Sign up for our New Newsletter
Dairy St r Milk Break
Email andrea.b@dairystar.com to sign up.
DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 21, No. 5
April 27, 2019
Tiestall barn adopts parlor style milking Plymouth farmer’s design makes chore easier on knees By Stacey Smart Contributing Writer
PLYMOUTH, Wis. – When the physical demands of milking in a tiestall barn became too much for Bob Huibregtse of Plymouth, Wis., he invented a new way to milk cows in a traditional facility. “My knees were getting bad, and I knew I had to do something different if I wanted to continue milking cows,” Huibregtse said. Huibregtse had no desire to build a parlor, and, with houses encroaching on the farm from nearly all sides, expansion was not an option for this family farm located on the outskirts of town. To alleviate his aches and pains, Huibregtse introduced
the concept of parlor style milking into a tiestall barn he built in 2008. The stalls are raised approximately 20 inches off the ground in the 58-stall barn, bringing cows up to a higher position that requires minimal bending and no squatting. The pipeline is located above the cows at the rear, and a cable is strung near the pipeline on which to hang the milking units. Cows’ teats are cleaned from the back, and the milkers are attached from behind. Huibregtse’s idea made it possible for him to keep milking cows on a daily basis. Without the new design, which Turn to HUIBREGTSES | Page 7
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Alex Huibregtse a�aches the milking machine from behind at his family’s dairy farm near Plymouth, Wis. The Huibregtses remodeled their �estall barn to allow for parlor style milking.
Hedging milk: The Dairy Day at the Capitol brings farmers face to face with government risk of futures to
capture protability
By Stacey Smart Contributing Writer
By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin’s rst-ever “Dairy Day at the Capitol” was held April 10 in Madison, Wis. Hosted by the Dairy Business Association (DBA), the event provided dairy farmers with an opportunity to meet and interact with state lawmakers about issues critical to the dairy industry. In attendance were 40 DBA members, including 26 dairy farmers who came from all parts of the state. The day began with a meet and greet by Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) secretary, Brad Pfaff, and Governor Tony Evers, who both Turn to DAIRY DAY | Page 6
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Dairy farmer Paul Fetzer (le�) speaks with Chad Zuleger, associate director of government affairs for DBA, and Cody Wieser, of Wieser Concrete, about dairy industry hot bu�ons during Dairy Day at the Capitol April 10 in Madison, Wis.
WILLMAR, Minn. – Selling milk is a volatile business, but dairy farmers have the means to try to create a more stable market. “As dairy farmers, we have to capitalize on opportunity when we can and diversify to protect risk and make a prot,” Kindra Carlson said. For 19 years, Carlson and her family have sold as much as 75% of their milk using futures and options contracts. The Carlsons also lock in feed prices for their dairy farm near Willmar, Minn. Contracting milk products on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange rst became a risk management strategy in the late 1990s. As the industry evolved and continues doing so, farmers have placed a greater emphasis on this avenue of selling dairy commodities. If the farm produces 200,000 pounds of milk a month or more, they may enter into a contract with a broker to trade on the CME. These parameters are Turn to CONTRACTING | Page 5
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
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 Amanda Thooft 320-352-6303 amanda.t@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Editorial Staff Andrea Borgerding - Associate Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Krista Kuzma - Assistant Editor (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Ruth Klossner (507) 240-0048 cowlady@centurylink.net Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com Danna Sabolik - Staff Writer (320) 352-6303 • danna.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 - Jeff Weyer (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-8505 (cell) jeff.w@dairystar.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 Amos Denman (Southern WI) 563-608-6477 • amos.d@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@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.
North America dealers. From the editorial team
Dairy Prole brought to you by your
Someone is there to listen
We know dairy farming has been hard lately, which is why Dairy Star staff is making sure you have a place to vent or reach out if needed. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the stress of farming or other areas of your life, please use the resources available. Here are a few options. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline to help you with stress, anxiety, depression, anger or if you’re just feeling stuck. The number is 833-600-2670 x1. According to MDA, it is a free, condential resource you can call 24/7. Trained staff and volunteers in Minnesota answer calls, and translators are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts – call. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also has a Rural Mental Health Counselor named Ted Matthews. He works with farmers across the state. There is no cost and no paperwork – simply a call and a conversation. Call him at 320-266-2390 or look him up at www.centerofagriculture.org and search for Ted Matthews. Iowa, farmers can call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985. It is a 24/7, free condential call where trained specialists provide support for anyone with concerns about farm crisis, nances, disaster response or personal health issues. In South Dakota and surrounding states, there is the Avera Farmer’s Stress Hotline at 800-691-4336. According Avera, “Even those with toughened hands and hearts need someone to talk to. Extreme weather conditions, machinery breakdowns, a volatile ag environment, long hours that prevent time with family and lowered income all cause frustration. That’s why Avera offers the Farmer’s Stress Hotline where you can talk to one of our skilled, compassionate mental health professionals and trust them to help you navigate whatever you’re experiencing.” It’s free, condential and available 24/7. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has the no-cost Farm Center Helpline available. The phone number is 800-942-2474. The Wisconsin Farm Center works one-on-one with Wisconsin farmers and their families during all phases of the challenging farm life cycle. The Helpline is answered from 7:45 a.m.-4:30, M-F, and callers can leave a message afterhours. Farm Center staff members answer the calls. There are also nationwide places to call, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and condential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. The Farm Aid Hotline is also nationwide. The number is 800-327-6243. According to the hotline, “If you need to talk to someone directly, Farm Aid is here to listen. Farm Aid’s Farm Advocate, Joe Schroeder, and other Farm Aid staff answer the hotline Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.” Please reach out to someone if you’re struggling. – Dairy Star Staff
HIGH-USAGE. HIGH-CAPACTIY.
PXL 100 SERIES PROSPREAD® REAR-DISCHARGE APRON BOX SPREADER
• Commercial-grade, stout undercarriage to withstand heavy loads • Rubber springs on tongue provide cushioned suspension to prevent shocks • Multiple discharge options for consistent application rates based on operational need* • Heavy-duty guillotine endgate increases metering capability and material flow management 850 - 1,200 cu. ft. capacities • trailer and truck models *Horizontal, Vertical or Spinner discharge options
INVEST IN QUALITY ® KuhnNorthAmerica.com m
D & D Farm Supply Arcadia
Hillsboro Equipment Hillsboro
Lindstrom Equipment Mondovi
Priebe Sales & Service Ripon
Chili Implement Chili
W. H. Lien Hixton
East Side Farm Equipment Monroe
Frontier Ag & Turf Turtle Lake
Cherokee Garage Colby
Lulich Implement Mason
Steinhart's Farm Service Platteville
Carl F. Statz & Sons Waunakee
Kalscheur Implement Cross Plains
Persha Equipment Mayville
Link Implement Ridgeland
Triebold Implement Whitewater
Komro Sales & Service Durand
Visit your local Wisconsin KUHN Knight dealer today!
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Ag Insider
Pages 8-9 First Section
You can do it Page 27 First Section
Menomonie
Ramblings from the Ridge
Third Section: Page 9
Page 30 First Section
Cataract
Plymouth
Second Section: Pages 16, 18 - 19
First Section: Pages 1, 7
Huibregtses’ tiestall barn adopts parlor style milking
A day in the life of Woodworth Brothers’ Farm
Dairy’s Star Youth: Ben Styer
Something to Ruminate On
Bayeld
Douglas
Gilman
Iron
Page 31 First Section
Weather and Crop Reports
Ashland
Dairy Good Life
Burnett
W as
Page 32 First Section
hb
ur
n
Just Thinking Out Loud
Second Section: Pages 8 - 9
Polk
Barron
Sawyer
Price
Rusk Taylor
St. Croix
The “Mielke” Market Weekly
Pierce
Pages 10 - 11 Second Section
Dunn
Pepin Buffalo
West Prairie
Remembering 13 years of Dempsey Third Section: Page 3
Chippewa
Marathon Clark
Eau Claire Trempealeau
Page 33 First Section
Wood
From Our Side of the Fence First Section: Pages 15 - 16
Adams
La Crosse Monroe
Juneau Vernon
ford
Richland
Sauk
Craw
Iowa
Zone 2
Loganville
Jackson
Fond Du Lac Columbia
Dane
Grant Lafayette
Green
Dodge n
so
er
ff Je
Rock
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
NOW is the Time to Save on Fans! Optimize your barn ventilation for better animal comfort and improved energy savings. All GEA fans are on special right now as you prepare for the summer heat. You can add a monitoring control and automatically manage your sprinkler, curtain, and lighting systems...and save even MORE! Get a quote from your local GEA barn equipment dealer today! OFFER ENDS MAY 31, 2019
Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Some See dirt... a farmer sees potential CIH 8920, FWA, nice,
3600, full auto steer incl. screen - $72,000
Spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful farm life is when seeds begin to sprout, newborn calves bellow for the first time, and baby chicks peep in chorus. Gilly and the Gang also come to life with a renewed commitment to our customers to help in any way we can. Let our staff assist you in reaching your potential.
USED TRACTORS
CIH 9330, 4WD, row crop, pto, 3 pt....... $58,000 CIH 8910, FWA, 1600 hrs. ..................Coming In CIH 8930, FWA, low hours ..................Coming In CIH 7220, 2WD, 2300 hrs, 18.4x42 ....... $71,000 CIH 7230, 3500 hrs., new rubber, nice... $71,000 CIH 7220, FWA, 2200 hrs. .................. Coming in CIH 7130, FWA....................................... $48,000 IH 966 no cab .......................................... $9,500 IH 766, new motor, cab .......Auction Time May 1 MX 135, FWA, 3062 hrs ......................... $62,000 JD 2940, duals ....................Auction Time May 1
FEED • FERTILIZER • CHEMICALS
Hay Cutting Parts
Tires • V-Belts Hydraulic hoses Baler twine ailers Rock buckets/trailers Attachments
at Gilman Co-op Creamery
Cutterbar Teeth
Guards
TILLAGE
CIH Tigermate II, 28’ .............................. $18,000 CIH Tigermate II, 30’ .............................. $21,000 CIH 4800, 28’ & 26’ ................................. $8,500 CIH 4800, 28’ w/IH mulcher..................... $8,500 CIH 3950, 24’, nice ................................ $21,000 CIH 3900 disc, 25’ ................................. $15,000 CIH 496, 21’, non cusion ....................... $11,500 CIH 530B ripper w/lead shanks .............. $17,000 CIH 530B w/lead shank .......................... $13,000 CIH 530C ripper ..................................... $23,000 White 445, 11 shank ................................ $6,500 DMI 530B w/lead shank ........................ $15,500 DMI Tigermate 26 ft. .............................. $12,500 JD 714, 13 shank ................................... $11,500
Rental equipment including a Tree Puller
Disc Mower Blades
Tines
COME CHECK OUT OUR GREENHOUSE
GRILLING SEASON! Traeger and Blackstone
We’ll be ready soon!
20 lb. Propane Refills As always, fill 3 & get your 4th fill FREE!
WATCH AND PLAN FOR MAY
• GREENHOUSE OPENS - potatoes, onion, sets • MOTHER’S DAY - gifts, flowers, RR sweet corn • FISHING OPENER - Rods, reels, supplies
Gilman Co-op Creamery
FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE
Midsota F8216 rock trailer - $9,400
JD BB113 13’ grain drill 6” spacings, w/grass & press wheels, like new - $16,900
HAYING & FORAGE EQUIP.
Sitrex QR12 rake .......................................... New Many sizes of rakes available H&S XL 16’ .............................................. $4,500
GRAVITY BOXES
VARIOUS SIZES OF GRAVITY BOXES ON HAND Demco 650 grain cart, ‘12, green & black .$18,500 Demco 650 ............................................ $11,500 Demco 450 .............................................. $9,500 4) Demco 365 .......................................... $5,500 2) Demco 365, red & white ...................... $3,800 Unverferth 430 ......................................... $9,500 All sizes of used Demco gravity boxes avail.
MISCELLANEOUS
Midsota 5510 & F610 rock trailers........ In Stock Various sizes of New Agrotrend snowblowers............................................... Call Midsota F8216 rock trailer - Call New Midsota Rock Wagons .................On Hand All Sizes of Sitrex Rakes.........................On Hand We have a large selection of snowblowers in stock! WE HAVE A LARGE SUPPLY OF NET WRAP ON HAND
NEW MANDAKO LAND ROLLERS IN STOCK
FARM OYL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
GREENWALD FARM CENTER
Gilman, MN 320-387-2770
Open M-F 7:30-7, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 8:30-1
Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177
Good service - fair prices - every day
WWW.GREENWALDFARMCENTER.COM
WWW.GILMANCREAMERY.COM
Achieve Healthier Cows & Calves
Pure 3000 Chlorine Dioxide Technology
Mouth-Piece Vented Triangular Liner There’s a reason 25% of the cows in the U.S. are milked with Impulse Liners!
A HIGHLY EFFECTIVE WATER INJECTION SYSTEM
DUAL GERMICIDE CHLORIDE DIOXIDE
REDUCES: • Respiratory Issues • Scours • Crypto • Salmonella • E-coli
Available in a 12mm Milk Tube!
THE PREMIER GERMICIDE ON THE MARKET
TOUGH TIMES CALL FOR PRIME
PROTECTION
HIGHLY EFFECTIVE AGAINST • Prototheca • Staph Aureus • Mycoplasma
AVAILABLE IN: 5, 15, 30 and 55 gallon drums and 265 gallon totes.
SAVE UP TO
$1/GAL.
over Iodine
USE
PRE & POST
9 EMOLLIENTS Ultimate teat conditioning
GREEN COLOR
Max Protection until the next milking
for High-Vis Marking
FOR MORE INFO - CONTACT ONE OF THESE DEALERS... Advanced Dairy Systems
Athman Dairy Inc.
D&D Ag Supply
9 State Rd. 29 • Spring Valley, WI 54767 (715) 772-3201
238 Main Street North • Pierz, MN 56364 (320) 468-2494
133 Atlantic Ave. NE • Pennock, MN 56279 (320) 599-4466
Anderson Dairy Systems, Inc.
Champion Milking Systems
East Central Dairy Supply
1312 13 1/2 Ave. • Barron, WI 54812 (715) 537-3300
23218 350th Street • Albany, MN 56307 (320) 845-4156
2195 Hwy. 23 • Mora, MN 55051 (320) 679-1029
Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems 105 3rd Ave. NW • Epworth, IA 52045 (563) 876-3087
Fuller’s Milker Center, Inc. 423 U.S. 61 • Lancaster, WI 53813 (608) 723-4634
Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment 1400- 7th St. SE • Pipestone, MN 56164 (507) 825-3271
Lang’s Dairy Equipment, Inc. 2337 Millennium Rd. • Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-8722
Designed to handle higher flow rates and provide better fit onlarger inlet claws.
IMPULSE AIR = BETTER PERFORMANCE!
Leedstone
24260 Cty. Rd. 27 • Plainview, MN 55964 (507) 534-3161
Leedstone
2545 80th Ave • Woodville, WI 54028 (715) 698-4370
Professional Dairy Systems
1449 Homecrest Ave. • Wadena, MN 56482 (218) 632-5416
Tri-County Dairy Supply, Inc.
4107 N US HWY 51 • Janesville. WI 53545 608-757-2697
United Suckow Dairy
12687 Hwy 18 & 52 • Postville, IA 52162 (563) 864-7417 210 N. Industrial Pkwy • West Union, IA 52175 (563) 422-5355
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 5
ConƟnued from CONTRACTING | Page 1 met with herd sizes of about 100 cows, with each cow producing 70 pounds of milk per day. Smaller dairy farms have a similar opportunity but must work with their cooperative by agreeing to a smaller contract that is pooled with other cooperative members to make up the production requirements of one CME contract. “The goal is to help manage a producer’s bottom line by locking in strong prot margins when the market offers them and minimize extreme market risk to protect business equity exposure,” Joe Spader said. Spader is the president of Dairy Visor Inc. Like other agriculture commodity trading, hedging milk allows dairy farmers to establish price expectations for their dairy products. However, unlike row crops and livestock, there are multiple milk product contracts that can be used for hedging. “Corn is corn and soybeans are soybeans,” Spader said. “But with milk, it’s like you’re contracting four component products – cheese, whey, nonfat dry milk and butter.” Dairy farmers need to use the proper contracts to hedge milk successfully to protect a price for the business. “Even though these contracts are offered, you don’t want to use the wrong one and be exposed to greater trading risk,” Spader said. “For example, if you’re contracting milk with Class IV, but Class III is what you’re paid for in the Midwest, a producer may lose money on the Class IV hedge if the market goes up at the same time Class III prices are going down, leaving the producer in an extremely disappointing hedge outcome due to the use of an improper hedge contract for the producer’s FMMO.” The Carlsons started contracting when they rst expanded in 2000 and made a signicant capital investment with a new parlor and freestall system.
“Contracts allow me to keep producing milk as long as there are no massive hiccups.” BRUCE ASFELD, DAIRY FARMER
Working with a broker allowed them to protect the farm’s revenue as best as possible. The Carlsons have made choices to better their dairy operation. “We’ve worked with a couple brokers and have had various success,” Carlson said. “Our goal has always been to nd the right style of person who meets our communication and management styles.” Every year, Carlson works with their broker to develop a marketing plan that will reach certain targets the farm is aiming for based on cash ow and what the market is allowing. The family evaluates their cost of production to make those decisions. “If we have a lot of feed locked in, we might feel more comfortable locking in more milk because we have that wiggle room,” Carlson said. “It’s tough in some situations, but we always try to reach at least that breakeven level or more.” Bruce Asfeld, of Osakis, Minn., also contracts milk, but through Associated Milk Producers Inc. As a cooperative member, Asfeld
may contract half of what he produces on a monthly basis in increments of 25,000 pounds. For 2019, Asfeld has contracts for 100,000 pounds of milk per month for July and August, and then a smaller level in November and December. “I never contract milk unless I know I can cover my cost of production and lock in a prot,” said Asfeld, who has contracted milk for 10 years. “It’s been really benecial. Then, I can condently go to the bank, and they know I can afford a loan because I’m marketing milk for a prot.” While there is a $0.25 per hundredweight charge for Asfeld to contract, he has locked in a price of $16.71 per cwt. In the past, such decisions have led to $7,000 worth of additional profits in a year. The one challenge of hedging milk through a cooperative is the price ceiling, Asfeld said. If a farmer locks in a milk price lower than what the markets produce, there is no opportunity to capture the higher dollar. “Contracts allow me to keep producing milk as long as there are no massive hiccups,” Asfeld said. “One year, I had some milk locked in at $19.80 when prices went to $24. I left a little on the table, but I still had things covered.” Whether hedging milk with a broker or through a cooperative, hedging provides an opportunity for dairy farmers to gain more control over their business’ protability and manage it in the long run. However, the risk of marketing milk in this manner is vast. There is no guarantee the market will cooperate even with the best intentions, so making decisions without fully understanding the impact of such decisions could devastate a farm business. “It’s tough,” Carlson said. “Markets don’t always give you what you’re hoping for. Do you hold rm or adjust to a lower level? There’s risk in whatever you decide.” Spader agreed. “Milk markets are complicated and can be volatile,” he said. “I’ve seen a farm with a projected prot margin of $1.5 million one day and then drop to a $2 million loss because the farmer got greedy and wanted more but didn’t protect the protability that was offered to them.” Carlson has found value in gaining knowledge about trading but more importantly putting trust in people who understand more than her. “Our goal is to surround ourselves with the best people within the eld of expertise to make the best decisions for us,” she said. “We’re not afraid to work with people who know more than us, and we sleep better at night because of that.” Carlson also strives to remove any emotion in trading to alleviate the stress of the market cycles and make levelheaded decisions for the family’s dairy. In today’s industry, there are trading tools for dairy businesses, and using milk futures is one option to protect prots. “This cycle has been tough because the best contracting values offered were barely above breaking even for most farms,” Spader said. “But just as there are government programs available to help manage market volatility, producers need to educate themselves to get more comfortable with trading.”
WHICH BARN IS BEST FOR YOUR HERD?
Birds just love this barn. The webs in these trusses are easy nest areas for birds. They also restrict air flow which leads to poor ventilation and moisture buildup in the building.
Starwood Rafters Uses Pole Sheds • Free Stalls Riding Arenas Pavilion Shelters Machinery Storage
The arched rafters create a more open barn allowing better ventilation. Also since there are no open webs in the trusses, there are no places for birds to nest.
• Spans up to 72 ft. • Up to 12’ spacing depending on the load you desire • Bird nesting control • Better ventilation & visability • No feed alley post obstruction • Additional ceiling height
Starwood Rafters Lam-Ply Truss
ANOTHER QUALITY PRODUCT FROM STARWOOD RAFTERS
STARWOOD RAFTERS, INC. 715-985-3117
W24141 Starwood Ln. • Independence, WI 54747 Website: www.starwoodrafters.com
888-525-5878
ARE YOU HAVING TROUBLE WITH YOUR SILO?We Can Help! WE REPLACE:
• Augers • Gear boxes • Blowers • Collector rings • Electric motors
We provide great service at reasonable cost!
WE DO SILO & BUNKER REPLASTERING! Bunker g Replasterin
Silo Replastering
“We were able to replaster our old bunker silo for a fraction of the price of a new one. It was well worth the expense. We are very happy with the service we received from Osakis Silo.” - Woonsocket, SD Farmer
“I won’t have anybody else do my work. He’s very prompt, he’s good at what he does and he stands behind it.” - Little Rock, MN Farmer
“We had rocks showing in the cement and when it was finished, it was trawled smooth,” Glen said. “They were in and out and there was no mess.” - Avon, MN Farmer
LET US HELP WITH YOUR NEXT BUILDING!
