota. As Princess Kay, I see this opportunity as more than By Amy Kyllo 66th Princess Kay of the a job, a tiara or a resume builder. I am working Milky Way as a dairy advocate for you. I believe in what the dairy community is doing. It is said that love expresses itself in actions, not merely words. As I attend each event, make social media posts, write articles or speeches, I am doing exactly that: showing I truly care. This past month, I had the opportunity to speak with preschoolers in Rogers and St. Michael, both of Minnesota. They might be young, but it was still so important to teach them about the community I care so deeply for. Preschoolers are a unique age as I try to nd the balance between overwhelming them with knowledge, not challenging them enough and presenting the information in a simple, yet useful way. It is always an encouragement when you can ask them questions like, “Why should you drink milk?” at the end of the presentation, and they now know the answer is to be big and strong. They are the next generation of consumers and dairy enthusiasts. The second valentine I would like to send as Princess Kay is from both myself and all the other dairy farmers of Minnesota. I want to send a valentine to the communities that we all live in to let them know we care and to tell them how we want to build
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community together. On Jan. 19, I presented $5,000 on live TV to the Eagles Cancer Telethon. The money was raised through the sale of malts by a county dairy association and was donated by dairy farmers to aid in cancer research. It was a moment to let the community know dairy farmers stand with the community. Our lives are touched and devastated by the same things. As local small business owners, we want to step up and do our part to make this world a better place. Sometimes we forget our communities do not exist of us and them. Our communities are a we. We stand together. As I have mentioned who Princess Kay’s valentines are, now it is your turn. Who is your valentine? Who do you invest time and energy into? This is the time of year to put words to the actions that you show all year long. Maybe your valentine does not know the reason you are investing in them. This is the day to let your spouse, siblings, friends and community know
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 27
you care. Maybe you will not use glitter and red paper as I love to do, but that does not make your valentine message invalid. This Valentine’s Day, let them know you care. Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Amy Kyllo, serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Throughout the year, Princess Kay helps people understand the dedication of dairy farmers to wholesome and nutritious food, and the way milk is produced. Princess Kay does many school presentations, represents dairy farmers at the Fuel Up To Play 60 events that are held in conjunction with the Minnesota Vikings, and is very active during June Dairy Month sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods. Amy grew up in Byron, Minnesota, living and working on her family’s dairy farm. She is a senior at the Free Lutheran Bible College. She enjoys music, loves to read and is an avid Minnesota Twins baseball fan.
Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 Joe Armstrong armst225@umn.edu 612.624.3610 Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130 Hugh Chester-Jones chest001@umn.edu 507-835-3622
www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
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Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184 Marcia Endres miendres@umn.edu 612-624-5391
Historically, the focus on reducing lameness in the dairy industry has been on preventing new hoof lesions through foot bathing, preventative trimming, and managing farm-level risk factors including hygiene, standing time, ooring and cow handling practices. Recent data from several University of Minnesota research projects suggest we have been quite successful in reducing the number of cows that develop new hoof lesions. In fact, in some of these studies, it was difcult to nd enough new cases of lesions to study preventative strategies. This is good news and reects the focus farms have placed on ensuring cow comfort. Surprisingly, on these same farms, the prevalence of lameness was still in the 20% to 30% range. These farms all had excellent control of By Gerard Cramer digital dermatitis (warts), and most of the U of M hoof lesions consisted of sole ulcers, white line, thin soles or corkscrews. Having a low level of new lesions yet still having a high level of lameness prevalence suggests that cows that develop lesions end up becoming chronic cows, and these chronic cows are the main reason for the higher than expected lameness prevalence. Therefore, preventing chronic cows is a key point in lameness control. So, how does a farm reduce the number of chronic cows, and what is a reasonable goal? Similar to mastitis, having a goal of zero lameness cases in a year is unrealistic. However, it is realistic to have a goal of having more days with zero lame cows (chronic or new) than days with lame cows. The key to this is to focus on chronic cows. Instead of accepting and eventually culling them, it is possible to reduce their number. Reducing the number of chronic cows starts with being able to nd a lame cow early in the course of the disease. This typically requires that on a dairy there is a dedicated person who is the lame cow detector. It would be their responsibility to ensure all lame cows get found within one to two days of displaying visible signs of lameness. Visible signs of lameness can vary depending on the lesion. A cow that is non-weight bearing on a leg has been lame for more than one to two days and would have beneted from earlier treatment. The goal of the lame cow detection protocol should be to catch cows when they are mildly lame and before they are non-weight bearing. Depending on herd size, the lame cow detector is actively looking for lame cows one day every one to two weeks and has a system that allows other workers to communicate lame cows to them daily. Once we have identied a lame cow, she needs to be treated
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appropriately. To ensure this happens effectively and safely for both the cow and person requires a hoof trimming chute. Throwing a rope over a beam or gate to lift a foot and then expecting a person to treat the cow appropriately while she is swinging her foot and trying not to fall is not an appropriate strategy and will result in harm at some point. Therefore, dairies need to have a chute or have a hoof trimmer or veterinarian who can treat the cow with their equipment within one to two days. Once the cow is restrained and her foot is lifted, we can start to appropriately treat her. Appropriate treatment varies for individual lesions, and both a hoof trimmer and veterinarian should be involved in developing an appropriate treatment protocol for each lesion. Briey, only foot rot requires intramuscular antibiotics. Digital dermatitis should be treated with topical antibiotics, and the majority of all the other lesions require a block on the healthy hoof and the removal of loose horn and not live tissue. To truly ensure a cow does not become chronic, all cows that receive a block need to be rechecked within four to six weeks. This ensures that healing has occurred and prevents lesions from festering. In addition, it also provides a mechanism to remove blocks and prevent issues with manure handling equipment. Lastly, I suggest cows that have had a lesion, like a sole ulcer, white line or toe problem, require a different trimming schedule than a healthy cow. Cows with lesions at any point in their life should be on a four to six month trimming schedule; whereas cows without a history of lesions can likely be trimmed less frequently. Of course, this is all herd dependent, but as herds get larger and cows walk more there is usually less hoof to trim on healthy cows. Specic changes to trimming programs should be made by having your hoof health team (hoof trimmer, nutritionist and veterinarian) look at your records and design a program that ts your dairy. For those cows that do end up becoming chronic cows despite our best efforts, it is necessary to develop a management strategy for these cows. It could be a simple three-strikesand-you-are-out policy. Alternatively, it could be generating a monthly list that includes cows who have been treated repeatedly (greater than 3 to 4 times). Together with your hoof health team, the best course of action for these cows can then be determined. In summary, it is possible for all dairies to have many days with zero lame cows. To accomplish this, it requires a dairy to set up a system that includes usable records to allow the creation of trim lists and monitoring progress, a dedicated person to nd lame cows, a hoof trimming chute and a mechanism that allows the re-evaluation of cows with lesions on a timely basis.