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A GREAT SILO UNLOADER AT A GREAT PRICE?
• Dairy • Equipment Storage & Multi-use • Livestock Confinement • Crop & Bulk Materials Storage Whether you call it a pole barn, shed, pre-engineered wood and metal building, or a post-frame structure, Wick Buildings and our local builders will do it right.
TRY REBUILT HANSON® UNLOADERS
!
WE NOW SELL, INSTALL AND SERVICE
NEW
• Belt Conveyors • Belt Feeders • Hydraulic manure pumps The Best Service Crews, The Best Replacement Parts, The Best Service... That’s The Osakis Silo Advantage To You!!!
Call Anytime
320-808-3936 300 E Main St., Osakis, MN • 320-859-5340
24 Hours 7 Days A Week
Visit us online at www.osakissilo.com
Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
ConƟnued from DAIRY DAY | Page 1
Willmar, MN • 320.231.1470
EXPANDING OR REMODELING YOUR LIVESTOCK OPERATION? LANGE AG SYSTEMS SPECIALIZES IN:
Ŷ NEW FACILITIES
_
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
Ŷ RETROFITTING & REMODELING Ŷ TURNKEY PROJECTS Ŷ BARN DESIGN Ŷ INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ tĞ KīĞƌ͗ ͻ sĞŶƟůĂƟŽŶ &ĂŶƐ ͻ sĞŶƟůĂƟŽŶ ŽŶƚƌŽůƐ ͻ WŽƐŝƟǀĞ WƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ dƵďĞƐ ͻ ƵƌƚĂŝŶ ^LJƐƚĞŵƐ ͻ DĂƩƌĞƐƐĞƐ ͻ tĂƚĞƌĞƌƐ ͻ ^ƚĂůů ƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ͻ ,ĞĂĚůŽĐŬƐ ͻ DŝƐƟŶŐ ^LJƐƚĞŵƐ
Lange Ag Systems is proud to offer Grain Bags, Silage Bags & Bunker Covers from Up North Plastics and Feed Fresh Silage Covers & Custom Size Bunker Covers from Raven!
t ^ >> E t Θ h^ 'ͳ ' Θ < >>z Zz E '' Z^
www.LangeAgSystems.com
877-394-1186 • All Poly & Wooden Conveyors • Taper Board Feeders • All Poly Conversions for bottom unloader Priced better than steel • Shuttle Feeder Replacements • Replacement Chains Central Minn.
DAIRYLAND SUPPLY 800-338-6455
Target Your Customers!
Advertise Online at www.dairystar.com If you would like to advertise, call 320-352-6303 for more information.
TOP PRICES PAID & CONTRACTING AVAILABLE Your Market For:
Holstein Steers • Fed Dairy Cows • Lean Dairy Cows Your local area buyer for MN, IA and WI.
Bruce Belter • 507-429-0359
Holstein Steers • Lean Cows • Bulls • Fed Cows
Tyrel Lembke • 877-300-9298 Long Prairie, MN Lean Cows • Bulls
Green Bay Dressed Beef
Dean Derricks • 920-655-4730 Green Bay, WI Holstein Steers • Fed Cows • Lean Cows
Chad McQuade • 605-668-4275 Yankton, SD Lean Cows • Bulls
Mike Baczwaski • 800-445-0042 Gibbon, NE Fed Cows • Lean Cows • Bulls
Long Prairie Buying Station
Cody Ritter • 320-293-5212 • 320-732-8358 Long Prairie, MN
expressed their gratitude for farmers’ hard work and thanked the farmers for attending Dairy Day. They spoke to the group about legislative priorities that specically affect dairy farmers. Pfaff, a native of LaCrosse County, comes from a long line of farmers and is committed to maintaining a strong dairy industry in Wisconsin. Pfaff asked attendees for their advice and assistance along with holding him accountable as he works to improve the state’s dairy economy. “It’s a phenomenal opportunity to stand here representing the farm men and women of our state,” Pfaff said. “After all, Wisconsin is America’s Dairyland.” Pfaff shared facts about dairy’s impact on the state. It makes up nearly half of the state’s agricultural revenue, generating $43 billion of the $88 billion generated by agriculture in Wisconsin. In terms of economic impact on the state, agriculture is second only to manufacturing. “One out of every nine people working in this state have a job related in some way, shape or form to agriculture,” Pfaff said. “That is signicant. Not everyone in this state recognizes that of course as people are further and further removed from the farm. They don’t know what’s going on, so what do we do? We have to tell our story.” Pfaff pushed the Wisconsin brand – a brand known nationally and internationally. “The farm is more than just bushes, bales and hundredweights. The farm is something bigger. It’s who we are. It’s our identity. And we need to embrace that. The story of Wisconsin is the story of agriculture. It’s the story of hard work by good and dedicated people. It’s the story of entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, resilience and risk-taking. That’s what farmers are. And that’s what the Wisconsin brand represents. The brand also embodies all the assets that we have in this state, like soil quality, water, cheese production and more. We are light years ahead when it comes to artisan or specialty cheeses.” Pfaff also praised the quality of milk in Wisconsin, citing the recent statewide butterfat average of 4.0 as absolutely amazing. As DATCP speaker, Pfaff promised to listen to farmers’ ideas. Where are the opportunities? Pfaff shared there is a greater demand for protein in the world than ever before, particularly from Asia, China and India. Also, the pharmaceutical industry is seeking more dairy products. Governor Tony Evers grew up in Plymouth, Wis., a leading cheese processing community. Even though he was not raised on a dairy farm, Evers said he was surrounded by dairy farmers and understands rural communities and agriculture. Prior to his political career, Evers was a teacher in Baraboo and superintendent of schools in Tomah and Oakeld. “The work of dairy farmers is amazing,” Evers said. “The change in farming practices over the years has really accelerated. Farmers have done everything the state and country has asked them to, embracing new technology and practices. It’s time for the state to reciprocate that and make sure you have the best resources and opportunities to thrive in the state of Wisconsin. That is a top priority.” The governor’s budget includes many local and international marketing initiatives, such as: – Wisconsin Initiative for Dairy Exports (WIDE) program: The governor recommends providing $200,000 funding to help build Wisconsin’s dairy
brand in international markets and increase dairy exports. – Farm to School Grant program: The governor recommends providing $200,000 annually for grants to provide school kids with the opportunity to enjoy Wisconsin dairy products. – Buy Local, Buy Wisconsin Grant program: The governor recommends providing an additional $100,000 annually for grants to farms and businesses to help strengthen our state’s agricultural and food industries. – Farmer-led watershed grant funding: There are close to 20 farmer-led watershed projects around the state with plans to invest in more. The governor recommends increasing the amount allocated for producer-led watershed grants to $750,000 annually. – County conservation stafng: To support local land and water conservation activities, the governor proposes fully funding at least one position in each county and up to 70% for a second position. – Nonpoint source pollution funding: Like carbon trading, nutrient trading could be used to reduce the amount of phosphorus and other nutrients that reach surface and groundwater. The governor recommends providing an additional $1.5 million annually for nutrient management cost-sharing grants to counties. – Soil and Water Resource Management Bonding Authority: The governor recommends providing $10 million in bonds for grants to counties for implementing land and water resource management plans, which include costshare grants to landowners. Evers would also like to implement the creation of a unique driver’s permit for non-citizen drivers who work on dairy farms. The permits would ensure these farm employees are properly trained, insured and accountable and can get to work safely and legally. “This initiative is strictly about workforce,” Evers said. “It has nothing to do with voting. They still will not be allowed to vote.” Evers has proposed a large increase in funding for university research, specically research to advance the dairy industry. He also has ambitious goals around providing more dependable broadband in rural areas. Delivering a sustainable solution to the state’s transportation funding crisis to get roads xed is also a priority. Evers would like to infuse more than $600 million in new, ongoing revenue to improve state and local highways, roads, bridges, railways, airports and harbors. Dairy farmer Paul Fetzer of Fetzer Farms in Elmwood, Wis., attended Dairy Day to be in touch with legislators and help tell the story of agriculture. “We have to be there to tell our story,” Fetzer said. “With so few people involved in agriculture today, sharing our story is especially important.” A couple of panel discussions followed Evers’ and Pfaff’s session. DBA members were then split up into teams and visited 46 ofces for individual discussions with 69 of the state’s 132 lawmakers or members of their staffs. Fetzer, who milks 1,400 cows, found the day to be a successful and productive one. “I had some very good discussions with legislators and staff members,” Fetzer said. “I hope the DBA does this again, and next time, I would like to see more farmers get involved. It’s important for legislators to see the faces of the industry. We have to continue telling our story so we don’t get driven out of business by over-regulation or regulation without science.”
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 7
ConƟnued from HUIBREGTSES | Page 1 eliminates the repetitive bending and squatting that can damage a person’s knees over time, milking cows every day would not have been an option for Huibregtse. “I dreamed up the idea while working construction,” said Huibregtse, who in addition to farming, also worked for C.D. Smith, a commercial construction company out of Fond du Lac, Wis. “I was going to build a regular tiestall barn at rst then thought, why not this?” But, his concept received criticism. “Everyone said it wouldn’t work,” Huibregtse said. “But, that’s what happens whenever you do anything different. I was told that no one had ever done this before. People said cows would kick if you came at them from behind, and the units would get dirty.” Even the guys who installed the pipeline had their doubts and told Huibregtse they would have to come back and move it in two weeks. But, they never did. Huibregtse’s design worked without a hitch. Ten years later, he nds no drawbacks to the system. And since modifying his milking technique, the pain in Huibregtse’s knees has disappeared. “It’s easier, and you can milk faster,” Huibregtse said. “You don’t have to go in by the cows because everything is done from behind. Units are rarely kicked off or get dirty, nor do we ever really get kicked. It’s not for everyone though. Your cows have to be pretty calm to make this work.” The slick design is one that both Huibregtse and his cows seem to love. He said the cows are relaxed and content, not at all ustered by being milked from the back rather than from the side. And despite the higher elevation, cows have no problem entering their stalls. “They walked right in the rst
time,” Huibregtse said. “They didn’t even hesitate.” Clean cows are a must for Huibregtse who beds with a combination of sand and sawdust and keeps his somatic cell count at 50,000 or less. Cows are milked twice a day and average 80 pounds of milk per cow per day. From 2002-08, cows averaged over 100 pounds per day when the Huibregtses milked three times daily. Butterfat ranges from 3.75% to 4% and protein is around 3.2%. The mostly registered herd is predominantly black and white Holstein with some red and whites mixed in. Huibregtse farms with his wife, Debby, and their two sons, Adam and Alex. They milk 150 cows and farm 270 acres, raising mostly corn silage. The couple also has three married daughters – Amy and Mike Lewis, Abby and Dan Bauer, and Ashley and Scott Andre. In 2008, Ashley was named Alice in Dairyland. Adam, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Short Course, and Alex, who graduated from University of Wisconsin-River Falls, returned after college and hope to take the farm over some day. The Huibregtses have four grandchildren as well – Michael, 3 1/2, Delaney, 2 1/2, Claire, 21 months and Joseph, 9 months – and another one on the way. “The kids all grew up working on the farm through college,” Huibregtse said. “They did a lot around here and helped make this farm what it is today.” The Huibregtses also milk 92 head in an adjoining tiestall barn equipped with a traditional milking setup. However, Huibregtse only milks in the newer barn. Alex helps him while Debby and Adam milk in the original barn. Alex helps his mom and brother nish up when he and his dad are done milk-
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Cows are milked from behind in the 58-stall Ɵestall barn that was specially designed by Bob Huibregtse to make milking easier on his knees. The unique design requires minimal bending and no squaƫng. ing while Huibregtse starts feeding. “I really enjoy milking in the rear milking barn,” Alex said. “In fact, I prefer it over the traditional barn because of the ease of milking. There is less bending, fewer kicked off milkers, and most cows seem to milk out more consistently. Like any setup, there are pros and cons, but I’m honestly still amazed at how good it works every day. You really have to see it to believe it.” The Huibregtses shufe cows between barns and stall types to maximize production and t the needs of incoming fresh cows. Almost all of their rst lactation animals start in the newer barn. The Huibregtses like milking fresh heifers in the newer barn because it is harder for the cows to kick off the machine, and most stand well within a
few days. “It’s nothing special,” Huibregtse said of his simplistic design. “I didn’t do anything that anyone else couldn’t do. It’s kind of like a big, at-barn parlor. If I was younger, I would do the other barn this way, too.” But right now, this is working for the Huibregtse family. “I believe that family farms should’ve stayed the way they were where the farmer and his family milked the majority of the cows, just like my family and I do,” Huibregtse said. “I like milking cows. To me, it’s the fundamental part of being a dairy farmer. That’s why building a barn I could continue milking in was so important.”
WE AGREE, SAND IS A GOOD BEDDING SOLUTION, AND PROMAT’S PACK MAT CAN MAKE IT EVEN BETTER! All the benefits of deep bedding … but with 50-70% less sand Huge reduction in sand laden manure and equipment issues Payback in under one year based on sand savings alone
Please contact us to learn more or to locate your nearest dealer 1.888.337.6265 | sales@promatinc.com | www.Promatinc.com
facebook.com/promatinc
@Promat_inc
Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
DBA outlines legislative priorities During Dairy Day at the Capitol, the Dairy Busi- ITC evaluates USMCA ness Association highlighted its legislative priorities. In the International Trade Commission’s analysis Those issues include water quality, opportunities for of the U.S.-Mexico Canada Agreement, there is a pronutrient trading, a drivers permit for non-citizens, jected 1.1% increase in exports for agricultural comfunding dairy research and addressing modities. American Farm Bureau FederaAg Insider tion Economist Veronica Nigh said that long-term transportation funding. About 50 dairy farmers met with Governor is the equivalent of $2.2 billion. “When Tony Evers and Agriculture Secretary we renegotiated USMCA, we also had Brad Pfaff before heading out to meet to give Canada more access to our dairy with 46 individual legislators. DBA assoand sugar markets. The analysis suggests ciate director of government affairs Chad U.S. food and ag imports would increase Zuleger said Dairy Day “is our opportuas well to 1.3%.â€? This analysis is considnity to share real-life experiences from ered the last box the administration needs the farm; it is critical that policymakto check off before submitting legislation ers understand the challenges facing the to Congress. “We’re looking forward to dairy community and solutions that will learning more about when the adminislead to stability and long-term success.â€? tration would move forward with that,â€? By Don Wick Nigh said. “Everyone would like to have Columnist February DMC payment announced the new agreement put to bed before the The Dairy Margin Coverage program fall arrives.â€? has not been established yet, but USDA has already announced the second payment for dairy farmers. Dairy groups support USMCA The February income over feed cost margin was U.S. Dairy Export Council President/CEO Tom $8.22 per hundredweight. Sign-up for the new Dairy Vilsack said the ITC study moves the USMCA proMargin Coverage will begin in mid-June, but retro- cess closer to ratiďƒžcation. “We shipped $1.4 billion in active payments will be made. Farm Service Agency dairy products to Mexico last year, which accounts Administrator Richard Fordyce describes this as an for more than one quarter of U.S. dairy exports. Withimportant safety net for dairy farmers, “helping them out a trade agreement with Mexico in place, the dairy weather shifting milk and feed prices.â€? industry would be hard-pressed to maintain and expand those sales.â€? Vilsack said Europe is expected to DBI grant funds available in Wisconsin implement a new trade deal with Mexico next year USDA is providing $1.5 million in grant funds for and Congress must pass USMCA to support the U.S. the Dairy Business Innovation Initiatives to support market in Mexico. National Milk Producers FederaWisconsin dairy farmers and cheesemakers. U.S. Sen- tion President and CEO Jim Mulhern said the United ator Tammy Baldwin worked on this effort, saying States lost an average of seven dairy farms a day in it is important for dairy farmers, cheesemakers and 2018 and exports help reverse that trend. dairy processors have to tools to “innovate and develop new Made in Wisconsin dairy products to build a Progress seen in U.S.-China trade talks brighter future for our dairy farms and drive our rural Senior level Trump Administration ofďƒžcials are economy forward.â€? tentatively scheduled to be in Beijing during the week of April 29. That will be followed by similar trade
meetings between the U.S. and China in Washington, D.C. during the week of May 6. That is on top of the most recent negotiations that have taken place through video conferencing. There is speculation a deal could be in place by late May or early June, but the two sides have frequently missed self-imposed deadlines. Spring ďƒ&#x;ush inďƒ&#x;uenced by loss of dairy farms Since last year, small dairy farms have been exiting the business at a rapid pace. USDA Dairy Market News is reporting more medium-to-large dairy farms are “calling it quits.â€? Fluid milk and processors have hinted spring ďƒ&#x;ush volumes are lower than usual this year. In addition, hay shortages have been noted in the Upper Midwest. Traceability projects to be funded USDA is investing $1 million to fund animal disease traceability and electronic identiďƒžcation projects in cattle. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of radio frequency identiďƒžcation tags in “high-volume, fast-paced environments.â€? Projects will track cattle movement and collect health information. WMMB candidates certiďƒžed for vote The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Projection has certiďƒžed 14 nominees for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board election. The contested races include Jaclyn Backhaus of Boyd and Douglas Danielson of Cadott; Donald Robaidek of Pulaski and Jeff Strassburg of Wittenburg; Ken Heiman of Marshďƒželd and Steve Pankratz of Marshďƒželd; Virgil Haag of Mount Horeb and Tina Hinchley of Cambridge; and Gail Klinkner of Viroqua, Kevin Wallaser of Desoto and Danika Wehling of Westby. Those candidates running unopposed are Mark Leder of Gleason; Mary Cook of Wilton; and Dean Strauss of Sheboygan Falls. Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
IN STOCK!
ONE NAME STANDS ALONE.
HEALMAX. ÂŽ
Basket feeder, slant bar manger, hay rack for sheep.
Hay Saver Round Bale Feeder Locally made!
Contact us for sheep and goat milking parlors
IN STOCK Heavy duty fenceline feeder ready to work! Tarter Heavy and light weight hinge gates Tarter and Marweld Gates & Headlocks
715-644-2350 Chippewa Valley Dairy Supply
6053 CTY. HWY. G • STANLEY, WI 54768 • Andrew Zimmerman
Fast results without Formaldehyde! Before After
Here’s why: • SAFER THAN FORMALDEHYDE for cows and crew. • WORKS FAST, with proven results in about one week. • FEATURES A PATENTED MODE-OF-ACTION you won’t get with any other hoof care product. With HEALMAXŽ instead of formaldehyde, footbaths are safer and more effective at a wider range of temperatures. www.agrocheminc.com
Paul’s Welding & Repair 20+ Years of Quality Service!
• Sell & Repair Silo Unloaders • Light Manufacturing • Sell & Repair Lagoon Vertical Pumps On-Site Welding & Repairs
Call Paul for all your
PORTABLE WELDING NEEDS! Aluminum, Stainless Steel & Cast Iron
Š2018 AGROCHEM, INC.
Like us on Facebook for your chance to win a prize!
There when you need us, so you can get back to work!
Call us to Rent Jamesway Spreader Tanks!
196 West St. S St. Martin, MN N 56376 • 320 320-548-3300 548 3300
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 9
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The solution for low prices
DHIA: Now MORE than ever
The solution for low farm milk and grain prices is to reduce processing of milk and growing of grain. All milk production processors should immediately process only 80% of each farm’s milk to reduce manufactured products. All grain growers should grow only 80% of all grains to reduce the late summer and fall harvest. As a dairy farmer for 40 years, I have experienced failed government dairy programs. For grain farmers, increased yields have only led to low prices. Some TV and radio ads tell that one in six American children go to bed hungry. Let them buy our products at 50% of parity – milk at $26 per hundredweight. Over 25 years ago, Wisconsin farmers were told to learn to speak Spanish to communicate with our employees. Now, 60% of Wisconsin cows are milked by immigrant laborers. Small dairy farms have been forced out of business due to low milk prices. We need a milk price of at least $26 cwt. and farm labor of $20 per hundred. Multiply that times 2,000 hours worked per year and farm workers would get $40,000 per year, well above the poverty level. Then families who love farming should be able to make a living farming. We will never export our way to higher milk and grain prices. More small dairy farms could help slow the loss of local businesses and declining enrollment in our rural schools. Kenneth Mahalko Gilman, Wis.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dairy Star Newspaper welcomes letters to the editor. Every letter for publication must be 500 words or less, contain the author’s signature, address and telephone number. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity. Letters can be mailed to Dairy Star, Letter to Editor, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378 or e-mail: mark.k@dairystar.com.
Who is she?
It is diĘcult to manage cows without proper ID
Utilizing visual or RFID tags holds tremendous opportunities to advance your management capabilities, reduce errors, and increase efficiency. A variety of sizes and colors are available to order for official ID and management tags. Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association 307 Brighton Avenue South Buffalo, MN 55313 1.800.827.3442 www.mndhia.org
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 Saputo downplays Dean Foods story The Toronto-based Globe and Mail has reported Saputo is considering a takeover of U.S. dairy processor, Dean Foods. In a conference call with investors after the story was reported, Saputo ofcials downplayed this possibility. Saputo CEO Lino Saputo did not mention Dean Foods directly, but said acquisitions in the uid milk sector is not “on our radar screen.” New dairy beef branded program The American Simmental Association and Holstein USA have launched a new branded beef program. This is the rst time beef and dairy breed organizations have established a program of this kind. The HOLSim brand is designed to provide additional revenue for dairy farmers and offer a new marketing avenue for beef seedstock producers. To
qualify for the brand, calves must come from registered Holstein dams and be bred to a qualied SimAngus bull. Trivia challenge Finland leads the world in per capita milk consumption. That answers our last trivia question. How much pizza is consumed in the U.S. each year? 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.
Tie Stall Systems FULLY ADJUSTABLE GENERATION II
Do the math when choosing roasted soybeans 1. Increases milk production 2. Maximizes milk components 3. Minimizes feed refusals 4. Properly roasted at the correct temperature 5. Soybeans are steeped for 30+ minutes 6. Soybeans are roasted to the core 7. Energy KLC roasted soybeans... 8. Protein preferred by bovines 9. Amino acids everywhere 10. Bypass protein
Generation II Flexibility: • Adjustable neck rail, divider loops and waterbowls keep your herd comfortable in different zones or as
0 1 t c e f e Per
Th
• Individual components; attachment posts, divider loops,
KLC Farms Competitively Bids For Raw Beans - Call For Price!
KLC Farms Roasting, Inc.
herd changes over time
1-877-738-2326 Visit www.roastedbeans.com
Quality
Consistency
waterbowl attachment loops, feed divider loops and neck rail supports can easily be replaced or switched as necessary.
Stainless Foundation Channel 14” 14 Deep in Concrete with Solid Rebar Connection
Call for FREE EQUIPMENT GUIDES on our Entire Product Line!
866-543-5166
info@sturdybuiltmfg.net 260 S. Muddy Creek Rd. Denver, PA 17517
Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Modernization instead of expansion
Winches enjoy benets of robots By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
FENNIMORE, Wis. – A goal of modernization, as opposed to expansion, laid the foundation for Peter and Christina Winch to consider and build a new robotic facility on their Pine Grove Farm in Fennimore, Wis. “Our parlor was starting to show its age,” Christina said. “We knew we had to do something. It was either make some changes on that site or go to a green site and start over.” Prior to their new facility, the Winches were milking their herd of 220 cows in a swing-12 parlor that Peter said was essentially home-built. Today, they are milking about 200 head with two DeLaval robots, with a goal of getting to about 240 milking cows. The conversation about implementing robotic milkers began ve years ago when the Winches built a calf facility with robotic feeders. As they discussed ideas, robots seemed to make the most sense for the Winches. “It just seemed like a logical step,” Peter said. “I liked the idea of having fewer employees to have to manage.” In 2017, the Winches began working in earnest to research robot facilities and come up with the solutions that best t their needs. They spent that summer touring a number of robotic facilities.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY FENNIMORE TIMES
The Winches – (from leŌ) Randy, Wesley, MaƩhew, ChrisƟna and Peter – milk 220 cows with two robots on their farm, Pine Grove Dairy, near Fennimore, Wis. The Winches made the decision to modernize their farm by building a new roboƟc facility to replace their aging home-built swing-12 parlor. “One of the rst things we did was got an engineer lined up,” Peter said. “We needed to start with doing some site planning, to determine what site was the best for what we wanted to
BERGMAN Automatic AGRi-Speed HITCH 1
2
3
E A SY a s 1 - 2 - 3 Simple drawbar mount Easy to operate day or night PTO compatible Increases efÀciency, only need 1 person
Gilman Co-op Creamery FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE
• Fast, reliable, safe • Easily pulls more than the D.O.T. allows on the highway • Available for pick-ups, choppers, tractors, wagons, etc.
www.bergmanmfg.com Gilman, MN • 320-387-2770
Keep Those Animals Happy! We can help you with just the right size Schaefer fan for your operation to help maintain a healthy environment for your herd.
CA-May19-1B-JW
• • • •
build. I also didn’t want to lock myself into a corner. I don’t want to expand right now, but I want the option to be available for the future if needed.” Highway access and proximity to their calf facility and feed center all played a role in the site the Winches chose to build. “We talked to the bankers early on in the process to make sure we had their support,” Christina said. “Once we got the approval from the bank and the engineer, then things started to happen. When the Winches started to plan, they brought their three children, Randy, 16, Wesley, 13, and Matthew, 12, into the decision making. All three are actively involved in the farm, and the Winches hope at least one makes the decision to come back to the farm. “We started drawing up some ideas of what we wanted, and then we sat down with the professionals,” Christina said. Working with the architect was challenging for the Winches as they graze their herd and wanted to continue as a grazing herd after the implementa-
tion of the robots. “Figuring out the ow, especially cow ow across the feed manger, was a big thing,” Peter said. “The cows will go out to pasture and the two sides will co-mingle. When they come back in, they’ll go through a sort gate that will direct them back into either the east or west side.” Peter said while they will not graze their herd to the extent they were before, they will maintain some grazing. “It’s pretty much like we’re starting over, because we aren’t exactly sure how it will work,” Peter said. The Winches market their milk through Cows First, and part of the marketing plan is to maintain pasture access for the cows. The barn is set up with a guided ow system where the cows have to go through sort gates to either get milked or get sent to feed. “It’s kind of like a big track; they keep going in circles,” Peter said. “They really picked up to it fast.” Ground was broken in April 2018 Turn to WINCHES | Page 11
St. Rosa Lumber and Whirlwind Steel will provide you with durable, cost-efÀcient and low maintenance material for all your building needs!
Electric Motor Sales & Service
ELECTRIC MOTOR CENTER
521 Minnie St. • Paynesville, MN 56362 • 320-243-3695 511
Build with the Best! 29033 County Road 17, Freeport, MN 56331 320-836-2284 • 888-276-1751
www.strosalumber.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 11
ConĆ&#x;nued from WINCHES | Page 10 for the new building, and they started the robots Oct. 22, 2018. While the wet spring and fall made for some building challenges, the Winches were happy with how quickly the new facility was completed. Teaching the cows the new system went well for the Winches. “We worked with Emily Rolli from Ederer Dairy Supply,â€? Peter said. â€œâ€Ś We let them be in charge. They’ve learned how to get the cows through the system without chasing them.â€? They started the transition by letting the cows live in the new barn for about a week be-
fore starting the robots. During that time, the cows walked back and forth from the old parlor. For the ďƒžrst milking, they gated the cows into three groups so one group was milking, one group was eating and one group was sleeping. By the third day, they were able to pull the gates and let the cows ďƒžnd their own way through the system. The barn was staffed 24 hours a day for the ďƒžrst ďƒžve days. “The heifers trained really well,â€? Peter said. “Some of the older, later lactation cows took longer, but within 10 days we really weren’t having too many fetch cows. The guided
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
The new barn at Pine Grove Dairy features four robots, two on each side of the barn, with drivethrough feeding between the two groups.
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
The Winches use four DeLaval robots, which they began operating Oct. 22, 2018, on their dairy in Fennimore, Wis. The family has been pleased with an overall increase in milk producĆ&#x;on, decrease in somaĆ&#x;c cell count, and the cows seem calmer and more comfortable.
ďƒ&#x;ow seems to make the routine seem more natural.â€? The Winches did not experience the drop in production they were prepared for when the cows transitioned into the new facility. “We dropped a little in the ďƒžrst two days or so, and then we maintained and started to climb,â€? Christina said. The herd averaged 65 pounds when the robots started, and within the ďƒžrst three
weeks the average climbed to 70 pounds. Today, the herd is averaging 75 pounds. They have seen a gradual decrease in their somatic cell count as well, running about 160,000 and getting as low as 140,000. Peter has found that the amount of data available to him in such an immediate fashion, both through the robots and through the activity monitors, has changed the way he man-
IMPROVE ACCURACY AND DRAMATICALLY REDUCE COSTS
REDUCES FOOTBATH TREATMENT COSTS TO ABOUT
$1/COW PER MONTH
• Auto program – no more manual measuring or mixing of chemicals. • Replenish system accurately fills bath with the correct amount of water and footbath concentrate to achieve best results. • Saves money by reducing labor through automation, maintaining proper footbath chemistry and only adding footbath solution when needed. • Safe – reduces employee interaction with chemicals.
ages the cows. “You can monitor the milk production and the cow ďƒ&#x;ow,â€? Peter said. “For example, if a cow that normally goes through the robot four times a day suddenly comes up on your fetch list, odds are there is something wrong. The little things like that are big clues.â€?
“We looked at installing an automatic footbath to eliminate employees having to handle and mix the chemicals like they would with a traditional footbath. We are happy with the system, as it has proven to be easy and efficient to use. It has also helped us to save on chemical costs.� Daniel Kieler, Kieler Farms Inc. 1,800 cows Automatic Footbath installed January 2018
Like us on Facebook for your chance to win a prize!
Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
DAIRYING IN TOUGH TIMES
Simplistic approach keeps Schmitzes in business By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
Editor’s note: In this series, “Dairying in tough times,â€? Dairy Star is catching up with dairy farmers who began milking cows in the last ďƒžve years. These farmers are sharing how they have been able to weather the market conditions and why they see promise in today’s changing industry. ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Dairy farmers are continually evaluating their farming operations and making changes to best handle the market conditions. Derek and Taylor Schmitz have realized their success lies in what they have always done and capitalizing on available resources. “We’ve never farmed with good prices,â€? Derek said. “The best ďƒžnancial decision I’ve made was marrying my wife. Taylor makes sure we keep our inputs low.â€? The Schmitz couple milks 75 Fleckvieh crossbred cows on a rented farm site near St. Joseph, Minn. Derek began dairy farming with eight cows at the farm site in 2014. As he developed his dairy career, Derek relocated to Elmdale, Minn., where he milked 50 cows. Then, last spring, he and his wife returned to the Stearns County dairy farm and expanded to their current herd size. The Schmitzes dedicate their time to the dairy while Taylor also holds a parttime job off the farm. “We both milk and Derek does all the feeding while I take care of calves,â€? Taylor said.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Taylor and Derek Schmitz milk 75 cows on a rented farm site near St. Joseph, Minn. Derek began dairying in 2014, and the couple has capitalized on their available resources to remain in the industry. The Schmitzes graze their herd on 40 acres of irrigated pasture, rotating paddocks several times in a day. They also purchase hay from the landowner and minimize the purchase of additives for the ration. “We don’t push our cows to get
money quick,� Derek said. “Keeping feed costs low and grazing more has kept our small dairy competitive in the industry.� Taylor agreed. “We’re also cautious on our spending,� she said. “Right now, we don’t
have any major investments.â€? For the ďƒžrst few years of Derek’s career, he never used machinery for farm chores. Two years ago, he purchased his ďƒžrst tractor, the only piece of equipment Turn to SCHMITZES | Page 13
Minnesota 4-H
Gopher Dairy Camp June 16th-18th
Join us at the University of Minnesota from June 16-18 for the 2019 Gopher Dairy Camp! Campers, JUDGHV ZLOO HQKDQFH WKHLU ÂżWWLQJ DQG VKRZmanship skills as well as broaden their knowledge of the dairy industry through hands-on workshops. Gopher Dairy Camp will also spend an evening at SkyZone trampoline park, tour a local dairy farm, and a quiz bowl competition! Sign up today! $70 registration closing on May 22nd
Organized by:
University of Minnesota Gopher DAiry Club
Minnesota State 4-H Dairy Committee
For more information: http://z.umn.edu/gdcamp or contact Ashley Warren at warre473@umn.edu 320-237-1369
Thank you to our Gold sponsors!
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 13
ConƟnued from SCHMITZES | Page 12 he and Taylor own. While the couple is always looking for areas to minimize expenses, they never short themselves in dairy cattle genetics. “It never pays to cut in one year which could set you back ve years,” Derek said. After extensively reading about the Fleckvieh breed, the Schmitzes wanted to focus on that breed for their temperament, low maintenance and component composition. Incorporating New Zealand Jerseys was a way Derek could use the animals’ grazing capabilities. The Jersey breed carries polled genetics, too. Derek also does not sacrice how he manages his heifers. After the youngstock are breeding age, they are moved to an 80-acre pasture near Elmdale, Minn. “On rented pasture, we gure we’re feeding them for $0.30 a day,” Derek said. “With a whole herd, we’re saving a lot.” Part of the Schmitzes’ success comes from their diligence in bookwork. They have an understanding of what they can afford, where they can eliminate expenses and what investments will be best for the farm’s protability in the future. For instance, corn and small grains are fed with no added protein. Derek did not notice a great difference in milk production when protein was being used, and he has been able to save thousands of dollars without it. “I like to pencil things out,” Derek said. “Honestly, it makes more sense for us to only milk nine months out of the year.” While the Schmitzes do not anticipate making that change, they do seasonally calve in the spring and fall to optimize labor and their forage resources during the growing season. “I’ve learned the more you can farm with nature, the easier farming gets,” Derek said. They also use nanny cows to nurse the calves. This group of animals is chosen based on their milk quality and docility. “Labor is the biggest reason we do this,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t make sense for us to take the time to milk high somatic cows in a bucket and then bottlefeed calves when we have milk available.” During chores, Taylor brings the calves out to the nanny cows. Typically, she pairs two calves with one cow. Other cows in the lactating herd are culled if they show any health problems which eliminates Derek’s need to treat. While Derek knows he is facing several challenges as a young dairy farmer in today’s industry, he is also condent in the work he is doing and has never secondguessed his chosen career. He continually learns more about dairy farming through listening. “I read a lot, I attend pasture walks and meetings, and I learn from other farmers’ mistakes,” Derek said. “I’ve kept a positive attitude, and I’ve surrounded myself with good people who also have the same mindset as me.” When Derek was in sixth grade, he wrote an autobiography of where he hoped he would be when he grew up. At the time, he wanted to milk 100 Jerseys. Despite the trials the young dairy farmer faces in the industry, Derek is humbled in what he has created for him and his family. Aside from dairy farming, the couple is establishing a market for selling beef, and will be adding eggs and sheep. In the future, the Schmitzes would like to further capitalize on the direct sale market with an onfarm creamery. “And the gospel truth is if I did what I thought I’d be doing, we would’ve been broke four years ago,” Derek said. “I’m proud of what we have. We are beating the odds.”
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
The Schmitzes milk Fleckvieh crossbreds for their temperament, low maintenance and components.
Offer February 1, 2019 through April 30, 2019.
SAVE INSTANTLY WHEN YOU BUY TWO OR MORE FIRESTONE AG TIRES $25 off eligible Destination Farm & Destination Turf radial tires $100 off eligible radial and bias tires $200 off eligible AD2™ radial tires
Billings Service Inc. - Milaca, MN
Dewey’s Tire Repair - Platteville, WI
Brian’s Repair & Tire Service - Underwood, MN & Brandon, MN
Rule Tire & Auto - Willmar, MN
Dale’s Farm Repair - Pierz, MN
WW Tire Service - Bryant, SD • Clark, SD Watertown, SD • Brookings,SD
Friedrich’s Tire & Oil - Sauk Centre, MN
Midwest Machinery - Benson, MN
F&M Co-op Oil - Madison, SD
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Taylor and Derek Schmitz discuss their farm management style April 15 at their dairy farm site near St. Joseph, Minn. The Schmitzes maintain low input costs to keep the dairy aoat.
U.S. Terms and Conditions CONSUMER: Coupon code may be redeemed for $25 off the purchase of any Destination Farm and Destination Turf Radial Tires; OR $100 off eligible Radial and Bias Tires; OR $200 off eligible AD2 Radial (excluding DF and DT) while supplies last. Coupon does not cover service installation fees. All eligible tires can be found online at FirestoneAg.com. Qualifying purchase must be made between February 1, 2019, and April 30, 2019, from any Certified Firestone Ag Tire Dealer. To locate the nearest Certified Firestone Ag Tire Dealer, go to FirestoneAg.com and click on “Find A Dealer.” For a complete list of eligible tires, visit FirestoneAg.com or see your Certified Firestone Ag Tire Dealer. Valid in U.S. only. Retail customers only (excluding commercial fleet, fleet and group purchases; and adjustment and warranty claims). Not to be combined with any other Bridgestone, Firestone or Certified Dealer, offer and not to be used to reduce outstanding debt. Coupon code has no cash value. Coupon code can be obtained at the dealer, online, print and tradeshows. The discount is on pre-tax price qualifying sales. Customer pays any sales (or other) tax. Discount given at the time of purchase. Minimum purchase of two (2) eligible Firestone Ag tires required; maximum purchase of 16 eligible Firestone Ag tires. Maximum savings of $3,200 per coupon code. Coupon code not valid on returns, exchanges, rain checks or prior purchases. Limit one (1) coupon code per qualifying purchase transaction. Coupon code void if copied, altered, transferred, sold/purchased, irregular or defective. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Not to be combined with any other Bridgestone or Firestone offer. Firestone reserves the right to cancel this promotion without notice at its sole discretion.
Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
MANURE SEASON IS UPON US! Thinking of a different spreader? Protwin® Side-Discharge new KUHN Knight PS Spreader The 242 ProSpread® apron
Steerable Series Spreaders
box spreaders are noncommercial spreaders that provide an affordable option for producers without sacrificing quality.
Excellent maneuverability and control on all types of terrain.
ou
SLC141 Kuhn Knight Pro Twin Slinger 2015, 543 Cu. Ft., LH Side Hammer Discharge, Front Drive System, 1000 RPM, 28LL-26 Tires
Used #1813
$51,900
1230 Kuhn Manure Spreader
2008, 295 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Upper Beater, 14L-16.1SL Tires, Very Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go.
Used #1897
$11,900
used equipment VB750 Meyer’s Twister
2015, 750 Bushel Capacity, 1000 RPM, Constant Velocity PTO, All Poly Box
Used #1840
$33,500
2054 Kuhn Knight Pro Push Manure Spreader 2007, 540 Cu. Ft. Capacity, Small 1000 PTO, Hydraulic Push-Gate & End-Gate, Flow Control For Hydraulics, Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go.
Used #1880
$19,900
h
HOULE Vertical Manure Pump 2014, 8” Discharge, 2 PT Hook Up, Custom Made Double Agitation Nozzle, Heavy 350 Gearbox On Top
Used #1920
CALL
3000 Van Dale Manure Tanks
3,000 Gallon Capacity, 3 Shank Injector System, 16.5L-16.1 Tires, Good Condition, Going Thru Shop.
Used #1864
$6,900
l
so wwave a a e w.d barn, we hav y.com airylandsuppl
Manufactured by
IN STOCK!
ion .
If y
Sizes Range From 285-550 Bu.
12” Vertical Pumps and Lagoon Pumps AVAILABLE
Minnesota’s L
HYDRA-SPREAD
ding and Man e e ur tF e es ing Dealer nd l Ha
ar g
This is, quite simply, the most advanced, bestbuilt manure spreader you’re ever going to see. Now, do you need one this tough? Well, that all depends on how often you like to buy them.
ut
SB Series
8141 Kuhn Knight Pro Twin Slinger 2012, 4,064 Gal. Capacity, 1000 RPM, 28l-26 Tires, LH Side Hammer Discharge, Excellent Condition
Used #1767
$37,900
430 H&S Manure Spreader
430 Bushel Capacity, 16.5L-16.1, Very Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go.
Used #1917
CALL
8150 Kuhn Knight Side Slinger
2010, 5,000 Gal. Capacity, New Discharge Hammers, New Lower Auger, 1000 RPM, 30.5L-32 Tires
Used #1804
$42,900
4500 HUSKY Manure Tank
4,500 Gallon Capacity, 4 Shank Front Injector Discharge, Very Good Condition, Going Thru Shop.
Used #1914
$7,900
Dairyland Supply
12500L Badger Manure Tank 3,300 Gallon Capacity, Cor-Ten Steel Barrel, Very Good Condition, Going Thru Shop.
Used #1915
$7,900
4500 Miller Pro/N-Tech Manure Tank 4,500 Gallon Capacity, 1000 RPM, Solid Tank, Good Condition.
Used #1923
$8,900
8141 Pro Twin Slinger Spreader
2007, 4,064 Gallon Capacity, LH Side Hammer Discharge, New Discharge Hammers, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go.
Used #1814
$36,950
8141 Kuhn Knight Slinger Manure Spreader 2000, 4,064 Gallon Capacity, LH Side Hammer Discharge, 1000 RPM, Gone Thru Shop
Used #1896
$31,900
IS IN SAUK CENTRE, OFF I-94 ON THE CORNER OF HWY. 28 & 71 SOUTH
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 15
From Our Side Of The Fence How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming?