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Timing of milking procedures A colleague of mine pointed out several years ago that it only takes about six minutes to milk a cow, but we can talk about how best to milk the cow for hours. Of course there are lots of factors that affect how long it takes to milk, such as two versus three times per day milking, milk yield, vacuum and milking machine function, automatic detacher settings, pre-milking stimulation, and so on; but there are some timing goals that are quite well known to be critical in milking routines. For example, at least 30 seconds is considered the gold standard for the length of time teat sanitizer should be on the teat before wiping, though many products have conrmed bacteria kill times of less than 30 seconds. Similarly, for years a common recommendation was that milking units be attached at 60 seconds after initial stimulation or contact with the cow. While one minute was simple to remember and not a bad recommendation, it did not exactly t the biology of the cow. An average of early studies indicated that the surge in oxytocin hit the cells of the alveoli in the udder at about 83 seconds after initial stimulation. So, the reasoning was that by attaching the milking cluster at 60 seconds, the milk By Mike Schutz already present in the milk cistern could be removed and U of M the milking unit would be on the cow when milk ejection or letdown was at its peak. Unfortunately, many cows still had bimodal milking, in other words, good milk ow while milk was removed from the gland cistern then very low milk ow followed again by faster milk ow as the milk ejected from the alveoli reached the teat. Since milk is the lubricant that protects the internal structures of the teat end during milking, milking a dry teat is overmilking and can lead to harm whether that overmilking occurs right after cluster attachment, between removal of cisternal milk and arrival of alveolar milk, or after high milk ow at the end of milking. A few years ago, research from Cornell University showed some advantage for a lag time between initial stimulation and milking unit attachment of 90 or even 120 seconds compared to 60 seconds. The conclusions about lag time were similar with either dipping and wiping, or dipping and forestripping as initial stimulation. The somewhat longer lag time resulted in more milk harvested in the rst two minutes of on time, less total unit on time, greater milk ow and somewhat lower percentages of bimodal milking – all good things for udder health and milking efciency. These ndings were more pronounced for cows in later lactation, which stands to reason since there tends to be less milk present at milking time. Also, in that study, there was not a detrimental effect through 120 seconds and often to four minutes of lag time, but at some point parlor efciency must be considered, such that a milking interval target of 60 to about 120 seconds seems a reasonable conclusion to draw. So, while there are differences in milk ow and bimodal milking related to the optimal delay between rst contact with the cow, either dipping and wiping or dipping and forestripping, that timing is not the full story. In fact, the Cornell study showed a rather noticeable advantage in the milk letdown response when initial contact before lag time included forestripping and not only wiping. We are beginning to understand more about the critical importance of the amount of tactile stimulation on milk ow rates, bimodal milking and milking unit on time. A publication last year in Journal of Dairy Science by Erskine and his colleagues at Michigan State University sheds some additional light on the importance of adequate stimulation. In that study of 64 herds designed to compare measures of delayed milk ejection after cluster attachment, herds averaged 25% of cows with delayed milk ejection with a range of zero to 75%. It was determined that average total stimulation time and herd size were the two herd-level factors most predictive of delayed milk ejection. Herds ranged from an average of two seconds of stimulation per cow to 21 seconds of stimulation, including forestripping and wiping, and delayed milk ejection was less in the herds with more tactile stimulation. Larger herds had more cows with delayed milk ejection, probably because less time is spent on stimulation. Interestingly, the same Michigan State researchers also found that delayed milk ejection, or bimodal milk ow, resulted in less milk harvested. That is, cows with a longer lag time from milking cluster attachment to beginning of alveolar milk ow not only took longer to milk but yielded less milk too. The bottom line is that establishing the best milking routine is complicated. But there are some key considerations. First, 60 to about 120 seconds after stimulation seems like a great goal for milking unit attachment (less time is better for 2X milking, more time is better for 3X milking). Second, stimulation from fore stripping or vigorous wiping of the teats remains a valuable signal to the cow to begin the oxytocin-milk ejection-milk ow response, and evidence suggests this should be at least 15 seconds per cow. With early and mid-lactation cows, the amount of stimulation and lag time may not be so critical, but late lactation cows are likely to need more pre-milking stimulation to avoid delayed milk ejection and fully eject milk.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 29
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Keeping romance alive Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
Time ies when you do not know what you are factor. Even so, one of the things that my wife has doing. done, with a great deal of success, is to keep that aura It is hard for me to believe this, but my wife and of mystery alive. I will soon celebrate our 39th F For instance, just the other dday, my wife asked me, wedding anniversary. Who Durable D bl marriages i seem to b be “How many husbands does said it would not last? Durable marriages seem the exception rather than the it take to replace the roll in a to be the exception rather toilet paper dispenser?” than the rule nowadays. rule nowadays. I replied that I did not The very language that is rrightfully know. ““That’s OK,” she said. associated with matrimony tends toward the negative. What bachelor isn’t aware “Nobody knows. Because it has never actually that marriage can be rearranged to spell “a grim era” happened.” and that mother-in-law can be rearranged to spell both See what I mean? She is always saying cryptic “alter him now” and “a lime thrown”? things like that. The true meaning behind such I do not claim to possess any kind of top-secret pronouncements keeps me guessing. formula for a lasting marriage. After all this time, A meeting of the minds seems to be an important though, I am sure inertia has become a very large ingredient in that Mulligan stew called matrimonial
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bliss. My wife and I have been together for so long that not only do we nish each other’s sentences, it has gotten to the point where she starts my sentences for me and lls in all the middle parts. For example, we might be watching TV Dear County Agent Guy when some scantily clad young lady appears on the screen. Moments later, without warning – without me uttering even a single syllable – my wife will whack me a good one. “Ouch,” I exclaim. “What was that for?” She will then explain, in great detail, By Jerry Nelson how she was about to Columnist say this particular thing to which I would have retorted with that dunderheaded comment and by golly, anyone who would say such a thing deserves a good whack. The scariest part is that she has an accuracy rate that hovers at around 90%. Another important ingredient for a long and happy marriage, apparently, is romance. In other words, you cannot be like that old farmer whose wife asked him, “How come you never say that you love me?” Came the gruff reply, “I already said it once on the day we got married, and if I had changed my mind, I would have let you know.” Romance, according to my wife, is best obtained in a place that’s tropical and exotic. “I wish we could go to Hawaii,” she would often opine. “Or the Bahamas. Places like that are so romantic.” But, alas. Romantic getaways are all but impossible for a dairy farmer. With airfares soaring into the stratosphere, I cannot imagine what such a junket might have cost. You would have to assume that the airline would require our cows be placed in rst class due to the extra leg room they would need. As in all marriages, compromise is key. Some years ago, as our anniversary date approached, my wife went onto the internet and found a superb place to spend our anniversary. Steever House Bed and Breakfast is located 70 miles south of our farm. It was probably about as close as we would ever get to visiting the tropics. On the eve of that anniversary, we pointed our car south. But before we left, we told our two thenteenaged sons that milking and chores would be their responsibility for the next 24 hours. Also, not to even think about throwing a party while we were gone. Our stay at Steever House Bed and Breakfast was entirely pleasant. For me, the breakfast part was denitely one of the highlights. As we ate, I pointed out to my wife that banana pancakes are both tropical and exotic. After breakfast, we lounged by the dining room table and massaged our overstuffed tummies. Then I noticed that my wife was looking at me in a very special way. “Are you thinking what I think you’re thinking?” I asked. She smiled coyly and replied, “You know it.” My wife then turned to Sara, our hostess, and asked for her banana pancake recipe. Ah, well. A 90% accuracy rate is still pretty darn good. Jerry is a recovering dairy farmer from Volga, South Dakota. He and his wife, Julie, have two grown sons and live on the farm where Jerry’s great-grandfather homesteaded over 110 years ago. Jerry currently works full time for the Dairy Star as a staff writer/ad salesman. Feel free to E-mail him at: jerry.n@ dairystar.com.