Ashley and Dan Wegmueller Monroe, Wis. Green County 50 cows Describe your farm. We are a fourth-generation dairy and crop farm with 350 acres. We opened a farmstay in 2018 with the intention of sharing the experience of production agriculture to urban guests. People from urban backgrounds with no ag experience are encouraged to partake in farm activities. The purpose of this is to educate the general public and also diversify our farm. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? We experienced breakeven prices throughout 2018. It became clear we needed to diversify our operation or sell out. Not wanting to sell out, we restructured the debt on the farm in order to cope with break-even prices, and opened the farmstay in order to open up an additional revenue stream. 2018 was an incredibly stressful year, but by not losing sight of the future, we ended 2018 ahead of where we were at the beginning of the year. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I have developed a taste for excellent scotch. Single malt, aged at least 12 years, Highlands preferred. In addition, we pursue a number of off-farm hobbies and interests. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? I have found a great deal of comfort in talking with people outside the ag industry. The problems we face are quite similar to many of the issues facing my close friends who work in other industries. Although they may not milk cows for a living, many of the stresses I feel as a dairy farmer are quite similar to the issues and concerns my friends face in their respective jobs. No one has it easy, and I ďƒžnd great comfort in mutual support. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? We pursue a number of non-farm hobbies and pastimes, and make a conscious effort to take breaks from the farm. I am a pilot and keep a grass airstrip on the farm. On nice days, I may take an hour or two to ďƒ&#x;y around the countryside to clear my head or use my airplane as an efďƒžcient means of travel. In 2012, I restored a 1940 Fairchild 24 and as a result have been introduced to a culture of fellow aviation enthusiasts. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? My wife and I are both avid scuba divers. We make a point to take at least one dive vacation per year. In February, we spent a week in Bonaire, the Dutch Caribbean. Next year, we are hoping to go to Belize. We may spend a weekend in Milwaukee or visit my sister in New York. As a rule, whenever we leave the farm, we do not have any contact with it until our return. I avoid cattle conventions or other activities that are ag-related. When I leave the farm, it is absolutely an escape. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Diversify. Other than that, keep one simple truth in mind: Every single person needs to eat. Regardless of race, ethnicity, orientation, gender, dietary preferences or economic standing, everyone needs to eat. Farmers ought to be the most powerful people on earth. We need to start acting like we are.
Randy Roecker Loganville, Wis. Sauk County 350 cows Describe your farm. I own Roecker’s Rolling Acres LLC along with my parents, Gerald and Margaret Roecker. My daughter, Ryanne Hiner, and her husband, James, also work on our family farm. She graduated from Platteville with a degree in animal science with a dairy emphasis. James graduated from Fennimore Technical College in tractor repair and welding. My son, Ross Roecker, also helps on the farm when needed. We farm 750 acres of alfalfa and corn. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? Our farm is faced with the same challenges as all other dairy farms across the country. We have trimmed and cut back to the point where there is nothing left to cut. Stress levels are high daily and can be hard to deal with at times. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I am fortunate I have connections to a lot of people in the dairy business world who can help me. I reach out to them to bounce ideas back and forth if nothing else. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? My friends throughout the industry. They have been so supportive of me when I faced the struggles of depression myself. Just being there for someone as a good listener is sometimes enough. Farmers can feel alone and isolated many times so being a good friend and listener is important. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? I like to go out to eat at new restaurants. Being a foodie can be fun. I am fortunate to attend many meetings throughout the year. While in those areas, I love to experience that region and culture. I also love going to Chicago for musicals, having seen many of the top shows. Frank Lloyd Wright’s home is a short distance from my farm, and I like reading about his life and architecture. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? Spending time away from the farm can be challenging. I get away for meetings often but my parents, daughter and her husband struggle with taking time off. This is an area we are addressing to allow them to get away. It helps to rebuild a person in more ways than one. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? We must remain positive. I struggle with this myself, but it’s all we can hold on to. Things have to get better after so many years of low prices. Just remember we are all in this together.
Angie Bocksell Pepin, Wis. Pepin County 200 cows Describe your farm. My husband, Paul, and I own and operate our dairy farm with the help of three employees. We also run crops on close to 500 acres. We’ve been the owners for 15 years and are the ďƒžfth generation of Bocksells to dairy farm here since 1872. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? Through these low milk prices, our farm has been hindered by not being able update things or invest back into our farm as we would like. It has also made it harder to plan for the future of our business. This has caused some of our plans and visions to evolve which isn’t always a bad thing. We’re still remaining positive. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? The way I handle stress has evolved, and I have learned to value taking care of myself. We have picked up some hobbies, make more time for going to see friends, and I think having four kids active in 4-H and other activities keeps us on our feet. It’s not that there isn’t stress. It’s that there is less time to dwell on the situation when we keep our minds busy with other things. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? We turn to positive people in our lives, including other dairy farmers who are going through the same thing. It helps that we have close family who are dealing with the same challenges. It helps to surround yourself with positive people as it breeds positivity. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? My husband has gotten back into bow hunting and has taken up beekeeping. I have always gardened and done a lot of food preservation, but I ďƒžnd that it is enjoyable for me. I recently started making soaps which has turned into a fun little side business. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? We ďƒžnd that leaving the farm with four young kids is more stressful than it’s worth sometimes, but we make a point of being involved in their activities. We go to church as a family, and we make a point of going on short adventures when time and farm life allows. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Make goals and have a plan of how to obtain those goals whether they are daily, yearly or 10 years. It is also helpful to have a vision for your life. What do you want your legacy to be? Those goals and visions are what keep me motivated.
Turn to OUR SIDE | Page 16
Trusted People. Trusted Feed. Star Blends has been helping Midwest farm families by providing, high-quality feed, dairy nutrition, and commodity contracting for more than 20 years. Our state of the art mill can accurately blend anything from a custom SUH PL[ WR FRPSOHWH IHHG VSHFL¿F WR \RXU IDUPœV QHHGV 2XU H[SHULHQFHG VWDႇ DUH UHDG\ WR GHOLYHU WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ IHHG at an economical price, assist in balancing diets, or work with your private nutritionist or dairy consultant. Contact Star Blends at: 800-462-4125 or StarBlends.com
Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Maureen Kienbaum Wausau, Wis. Marathon County 70 cows Describe your farm. My husband, Scott, and I milk 70 cows in a 62-stall tiestall barn. Scott is the fourth generation on his family farm, dating back to 1905. Cows are let out daily (weather permitting, of course). We raise our heifer calves and feed. We own 290 acres and rent an additional 40. We have no employees and do all the work ourselves. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? The challenges of today’s industry have affected us in a way we thought would not happen in many years. We had plans of putting up a freestall barn and parlor in the next year or two, but with the awfully low milk and cattle prices we have put those plans on an indenite hold. We have struggled with our decision, but have decided to sell our cows this coming fall and pursue other options. Taking on that much debt and stay a small, manageable family farm is too risky with the industry the way it is. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? Coping with the stress of farming isn’t easy. It mounts up quickly and sometimes gets overwhelming. But, we always make sure we talk it out with each other, family or friends. You can’t bottle it up and try to hide things. It will consume you. Good things and bad things happen every day on a farm. We always try to focus on a new day with more good things to come. Who are people you look to in difcult times? We lean on each other a lot. We also have great family and a few close friends who we know we can always count on if we need them. Our biggest supporter is our 15-month-old son. He can make any day brighter with just a smile. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? Snowmobiling and hunting are our favorite pastimes. We try to make time to enjoy both as often as we can in the fall and winter months. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? Taking time off is difcult and doesn’t happen very often. But, we do try to get away every once in a while. We enjoy going to stock car races, concerts and Packer games. We try to go to one a year. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Always try to be positive and hold your head up. Respect your animals and always treat them right. Be proud of what you do. Farming isn’t easy otherwise everyone would do it.
Sign up for our New Newsletter
Dairy St r Milk Break Email andrea.b@dairystar.com
Marshall Korn Atwater, Minn. Kandiyohi County 55 cows Describe your farm. I farm with my wife, Melanie, and our two sons, Samuel, 8, and Eli, 3. We are a rst-generation dairy farm. We started in the fall of 2005 and milk 55 cows – Guernsey, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. We own our 20-acre farm site and cash rent 100, acres as well as crop share an additional 50 acres. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? Money is tight and in short supply. We try to maintain everything we have to the best of our ability whether it is machinery or buildings. None of them are new, but they work. Until prices get better, we will not upgrade anything we do not have to. We do not need any more debt than we already have. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I enjoy talking with dairy farmers and my family. This life can be tough, especially when it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But, God made me a dairy farmer, and I love what I do. Even on the worst days, there is still nothing better than going to the barn with my family and doing what we have always done, taking care of the blessing God has given us. Who are people you look to in difcult times? My wife and I have been blessed to nd more people than I can count who have been there to support us. The Lord Jesus and my family, for without them I would be lost with no hope. My dad passed away ve years ago, so my mom and brothers are always there to talk to. I have a group of friends who also farm who are there to talk to or lend a hand. I also have a group of college friends who I can call on for support. I had the pleasure of working for two dairymen before we started our own farm. I worked for Brian and Heather Howe for seven years, and Bill and Merri Post. They are always an encouragement to me. Dan and Sarah Roerick, Zach Rada and Clint Benson have been my go-to with all my crazy ideas. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? The cows are my hobby. There is still nothing better than milking. I do like wood working and driving around the countryside with my wife looking at barns. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? My wife and I try to go away one to three times a year to Wisconsin. We also try to take the boys on a trip for a day or two in the summer or fall. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? It says in Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” This is how I live my life. In tough times, it is even more important to lean on God. Dairy farming has never been an easy life and never will be. But, for those who are willing to sacrice some of what this world offers for the love and drive God puts in us, our reward will be great.
Customized to Your Operation
Upper Midwest Pumping Woeste Custom Harvesting Specializing in Custom Pumping and Drag Hose Applications
Custom Forage Harvesting of Hay and Corn Silage
info@uppermidwestpumping.com
PUMPING
THE NO COMPROMISE FABRIC STRUCTURE DAIRY, MACHINERY & HAY STORAGE
Commercial Agri Buildings
www.uppermidwestpumping.com Call now to get
UPPER MIDWEST
Anne Jones Ridgeway, Wis. Iowa County 80 cows Describe your farm. Jones Valley Jerseys is a family operation. There are three generations in the barn on any given day. We farm with my husband’s family, milking cows, raising the youngstock and running roughly 240 acres of land. We have little outside help so everyone wears many hats. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? We have had a difcult time doing anything extra, and truthfully it’s been hard at times to even get the necessities completed when and how they should be. Due the current state of the industry, we are stretching everything to try and get by until things turn up or at least even out. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? Looking at the perspective of things and how we decide to react. Finances are stressful right now. But, we try to balance the stress out with nding the pure joy in a new life born on the farm or seeing the rye turn the bottom green in the spring. Coping can be made easier if you try to keep the why of what you are doing at the center. Don’t forget why you love dairy farming in the rst place. Who are people you look to in difcult times? Evan and I often nd ourselves talking of farms that have been farming for many generations or even farmers who are towards retirement age. We try to remind ourselves of the hardships they had to go through and also that those farms weren’t built overnight. We’re running a marathon, not a sprint. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? I am a huge advocate for self-care. Read a book for 15 minutes a day, take the time to soak in a bath once a week, or I may decide to do a small sewing project and put off the dishes a smidge longer. After all, what is life without a little or a lot of fun? My husband is good at putting up with my love of hobby animals. We recently got a few goat kids. I brought home chicks on a complete whim, and we’ve raised pigs for butchering for our freezer the last few years. I think having all the animals lets us enjoy the farm beyond the cows and reminds us of all the various ways the farm does benet us. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? The kids and I go on little day adventures to the petting farm, to the zoo, play dates, etc. When we go off the farm as a family, you might nd us at a sale or show. We also see importance in non-dairy related events as a chance to not think farming at all. Dinner and a movie can do wonders for the soul. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Check your attitude. You can’t control every situation, but we can always control our reactions to them. Try to stay positive. Look for the silver lining. Let go, embrace the crazy and try to hold on for the ride. Trust that it will work out how it is supposed to. Put your trust in God’s plan through prayer. His plan may not match our plans or wants and needs, but try and trust that everything turns out as it should.
on our schedule!
Licensed & Insured • 40+ Years of Combined Agricultural Experience (and that’s just between the two owners)
21171 US Hwy. 71 Long Prairie, MN 56347 Tim 320-247-3857 Brian 320-293-2703
WE ALSO SELL REPLACEMENT TARPS!
Single and Truss Arch available from 20’-120’ wide Flo-Coat® Galvanized Steel Tubing Supplied by Allied Tube & Conduit Heaviest gauge steel in the industry Pre-engineered truss buildings
NELSON’S AGRI STRUCTURES
Dean Nelson • Central and Northern Minnesota • Grove City, MN • 320-857-2633, Cell 320-699-3297
RIVERSIDE HOOP BARNS, INC.
US Hwy. 75 At IA/MN Stateline • Steen, MN • 507-392-2870 • Fred A. Tilstra & Sons
LANGE CONSTRUCTION & CONCRETE
Duke Lange • Swanville, MN • 320-290-0859
LAKESIDE HOOP STRUCTURES, LLC
Eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin • Harris, MN • 651-248-6302 • Craig Moline
ASK US ABOUT GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR HAY STORAGE
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 17
What’s right for you? DeLaval VMS™ V300 A SYSTEM APPROACH
• Contributes to Improved Farm Profitability • Contributes to More Milk per Labor Hour • Contributes to Healthier Cows • Contributes to Highest Milk Quality
Big John Bedding Separator
Moov Feed Pusher BY
SEPARATOR
The Moov feed pushing robot is a fully automatic robot so there is no need for wires or steel strips set into the floor.
Plate Coolers
Proven again and again to achieve 36-39.4% dry matter
FEATURES
Dan DeVaney
Dan DeVaney is enjoying his position as a chemical sales representative for Farm Systems. He has been employed for over one-and-a-half years with them.
“I enjoy being around everybody and seeing what farmers do on a daily basis. Sometimes when you run into a problem, they are all diɈerent, its rewarding to get it Ägured out. You have to work to eliminate what the problem isn’t so you can eventually Änd the solution.”
• Eѝcient Cooling • Reliable milk quality • Cost-saving investment • Designed for optimum eѝciency
Designed to improve cow health, comfort and welfare – and delivers even more!
• SMART control panel technology • Automatic weight control arms • New HD basket with screen • Reduce bedding costs • Increase liquid storage capacity • Environmentally friendly • Readily available bedding materials on a daily basis
Genuine Augers, screens and parts
Swinging Cow Brush
Proudly serving you from Brookings, SD; Montgomery, MN; and Melrose, MN. 58 Interstate Drive N.W., Melrose, MN 56352 | 800-636-5581
Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Repro Leaders
KC Dairies boast 33% pregnancy rate KC Dairies, LLP Elkton, S.D. Brookings County 2,000 cows
period for cows is 70 days. We breed our heifers at 13 months.
What was your average pregnancy rate last year? Our average pregnancy rate was 33%.
What is your rst service conception rate? Our rst service conception rate is 57% on the cows and 54% for our heifers.
What is your voluntary waiting period for cows? For heifers? Our voluntary waiting
What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? We
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
The management team at KC Dairies, LLP includes (from le�) maintenance manager Craig Gulbranson, office manager Jared Gustafson, owners Clodagh and Edward Kavanagh, and herd manager Daniel Flores. Last fall, the Dairy Ca�le Reproduc�on Council gave KC Dairies a Silver Award for reproduc�ve efficiency, fer�lity and management. The dairy is located in Elkton, S.D. use a double Ovsynch on all of our cows. JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
The herd of 2,000 Holsteins at KC Dairies are milked three �mes a day in a double-28 herringbone parlor. It takes the crew nearly 7.5 hours to complete each milking.
How do you observe for heat? We paint the tail heads daily and visually observe for signs of heat. For the rst service, we
W4666 State Hwy 85 | Durand, WI | 715.672.4263 36275 Tower Drive | Whitehall, WI | 715.538.1495 www.komrosales.com
OWN FOR: $55,500
RENT FOR: $600/day (reel only) $0.20 ft./day (hose)
OWN FOR: $135,500 RENT FOR: $255/hr
How do you conrm pregnant or open cows? We preg-
Turn to KC DAIRIES | Page 20
FARM INSURANCE
Bazooka Farmstar Pump Trailer
(510 FIAT, 6819MPC-CAC-FM, Bypass, EMS PRO)
nancy check the animals at 30 days after breeding. Any animal that is found to be open will receive a double Ovsynch.
Elmdale Mutual
Wadena
New York Mills
Bazooka Farmstar 700 Reel w/1 mile of 6” G&H Supply Hose
use a double Ovsynch and visual detection. For the second service, we use tail head paint and visual detection.
Verndalee F Ripley Fort
Motley y R Randall
Long Prairiee S k Alexandria exandria Sauk Centre Brandon
Melrose Melro l se Brooten
Serving Minnesota Producers for 120 years
Swanville U Upsala Freeport F p Freep St. Cloud Albany Alban ny y Monticello Mon Annandale nnandal
Willmar Will
Excellent rates superior service full service agencies.
JT Boat - Model 1700
OWN FOR: $108,000-$161,000 RENT FOR: $300/hr (sand) $265/hr (no sand)
Bazooka Farmstar 1810 Hose Reel w/1.25 miles of 8” G&H TPU
OWN FOR: $132,650
RENT FOR: $1,000 (reel only), $0.30 ft./day (hose)
Advantage 1 Insurance Agency
Long Prairie 320-732-6611 • 1-800-224-6671 Sauk Centre 320-352-6200 • 1-800-224-6671 St. Cloud • 320-252-6650
Billmark’s Lakes Area Insurance, Inc. Alexandria • 320-763-9022
Bohmer Agency, Inc. Brooten • 320-346-2214
2014 Nuhn Crawler
OWN FOR: $108,000 (NEW 2019 - $189,500) RENT FOR: $325/hr (sand) $275/hr (no sand)
Nuhn 12” x 58’ Lagoon Pump
OWN FOR: $40,900 RENT FOR: Please Call
Agitating, Injecting, or Spreading, We have your owning and rental needs covered!
Lake Country Insurance, Inc.
Motley • 218-352-6622 New York Mills • 218-385-3989 Verndale • 218-445-5153
Lakes Area Insurance Brandon • 320-524-2525
Nelson Insurance Agency & Financial Services Inc. Upsala & Fort Ripley 320-573-2151
North Risk Partners
Freeport • Albany Melrose • Wadena www.northriskpartners.com
Randall State Insurance
Randall 320-749-2060 • 888-344-4658
Swanville Insurance
Swanville 320-547-2333 • 320-547-2365
HOME OFFICE
Elmdale Farmers Mutual Ins. Inc. 104 Main St. • Upsala, MN 250-573-2151 • 888-ELMDALE www.elmdalemutual.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 19
THE LEADER IN LED LIGHTING ScrewIn
LED Wall Packs /Flood Lights
Metal Strip Lights
CBM LIGHTS ARE:
+ Virtually free of stray voltage + Fully Programmable +Dimmable + DLC approved for rebates on vapor tight units
+ Warranteed for a minimum + Manufactured in of 5 years on drivers and chips North America + Assembled units are U ULL CALL US FOR A FREE listed and approved CONSULTATION
RICHARD PEDERSON Pederson Sales
220 Schendel St, Box 145 • Blomkest, MN 56216 320.905.3725 (c) • 320.995.6403 (h) (MN, NE, MT, IA, SD, ND)
“We were able to get SCC down by over 100,000.” — Mark Spadgenske
SPADGENSKE DAIRY, MENAHGA, MINNESOTA Mark and Mike Spadgenske and families 300 cows, 75 lbs 3.9F 3.2P, SCC consistently below 200,000 Mark and Kristine Spadgenske with Adam, Kate and Seth at the 2019 Central Plains Dairy Expo. Not pictured is oldest son Ryan as well as Mark’s brother Mike and son John.
“We were able to get SCC down by over 100,000 and are still going strong with Udder Comfort™ in our fresh cow routine. The results pay in quality and performance,” says Mark Spadgenske. He and his brother Mike and their families operate Spadgenske Dairy, milking 300 cows near Menahga, Minn.
Quality Udders Make Quality Milk
“Our SCC used to be over 300,000. Then we brought home Udder Comfort samples from the 2017 Central Plains Dairy Expo in Sioux Falls and started spraying every fresh udder 2x/day for 3 to 4 days after calving. Within just 2 months, we saw counts come down, and by 6 months, they were down by over 100,000.
Keep the milk in the system
“Two years later, we continue using Udder Comfort on all fresh udders. Our counts remain well below 200,000 for premiums we never saw before. We had tried other products, but this one did the job. We love it.”
Call to locate a distributor near you.
1.888.773.7153 1.613.652.9086 uddercomfort.com
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, April 27, 2019
Con�nued from KC DAIRIES | Page 18
What is your breeding philosophy? How do you select bulls? What traits do you focus on? Does fertility play a role in bull selection? Our philosophy is that everything must be bred. We will give sick or lame animals a longer waiting period to recover before we try to breed them. We choose our sires base on net merit, components and conformation. Fertility certainly does play a role in our sire selections. We are looking at fertility more now than in the past. How are cows and heifers bred? Do you have a different philosophy for breeding both? On heifers, we consider the size, weight and the age of the animals. With cows, we
are looking at sires that will improve milk production and overall health. What do you do to settle hard breeders? We don’t have many hard breeders, but we will use a CIDR when we need to. We use sexed semen for the rst two services, then switch to beef bulls for the third service and beyond. We have gotten more aggressive with culling hard breeders. How many times do you try to breed a cow before you sell her? It depends on the cow. If she’s a good producer, we may let her go anywhere from 200 to 300 days in milk before we give up. We also look at her past lactations to see if we want her back. JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
Daniel Flores, herd manager at KC Dairies, keeps tabs on the herd’s reproduc�ve status with a computer. A�er working as a milker for several years, Flores was promoted to herd manager two years ago.
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
Cows are chalked with paint for heat detec�on at KC Dairies. Different paint colors are used in different pens in case two groups of cows become mixed together.