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Heat stress still happens Dairy farmers have made great strides in reducing heat stress in the last 20 years. However, the average cow produced about 1.4% more milk per year over that time period, which means Veterinary Wisdom higher dry matter intake and heat production. The summer of 2019 did not seem to have extended periods of heat and humidity resulting in widespread dairy cow heat stress, and most farms did not see huge drops in production in our area; however, examination of pregnancy and conception rates on By Jim Bennett most high producing Columnist dairies we see tells a different story. It was not uncommon to see a 5 or 10 percentage point drop in conception rates, e.g., from 45% to 35%, for the warmest month or two. While this does not sound like a lot, the result is signicantly fewer pregnant cows for the period and a corresponding increase in cows eligible for insemination in subsequent months, eventually resulting in a slug of pregnancies later. Thus, there is a continued need for better heat abatement strategies. If you are not convinced your herd suffers from heat stress or would like to know how you compare to other farms, consider checking your summer to winter ratio. The S/W ratio was developed in Israel and is described in a recent paper (Guinn: Journal of Dairy Science, 2019). The concept is to look at performance as dened by several indices for the summer (June 21 to Sept. 21) and the winter (Dec. 21 to March 19). Indices included were energy corrected milk, somatic cell count, percentage fat, percentage protein, heat detection rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate. The S/W ratio is the summer average divided by the winter average. For example, for energy corrected milk, Midwest herds had an S/W ratio of 0.94. The top 25th percentile had a 0.99 ratio, and the bottom
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 31
25th percentile had a ratio of 0.89. So, if your ratio the oocytes themselves. Oocyte damage also explains is 0.89, it means your summer production was 89% the carryover effect, where one sees approximately of your winter production, and 75% of Midwestern two months of impaired fertility in the cooler fall. It herds had a higher S/W ratio than yours. And, your takes 40 to 50 days for follicles to develop into large, herd likely suffered more severe heat stress than most. dominant follicles and ovulate, so if insemination Not surprisingly, ooccurs just before ovulation pregnancy rate shows the If you are not convinced a damaged oocyte, i d your of lowest average S/W ratio in fertilization is less likely, the study. Pregnancy rate is herd suffers from heat stress and embryonic death is more dependent on conception rate likely should fertilization and heat detection rate, both ... consider checking your occur. Heat stress in dry cows of which typically decline in summer to winter ratio. near the end of gestation can the summer, so pregnancy rreduce fertility after calving rate will decline more for f the same reasons. than heat detection or conception rate. The average Third, cooling cows at night is more effective than S/W ratio for pregnancy rate was 0.82, meaning during the hottest part of the day. Milk production average pregnancy rate in the summer is only 82% dropped by 1.66% when cows were cooled at night of winter. The top 25% of herds had a S/W ratio of only and by 6.81% when cooled only during the day. 1.04, meaning they actually did slightly better in the Of course, the correct strategy is to cool during day summer than winter, and the lowest 25% had a ratio and night. of 0.63. The average S/W ratios for SCC, fat, protein Fourth, strategies to reduce heat related and heat detection rate are 1.05, 0.95, 0.96 and 0.97, reproductive losses might include strategic use of respectively. DHI test day data was used in this study, GnRH injections. Timed A.I. systems that rely on use but one could calculate ratios using DC 305 or other of GnRH force follicular turnover and clear the ovary on farm data sources. of damaged oocytes. Herds that do not use timed A recent literature review regarding heat stress A.I. might consider GnRH use during and at the end management (Negron-Perez: Journal of Dairy Science, of the summer by injecting GnRH near to or at the 2019) made a few interesting points regarding causes end of the voluntary waiting period. GnRH may also of decreased milk production and poorer reproductive increase conception rates when given at the time of performance. insemination on hot days. One, only about one-third of reduction of milk Dairy farmers have done an excellent job production is due to decreased dry matter intake addressing heat stress in their cows as evidenced during heat stress. The rest is due to increased by high summer milk production and very good maintenance requirements to dissipate heat and reproductive performance. However, heat stress is changes in metabolism of the cow. Thus, strategies still a signicant problem in most high producing focused on maintaining dry matter intake alone will herds in the Midwest. Unless improvements are made not control heat stress. in heat abatement systems, the problem will only get Two, impaired fertility during heat stress is mainly worse. Heat stress is not going away any time soon. due to reduced estrus detection, altered follicular Bennett is one of four dairy veterinarians at function and early embryonic death. Ovarian follicle Northern Valley Dairy Production Medicine Center size is 0.1 mm less for each additional point of in Plainview, Minnesota. He also consults on dairy temperature-humidity index on the day of estrus. The farms in other states. He and his wife, Pam, have four composition of follicular uids changes during heat children. Jim can be reached at bennettnvac@gmail. stress too, and there are a variety of direct damages to com with comments or questions.
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I’ll come back next week Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
Twenty years ago, when I was looking for site, my neighbor, Clarence, and I also agreed on a a proper site to build a new dairy complex, Joe contract for deed to purchase the rest of the farm. suggested I talk to a close neighbor whose farm The contract stipulated that Clarence and his wife, was on a black top road. We already were custom Dorothy, would retain free use of the farmhouse for farming his land and were as a long as they wanted. The raising heifers in his old farmhouse f sits about oneGrowing i up, that h h house was feedlot. I knew immediately G half mile back from the tar that Joe had the right idea like my second home because road and one-quarter mile because on my home farm behind the dairy complex. there was not enough high one of Dorothy’s sons became The family that homesteaded elevation ground to build a my best friend. the land probably located site that could be expanded the t original farmyard there into the future. I also knew for f its close proximity to the elderly neighbor was in a bind for cash and Lake Ocheda and access to water. would be open to selling 20 acres for double the Clarence had grown up on this farm and had going rate. The real story, though, is the history of dated Dorothy in high school, but for some reason, the neighbor’s house. Dorothy married someone else. Clarence remained When I bought the 20 acres for the new dairy single and lived with his widowed mother on the
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farm for many years. Suddenly, when Clarence was in his early 40s, Dorothy’s husband died and left her with two sons to raise. Quite quickly Clarence and Dorothy reunited and married. Clarence’s mother, upon hearing Making Cents of Dairy that Dorothy and her two boys were moving into the farmhouse, immediately went and bought a house in town. She moved very quickly into her house in town and told Clarence she would be back the next week to get the rest of her stuff. Somehow she never got most of By Dave Vander Kooi that stuff in the huge Columnist upstairs closets. Growing up, that house was like my second home because one of Dorothy’s sons became my best friend. Her son, Wayne, and I cruised the neighborhood on our big Honda 50s. We baled hay together, went on double dates and just plain had a lot of fun. Their whole family included me on adventures and camping trips. Sadly, Wayne, Clarence and Dorothy all passed away within three weeks of each other about 12 years ago. That left their daughter, Janell, in charge of the estate, and she lives in Florida. When Janell was home for all three funerals, she walked through the old farmhouse and said she only wanted a family heirloom hutch shipped to Florida and for me to take care of everything else. The house was full of three generations of stuff. I asked my daughters and daughter-in-law to go through it and take anything they wanted. That was not nearly enough. Then I had two employees help me take out obvious junk to burn and recycle. Then I immediately rented it to one of my employees who had a new wife and a new baby. This new family had nothing, so they were happy with the used beds, used couches, used dishes and everything else in that house. They basically lived on the main oor and closed off the ve big bedrooms on the second oor for heating cost reasons. On Jan. 1 of this year, this family moved back to their native country of Honduras. The husband was older, had worked for me for 15 years, and his wife was younger and had milked for me for 10 years. Over this time, they lived very frugally and saved up enough money to hire contractors in Honduras to build them a brand-new concrete house on 20 acres of land. Their plan is to buy ve milk cows, milk them with a bucket milking machine I gave them and sell the milk locally. Now the house is big and empty. Joe and Corey think I should tear it down, and they are probably right. But it has pocket doors in the parlor, exterior French doors and a beautiful staircase. The whole house needs work, and there are still artifacts on the second oor, including a hand crank cream separator. Right or wrong, I am completely redoing the kitchen, even including a built-in dishwasher. The rest of the main oor will get new paint and carpet. The old plaster walls will have dents and holes, but I learned from watching HGTV that as long as they are clean and painted that is OK. I will have no problem renting out the house, the problem always is nding the right renters. Vander Kooi operates a 1,800-cow, 4,500 acre farm with his son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Rita, near Worthington, Minnesota. Send him feedback at davevkooi@icloud.com. Follow him on Instagram, @davevanderkooi.
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Thinking about sustainability
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 33
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To nd a statement about sustainably-produced food, one must only look as far as the nearest cereal box or energy bar in your pantry. Within the agricultural community, we hear that people who eat and buy food are deeply concerned about how it is produced. In fact, a recent Cargill-led survey of 4,000 consumers from the United States, China, Mexico and Spain revealed that sustainability the most important farmer attribute to 30% of Come Full Dairy Circle was respondents, ranking higher than efcient, traditional, small-scale or caring. In winter, I spend more time reading the pile of magazines on our counter. An issue of Farm Journal with a drainage tile on the cover caught my eye. The magazine focused entirely on the topic of America’s conservation ag movement. It laid out the challenges and opportunities of more sustainable farming, providing a snapshot of ineld practices such as drainage, conservation easement, no-till, reduced tillage, cover crops and CRP. Farmers who are beneting from soil health management were featured. It delved into what the prosumer wants, how By Jean Annexstad food companies are responding and how there is a need Columnist for more technology for livestock farmers to improve productivity, reduce labor needs and help identify potential illness and reduce water pollution. I had been thinking about this as I had an opportunity for a few afternoons in January to meet with a small group of farmers and interested faculty at Gustavus Adolphus College to discuss a book called, “Farming for Us All,” by Michael Mayereld Bell. The topic of this book written in 2004 promoted sustainable farming ideologies that were developed by the Practical Farmers of Iowa, a group of farmers who exchanged practices and dialog on how to farm in economically and environmentally sound ways on small farms that support rural community life. The book centered on a series of interviews done with Iowa farmers about their actual farming methods and how they could prot into the future in a rapidly changing farming environment. Our book group discussion was very timely and raised more questions. So, what does sustainability on an Upper Midwest dairy farm like ours look like to consumers? People who are a lot wiser than me have dened it as the ability to farm protably for many generations on the same ground. Some farmer/leaders say if a farm is a three- or four-generation farm, with another generation joining in the future, the farmers must have done and are doing something right. That is likely so, but is that a good enough answer for consumers? How do we effectively communicate the sustainability efforts we make as dairy farmers? We always tell groups who tour our farm about the crop, feed, milk and manure cycle. We explain how we grow alfalfa and corn to feed our cows. They produce highly nutritious food from the crops that people cannot digest. Then we carefully manage the use of manure as a resource to nurture the next crops to feed the cows, decreasing the need to purchase inorganic fertilizer. The alfalfa improves soil health in our crop rotation. The explanation seems obvious to dairy farmers, but I get the impression that many people have never thought about it before in that way. On our farm, we have grown cover crops on a few other elds in the past few years to reduce erosion and improve soil. Our veterinarian was so excited about the tillage radishes in one of the elds we planted, he stopped to pull some to taste on his way to herd check. Besides corn and soybean, grain farmers in our area grow alfalfa for larger neighboring dairies which helps their soil health. Some farmers are experimenting with new crops such as hemp, rye and Kernza. There is also deep concern about the greenhouse gases that are contributed by cattle, probably a topic for several more columns. What I am thinking about is the recent Starbucks CEO-driven effort to switch their customers away from dairy ingredients and towards plant-based add-ins to coffee drinks. This seems like a glaring example of how an un-addressed concern could affect consumption of milk and cream. It is annoying that dairy is made the scapegoat in this discussion. But it raises the question, “How does greenhouse gas contributed from dairy t into the sustainability conversation?” If you are interested in a great explanation on this topic, listen to episode 22 of Midwest Dairy’s “Dairy on the Air” podcast where Dr. Frank Mitloehner, researcher at University of California-Davis, shares insights regarding the dairy industry’s contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. Besides his detailed explanation of the biogenic carbon cycle, he explains the methane digesters popping up on California dairies that will harness renewable natural gas, replacing the fuels that are contributors to climate change. Change is inevitable for us all. Jean dairy farms with her husband, Rolf, and brother-in-law, Mike, and children Emily, Matthias and Leif. They farm near St. Peter, Minnesota, in Norseland, where she is still trying to t in with the Norwegians and Swedes. They milk 200 cows and farm 650 acres. She can be reached at jeanannexstad@gmail.com.