Is there anything you have done or changed that brought about a signicant improvement in your reproductive program? The most important change was increasing our attention to details. We also changed our transition facility from outside lots to indoor housing. We have increased our voluntary waiting period from 50 to 70 days and plan to increase it further to 80 days. We are lengthening the dry period from 45 days to 60 days. Our breeding program became much more successful when
we went off BST three years ago. And, we are constantly working on improving cow comfort. Tell us about your farm. This dairy was built in 1996. It is not a thing of beauty on the outside, but we are getting good performance on the inside. Last fall, we received a silver award from the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council for reproductive efciency, fertility and management. In 2018, our herd averaged 89 pounds per head per day of fat-corrected
milk. Our SCC ranges between 130,000 and 160,000, and we are averaging 155 days in milk. We started raising our own heifers two years ago. We bring our heifers into the dairy barn at 22 months of age and weighing 1,400 pounds. None of these achievements would be possible without the great crew of people we have here. We all work together and care for each other.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 21
See our complete inventory with pictures and descriptions at at:
www.mmcjd.com
Visit one of our 17 locations in Central Minnesota!
LOW RATE FINANCING AVAILABLE
L
EL
E ST
(1) = GLENCOE
A DE
320-864-5571 4561 Hwy. 212
(2) = HOWARD LAKE 320-543-2170 5845 Keats Ave. SW
JD DB60, 2014, 24R30, CCS planter, #156907
(3) = STEWART 320-562-2630 78412 Co. Rd. 20
159,000
JD 9520RX, 2016, 1193 hrs., #143518
$
369,000
$
Great Plains YP2425, 24 row 30” twin row $ planter, #152236
65,000
Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com
(4) = ST. CLOUD 320-252-2010 1035 35th Ave. NE
(5) = GLENWOOD 320-634-5151 1710 N. Franklin
(6) = SAUK CENTRE 320-352-6511 1140 Centre St.
(7) = ALEXANDRIA 320-763-4220 5005 Co. Rd. 82 SE
(8) = PAYNESVILLE 320-243-7474 725 Lake Ave. S.
(9) = PRINCETON
763-389-3453 3708 Baptist Church Rd.
(10) = LITTLE FALLS 320-632-5469 16069 Hwy. 27 E.
(11) = WADENA 218-631-2311 62505 US Hwy. 10
(12) = AITKIN 218-927-2140 1120 2nd St. NW
(13) = BAXTER 218-829-5356 7045 Foley Rd.
(14) = ELBOW LAKE 218-685-4438 110 2nd St. NE
(15) = MORRIS 320-589-2011 23604 State Hwy. 9
(16) = BENSON 320-843-2610 380 Atlantic Ave.
(17) = MADISON 320-598-7575 516 1st St. E
JD 2210, 2014, 55.5 Äeld cultivator, $ #154394
ARTICULATED 4WD TRACTORS 4 JD 8760, 1991, Duals, 5600 hrs., # 158144 ................................. $36,900 2 Case IH STX440, 2001, Power Shift, Duals, 5949 hrs., #156666 ...................................................................................... $89,500 17 JD 9370R, 2015, Power Shift, Duals, Guidance-ready, 950 hrs., #154699 .................................................................................... $219,500 7 JD 9520R, 2015, Power Shift, Duals, PTO, Guidance-ready, Heavy Duty Gudgeon, 922 hrs., #158096................................... $289,500 1 JD 9410R, 2014, Power Shift, Duals, 1561 hrs., #146677.......... $219,500 5 JD 9510R, 2014, Power Shift, Duals, Guidance-ready, 891 hrs., #157912 .................................................................................... $239,000 5 JD 9470R, 2016, Power Shift, Duals, Guidance-ready, Heavy Duty Gudgeon, 847 hrs., #158093................................... $259,500 8 JD 9570R, 2017, Power Shift, Duals, 748 hrs., #150670............ $355,900 14 JD 9630, 2009, Power Shift, Triples, Guidance-ready, 3918 hrs., #151999 .................................................................................... $154,900 BOX DRILLS 5 JD 455, 1999, Width: 30, Spacing: 10”, #150258 ......................... $18,900 11 JD 455, 2018, Configuration: Folding, Width: 30, Spacing: 7.5”, #143110 ...................................................................................... $63,900 14 Great Plains 2000-3275, 2015, #157104 ................................. $22,000 DISKS 10 Kewanee 1177, Size: 25 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #157880 .........................................................................................$5,900 10 JD 110, #155401............................................................................$2,000 1 JD 2623, 2013, Size: 33 ft, #149511............................................ $39,500 1 Wishek 862-LNT, 2013, #155304 .............................................. $52,900 9 Sunflower 1434, 2002, Size: 35 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #157886 ...................................................................................... $22,000 16 Wishek 862NT, 2012, Size: 30 ft, #144471 ................................ $49,500 16 JD 2625, 2013, Size: 42 ft, Spacing: 11”, #151841....................... $38,500 14 JD 2625, 2012, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Spacing: 11”, #144464 . $32,900 14 EZEE-ON 8700, 2010, Size: 42 ft, #145714 ................................. $32,900 FIELD CULTIVATORS 4 JD 960, 1994, Size: 36 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #148486 .........................................................................................$7,500 2 JD 980, 2004, Size: 44 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157566 ..................................................................................... $19,900 10 JD 1010, Size: 25.5 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #151724 .........................................................................................$3,495 10 JD 1010, Size: 31 ft, #150876 ........................................................$2,825 10 JD 960, 1994, Size: 26 ft, #148845.................................................$5,500 10 JD 960, 1989, Size: 27 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157465 .........................................................................................$5,900 7 JD 960, 1988, Size: 44 ft, Standards: C-Shank, #150157 ................$7,215 1 Case IH 200, 2011, Size: 50.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #158088 ..................................................... $34,900 1 Glencoe 3500, Size: 25 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, #157470 ........$4,900 1 JD 2210, 2011, #155650............................................................. $29,900 1 Case IH 690, 2014, #155651 ...................................................... $18,900 12 JD 1000, 1978, #156035................................................................$3,950 15 JD 2210, 2013, Size: 55.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157827 ..................................................................................... $57,900
58,500
Case IH Tigermate 200, 2014, 60’ Äeld cultivator, $ 6” spacing, #154511
15 DMI TIGERMATE II, Size: 54 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157729 ....................................................................... $12,900 9 JD 960, 1992, Size: 38 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157887 ........................................................................................$5,500 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, #155901................. $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154509 ..................................................... $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154511 ..................................................... $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154510 ..................................................... $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154507 ..................................................... $59,400 8 JD 2210, 2009, Size: 53 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154393 ..................................................................................... $48,000 8 JD 2210, 2014, Size: 55.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154394 ...................................................................................... $58,500 8 JD 2210, 2009, Size: 50.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154537 ...................................................................................... $43,500 14 JD 980, 1997, Size: 26 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #153320 ........................................................$9,900 14 JD 980, 1998, #156455 ............................................................... $14,430 PLANTERS: DRAWN 4 JD 1775NT, 2018, 16R30, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #150736 ............$169,000 4 JD 1760, 2013, #156200............................................................. $52,500 10 JD 1770NT, 2014, #156928 ........................................................ $89,900 17 JD 1765, 2015, #155243............................................................. $54,500 7 White 6322, #156848................................................................ $18,900 6 Great Plains YP2425, 2007, 24R30, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, #152236 $65,000 15 JD DB66, 2008, #155284 .......................................................... $139,900 9 JD 1770, 2001, 16R30, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 1.6 Bushel, #157770 ...................................................... $34,000 9 JD DB60, 2014, #156907 .......................................................... $159,000 16 JD DB66, 2008, #156834 .......................................................... $132,500 11 JD 1775NT, 2018, 16R30, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #140328 .............. $149,500 11 JD 1750, 1997, 6R30, Frame: Rigid, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 3.0 Bushel, Row Command: No, #157881..........................$4,000 8 JD DB44, 2018, Rows: 24, Row Spacing: 22 in, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #150773 .................................................................................... $179,500 8 JD DB44, 24R22, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 1.6 Bushel, Row Command: No, #157752....................... $21,900 14 JD DB44, 2006, 24R22, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 3.0 Bushel, #157732 ...................................................... $52,000 14 JD 1780, 1999, #155446............................................................. $33,500 PLANTERS: INTEGRAL 17 JD 7300, 1990, 12R30, Frame: Wing Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 3.0 Bushel, #157581 .........................................................$8,500 7 White 5100, #155511...................................................................$6,700 16 White 6722, 16R22, Frame: Wing Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 1.6 Bushel, Row Command: No, #157535....................... $11,900
59,400
189,000
CIH QT500, 2011, $ 2950 hrs., #155272
8 JD DR24, 2018, 24R22, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #150773 .............. $179,500 PULL-TYPE SPRAYERS 2 Hardi RANGER 2000, 2014, #155294 ........................................ $20,500 10 Redball 580, 2006, #151074 ..................................................... $18,900 1 Fast 9613, 2016, #157612 ......................................................... $29,900 15 Wil-Rich Blumha, #148336 .........................................................$5,500 15 Top Air TA1200, 2008, #155358 ................................................ $16,650 5 Hardi Commander 1200, 2002, #150043 ................................ $14,900 SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS 10 JD 4920, 2004, 4600 hrs., #157917 ............................................ $69,500 15 JD 4940, 2014, 1764 hrs., #155452 .......................................... $199,500 16 Case IH 4430, 2013, Boom Leveling, Tank: Stainless, Tire Width: Narrow, Guidance-ready, 2655 hrs., #154198 .......... $209,500 8 JD R4038, 2018, Boom Width: 120-Foot, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 495 hrs., #150887...................................................................... $339,000 14 JD R4038, 2017, Hydraulic Tread Adjust, Guidance-ready, 508 hrs., #143961 ................................................................................... $346,500 14 JD R4038, 2018, 101 hrs., #155379 .......................................... $340,200
STEEL DEALS COMBINE PLATFORM 7 JD 635F, 2006, #140683 ............................................................. $11,900 ROW CROP TRACTORS 10 JD 6145M, 2016, 145 hp., 371 hrs., #124994 ............................. $84,500 4 JD 6145R, 2016, 145 hp., 231 hrs., #142472 ............................ $114,500 4 JD 6145R, 2016, 145 hp., 395 hrs., #142473 ............................ $110,000 16 JD 6175R, 2017, 175 hp., 182 hrs., #145241 ............................ $128,000 15 JD 6175R, 2017, 175 hp., 317 hrs., #144525 ............................ $125,000 17 JD 6175R, 2017, 175 hp., 417 hrs., #144524 ............................ $139,000 10 JD 7200R, 2012, 200 hp., 2780 hrs., #154425 .......................... $110,000 11 JD 7210R, 2015, 210 hp., 760 hrs., #141370 ............................ $134,900 8 JD 7210R, 2015, 210 hp., 814 hrs., #141371 ............................ $134,900 17 JD 7210R, 2015, 210 hp., 1294 hrs., #143509 .......................... $141,000 16 JD 8245R, 2017, 245 hp., 814 hrs., 146269 .............................. $186,900 10 JD 8245R, 2016, 245 hp., 674 hrs, #144535 ............................. $184,900 SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTER HEADS: ROTARY 6 JD 688, 2011, #140930 ............................................................... $23,500 6 JD 710, 2007, #115310 ............................................................... $33,000 6 JD 770, 2011, #138381 ............................................................... $29,700 SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTERS 6 JD 7300, 2003, 5093 hrs., 3640 hrs., #140932 ..............................$68,000 6 JD 7500, 2003, 4700 hrs., 3100 hrs., #142199 ............................ $98,000 6 Claas JAGUAR 890, 2002, 2749 hrs., 2290 hrs. #133756............ $96,000 TRACK TRACTOR 4 JD 9520RX, 2016, 520 hp, 1193 hrs., #143518 ......................... $369,000
JD DR24, 2018, 24R22 CCS planter, $ seedstar, #150773
179,500
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
WE’RE GROOVIN’ FOR YOUR COWS’ SAFETY Barn alleys, freestalls, barn yards, holding areas specializing in diamond pattern and diagonal grooves
Midwest Grooving
DAVE VANDEN BOSCH
M G
Owner/Operator • Kaukauna, WI
920-450-7246
midwestgrooving.com midwestgrooving@gmail.com PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
I F A
Roller-Grinder
More milk less feed with uniform Àne-grind Solid cast rolls All belt-electric drive Single or double mills USA & International sales Replacement rolls available for most mills Used mills and tumble mixers on hand Hammer Mills
Phone: (319) 634-3849 • Toll Free: (800) 426-0261 web: www.ifamill.com • email: ifamill@netins.net
4 good reasons +
Superior teat skin conditioning
+
Great visibility
+
Mastitis control equivalent to the best Iodine teat dips
+
Reliable, consistent, safe and easy to use
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 Professional Dairy Services Waunakee, WI 608-849-5043
Mondovi Dairy Systems Inc. Mondovi, WI 715-926-5777 West Salem, WI 608-769-2113 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470 MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466
East Central Dairy Supply Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Watertown, MN 605-886-7401 Sioux Falls, SD 800-284-0015 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2019 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. www.delaval.com
WI Milk Marketing Board nominees certied
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) has certied 14 nominees as eligible for election to the Board of Directors for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board, Inc. (WMMB, Inc.) (d/b/a Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin). The following candidates, listed by district, are certied as eligible: District 3: Lincoln, Oneida, Price and Taylor counties. Nominee – Mark Leder – Gleason District 6: Chippewa and Eau Claire counties. Nominees – Jaclyn Backhaus, Boyd, and Douglas Danielson, Cadott District 9: Shawano and Waupaca counties. Nominees – Donald Robaidek, Pulaski, and Jeff Strassburg, Wittenberg District 12: Portage, Waushara and Wood counties. Nominees – Ken Heiman, Marsheld, and Steve Pankratz, Marsheld District 15: Adams, Juneau and Monroe counties. Nominee – Mary Cook, Wilton District 18: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha counties. Nominee – Dean Strauss, Sheboygan Falls District 2: Crawford and Vernon counties. Nominees – Gail Klinkner, Viroqua; Kevin Wallaser, Desoto; Danika Wehling, Westby District 24: Dane and Jefferson counties. Nominees – Vigil Haag, Mount Horeb, and Tina Hinchley, Cambridge DATCP conrmed that all certied candidates meet the administrative rule marketing order eligibility criterion of being an active dairy producer (or representative of an affected producer), selling milk into commercial channels, and residing within their respective districts. DATCP certied each candidate’s timely nomination form, which included ve signatures from active dairy producers within the district as well as completion of a notarized “Afdavit of Eligibility” form. To facilitate the voting process, DATCP is in the process of distributing mail-in ballots to dairy producers who reside within the eight affected districts. Producers who do not receive a ballot by May 10, 2019 should contact Debbie Gegare, DATCP Market Orders Program Coordinator, at (608) 224-5116 or Debbie.Gegare@Wisconsin.gov to request a ballot. The election period runs through May 24, 2019 with results announced the end of May 2019. For more election information, visit: www.wisconsindairy.org/elections
On-Farm training for agribusiness professionals with limited farm background The Professional Dairy Producers® (PDPW) announce the 2019 PDPW Agricultural Professional Partnerships® (APPs) training for non-farm agribusiness professionals. The training will be held on three Wisconsin dairy farms, May 21-23, 2019, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., departing from Madison, Wis. each day. The APPs program provides non-farm professionals the hands-on experience and insights needed to be most effective as they work with farmers and provide on-farm services. Training topics covered will include animal welfare, consumer trust, food safety, environmental stewardship, dairy economics, business strategies, and other hot-button industry topics. The three-day training will provide attendees the condence and enhanced credibility needed to succeed in their professional roles, while also providing perspective into their circles of inuence. Attendees will engage in a safe learning environment to explore terminology, management practices and build their dairy business and nancial acumen, resulting in a greater understanding and empathy when working with farmers. Space is limited and designed exclusively for non-farm professionals allied with the dairy industry and looking to broaden their understanding of dairy farming. To learn more about the Agricultural Professional Partnerships (APPs) training and to register, visit www. pdpw.org or contact PDPW at 1-800-947-7379. To see past experiences view on Facebook at www.facebook. com/pg/ProfessionalDairyProducers/photos/.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 23
A path towards price stabilization
Short, long term solutions presented at roadshow By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
GREENWALD, Minn. – Two years ago, the Wisconsin Farmers Union began campaigning to rebuild a dairy industry that can support families and rural communities in a movement known as the Dairy Together coalition. The group spoke with Minnesota dairy farmers as part of their Roadshow series April 16 in Greenwald, Minn. The event, co-hosted by the Minnesota Farmers Union, presented three solutions to stabilize milk prices for dairy farmers. “This isn’t a new problem. If we do nothing, the handwriting is on the wall,” Darin Von Ruden said. “We need to pull together and nd support to make change.” Von Ruden is the president at WFU and operates an organic dairy farm near Westby, Wis. Three possible solutions were presented with each addressing the current dairy crisis in the United States. Emergency program creates level playing eld One of the factors inu-
encing the milk market is the rising cost of production for dairy farms of all sizes but especially for those farms with 100 cows or less. The Family Dairy Farm Relief Act would address this disparity in providing payments to dairy farmers for the difference in operating costs between farm sizes. “You call the re department when things are on re. You don’t call them for long term prevention,” Richard Levins said. “This is a short term solution. We need to put out the ames now.” Levins is a professor emeritus with the University of Minnesota. For example, a farm producing less than 65,000 pounds per month has an operating cost of $17.87 per hundredweight compared to a farm producing more than 2.6 million pounds with an operating cost of $13.66 per cwt. Thus, the cost imbalance for the smaller farm is $4.21 per cwt. If passed into law, the act would provide yearly payments of $2.8 billion made up of United States Department of Agriculture funds allocated
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Richard Levins explains the Family Dairy Farm Relief Act during the Dairy Together Roadshow April 16 in Greenwald, Minn. The roadshow was an opportunity for dairy farmers to learn about three potenƟal soluƟons to stabilize milk prices. by Congress. Farmers would receive payments based on operating cost imbalance for pounds of milk produced. “Operating costs fall off with the more cows you have,” Levins said. “The goal of this act is to level the playing eld for production costs. We want everyone to have a seat at the
USED EQUIPMENT FROM A NAME YOU CAN TRUST!
CHECK OUT OUR LARGE SELECTION OF HAY EQUIPMENT AND TRACTORS!
USED TRACTORS
‘13 N-H T9.615, 833 Hours, Auto Steer, Cab Suspension ......................................... $235,000 ‘15 N-H Boomer 46D, MFD, Loader, 72” Deck, 120 Hours .................................................... $25,000 ‘14 Versatile 310, MFD, 189 Hours .............. $144,900 ‘10 Case I-H 105U, MFD, 525 Hours .............. $42,900 ‘67 A-C 190XT, Cab, Loader, 4091 Hours ......... $7,500 ‘77 White 2-135, ............................................. $7,500
USED SKIDSTEERS
‘13 A-770, Glass Cab with A/C, 2725 Hours, Hi Flow Aux .................................................. $31,500 ‘11 T-650, Glass Cab with A/C, 4800 Hours ... $29,700 ‘17 T-595, Glass Cab with A/C. 485 Hours ..... $43,500 ‘13 T-590, Glass Cab with A/C, 1600 Hours ... $34,500 ‘10 T-190, Glass Cab with A/C, 3500 Hours ... $24,000 ‘17 Gehl RT210, Glass Cab with A/C, 170 Hours .................................................... $39,500 ‘12 S-770, Glass Cab with A/C, 4600 Hours... $28,900 ‘11 S-750, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Spped, 2950 Hours .................................................. $28,900 (2) S-650, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 3250 Hours & up ........................Starting at $28,500 ‘17 S-630, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 85 Hours ...................................................... $35,900 ‘17 S-595, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 2250 Hours .................................................. $28,500 ‘15 S-590, Glass Cab with A/C, 3000 Hours... $26,500 ‘16 N-H L-228, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 1250 Hrs ...................................................... $29,900 ‘07 N-H L-175, Glass Cab & Heater, 2 Speed, 6100 Hrs ...................................................... $10,750
LANO
Many used & new skidloaders ON HAND
table and the same chances at a slice of the pie.” A similar program has been successful in Maine, where the rate of dairy farmers exiting the industry has slowed, and there has been renewed opportunity for others to begin farming. While the act would serve as an emergency resolution to
the dairy crisis, it may offer stability for rural communities whose vitality depends on small dairy farms. “The dairy industry is going through massive structural Turn to ROADSHOW | Page 25
Maximize Your Harvest Nutrition
‘01 N-H LS-170, 3600 Hours ......................... $10,900 ‘95 N-H LX-665, Glass Cab & Heater ............. $11,500 Like New Bobcat 72” Finish Mower.................. $3,500 Warrior Log Spliter .......................................... $1,999
USED TILLAGE
‘08 W-R Quad X 50’ with Rolling Baskets ...... $32,500 Case I-H 4300, 28.5’, 3 Bar Spring Tine Harrow ................................................... $5,950 ‘12 W-R 513 Soil Pro, 11 Shank, Folding Frame .............................................. $42,500 ‘07 Case I-H 730C Disc Ripper, Lead Shanks, Levers .......................................................... $24,500 ‘97 J-D 3710, 8 Bottom, Onland Hitch ........... $12,500
USED PLANTERS
‘15 White 9816, 16x30 ................................... $87,500 White 6100 12x30, Verticle Fold .................... $10,900 White 6100 8x36, Verticle Fold, Dry Fert.......... $3,950 White 5100 4x38 twin row ............................... $2,950 ’06 G-P YP1625-32, 16x30 Twin Row, Precision units ............................................. $39,900 ‘11 G-P YP1225A, 12x30 Twin Row, Liquid Fert .................................................... $49,900 ‘08 Kinze 3800, 24x30, Liquid Fert................. $37,500 ‘04 Case I-H 1200, 16x30, T rue Count Shut Off ....................................... $26,900
USED MISC
‘11 H&S TS-5120 Spreader.............................. $9,750 New Idea 3732 Spreader .................................. $8,950 ‘12 N-H 185 Spreader .................................... $10,500 ‘08 Red Ball 1000 Gallon Sprayer, 60’ Boom ... $9,950 704 UNI with 2-combines and chopper units ... $6,500 ‘08 Geringhoff 18x22 Cornhead, JD Mounts .. $49,500
Equipment of Norwood
952-467-2181 A family business since 1946 with the Lanos: Jack, Paul, Bob and Andy
5 Heights to choose from: 6’ to 16’
VERSATILE, MOVABLE, RELIABLE PRECAST BUNKER SILO WALLS!
Also Available:
Call today for your custom bunker plan designed to fit your needs and budget!
x Manure Storage x Feed bunks x Grain Storage x Water Tanks x Cattle Guards x Foot Baths
1-800-325-8456 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Visit us on the web: www.wieserconcrete.com
Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
BOBCAT TOUGH
*Wheeled unit shown
0% APR
FOR UP TO 48 MONTHS*
0% APR
FOR UP TO 48 MONTHS*
OR cash in lieu of financing rebates up to $8,000 USD*
OR cash in lieu of financing rebates up to $5,000 USD*
ON SELECT COMPACT TRACK LOADERS
ON SELECT SKID STEER LOADERS
PLUS: 2-YEAR/2,000-HOUR FULL WARRANTY* AUTHORIZED BOBCAT DEALERS
IOWA
JP Scherrman, Inc. Farley • 563-744-3393
Reiser Implement, Inc. Waukon • 563-568-4526
SOUTH DAKOTA
Bobcat of Brookings, Inc. Brookings • 605-697-5544 Pfeifer’s Implement Sioux Falls • 605-338-6351
MINNESOTA
Aldrich Tractor, Inc. Verndale • 218-445-5430
Alex Power Equipment Alexandria • 320-763-4994
Bobcat of Otter Tail County Fergus Falls • 218-739-4505 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Dassel • 320-275-2737 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Long Prairie • 320-732-3715 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. St. Cloud • 320-240-2085 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Willmar • 320-235-3672 Lano Equipment, Inc. Anoka • 763-323-1720
Lano Equipment, Inc. Loretto • 763-472-8200
Lano Equipment, Inc. Shakopee • 952-445-6310
Lano Equipment of Norwood Norwood Young America • 952-467-2181 Lund Implement Company Madison • 320-598-3150 Miller Sellner Slayton Slayton • 507-836-8571
Tri-State Bobcat Burnsville • 952-894-0894
Tri-State Bobcat Little Canada • 651-407-3727
Visit Bobcat.com/Offers or stop by today for details. *Offer ends 6/30/2019. Available at participating and eligible dealers only. Offer may vary by product type, series, model and select units in dealer’s current inventory. Must take delivery from dealer stock by 06/30/2019. Offers available on new equipment in US and Canada only. Some restrictions apply. Length of contract may vary. Prior purchases not eligible. See dealer for details. Financing provided on approval of credit by authorized Bobcat finance providers to well-qualified buyers. Administrative fees may apply. Offer not available to government accounts, national accounts and municipal/utility bid customers. Non-commercial customers may not be eligible for low rate financing. Bobcat Company reserves the right to extend or discontinue any of these programs at any time without prior notice. Bobcat®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries.
WISCONSIN
Bobcat of Janesville Janesville • 608-756-0000
Carter & Gruenewald Co., Inc. Brooklyn • 608-455-2411 Carter & Gruenewald Co., Inc. Juda • 608-934-5201 Komro Sales & Service Durand • 715-672-4263 Komro Sales & Service Whitehall • 715-538-1495 Tri-State Bobcat Hudson • 715-531-0801
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 25
ConƟnued from ROADSHOW | Page 23 change. … There’s no opportunity for family size operations,” Levins said. “What kind of industry doesn’t have room for these wonderful people?” Two tier pricing creates opportunity for all farms The USDA has predicted there will be less than 18,000 dairy farms in the United States by 2036 if consolidation continues at its current pace. One proposal to address the loss of dairy farms would be to establish a two tier pricing system under a national Federal Milk Marketing Order with a $4 per cwt. price adjuster for up to 1 million pounds of monthly production. This would be applied to every dairy operation across the nation. Then, the remaining prots would be allocated equally amongst farms. “The key to this program is the prots per cow which will level the playing eld,” Dave Kaseno said. Kaseno is the operations director for the National Farmers Organization. Under the current pay price where every farm receives the same amount ($16.82 per cwt.), farm sizes with 120 cows have a margin per cow at -$2.53, based on operating costs per cwt. As the herd grows, the margin positively increases, so a herd of 2,400 cows sees a margin per cow at $72.25. The proposed program would adjust the pay price so the 120-cow farm would receive $18.86 per cwt., while the 2,400-cow farm would see $15.75 per cwt. Then, the adjusted margins more accurately reect a balance in the market with the smaller herd having an adjusted margin per cow at $46.26 and the larger herd, $47.83. “This requires all areas to be under the same FMMO, but it can be done,”
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
James Kanne explains his concerns about the dairy industry at the Dairy Together Roadshow April 16 in Greenwald, Minn. Kanne milks 50 cows on his dairy, Rieke Dairy, near Franklin, Minn. Kaseno said. While the program shows similarities of Canada’s pricing system, Von Ruden assured attendees it is different and urged them to closely consider the opportunities this pricing system would present for the dairy industry. “We have farms with four heifers in line to replace one cow. … We can’t consume as much as we produce,” he said. “This system would address that, but it’s not the same as Canada’s because we’re capitalists by mind. They’re system isn’t perfect, and right now we don’t have the perfect one ei-
ther.” Price stabilization proposal supports dairy economy The nal proposal presented at the roadshow was the Dairy Price Stabilization Plan which incentivizes dairy farmers to remain at their current herd size or charges those who chose to expand based on the dairy markets. The plan was reviewed by dairy economists Chuck Nicholson, of Cornell University, and Mark Stephenson, of the University of Wisconsin, for today’s market conditions. “[Nicholson and Stephenson] made
projections from 2014 to 2020, which show the impacts on market price and milk price, and reduced rates of business failure,” Kara O’Connor said. “There are also substantial prots, so less dependency on current government programs.” O’Connor is the government relations director with WFU. The analysis reviewed the plan in two versions – one where it is enabled continuously and another where it goes into effect when the milk-to-feed ratio drops to a certain level. Both versions operate in a similar manner. Dairy farmers have an allowable rate of milk production growth based on market demand, and then if a farmer so chooses to expand, a market access fee is charged. Those farmers who do not expand past the allowable rate of milk production growth are compensated for matching the market demand using the fees collected. This program would be mandatory for all farms. “The Dairy Price Stabilization Plan encourages farmers to watch for economic signals and do what makes sense,” O’Connor said. All three proposals improve net farm income and encourage responsible growth across the dairy industry. “The truth is there’s more than one approach to reform the dairy industry,” Von Ruden said. “These all have similar features that aim to provide family farms with protability and give them a ghting chance.” As WFU and NFO travel across the country educating dairy farmers about these programs, they ask for support as they develop the plans to present to lawmakers.
Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Your Headquarters for Volvo Loaders!
How to make your old machinery disappear...
Check out our inventory at www.transourceusa.com
800-289-6225 Sioux Falls, SD • Rapid City, SD • Aberdeen, SD
Sell it in the classieds! 320-352-6303
Higher limits now available on USDA farm loans Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in United States Department of Agriculture farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 farm bill increased the amount that producers can FSA News & Notes borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through the USDA Farm Service Agency and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans. “As natural disasters, trade disruptions and persistent pressure on comBy Ryan Brunn modity prices continue to Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. impact agricultural operations, farm loans become increasingly important to farmers and ranchers,” said Richard Fordyce, FSA administrator. “The 2018 farm bill provides increased loan limits and more exibility to farm loans, which gives producers more access to credit when they need it most.” Key changes include: - The direct operating loan limit increased from $300,000 to $400,000, and the guaranteed operating loan limit increased from $ 1.429 million to $1.75 million. Operating loans help producers pay for normal operating expenses, including machinery and equipment, seed, livestock feed and more. - The direct farm ownership loan limit increased from $300,000 to $600,000, and the guaranteed farm ownership loan limit increased from $1.429 million to $1.75 million. Farm ownership loans help producers become owner-operators of family farms as well as improve and expand current operations. - Producers can now receive both a $50,000 farm ownership microloan and a $50,000 operating microloan. Previously, microloans were limited to a combined $50,000. Microloans provide exible access to credit for small, beginning, niche and non-traditional farm operations. - Producers who previously received debt forgiveness as part of an approved FSA restructuring plan are now eligible to apply for emergency loans. Previously, these producers were ineligible. - Beginning and socially disadvantaged producers can now receive up to a 95% guarantee against the loss of principal and interest on a loan, up from 90%. Direct farm loans, which include microloans and emergency loans, are nanced and serviced by FSA, while guaranteed farm loans are nanced and serviced by commercial lenders. For guaranteed loans, FSA provides a guarantee against possible nancial loss of principal and interest. For more information on FSA farm loans, visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA service center. 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.
Keep your cows on their feet!
Get your concrete scabbled and prevent an accident!
Scabbling makes grooves in your concrete 2” wide and 3/16” deep so your cows ALWAYS have traction.
REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Smith’s of Wisconsin Serving the Midwest over 30 yrs.
1-800-525-9364
You can do it
Last night, I nally got a good night of sleep. Many nights, I lay awake thinking about all the stuff to do. The list of stuff that needs to be done while the weather is nice, the list of stuff to get done this summer, and the list that never seems to end. My lists go on and on. Writing them down helps, but I should have a note pad by my bed so I do not forget by morning. Sometimes I am nervous about commitments I have made and have not completed yet. I worry I might fail to remember. Deadlines, due dates and bills that need By Tina Hinchley to be paid. All swirling in Farmer & Columnist my mind as I toss and turn and try to relax, but I keep checking the clock as time keeps ticking on. The weather might have had a lot to do with my ability to sleep. It was a beautiful sunny day. I was walking around the farm with families and school groups talking and sharing information. I was teaching them about cows and what it takes to make delicious dairy products. Or, maybe it was that I had a few hard lemonades, but sleep came easy to me. It could also be that the commitments I had were completed thanks to the help of my daughters. I had a PowerPoint presentation that was due on Monday. Before I missed the deadline, I had requested I be allowed a few more days to have my girls help. Even though the request was granted, I was carrying that to do feeling in my mind and was mentioning it to Anna and Catherine every time I saw them. They graciously helped me, but also reminded me I should learn how to do this myself. “Click, cut and paste.” “You can do it.” It was great mother-daughter time spent together, and maybe I can learn for the next PowerPoint. I have a hard time grasping some things on the computer, and, if I am not doing it daily, I will cease to think about it and it disappears. I work many times throughout the day on the computer in the
Th graciously They i l h helped l d me, but also reminded me I should learn how to do this myself.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 27
they would be able to take the picture, send it to me, and I could forward it onward. Easy-peasy. Well, it went kind of like that, but it took over two days. As the deadline was approaching, I still did not have my high resolution photos on Thursday evening, and I needed to have them in by Friday. My farm tour schedule for Friday was busy with families early and a home school group after lunch. I was not sure if my head shot photo was going to come through on time. I was restless all night, getting up to check if it came through in the night, but it did not. I called after the store opened only to nd out the portrait studio does not have a phone number on the automated answering system, and the associates that answered could forward my call, but the photographer was busy taking baby
ALL SEASON - EVERY SEASON We’ve Got You Covered!
BALE WRAPPER
• Variable chamber • High output • Versatile for difficult conditions
Fully automatic, compact machine allows for one operator to transport, wrap, and stack bales
ROUND BALER
• High working speed up to 15 km/h. • Gear disks for safe penetration into the soil and intensive mixing. • High quality rubber mounting for optimal working angles of the disk. • Precise deep guiding with optimum soil compaction. working angles of the disk. • Precise deep guiding with optimum soil compaction.
• 10-25 ton carrying capacity • Limited lifetime apron chain warranty
BOX SPREADERS TWIN TWISTER
• All Poly box • 288-615 cu. ft. capacity • HD positive lock chain, one-piece construction
MEDIUM CAPACITY
GRAIN UNLOADER
LARGE CAPACITY
• Unloads both 9’ and 10’ bags • 550 ton/hr. capacity
• All poly box • Single piece chain construction • 308-482.5 cu. ft. capacity
DRY GRAIN BAGGER • 10’ diameter bags • Will store more than 440 tons in a 330’ bag
Stretch-O-Matic®
BALE WRAPPER FORAGE BOXES
TWINE
4’• 5’ •6’
• V-Max Series • V-Force Series • Industrial SXI Series • Crop Max Combination Series • Truck Mount Spreaders • Poultry Litter Spreader
• Front unload • Front & rear unload • Rear unload • Wagon mount • Trailer mount • Truck Mount
NET
Bale Knife
MANURE SPREADERS
• 9 models from 55-1315 cu. ft. • Single or twin screw • Wagons - Chassis Carts • Feeder Wagons • Rocky material feeders • Flat rack assembly
SILAGE PRODUCTS
Your Mixer, Spreader, Hay Processor Headquarters
Tillage Equipment
SPREADERS
VERTICAL TMR MIXERS
Blue Hilltop, Inc.
W2020
V660
• All poly box • 130-280 cu. ft. capacity
barn to bring up information I need, but I am not arranging it in slides with a header and bullet points. Searching for photos in les and in all the other hiding places is so easy for Anna and Catherine to nd. They get it. I do not. They remind me often that I can do it. Along with the PowerPoint, I had to update my photo and biography for the election for the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, formally the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. I am running again for District 24 which consists of Dane and Jefferson counties. I needed to have an updated head shot photo. The photo had to be professional and with a gray background. I went to JCPenney Portraits, thinking
photos for Easter. I left a message. While I was nishing up the tour for the home school group, Catherine checked my emails, and it had nally come. “Click, attach and send,” she said. “You can do it.” She waited and helped me through it, and that seemed to relieve the anxiety and stress that had been building all week. I felt so relaxed. After feeding calves that night, I cracked open a hard lemonade and then another. I slept like a baby. Tina Hinchley, her husband, Duane, and their daughters, Anna and Catherine, milk 240 registered Holsteins with robots. They also farm 2,300 acres of crops near Cambridge, Wisconsin. They have been hosting farm tours for over 20 years.
FILM
WE CAN SHIP!
The one and only manufacturer for all crop baling products
High dump buckets add 4’ to your dump out height
Stone forks
• Continuous wrapping of big silage bales • 9600 Elite model wraps bales up to 6’ • Wraps up to 140 bales/hr. • Wrap from the comfort of your cab with the automatic version
4” on center tines
Side Discharge Bucket Selectable RT of LF side discharge
• Small Grains • Alfalfa • Grass Seed • Corn • Cover Crops • Sorghum
Ask why Cordex is the best performing net wrap on the market!
We carry:
www.rotomix.com
LLC
Dana Berreau
507-879-3593 / 800-821-7092 Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151
- SALES Mervin Beachy (641) 381-0054 -SERVICE Daniel Showalter (330) 853-8073
Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
The fate of a family farm
Another generation not guaranteed for sesquicentennial dairy decisions regarding herd health. “I never leave the barn, and he never comes in,” Paul said. The Matters’ farm was established in the 1800s, but did not become specialized in dairy until Dan’s grandfather took over. When Dan’s father gained purchasing power of the farm in 1977, he built the current tiestall barn and made improvements to solidify the family’s place in the dairy industry. “At the time, the barn was modern with the stalls and rubber mats …,” Dan said. “We put up bins and sheds, and we made money those rst 20 years of dairy farming.” Dan became involved in the family business as soon as he was able. He worked alongside his father until he could begin buying into the farm in 1986. “I’ve been with the cows since I was 2 years old. I hated going to school, so I was home working whenever I could,” Dan said. “I milked with Mom and Dad until Dad quit, then my wife-to-be and I milked and started doing more of the chores.” Paul grew up in a similar manner. He was always in the barn helping his father. When he started homeschool at 16, Paul began gaining more responsibility on the dairy. Now, his two sons – Ben,
By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
DELANO, Minn. – As a third-generation dairy farmer, Dan Matter takes pride in what his ancestors established and what he has been able to carry on. But in the same breath, he does not know how much longer he can maintain the family’s farm. “I’m sorry … it’s not my fault,” said Dan, holding back tears. “My forefathers established this farm in 1856. I think about them and keep hope I can continue for them.” Dan milks 65 cows with his son, Paul Matter, in Wright County near Delano, Minn. Like many smaller dairy farmers, the Matters have faced nancial hardship in the bleak dairy economy. Without sacricing milk production, the Matters have found few ways to increase their prot margin. They raise all of their youngstock and grow crops for feed on 400 tillable acres. Dan also nishes out steers, while Paul and his wife, Aumori, harvest maple syrup. The father-son pair operates the dairy farm without additional labor. Dan sees to eldwork and feeding the livestock as Paul milks cows and makes
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Dan and Paul MaƩer talk about the state of the dairy industry in their milkhouse at their family dairy near Delano, Minn. Paul is the fourth generaƟon to dairy farm, but cannot jusƟfy purchasing the farm from his father.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Dan MaƩer looks out of his milkhouse towards his dairy farm April 18 near Delano, Minn. The past few years have been the most challenging in all of MaƩer’s years dairy farming. 6, and Alex, 4 – are following in the Matter family’s footsteps. Unlike their friends and neighbors who spend their spare time indoors, the boys spend their time learning about responsibilities on the farm. “A lot of this is for the kids. That’s what makes it worth it at the end of the day,” Paul said. “They’re rough and humble and dirty, and that’s because they’re growing up on a farm.” As a young dairy farmer, Paul will soon have to make the decision to take over his family’s farm or not. While he wants to carry on the family legacy, Paul is unsure of its feasibility without milking more cows and knowing that route may not be possible as the city of Delano continues encroaching on the farm. “Houses began popping up 15 years ago,” Dan said. “It hasn’t affected our ability to farm, yet.” Additionally, Paul recognizes the burden of dairy farming right now – a weight he simply cannot carry. “It’s not that I don’t want to farm, but we can’t farm on our
own. My wife and I have perfect credit, but we don’t have the equity,” he said. “If this farm would’ve been mine, we wouldn’t be here. I would’ve lost it in the last few years.” For the time being, the Matters continue on. Paul and Aumori bottled 65 gallons of syrup this year, and sell it locally to family, friends and the community. On the farm, Paul and Dan keep costs at a minimum by making repairs themselves. They have also renanced loans and changed the lactation ration by cutting back on protein supplements. “We’ve been fortunate with a good crop despite the weather changing,” Paul said. Even with their best efforts put forward, the Matters remain uncertain about their dairy’s future. At 68 years old, Dan keeps working to pay off debt and not give up his family’s rich history in the dairy industry, yet he knows it may soon be time to draw the line. In Dan’s 40 years of dairy farming, he has never seen mar-
kets as brutal as today’s. “The last few years have been the worst, and I can’t do anything to x it,” said Dan, choking on his words. “There’s too much stress. … I hate spending money on groceries. I work as late as I can. … I hate going to bed because all I do is think about how I’m going to pay the bills.” The Matters’ dairy has now been home to ve generations. It has provided an honest living and raised hardworking, respectful people. Both Dan and Paul would give anything to see it remain more than a memory for the family. “We’re stubborn,” Paul said. “I wonder why we do it, but we’re not the only ones. It’s in our blood, and, as hard as it is, I think we’re some of the happiest people.” While government aid expected this summer would provide relief, Dan and Paul remain at a crossroads in their dairying career. Both men stared blankly through each other in agreement, knowing things have to get better.
FEED BUNKS
J-Bunks & H-Bunks available for large and small animals
Super High Capacity Fence Line Bunk
H- Feed Bunk
• 38” wide, 34-1/2” high on back side Fence Line Feed Bunk • 24” high on front side • Fence line feed bunk with • 20” deep feed trough slanted back • 6” feed saver lip • 15” feed trough depth
Pictured with optional guard rail post mounted on the inside of the bunk or can also be placed outside.
AL’S
• 24” high front side (Also available in 18-1/2” height for smaller cattle)
• Deep Feeding Capacity • Long Service Life & Cattle Safe • Available in 12”, 14” and 16” depths
ALSO AVAILABLE: • Cattle Slats • Holding Tanks • Cattle Guards • Bunker Silo
CONCRETE PRODUCTS 1-800-982-9263
Serving Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin Since 1965
www.alsconcreteproducts.com
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!