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Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
Throttle therapy
Kirckofs race sleds in pastime By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
BELGRADE, Minn. – Shaina Kirckof craves thrill. Mark Kirckof revels in vintage snowmobiles. Together, they have found a pastime that marries both their interests in an exhilarating way. For the past four years, the fatherdaughter pair has traveled across the region drag racing and speed racing snowmobiles. “I think we’re the only father-daughter team in the sport,” Shaina said. “And just like farming, it takes a good partnership to work well.” Shaina milks 81 cows on her farm in Stearns County near Belgrade. Mark is a crop farmer in the area. The Kirckofs race a 1997 Arctic Cat ZRT 600 in the speed racing competition, which is a 1,000-foot dash across a lake. They also race a 1974 Sno-Jet Thunder-Jet 340 and a 1976 Polaris TX 440 in drag race competitions. The latter event is a 660-foot dash on ice. In the summer, the Kirckofs participate in grass drag racing using the vintage sleds. This division of sled racing occurs on a 500-foot straightway track. “This is such a stress reliever. … A little bit of throttle therapy,” Shaina said. Mark agreed. “I’ve always collected snowmobiles; that’s my thing,” he said. “When Shaina wanted to also race them, it was like a dream come true.” With two seasons and three competi-
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Mark and Shaina Kirckof stand in front of their racing snowmobiles Jan. 29 at their farm site near Belgrade, Minnesota. The father-daughter duo speed race and drag race snowmobiles as a pasƟme from dairy and crop farming. tions, the Kirckofs’ time is spent on their farms or with their sleds. The winter season just recently began, with poor ice conditions delaying its start. To safely compete, there must be at least 16 inches of clear, dark blue ice. The white ice at the surface of lakes does not have enough strength to hold the trailers, trucks
BRINGING DAIRY
and equipment these competitions bring, so it is removed. Typically, the Kirckofs will compete in area races – Grey Eagle, Brainerd, Waseca and Willmar – as well as one in Okoboji, Iowa, and the World Series of Ice Drags in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With races Saturday mornings, Mark
and Shaina spend the week prior prepping the snowmobiles. “We check everything over and test them out during the week, so when we arrive on the weekend we’re ready to go,” Mark said.
Turn to KIRCKOFS | Page 35
to Life
2020 District Meetings
FEB 1 – 12:00 PM Tobie’s, Hinckley District 2, Eric Sonnek FEB 7 – 11:30 AM Browerville Comm Center, Browerville District 5, Debi Clasemann FEB 8 – 12:00 PM Hy-Vee, Owatonna District 19, Karen Kasper FEB 11 – 11:30 AM Pizza Ranch, Alexandria District 7, Suzanne Vold
FEB 12 – 11:00 AM – Leadership Meeting 12:00 PM – Midwest Dairy Pizza Ranch, Slayton District 18, Dave Schwartz FEB 14 – 11:30 AM The Oaks, Willmar District 11, Jane Remiger FEB 17 – 11:30 AM Immanuel Lutheran Silo School, Lewiston District 21, Rita Young MAR 4 – 10:00 AM – Extended program with Minnesota Milk 11:30 AM – Midwest Dairy 1:00 PM – DHIA Rochester Events Center District 20, Chris Sukalski
MAR 5 – 10:00 AM –Extended program with Minnesota Milk 11:30 AM – Midwest Dairy Crow River Winery, Hutchinson District 12, Charles Krause District 13, Kevin Buss MAR 9 – 7:30 PM American Legion, Millville District 17, Mindi Arendt MAR 14 – 7:00 PM Goodtimes, Caledonia Houston County ADA, Margaret Johnson MAR 19 – 7:30 PM Branding Iron Restaurant, Preston Fillmore County ADA, Margaret Johnson
No RSVP required. Please call 651-703-1008 or email barnold@midwestdairy.com with any questions. Visit MidwestDairy.com for additional locations and times.