STOP THE SHOCKS
Stray Voltage Consulting Over 30 years of experience 605-695-3328 • www.strayvoltageconsulting.org
Spring pasture prep It is ofcially spring after a long winter, a challenging March and one nasty April snowstorm. As we see the last of the snow melt away, it is time for dairy farmers who graze their cows to start thinking about their pastures. With everything else that may be happening in the spring, it is still important to give some attention to pastures and make sure you are ready for another grazing season. Here are some of my top tips for pasture preparation: - Take some time to consider past grazing seasons. Some By Emily Wilmes questions you may want to ask University of MN include: What has worked? What has not worked? How has the weather affected your grazing? Are there paddocks that have needed extra attention? Were there any goals you made at the end of last season for this season? Was there something new you wanted to try? Thinking about the past can help you plan for the future and ensure good productivity in the coming grazing season. Take the time to sit down with everyone who works on the pasture to brainstorm ideas. - Make repairs. Before letting cows out, walk the fence line of your pastures. Make note of weak or broken areas and what you will need to strengthen or repair them. Then, gather the supplies you need and repair the spots you noted. Also, if you use an electric fence, make sure it is working properly to avoid any unnecessary risks. Call your electric co-op if you have questions or concerns. Do a nal walk of the fence line to make sure you did not miss anything. Good fences not only make good neighbors, but they also make good pasture management by keeping cows in and large wildlife out. - Clean up your pastures. Walk the pastures in search of anything that should not be there. Trash, debris, rocks and fallen tree limbs should all be cleaned up to prevent any hazards to the cows. This is a step that may take some time, especially after all of the storms and high winds we dealt with over winter. However, it is a step that should not be skipped as it is crucial to not only animal health but overall pasture health as well. - Work on establishment of new seedings. You may have seeded down some pastures last fall or done some early frost seeding. Get out to those seedings as soon as you can to check their progress and to see if the fall seedings have fared well through the winter. Remember that new seedings cannot take the same stress as older stands. As you get into the grazing season, work the new stands in gradually and monitor them for progress and make adjustments as necessary. Taking good care of the new stands now ensures they will be high producing stands in future seasons. - Think water. If you have water lines in your paddocks, check them for damage and make any needed repairs. Also, consider how water is set up. In your reection from last season, you may have realized waterers need to be moved. In particular, think about moving tanks that have been in an area that gets muddy easily. You should try to prevent animals from standing in mud as much as possible, so moving water lines and tanks is a good way to reduce that risk. If you are planning new water lines, consider how water tanks are laid out among paddocks and if there is a way to put them near each other to reduce the number of separate lines you need. - Survey your current pasture situation. Are your pastures extra muddy from the snowmelt? You may need to create a sacrice area to hold cattle to prevent them from ripping up the entire pasture. Are your paddocks accessible? Make sure the layout of your pasture makes sense and allows for ease movement of cattle and managing the land. Also think about paddock size in relation to your herd and how often cows will be rotated. It goes without saying that spring is a busy time of year. However, do not ignore your cow pastures. Planning and preparing your pastures will ensure they are productive all season long.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 29
Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Farmin’
The combination of a mental vacation while milk- my hip constantly when we bring my hospital cows ing cows, some good ol’ Classic COW97 blaring on in to milk, to getting to walk and take her own (shortthe radio, and the rst 80-degree day are to be credited ened) cattle cane. As soon as we step in the barn, she (or blamed perhaps) for this parody. I can remember retrieves her cane from the gate and clutches in her hearing John Anderson’s hands. She walks along and song ‘Swingin’’ on the rataps their rumps, her little How can you not grin i when h dio in the kitchen when I H voice telling them, ‘Get up was young, and mom rock- you hear a little voice growling cow!’ Then as we step up ing along to the catchy beat. by my old lady cow to give As I was milking the fresh commands at the cows so much her a nudge, I talk sweetly, heifers last night, I was bop- bigger than her? ‘C’mon old lady, time to ping along to the tunes and go.’ My parrot repeats, verthinking about Cora and all batim, in the exact same the things she does in the barn. tone of voice. The cows respond well to their pint-size Cora is a mini version of me. The words coming boss telling them where to go and how to get there. out of my mouth get played on repeat all day long I’ve only had one cow that wasn’t quite so fond of when she is near. She has graduated from being on Cora’s assumed authority, and she had a quick tap to
the nose to keep her in check. I’m in awe of the ability her brain has to absorb new things. If she hears me say that I need milk for the calves, she’s trucking to the shelf to get Ramblings from the Ridge the pitcher and positions herself by the spout on the bulk tank ready for action. If the calves need water outside, I give her the end of the hose and out she goes to ll barrels. Sometimes the enjoyment of having water at her disposal is irresistible and if I’m By Jacqui Davison not watching, Cora will have all of the grain Columnist pails lled to the brim. She’s a delight to all in the barn. How can you not grin when you hear a little voice growling commands at the cows so much bigger than her? I hope this parody leaves you with a chuckle and a grin. Feel free to be your own back-up singers as you read it. There’s a little girl, on our farm each day Her age is only two years and she’s really quite busy She has to go and see cows, so I tote her on my hip We walked over to the barn, and pray that I don’t trip
FOR SUCCESS.
Her brother is on the calf hutch, searchin’ for some deer Her uncle is in parlor getting’ everything in gear Her cousin is on the calf pad rollin’ up a garden hose I am in the barn with Cora feelin’ love down to my toes And we are farmin’ (farming) Yes we are farmin’ (farming) Little Cora she’s as spunky as a newborn lamb in spring Just watch out for her cane as she really packs a swing Just a farmin’ (farming) Now Cora she’s a sweet one, she’s the apple of my eye When I’m in the barn with her, it makes me always sigh Now Cora is my mini and she has been wild this spring Just watch out for her cane as she really packs a swing
0%
FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS OR CASH BACK ON SELECT MODELS*
And we are farmin’ (farming) Yes we are farmin’ (farming) Little Cora she’s as spunky as a newborn lamb in spring Just watch out for her cane as she really packs a swing Just a farmin’ (farming) Just a farmin’ (farming) Jacqui and her family milk 800 cows and run 1,200 acres of crops in the northeastern corner of Vernon County, Wis. Her children, Ira (12), Dane (10), Henry (5) and Cora (toddler), help her on the farm while her husband, Keith, works on a grain farm. If she’s not in the barn, she’s probably in the kitchen, trailing after little ones, or sharing her passion of reading with someone. Her life is best described as organized chaos – and if it wasn’t, she’d be bored.
The Signature name says it all. The 504R Signature baler advances the Vermeer legacy by giving the working man a baler that is built upon the three signature pillars of Vermeer — convenience, ease of use and durability. Combine that with a camless wide pickup, rotor and a durable steel windguard roller for quiet and smooth operation — all while making bales at a quick pace. Backed by a 3-year pickup warranty*, it’s clear the 504R Signature baler is truly one of a kind.
*3-year pickup warranty covers internal components and includes parts and labor. Does not include teeth or hardware for teeth. See local Vermeer dealer for details. Vermeer Corporation orrporation reserves the right to make changes in engineering, design and specifications; add improvements; or discontinue manufacturing or distribution at any time without notice or obligation. Equipment shown own is for illustrative purposes own only and may display optional accessories or components specific to their global region. Please contact your local Vermeer dealer for more information on machine specifications. s Vermeer and the Vermeer logo are trademarks of Vermeer Manufacturing Company in the U.S. and/or other countries. © 2018 Vermeer Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
BRUNKAN EQUIPMENT Worthington, IA
A & C FARM SERVICE Paynesville, MN
TIMMER IMPLEMENT Pease, MN
PUTHOFF SERVICE & REPAIR Salem, SD
FABER’S FARM EQUIPMENT Inwood, IA
ALDRICH TRACTOR INC Verndale, MN
FARMERS IMP AND IRRIGATION Brookings, SD
D&D FARM SUPPLY Arcadia, WI
MARK’S TRACTOR & SALES Osage & Dumont, IA
WOLLER EQUIPMENT Swanville, MN
METTLER IMPLEMENT Menno, SD
YES JCB Madison & Milwaukee, WI
ANDERSON CALF MILK, INC
Premium line of Milk Replacers Feed made fresh daily • Calf • Goat • Lamb 20% Calf Starter Grain Probiotic Plus • 1st Calf Feeding Electrolyte Plus PALLET DISCOUNT PRICING SPECIAL ORDERS AVAILABLE
Small company with hands on experience located on Hwy 73 in Christie, WI
715-743-4608
Rejoicing amongst the tribulations The dairy industry has had plenty to dwell on. A long winter and late spring are adding to the challenging milk market. The value of cull cows and replacements has provided Something to Ruminate On little relief. If we look beyond the barn, we see a political environment that seems to be in disillusion and has forgotten its purpose. But as we celebrate the season of Easter, we are reminded of the gifts bestowed upon us with the resurrection of our Savior. I hope you will inBy Barry Visser dulge me as I veer from Nutritionist the normal theme of my column and share some of my childhood reminders from this past week. It is the morning before Easter, and I am walking through our family tiestall barn built in 1976. Its main purpose today is miscellaneous storage as it has not housed a cow in 20 years. The bulk tank and pipeline still remain just in case someone was to milk cows there again. I pull the light bulbs out from the ceiling as the roof is starting to sag from the stress of winter. My three girls are by my side as we lay the bulbs in stalls that used to be occupied by Peaches, Lucy and other memorable 4-H cows. I walk behind the barn to see the two blue Harvestore silos built in the late 1970s. Later in the day, we laugh with my mother as we recall the words that echoed two of the most stressful events on the farm: the cows are out, and the tractor is stuck. I have the utmost respect for anyone who dairy farmed in the 1980s. I do not need to remind those of you who milked cows during these challenging times. I am quite certain my parent paid for those blue twin towers twice through the ‘80s with 18% interest. Today’s market dynamics are different from those of the ‘80s. Fewer cows are milked in tiestall barns and more blue silos may sit empty than are in use. But, we can still draw parallels between yesterday and today. Crisis hotlines and support systems were and are in place to deal with the stress of the times. The dairy industry is still lled with folks with the same drive and passion that my folks had 30 years ago. The economy and market pressures changed, and we worked through the harsh ‘80s and into better times for our farms. Though battered and torn, the
F Forecasts and d projections j i for our industry have been plentiful; some more optimistic than others. dairy industry persevered. Reecting on those experiences gives us condence that better times also lie ahead of our current challenges. We have come through a few months inundated with meetings and conferences presenting numerous opportunities of management improvements for your farm. Forecasts and projections for our industry have been plentiful; some more optimistic than others. It is my hope you were able to get away from the farm for a few hours or days to take part in some of these educational events. It is also my hope you took some opportunity to relax and reect on the riches of your life. Perhaps some of these treasures were rekindled in your home this Easter season as they were mine. God bless the hardworking men and women of the dairy industry. Barry Visser is a nutritionist for Vita Plus.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 31
WARM WEATHER – HIGHER SCC Spring is here and summer around the corner and with that your old friend mastitis!
Target Your Customers! The Dairy Star is sent only to DAIRY FARMERS! If you would like to advertise, call 320-352-6303 for more information.
Warm weather brings with it more mastitis and higher SCC. Check your DHI data to see how many cows are over 100K with the colder winter weather and then ask yourself how well your protocols will do with rising temperatures. Your current milking system causes the liner to roll up onto the teat ends forcing all that warm weather bacteria right up the teat canal and into the teat sinus. That leads to mastitis and rising SCC! Fundamentally your milking system is the cause of mastitis as it is the delivery mechanism and a very effective one. The time to act is now. You know what happened in the winter and the beating you took last summer. Upgrade the pulsation in your facility now and get in front of the problem. CoPulsation™ is the only pulsation system to prevent the forcible shoving of bacteria up the teat.
KEEP MASTITIS OUT OF YOUR DAIRY - PREVENT RATHER THAN MANAGE IT!
CoPulsation™ Milking System 607-849-3880
Twitter @CoPulsation
www.CoPulsation.com www.Facebook.com/CoPulsation www.Youtube.com/CoPulsation
PROTECT IT.
Proper hay and silage management can be a little hit or miss, but you can do more to be better protected. BULLETPROOF® Forage Preservatives enhances fermentation through the addition of sulfur-containing antioxidants, enzymes and sugar sources. This unique combination of ingredients allows for a more rapid and efficient fermentation by the lactic acid producing bacteria that are naturally present on the forage.
Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Track and eld season It felt so good to be back out in the elds again. (This sounds like a country music lyric). The southern breeze added to the sun’s heat as temperatures pushed everyone outside in T-shirts on Saturday. Spring was claiming victory over winter once again. While the neighbors started harvesting their winter crop of rocks, we were trying to nish up last year’s project. Austin was chopping stalks in elds that were too wet to do last fall. Mark and I were cleaning up manure piles. I was driving the spreader around to piles while Mark scooped them up with the skidsteer to spread them evenly across missed spots in the eld. Piles marked where the end gate was raised too quickly or where loads were quickly dumped to escape sinking deeper in a soft spot of the eld. We are chomping at the bit to get going, but we have to wait for the call to the starting line of this year’s big race.
There is something about the rhythm of a track and eld meet and farming which are so similar. Both are dependent upon preparation, patience, endurance, strength and weather. You compete mostly as individuals but work together in relays. You get out of it what you put into it. There are obstacles to overcome, and you have no control over some things. Both have a harmonious rhythm. Wait. You wait for the ground to support the equipment. You wait for your event or race. You wait for conditions to be just right to start planting. You wait for the starter’s gun. Then both begin the mad dash to make your mark. In the 100-meter dash, you have around 12 seconds. In farming, you have a limited number of days to get the seed in the ground for the best yields. Mark was a cross-country and distance runner. He would run home from school as practice. Then after
chores and milking were done, he would hit the dirt roads once again. He enjoyed running. He liked the challenge of pushing himself to the next power pole. He has the endurance to go the long haul. I like the sprints. Get me in the starting blocks and I will Just Thinking Out Loud reach the nish line as quickly as possible. Give me a job and get out of my way. I really hated to run, especially warm up laps on a windy day. I dreaded coming around the curve, slamming head long into the wind. The next turn seemed so far away, yet you pushed By Natalie Schmitt your legs to keep moving, the wind resisting Columnist your forward movement until you nally reach the nal turn and put the wind to work for you on the back stretch toward the nish line. I never ran more than one lap around the track. I battled with the wind on one stretch. Why would I want to do it three more times? I beat it once so I quit while I was ahead. The only obstacle I enjoyed was skimming over 10 hurdles in 100 meters. I think it was the Greeks who created the track and eld events through the Olympics based on specic skills, many of which came from working the land. Heaving rocks and putting shot. Jumping over puddles and creeks to long jumping. Chasing lost cattle over rugged terrain like a steeplechase. Vaulting over higher expectations by nancial loan ofcers. (OK, maybe that one is a more modern day variation). You get the idea. You can connect farming skills to many events in a track and eld meet, but I think farming is most like a marathon. There will be moments when you need to break away from the pack with a burst of speed, but it is all about pacing and preparing for the obstacles ahead. There will be moments of doubt and struggle. There will be a wall to climb when your muscles are screaming to stop, but you push through to keep moving. Then, as you see the nish line, relief and joy remove the burden you have been carrying as the race comes to an end, and you once again harvested another crop. When you think you have seen it all, you turn your head and there it is. Something you never could have imagined. It was such a beautiful Easter evening. No one wanted to come in to the house right away. It was one of those warm spring nights when you want to savor the warmth of the moment and the sounds of spring oating in the air as birds sing their evening song. Mark noticed a heifer by the water fountain that seemed to be acting like she might be in heat. Not a good thing. She was supposed to be bred and was getting out there in age. He watched, waiting to see if any of the other heifers would ride her. He moved closer to see what her tag number was. What a relief. It was not the one he suspected. It was one who had not been bred yet. Since he was already out in the heifer lot, he wandered over to check the mineral supply box. It was OK. As he started to glance around, he spotted it. Mark had never seen anything like it before, nor does he want to see it again. A heifer was caught in a precarious situation. He does not know how she did it, but she was stuck in the feed bunk with her head and neck opped over the edge. Her legs were splayed out behind her, and she could not nd any traction or enough leverage to correct herself. Because her neck and head were hanging over the edge of the bunk, she was choking herself. Mark helped to right the heifer, and she escaped her precarious predicament. If he had not lingered and took time to check the heifer lot, it could have been a rough start to a new week. Instead, you take a moment to give thanks and wonder what kind of race path she is on. Natalie, Mark and his brother Al, farm together near Rice, Minn. They milk 100 registered Holsteins under the RALMA prex. Their four children are grown up and all involved in agriculture with hopes of someone returning to the farm. For questions or comments, please e-mail Natalie at mnschmitt@jetup.net
Blue ribbon chickens There comes a time in the career of every modern mother-writer when her offspring discover the fruits of her pen (or, in this case, keyboard). To be honest, I thought I had a few more years before that time came for me. But, you know, kids these days. A couple nights ago, Dan typed my name into the Google search bar and found my blog, which includes a listing of every newspaper column or blog post I have ever written. He read every story that mentioned his name. Dairy Good Life There were tears and laughs. And, then there were questions. “Mom, why haven’t you written about my chickens?” I didn’t have a good answer for Dan, and I’m always open to suggestions for column topics, so … about those chickens. Two years ago, Dan started showing chickens at our county fair. I’ve mentioned before that our children can choose another livestock species to show besides dairy. Our only requirement is that the species t inside a cage. Exhibiting dairy cattle is a monBy Sadie Frericks umental amount of work. A second species needs to Columnist be easy to care for at the fair. The cage provision also makes housing them easier on the farm. The only two animals that t in cages are poultry and rabbits. Anyway, Dan learned a lot that rst year showing chickens. So did his parents. His rst poultry exhibit was a breeding pen of silkie chickens. If you’re not familiar with them, silkies are an ornamental chicken bred purely for, well, because they look cool. They’re a bantam breed so their eggs aren’t big enough to bother cracking, and they really aren’t big enough for the stew pot. After the show, I casually suggested that maybe next year he consider showing market chickens. First, we could actually eat market chickens. Second, there were hardly any entries in the market chicken class compared to dozens in the bantam breeding pen class. So, last year, Dan showed up at our county fair with two snow-white CornishRock cross market chickens. Clearly, several other 4-Hers had the same idea because there were pens of meat birds, as well. The weeks prior to the fair had been spent perfecting the process of chicken pampering. Market chickens, Dan learned, need just enough feed, but not too much, a lot of fresh water, and a clean, cool environment. Dan earned a blue ribbon and then a grand champion ribbon with his plump, pampered birds. Following the fair, we had an old-fashioned, three-generation work day and put the chickens in the freezer. Glen’s dad and mom came over to help with the plucking and processing. Admittedly, it was a hard day for Dan. He was OK for the most part, but really wanted to keep one pair of chickens so he wouldn’t have to say goodbye to all of them. The year before, Dan’s silkies had simply been released to free-range with the rest of our chickens. I consoled him with the offer that perhaps in the future he could show laying hens or another breeding pen. Well, Dan didn’t forget my offer. He moved his rst order of fair chickens from the brooder to the superhutch-turned-chicken coop. This rst order has chicks for a brown egg layer pen, white egg layer pen and a breeding pen. His broiler chicks will come early this summer. In other words, the chicken business is getting pretty serious around here. You could also say that we have one pretty excited 4-Her here. Dan joined the 4-H Poultry Project Bowl this spring with the goal of learning more about chickens so he could do better in poultry showmanship. His team did well, and he made some great new friends. I have a feeling the county fair poultry show is going to be even more fun this year for Dan with his expanded knowledge and expanded group of friends. P.S. I’ve found that blue ribbon chickens are best prepared in an air fryer. After roasting several birds in the oven, I decided to try cooking one in our air fryer. It was one of my best decisions ever. We now feast on the most delicious chicken with juicy meat and crispy skin. Sadie and her husband, Glen, milk 100 cows near Melrose, Minn. They have three children – Dan, 11, Monika, 8, and Daphne, 5. Sadie also writes a blog at www.dairygoodlife.com. She can be reached at sadiefrericks@gmail.com
HARMS MFG. LAND ROLLERS
Les Kuehl
Repair Service
30+ Years Experience
YOUR CENTRAL MINNESOTA GOLIATH REPAIR SERVICE! • Sealed silo parts & service • All parts needed to service your • Best chains on the market Goliath Unloaders • Used and rebuilt unloaders Not afÀliated with the Harvestore brand • Stainless steel roofs • Stainless steel conveyor chains Call for early maintenance specials
320-760-2909
Eve. 320-762-1827 No Emergency Charges--Ever!
tfn
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 33
GENERATORS for small to large dairies.
Over 200 units currently on hand … 30kw up to 1000kw. Call Jay for your generator needs.
712-348-7119
PEAK LOAD SHAVING COMPLIANT UNITS AVAILABLE.
“We have had the generator for about 1 year and so far it has been trouble free! It is important that it is reliable and so far it has been just that!”
- Jeremy VanEss
HoÁand Enterprises Inc.
3189 Silver Ave., Sanborn, IA 51248 • corner of Hwy.18 and 59 South
Celebrating
L Lasting Solutions for your L Livestock, Soils and Plants Years of Growing Strong
AG R I z DY N AMI C S
ted *Formu la nic a rg O for Use
Support livestock with minerals and remedies. Dyna-Min™ for trace minerals, binds molds and mycotoxins Pasture, Prairie & Range Licks™ A selection of 4 complete ŞųåĵĜƻåŸØ å±ÏĘ ƵĜƋĘ ± ÚĜýåųåĹƋ ±×{ ų±ƋĜŅ Aqua-Nox™ for parasites and stressed animals For Healthier calves, starting from day one. Neema-Tox™ Super Start Calf Bullets™ Ketonic™
Limber Res-Q™ Equi-Essentials™ Buckeroo Trail Blazer™
12’ - $6,800 14’ - $7,300 16’ - $7,800 24’ - $14,800 32’ - $17,500 42’ - $20,500 Other Sizes From 8’-62’ JD 7000 Corn Planter 2 Row, 3PT. - $1,800 Fertilizer Available - $350 Per Row
715-234-1993 petestrailersales.com
quadagrimill@gmail.com *Always Check With Your Certifying Agency
Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Hinckley sisters compete in high school weight lifting competitions By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
CHATFIELD, Minn. – Working on their family’s dairy farm during the summer is not the only reason the Hinckley sisters are strong. Abi, 16, and Lexi, 13, Hinckley, daughters of Matt and Alicia Hinckley, compete in local, regional and
Strong dairy girls
national Olympic weight lifting competitions. When not at a competition or practicing one of their sports during the summer, they can be found helping with calf chores on their family’s 400cow dairy, Hinckley Holsteins, near Chateld, Minn. Abi started competitive lifting about three years ago after encouragement from a family friend, Margo Touhy, co-owner of the Studio 223, where she and Lexi attend for strength training for other sports. Lexi was not far behind. “I wasn’t old enough at the time. I watched Abi the rst year, and then I ended up doing it, too,” Lexi said. Since they already used lifting for strength training, the Hinckleys did not have a hard time transitioning to
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Abi (leŌ) and Lexi Hinckley compete in Olympic-style weight liŌing compeƟƟons. The two are the daughters of MaƩ and Alicia Hinckley and help feed calves during the summer on their family’s 400-cow dairy near Chaƞield, Minn.