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 35
ConƟnued from KIRCKOFS | Page 34
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Shaina Kirckof begins a drag race with her vintage 1974 Sno-Jet Thunder-Jet 340 snowmobile. By Friday afternoons, Mark loads up the sleds and heads to the race location while Shaina stays behind and milks her herd of cows. “Most of the time the races are close enough I can leave early Saturday morning,” Shaina said. The dairy farmer works with one fulltime herdsman and a part-time employee to complete chores on the farm. Before she leaves for competition, Shaina beds down all the youngstock and brings any close-up cows into the 80-stall tiestall barn. “I really try to simplify it as much as possible, so all they have to do is feed and milk when I’m gone,” Shaina said. Once at the races, the Kirckofs compete throughout the day in different classes. As Shaina takes the helm of the sleds, Mark waits in the hot pit either watching the race or prepping another snowmobile for the next class. In the Kirckofs’ relatively short career, they have been graced with success. The Thunder Jet is undefeated in its mod stock class on grass and ice, and the Polaris TX has only lost one race in the last three years on grass. “It all comes down to the driver,” Mark said. “Most races are won on the line. You need to have a steady hand and quick reaction time.” Shaina agreed. “Hundredths of a second make all the difference,” she said. “Plus, it’s all about the people you surround yourself with, just like in farming. Everyone is there to help you, and they want to see you on the track.” Shaina said the key to a good start is pushing the snowmobile to its limits. “I hold the 340 Sno-Jet just under 7,000 rpms, just below engagement at 7,200 rpms,” she said. “I need to have all
of my body weight over the handlebars just to try and keep it down from wheeling once it takes off.” Shaina also races for other crews across the states. In one race,she was able to top out an 1,100 open mod at 148 miles per hour in the speed racing division. “I love the fast speed of the big sled,” Shaina said. “In just 1,000 feet, there’s such an adrenaline rush, and at the end of the track I can’t wait to go again.” The thrill of snowmobile racing does not end when the ice thins. The grass drag season begins in August and runs through October. On grass, the 340 snowmobile has gone 500 feet in 6.4 seconds; the 440 has made the distance in 6 seconds. “We’re usually just nishing up the season in time for chopping,” Mark said. “The season then falls in between harvests, so we go wide open and make it work.” These races are every weekend – from as far north as Willow River to as far south as Rochester. Mark’s wife and Shaina’s mom, Kara, and Shaina’s daughters, Veda, 5, and Jade, 4, often join the duo. “They’re our biggest fans,” Mark said. After the races, the crew will spend the rest of the day socializing with others at the event and then spend the evening camping either in a tent, sh house or the race trailer. “These people have become some of our best friends,” Shaina said. “They’re our race family. We have friends from around the world.” Whether under the hot summer sun or in the dead of winter, the Kirckofs always look forward to racing snowmobiles. “I remember getting the sleds and asking Shaina if she wanted to drag race,” Mark said. “She told me if I bought (the sled), she would peg it and not let off.”
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Mark and Shaina Kirckof inspect the engine of their 1974 Sno-Jet Thunder-Jet 340 Jan. 29 at their home near Belgrade, Minnesota. The Kirckofs spend weekdays preparing the sleds for races on the weekends.
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Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
Women In Dairy Jaime Noble Lancaster, Wisconsin Grant County 350 cows Family: My husband, Troy, and I have three kids, Drew, 17, Ainsley 15, and Macie, 12. Tell us about your farm. At Nobland Farms, Troy and I farm along with my inlaws, Dennis and Rita. In March 2017, we moved into our new parlor and freestall setup and currently milk 350 registered Holsteins, both black and red, three times a day. We also have a 100-cow crossbred beef herd. All animals are raised on the farm. Between owned and rented land, we have 1,000 acres on which we grow corn and alfalfa. Troy and my father-in-law mix all the feed while I feed calves every day. The kids will ll in the various rolls as needed. We do our own tillage and harvesting with the exception of custom harvesting corn silage. What is the busiest time of day for you? The morning, as I’m trying to process new calves from overnight, feeding calves and seeing the kids before they leave for school; it tends to get a little busy. I try to do all the extras during the morning chores so then evening chores can move along. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? Our kids are involved in sports so usually most of the spare time is spent attending their events. We also enjoy showing our dairy cattle. Through the summer and fall, we are busy with that as well. Besides the kids’ events, I enjoy reading, spending time during the summer doing yardwork and taking care of all the ower gardens I have. Tell us your most memorable experience working on the farm. Watching our kids walking the colored shavings at World Dairy Expo. It takes so much work, sweat and tears, but the look on their faces when they walk into the show ring is something you don’t forget. Also, we had a stave silo fall down on our farm about 10 years ago. My husband was lling another silo with high moisture corn and happened to look and see the silo full of corn silage had started leaning. Fortunately, the best outcome happened and fell directly on to our machine shed which we had emptied out. Had it changed any course, it would have fallen onto our dairy barn or towards a heifer shed. It took three days and lots of stress of unknowns before we
found a guy to come and cut the bands holding the silo up to bring it down and begin clean up. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming? When Troy and I got married, I worked off the farm, and ve years ago, we made the decision to have me home full time. I have not looked back on that decision. Being home with the kids and Troy more has been great. Seeing new life born every day never gets old. Seeing that new heifer born, feeding her that rst time and seeing her grow and then watching her have her rst calf makes me love what I do every day. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? I’m involved with 4-H, the local and state Holstein associations, various organizations on social media and attending functions related to the ag industry. Troy and I are advisors for our county junior Holstein group, and also work with those kids for dairy judging and dairy bowl contests that we participate in. I have attended the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association Convention for numerous years. It is always great to see the old friends I have made and meet new ones from all over the state. Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? My three kids are who inspire me; I work every day for them and with them. We want to be able to have the ability to allow any or all of our kids to return home to be part of Nobland Farms. When we built our new facility, we kept in mind the possibility of expansion down the road should they make that decision to join us. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be? A group of young kids. We had the opportunity to host Platteville second graders last year, and it was the greatest time. To teach those kids about the dairy industry and watch those minds work and ask questions makes me proud to do what I do every day. With how far removed kids have become from agriculture, this has given them the chance to see a dairy farm rst hand. This is something we plan to continue for years to come.
FARM INFORMATION STATION
What is the best vacation you have ever taken? My husband and I took our kids to Walt Disney World about eight years ago with another farm couple with three kids of their own. To watch the excitement through their eyes was wonderful. Troy and I also took a vacation to Punta Cana six years ago with a group of friends and enjoyed the beach and relaxation.
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What are some words you like to live by? I don’t really have words to live by, but I try to make each day the best. If there is a bad day, the next day will be better.
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HEART
HEART
DAIRY
DAIRY
Jeff Mueller
Conny van Bedaf
Dairy farming for
43 Years
Dairy farming for
Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 37
31 Years
Je Mueller milks 120 cows in Morrison County near Swanville, Minnesota.
Conny van Bedaf milks 1,700 cows in Foster County near Carrington, North Dakota.
How many years have you been dairy farming? Since I graduated in 1977. But, I had a love for farming before I graduated from high school. Tell us about your farm. This is a fourth-generation farm. My great-grandparents moved here in the late 1800s. In 1912, they built a barn and started milking. They farmed with horses and had hogs. I started with my dad out of high school. I had purchased a couple pieces of equipment before that. When I was still in high school, my dad asked me if I was serious about dairy farming. In 1972, we built a new barn. Since then, most of the buildings have been replaced over the years. In 1979, I married Ruth and bought 160 acres connecting the home farm to the west. In 1986, my dad, Paul, and brother, Rodney, formed a partnership, and we added on to the barn. We went from 49 to 110 cows. My brother left the partnership 7.5 years later, and Dad and I farmed together. Ruth and I took full ownership a year ago. Paul still drives tractor, hauls wagons and helps on the farm. Ruth works at St. Francis in Little Falls. Tell us about your family. Ruth and I have ďƒžve grown kids, David, Amanda, Julia, Brian and Emma. What has been the highlight of your dairying career? Working with God and the land, my parents and cattle. I like watching the genetic improvement through the years. I’ve always had a love for it, and I’ve been doing my own A.I. for the past 45 years. What do you love about dairy farming? The freedom of being your own boss. There are not too many jobs where you can do your own thing. What has been the biggest obstacle you have faced in your dairying career and how did you overcome it? Trying to start out when interest rates hit 18% plus. I wouldn’t have made it without my parents’ help. I totally respect any dairymen trying to make it on their own. I don’t know how they do it. What has been the best decision you have made on your farm? I have two. I purchased a Mullerup track feeder. It’s computerized and feeds the TMR and top dresses as well. Each cow is getting an individual ration based on stage of lactation and production. It feeds every three hours. We put it in in the early 1900s. The other is my JD 4560 tractor. I purchased it new, and it has been a great tractor and one of the best pieces of equipment I ever purchased. Who has been an inspiration to you during your dairying career? My dad. He was open minded and let me try new things, like the track feeder.
How many years have you been dairy farming? I was born and raised on a family dairy farm in the Netherlands so I would say all my life. My husband and I became the proud owners of his parents’ dairy farm in the Netherlands in 1989. Tell us about your farm. The farm we bought from my husband’s parents was a 50-cow dairy. In our search for a different location that would offer us a better future in dairy, we moved to Canada, where we built a 120-cow dairy and later moved to the United States where we started with 700 head and over time expanded to 1,700. Tell us about your family. We have three children, two boys, 28 and 26 years old, and a daughter, 25 years old, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law and the cutest little grandson. The boys are partners in the dairy. Our daughter started a small creamery (with big plans) and uses the milk from our farm for her products. What has been the highlight of your dairying career? We have been dairy farming 30 years, and our farm has been awarded for excellent milk quality for all those 30 years. That is deďƒžnitely the highlight of my career. What do you love about dairy farming? Our dairy farm offers us a place where we, as a family, can live and work together, stay grounded, share our passion and serve our purpose. What has been the biggest obstacle you have faced in your dairying career and how did you overcome it? The biggest obstacle right now is the declining popularity of milk. The love for dairy still exists; the only thing we need to do is ďƒžre it up. I believe we are on the right track and will see things turn around in the near future. What has been the best decision you have made on your farm? Sand bedding. Although hard to handle, it is the best bedding for a lot of reasons. Low SCC, little mastitis, less ďƒ&#x;ies, stays cool in summer, very comfortable, and the grip if safe for cow trafďƒžc. Who has been an inspiration to you during your dairying career? Both our late fathers. My husband and I grew up watching them care for their cows day and night. We learned through their example. Our passion for dairy farming is their legacy.
6$8. &(175( 01
HEART
DAIRY Norman & Julie Voelker Dairy farming for
3KRQH $VN IRU 5DOSK RU 6WHYH
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40 Years
The Voelkers milk 60 cows in Delaware County near Ryan, Iowa.
How many years have you been dairy farming? We’ve been farming for 40 years. Tell us about your farm. We started in a stanchion barn with 34 cows and also had a farrow-to-ďƒžnish hog operation. Pseudorabies was being eradicated in the area, so we sold the hogs and remodeled the dairy barn to tie stalls and increased to milking 60 cows. Tell us about your family. We will be married for 30 years this year and have three grown daughters and one granddaughter. Two live within an hour of us, and one is married and lives in Indiana. What has been the highlight of your dairying career? The highlight is that we are debt free and all of our girls’ college debt is paid. What do you love about dairy farming? I (Norm) love that it is never the same day-to-day and it is a problem-solving job. What has been the biggest obstacle you have faced in your dairying career and how did you overcome it? The biggest obstacle was getting started the ďƒžrst 10 years during the farm crisis in the 80s. To overcome this, sweat equity actually meant something years ago. So even though you didn’t make much money, you still could make farm payments; whereas today it is more about having the ďƒžnancial backing, and the size and scale to counter the very narrow margins. What has been the best decision you have made on your farm? Adding a TMR mixer because it allowed us to ďƒžne tune the ration by using different commodities which increased production. Who has been an inspiration to you during your dairying career? My parents (Norm’s) have been an inspiration in my dairy career even though they have been gone since the ‘70s. They had a quality registered Holstein herd for years, and I grew up milking and showing cattle.
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Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
HEART
HEART
DAIRY
DAIRY
David Flom
Marlene & Jay Decker
Dairy farming for
45 Years
Dairy farming for
32 Years
David Flom milks 25 cows in Goodhue County near Dennison, Minnesota.
The Deckers milk 500 cows at Bernard County Dairy LLC in Dubuque County near Bernard, Iowa.
How many years have you been dairy farming? For 45 years. Tell us about your farm. I grew up working on my family’s dairy. When I graduated from high school in 1975, I started farming full time with my dad, Joe. I bought the cows from my dad in the late 1980s when he retired, and I continued to milk them on the farm. I rented the barn from my brothers who farmed (and still farm) the land as crop farmers. In the spring of 1995, I bought my current farm. At that time, I had about 60 cows; however, the barn only holds 25, so I created pens where half of the milking herd could go, and I switched cows for milking. I milked 50 cows for a while until I decided to cut down to 25 to make it easier for chores. I did not like switching cows. I never wanted a big herd. When I rst moved here, I did not raise youngstock. I started raising my own about 12 years ago. I might go back to no youngstock again. It makes chores easier, and I do not have a lot of room on my farm. I only own 8 acres and manage a total of 25 acres for my hay. I make about 4,000 small square bales each year. I buy corn from my brothers and corn silage from a neighboring dairy. For many years, I also had a full-time job managing the elevator in Dennison, Minnesota. I loved harvest season because I got to see so many people. I now work part time at another elevator. My herd is Holsteins with a few Jerseys and all are registered. While my kids were in elementary school, I used to bring a cow and a calf to their classes to talk to them about dairy. I also always bring a cow to the Dennison Days parade and walk her through it. She is also the star of the milking contest later in the day. All my cows are halter broken. Tell us about your family. My sons, Michael and Cody, own a construction company but help on the farm. Michael comes when he can or if I need help with a project. Cody comes every night to milk. My girlfriend, Mary Sue, also helps with chores each morning and evening. What has been the highlight of your dairying career? I have enjoyed creating a nice herd of registered cattle. I got into the registered business about 12 years ago. My dad taught me to buy good cows because he said you already have average ones in the barn at home. I like going to auctions and investing in good cows. I also like to go to shows to watch. I used to show cows when I was young. What do you love about dairy farming? I like going to the barn every morning and night and knowing there are nice cows in there. It is fun to see them develop and to work with them every day. What has been the biggest obstacle you have faced in your dairying career and how did you overcome it? Low prices have been hard. I try to hang in there and make it through. I watch my feed price when prices get low. Last year, I had to cut my protein even though it affected production and reproduction. It cut a big enough expense out for me to make it through. The weather has also been challenging, especially last year. I had a poor second and third crop of hay. Raising calves is also a challenge. At rst, I would put all calves in the same pen because I was short on space, but they had issues with sucking and getting sick. So, I created space to separate them, and now they are doing a lot better. What has been the best decision you have made on your farm? Buying registered cattle is one. It makes it fun and keeps me interested. Buying the farm and going on my own was also benecial. Who has been an inspiration to you during your dairying career? My dad, Joe. He gave me good advice about buying cows. He also told me to pay for stuff and not to borrow it all. My favorite memory of him is when I was growing up with my brothers, and we had to bale hay. We could really get a lot done working together. We would all take a spot. My dad would unload on the elevator, and the rest of us would split between stacking in the barn or picking up bales in the eld. We could get about 1,400 bales put up in one day.
How many years have you been dairy farming? This year marks 32 years of farming together. Tell us about your farm. We purchased this farm of 157 acres in 1988. There was nothing here but a barn and a couple small buildings. We wanted to have something our kids could be involved in. Marlene grew up on a dairy farm in Epworth, Iowa, and I was raised with hogs and beef cows in Bernard. I could see changes coming in the hog business, and growing up, I was always fascinated with the dairy industry and wanted to pursue it. In the summer of 1989, we built our rst barn for 50 head. We sold all the hogs to help put up the freestall barn, and we sold the stock cows to buy our Holsteins. It has grown steadily throughout the years and got us to where we are now. Over time, we purchased land next to us and also rent ground. In addition to milking cows morning and night and raising the kids, Marlene has worked full time for 44 years at Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa. Tell us about your family. Marlene and I have seven children. Our oldest, Rachel, was born with special needs. Her doctors and genetic specialists said it would probably be best not to have any more children. When we left that meeting, Marlene and I looked at each other, and I asked her, “Well, do we listen to them, or do we follow our faith in the Lord?” Marlene then said, “We have great faith, and I trust you.” Well, after the other six healthy children came along, Marlene said, “OK, that’s enough trust.” Rachel passed away at the age of 30, and we now have our own angel in heaven. Renee, our second oldest, is married to Dan and they have a son, James. Richard is married to Marissa, and they have two children, Leo and Leona. Teresa lives in Dubuque and works for Land O’Lakes as a recruiter. Johnna lives in Bernard and works for Heartland Financial USA Inc. as a senior marketing communications consultant. Katelyn is engaged to her ancé, Deven, and will get married later this year. Robert lives at home and works on the farm full time. What has been the highlight of your dairying career? When my boys, Richard and Robert, wanted to be involved with the farm. Through their leadership and letting them use their ideas, it has been a win, win situation. They grew up with it and have a sincere love for it. What do you love about dairy farming? The friendships and connections we have made throughout the years. We were heavily involved in the Dubuque County Dairy Association, volunteering and participating in a lot of events and promotions on behalf of our industry. We still get together often with a bunch of friends we have made throughout our time with the organization. Plus, we get to work with a lot of great vendors on the farm that are good to us. What has been the biggest obstacle you have faced in your dairying career, and how did you overcome it? As the herd grew, it has always been the feed and labor costs. We learned to contract the feed, and we rely on a great Latino workforce. We used to pay part-time labor and high school kids, but since we milk three times a day, we had to make adjustments. What has been the best decision you have made on your farm? We went to bunkers to store our silage and built a commodity shed. All our feed is in one general area, and we have also been articially inseminating our herd for the last 22 years. The genetics have been great, but I feel the best thing to do was to stand back and let the boys (to some extent) gure it out. I tell them the check book is their best teacher. Who has been an inspiration to you during your dairying career? Loras and Darlene Pfab were the biggest inspiration to our family. Their kids babysat ours kids, and that family was an excellent example to follow. Before we really made the decision to milk on our own, I worked for them part time and would not take any pay. One of the rst days, Loras said, “If it’s going to happen anywhere, it’s going to happen here.” It was a wonderful learning experience. I now say the same thing about Bernard County Dairy.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020 • Page 39
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Mark Ainali Grey Eagle, Minnesota Stearns County 65 cows
What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Stick with it if you like it; keep plugging away.
How did you get into farming? I started milking in 1985. First for a farmer near New Munich, and then I milked in a rented facility until I got married in 1991. At that point, I sold my cows and started to work into my parents’, John and Delores’, farm. This is a fourth-generation farm.
What has been the best purchase you have ever made on your farm? Buying a new TMR. I bought that in 2006. It’s a more consistent mix. Before that I had an auger mixer, and I couldn’t throw long stem hay in. I also have a feed pusher. It’s a threewheel John Deere tractor with a blade mounted in front. It saves time and your back.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? The wet elds and the milk prices. I hope we have a normal spring and the milk prices stay $17 and above. What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? I put new stalls in the barn in 2012 and six automatic takeoffs in the barn. The stalls are bigger and more comfortable for the cows and the units cut a half hour off milking time. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? Two years ago, we changed from straw bedding
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? My cows have come a long way since I came home. My herd average is 24,000 pounds of milk, and it used to be around 19,000 pounds. I attribute a lot of that to A.I. to shavings. The cows are cleaner, the somatic cell count stays low, and they are easy to handle. What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? We really watched what we spent and only bought what we needed.
How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? I don’t have an employee. If I take time off, my brother, Pat, or sons, Zach and Mitch, will milk for me. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I’m a good cow person. I know if they are
sick by looking at them; if you are around them every day you know. What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Being my own boss. Nobody tells me what to do. I also like that every day is a little different from the next.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? Stay where I am at. I’d like to have a calf barn someday. How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I try to visit my grandkids, otherwise they stop out here.
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Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, February 8, 2020
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