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Abi Hinckley works on a liŌ during pracƟce earlier this season at Studio 223 in Chaƞield, Minn.
the competition side. Although they incorporate a lot of lifting techniques and movements like squatting for training, their competition is in Olympic weight lifting, which includes two lifts: the snatch, and the clean and jerk. For the snatch, a person lifts the bar from the ground to over his or her head in one continuous motion. The clean and jerk consists of two motions. The rst, also called the clean, is when the bar is lifted from the ground to
shoulder level, followed by the second move, also called the jerk, where the bar is then lift into the air with arms extended. “The snatch is the harder lift. You have to be right on with your technique,” Abi said. Lexi agreed. Turn to HINCKLEYS | Page 35
Chop It Feed It Spread It CROP MAX SERIES
FORMULA TMR
20-24-30 feet – Silage Ext. Opt. Multiple Spreading Attachments
Truck or Trailer Mount 355 - 1,315 cu ft
SXI INDUSTRIAL SPREADER New Design – 3,500 - 4,200 gallons Unbelievable Spread Pattern!
Meyer Manufacturing Corp. 9100RT BOSS
30-36-40 feet — Fast, Simple, Safe! MINNESOTA A & C Farm Service, Inc. (TMR Mixer Dealer) Paynesville, MN Fluegge’s Ag, Inc. Mora, MN Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equip. Pipestone, MN
Call or see your local dealer for complete details!
Hammell Equipment Inc. ChatÀeld, MN Eitzen, MN Harmony, MN Rushford, MN Midwest Machinery Co. (Full Line) Glencoe, MN Glenwood, MN Howard Lake, MN Princeton, MN
Midwest Machinery Co. (Forage Boxes Only) Alexandria, MN Sauk Centre, MN Werner Implement Co., Inc. Vermillion, MN Wingert Sales & Service Plainview, MN
Dorchester, WI • 800-325-9103 Visit our website!
meyermfg.com
WISCONSIN Johnson Tractor, Inc. Janesville, WI Price Equipment Sales, Inc. Bloomington, WI Ruf’s Farm Service Inc. Darlington, WI
Tractor Central Arcadia, WI Cameron, WI Chippewa Falls, WI Durand, WI Granton, WI Menomonie, WI Mondovi, WI Sheldon, WI West Salem, WI Westby, WI
IOWA Engel Agri Sales Sac City, IA SOUTH DAKOTA Pfeifer Implement Co. Sioux Falls, SD Puthhoff Repair Sales & Service, Inc. Salem, SD
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 35
ConƟnued from HINCKLEY | Page 34
Axis® .2 Series FERTILIZER SPREADER
Axent™ 100.1
TRAILED FERTILIZER SPREADER
3 pt. or as a caddy
Your Headquarters forr
MM 700 Merge Maxx® axx®® HAY MERGER
Kuhn Equipment!
MM 1100 11 Merge Maxx® HAY MERGER
D REPAIR R DAVES HILLS, MN • 507-962-3631
Check out our complete inventory at www.davesrepairequipment.com
Located 2 miles north & 1/3 mile east of Hills or I-90 Exit 5, 3-1/2 miles south & 1/3 mile east
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Lexi Hinckley pracƟces a liŌ during a workout at Studio 223 in Chaƞield, Minn. “With the snatch you have to be fast and get under the bar. It takes a lot of practice to get it just right,” she said. Although Lexi said the snatch is more difcult, it is also the lift she favors. “The snatch was not my favorite for awhile, and I had to gure out why it was not working. I did bar work with other positions and now it’s my favorite,” she said. During the season throughout the winter, the sisters train four days each week, taking in valuable information from their coaches. “They make sure we’re doing the right thing before going into a competition. If they see us doing it wrong they’ll x it,” Lexi said. “Every practice we work on something different, and then we have to put it all together.” Their coach, Julie O’Brien, said they have been easy to teach.
“And, when I’m feeding the calves hay it’s denitely easier as I get stronger.” ABI HINCKLEY, DAIRY FARMER
“These are a couple strong farm girls,” O’Brien said. “I got lucky because they had a really good strength base already. They come from a really good athletic, wholesome family. From that it was just teaching them technique, and they pick up on it really well so it’s just been a lot of hard work since then.” For the Hinckleys, sports like softball and volleyball take precedent during the off season; however, the sisters still t in time for lifting when they are able. “It has helped make us stronger. I notice in volleyball when I was serving I don’t have to hit the ball as hard,” Abi said. Lifting also helps Abi when she is doing calf chores with her grandma, Marlys.
“And, when I’m feeding the calves hay it’s denitely easier as I get stronger,” Abi said. The Hinckleys’ team, Studio 223, participated in ve high school competitions this season. The sisters also traveled to youth and junior national competitions. Not many of their friends from school are involved in the sport. “But, they think it’s cool and say congrats or ask about it,” Abi said. At one of their last events, Abi lifted 146 pounds in the snatch while Lexi lifted 117 pounds. For the clean and jerk, Abi lifted 160 pounds and Lexi lifted 143 pounds. Each of these lifts was a personal record for the Hinckleys. “When you make a lift in competitions, … it’s one of the best feelings ever. There aren’t many meets so you put all the time in and when you nally get the lift you want to make it feel good,” Abi said. But, the mental game of it can be difcult, Abi said. “You have to be really condent in yourself. You have to believe you can do it and make the lifts,” she said. “It’s hard when you have hard training days because part of me wants to give up but then the other part wants to keep going.” Overcoming the mental game has shown them how to deal with adversity and to never give up, Abi said. “It’s taught us to work hard and that it takes hard work to get where you are,” she said. Lexi added more. “You learn to take care of yourself and your body will help you lift,” she said. The sisters are done with most competitions for the season, but will continue to lift into the summer. Even if the Hinckleys don’t continue competing in lifting competitions beyond high school, each one of them said they would like to keep going with the sport as a form of exercise. It helps keep these dairy girls strong.
LOOKING FOR
ROUTE SERVICE? CENTRE DAIRY IS LOOKING FOR YOUR BUSINESS!
Centre dairy carries name brand, quality products on all our routes. Our techs provide dependable, timely maintenance.
Call Jon for a route quote today!
Jon Stein 320-352-5762 • 1-800-342-2697 Henning Area 218-849-0211
DAIRY EQUIPMENT CENTRE AND SUPPLY INC.
40625 State Hwy. 28 • Just West of Hwy. 71 • Sauk Centre, MN
Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Compeer Financial is proud to sponsor
Women In Dairy
Nikki Andreasen Long Prairie, Minn. Todd County 170 cows
Family members: I farm with my parents Brenda and Ron Hengemuhle, and brothers Danny and Matt. My husband, Matt, works off the farm, and we have two kids, Riley, 8 and Breezy, 4. Tell us about your farm. I’m the fourth generation of my family’s farm. We’ve been dairy farming here since the 1940s. We added the freestall barn and parlor in 2014 and 2015, and have been milking 170 cows since. What is the busiest time of day for you? Mornings. I have milking, and usually I vaccinate along with taking care of kids and making breakfast. My afternoons usually settle down. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? I like to do things with my husband. He works off the farm. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. I like to cut hay, and back when I was learning how my dad told me I had to come off the eld and let him nish up. Well I didn’t listen and nished up myself because I liked it so much. I was pretty proud of myself because I was only 10 years old. It was memorable.
Your hopes. Your dreams.
BIG & SMALL.
What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I like milking cows and taking care of them when they’re sick. I like nursing sick cows back to health. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? Cell phones. I have a relative not too far from here, and we talk back and forth. We also do breakfasts on the farm so we can be connected that way, and I attend various meetings. I’ll go to a DHIA meeting or something the county puts on.
Whether you’re running the farm, raising the kids or doing both, we understand. Many of our team members are too. And we’re here for you with the resources, knowledge and expertise to help make your hopes and dreams very, very real. Let’s get started today.
Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? My grandma, Gerry Hengemuhle. She took over the farm in 1942. Her husband told her not to buy the acreage across the road. He went on vacation, and she grabbed her inheritance and went and purchased it. I guess I’m a lot like her. My dad’s whole side of the family has been inuential on what I do and what I like doing. What is the best vacation you have ever taken? We went to San Diego and Las Vegas. We went for a wedding in San Diego and took the kids and my brother in law. We had a really good time.
Learn more at compeer.com. (844) 426-6733 | #CHAMPIONRURAL Compeer Financial, ACA is an Equal Credit Opportunity Lender and Equal Opportunity Provider. ©2019 All rights reserved.
New Artex SB600 and SB400 IN STOCK New Fliegl ADS100 IN STOCK Call Us At (715) 223-3361 Or visit us on-line at www.cloverdaleequip.com N13835 County Rd. E - Curtiss, WI 54422
What are some words you like to live by? “Do or die.” Or, “It is what it is.” We can’t change what’s going to happen. It’s already written. It’s what it’s going to be, and we have to live with it.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 37
Measuring soil health goes beyond nutrient testing
tĂ?Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x;Ăœt Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lä §cÄ„Ä„Ä„  „Ă?Ä„cĂ&#x;ÂłÂ§ĂœtcĂ&#x;„ „êĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lÂłĂ?c ĄĄ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™ lÂłĂŞĂœcÄ„Ä„Ä„ ,Ă’Â?ZÂ?¤„ tĂ?Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄ³ cĂ&#x;täĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lê§ĄcÄ„Ä„Ä„ ›AAĂ˜Ă&#x;Â§ĂœÄ„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„tcĂ&#x;³§„tĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™
›AAĂ˜Ă&#x;t§ĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„ĂŞcĂ&#x;êê§ĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l§Ă?cÄ„Ä„Ä„ ,Ă’Â?ZÂ?¤„ t ĄĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂœcĂ&#x;§êĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l䧠cÄ„Ä„Ä„ " Ă&#x; /§Ą§ĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„tcĂ&#x;³§§tĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l³ä§cÄ„Ä„Ä„ t ĄĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ läê§cÄ„Ä„Ä„ ››Ă&#x;Â?ÂŤĂĂ”Ă˜Ă&#x;Â›Â’Ă˜Ă˘ofĂ&#x;AĂ”oĂ&#x;ĂŽ\ĂââoĂ”Ă&#x;Â?ÂŤĂĂ”Ă˜Ă?Ă‚ t ĄĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x;ÂłttĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ Ă‚lĂ¤ĂœÂ cÄ„Ä„Ä„ t ĄĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x; ttĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lä³ cÄ„Ä„Ä„ t ĄĄcĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x;§ĄĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lĂŞtĂœcÄ„Ä„Ä„ ĂœĂœtÄ„cĂ&#x;êĄ³„cĂ&#x;³äĄ³Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lêä§cÄ„Ä„Ä„ ĂœĂœÂ Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄ³³cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ĂŞÄ„Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lÂłĂœÂ cÄ„Ä„Ä„ ĂœÂ Â Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄ³êcĂ&#x;ÂłtĂŞÂ Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lĂŞÄ„Â cÄ„Ä„Ä„ ĂœĂ¤Â Ä„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„tcĂ&#x;ꧠĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l³„§cÄ„Ä„Ä„ ĂœĂœÄ„Ä„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„ĂœcĂ&#x;ÂłÂ ĂœÄ„Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lÂłĂ?§c ĄĄ
t ĄĄ
ĂœÂ Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„Â cĂ&#x;ê„êäĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l³ä cÄ„Ä„Ä„ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™ ,Ă’Â?ZÂ?¤„
ĂœÂ Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄĄäcĂ&#x;ä³ĄĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l§tcÄ„Ä„Ä„ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™ ,Ă’Â?ZÂ?¤„
ĂœĂ¤Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄĄäcĂ&#x;äĂ?Ă¤ĂœĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lĂ?tcÄ„Ä„Ä„ Ă?ĂœÂłÄ„cĂ&#x;³§§äcĂ&#x;„ĄĄĂ?Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l „cÄ„Ä„Ä„
ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x;ÂłttĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x; -cĂ&#x;§ĄĄ/„êĂ&#x;2Â’Ă”oĂ˜cĂ&#x; \â’ÝoĂ&#x; oAfoĂ”Ă&#x; Œâԍ›cĂ&#x; ĂA›Ă&#x; oAfoĂ”Ă&#x;
ԒÝocĂ&#x; Ă⍥Aâ’\Ă&#x;0ŸĂâĂ&#x;-ÂŤĂ˜Â’Ă˘Â’ÂŤÂŚÂ’ÂŚÂ†cĂ&#x; AÔÝoĂ˜Ă˘Ă&#x; ARĂ&#x;/oAfĂž
lĂ¤ĂœÂ cÄ„Ä„Ä„
 tĂŞÄ„cĂ&#x;³§tĂŞcĂ&#x;Â„Ä„Ă¤ĂœĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;ĂŞ: Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lê„c ĄĄ
@™™Ă?à Šd@ĂžĂ?{ŠÒĂ?dmĂ @Â?™ÖĂ?Š¤Ă?ŠÍÒĂ? @Ă–ĂžÂ? m@Ă–mĂ?|¤@¤ZÂ?¤„y $âÂ?oĂ”Ă&#x;ÂĄA\Â?Â’ÂŚoĂ˜Ă&#x;AĂťA’›AR›oĂ&#x;}ÂŤĂ”Ă&#x;›oAĂ˜oĂ&#x;AÂ›Ă˜ÂŤĂ‚Ă&#x;0ĂR™o\âĂ&#x;âĂ&#x;\Ă”of’âĂ&#x;AŸŸÔÝA›ÂĂ&#x; A››Ă&#x;}ÂŤĂ”Ă&#x;foâAÂ’Â›Ă˜Ă‚ / Â?ĂœÂƒÂŚÂ€Ă›Â€Â?²
LOOKING TO ADVERTISE? Iron
In Northern Wisconsin Call: Vilas Megan Stuessel Flo ren ce 608-387-1202 Oneida megan.s@dairystar.com Forest M
Rusk
ar
Lincoln Taylor
or Brown
G Green Lake Fond Du Lac
ow oc nit
Calumet
Ma
o
ag
eb
nn Wi
Sh
Vernon
ford
Waushara
ga n
Adams
La Crosse Monroe
un
ee
Outagamie O
Jackson
Juneau
Crawford & Grant Counties in Wisconsin Call: Amanda HoeĂ er 320-250-2884
Waupaca
Ke
Portage Wood
tte
Buffalo
te
Shawano
Clark
Eau Claire
et
Oconto
Marathon
ue
Pepin
Menominee
Chippewa
rq
Pierce
Dunn
Ma
St. Croix
in
Langlade
eb oy
Barron
Price
Richland
Sauk
Craw
Iowa
Columbia
Dane
Grant Lafayette
Green
Dodge
gto n Milwaukee Ozaukee
Polk
Sawyer
Wa sh in
Burnett
Do
n
Ashland
wa
BayÀeld
Douglas
Trempealeau
“We need to look at the soil, take a shovel and dig a hole. We learn from looking at the soil.�
hb ur
riaga, factors need to be considered to come up with a complete picture of soil health. Arriaga said there are three primary indicators of soil health that inďƒ&#x;uence productivity: physical, chemical and biological. Together, they work to enBy Danielle Nauman compass and express overall soil health. danielle.n@dairystar.com Physical indicators include density, inďƒžltration, water retention and aggreMARSHFIELD, Wis. – Francisco gation, while the chemical properties Arriaga, an assistant professor and Ex- include nutrient availability, the pH tension specialist with the University level and the cation exchange capacity, of Wisconsin-Madison Department of or the capacity the soil has to hold nutriSoil Science, discussed the importance ents for plant use. of and the beneďƒžts of measuring and deThe chemical properties describe termining soil health at the Central Wis- the overall fertility of the soil. The bioconsin Soil Health Conference March logical factors in soil health include the 26 in Marshďƒželd, Wis. amount of organic matter in the soil and “Soil health is the ability to func- the biological activity happening, intion in a way that beneďƒžts both humans, cluding the amount of roots present and trying to grow crops and make a living, the organisms present in the soil. and also the environment,â€? Arriaga said. “We used to look at three indicators “There is the assumption that there is a separately, and we never really bothered baseline, or maximum potential, for dif- with the biologicals,â€? Arriaga said. “We ferent types of soils.â€? didn’t quite understand them, we didn’t Arriaga said once a sample is re- know how to measure them. ‌ But, we ceived at a lab, the way it is prepared ďƒžnally came to the realization that the varies depending on the type of infor- intersection of the physical, chemical mation sought. and biological properties is where we If the sample is being run for a get a good functioning soil. We should routine analysis, the soil is dried and be looking at them all together.â€? ground. For assessing biological meaAccording to Arriaga, there are both surements of soil health, the sample is subjective and quantitative measures kept fresh and cool. to look at to assess overall soil health, “When it comes to soil testing for beyond nutrient testing. Subjectively, fertility and everything, there are cer- he encourages producers to use their tain things you need to be mindful of,â€? senses to evaluate the soil. How does it Arriaga said. “It starts with taking that look? Feel? Smell? sample in the ďƒželd. How do you take “We need to look at the soil, take that sample, how do you handle it and a shovel and dig a hole,â€? Arriaga said. prepare it? The second step is that sam- “We learn from looking at the soil.â€? ple then comes from the ďƒželd to the lab. Arriaga said some of the properHow is handled and prepared to get it ties can be measured such as looking at ready for analysis?â€? the structure and the bulk density and In order to perform a soil test, the the chemical make-up and properties, nutrients from the soil are chemically as well as biological properties such as extracted in order to determine what respiration and the microbial biomass. levels of those nutrients are present in All these factors can be integrated into the soil. This allows farmers to deter- an index of soil health. mine how their soil is doing, and what “We have sand, silt and clay that they can do to try and improve soil form aggregates,â€? he said. “Then we health. have the bigger aggregates and the spaces in between. There are also spaces in between the sand, silt and clay. What’s in the spaces between the particles and the aggregates? We have air, water, nutrients, worms, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria. A lot of times when we talk about porosity, we just talk about the total pore space, but what is really important is the pore size distribution. The amount of large pores, medium-sized and small pores I have. We need a good FRANCISCO ARRIAGA, range of them.â€? UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINǧMADISON Arriaga said small pores are essential for water retention. The larger the Once the analysis is complete, Arpores, the better the drainage, citing that riaga said the information can be used as a reason for needing a variety of pore to continue with developing the composizes in the soil for optimum health. nents of a crop nutrient recommenda“The biology lives ‌ in those tion program, allowing for interpretapores,â€? Arriaga said. “What is the biolotion of fertilizer and lime needs. gy doing in there? It’s generating waste “One of the values in Wisconsin of materials and things like that, that are having the soil fertility analysis that we actually making these aggregates more have is that we don’t just have test restable. They are processing the organic sults,â€? Arriaga said. “We have plot research work that correlates to whatever matter, the crop residues and things like you are looking at. ‌ It correlates to that. The biology decomposes it. They the yield performance in your ďƒželd or all loop with each other.â€? Arriaga said producers should use the conditions. It varies throughout the all the available measures when evalustate because of climate and soil type.â€? ating the health of the soil they rely on Chemical lab testing for speciďƒžc to grow their crops. types of nutrients is not the only way to “You know your ďƒželds better than measure soil health. According to Aranyone else,â€? he said.
W as
Physical, chemical, biological properties inďƒ&#x;uence quality
In Southern Wisconsin & Northern Illinois Call: Amos Denman 563-608-6477
Jefferson Waukesha
amos.d@dairystar.com
amanda.h@dairystar.com
DAIRY ST R
Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Act now on damaged stands
Combs presents solutions for winter kill By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
With temperatures rising and snow melting, now is the time for dairy farmers to evaluate their alfalfa elds for winter kill and determine a plan of action to handle the damaged stands. There are multiple ways in which farmers can address crop loss, according to Dr. David Combs, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Dealing with winter kill is a card game. You have to know when to hold and when to fold ‘em,” Combs said. “Know the damage on your stands and the impacts it has on your elds and feed availability.” Combs presented, “Impacts of Winter Kill” in a Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin’s World Class Webinar April 17. The extreme temperatures and minimal snow coverage caused by the 2019 polar vortex, accompanied by the warm up in February and other weather occurrences, exposed alfalfa stands to the risk of winter kill this year. If stands are assessed and show browning and dehydration under the crown, the alfalfa plants were severely damaged this winter. “The tap root is probably dead and will not produce well,” Combs said. Farmers should evaluate about four plants per square foot, with plants being 4-6 inches tall, to get an accurate assessment of damage. In the eld, plants and stems per square foot is a good indication of yield potential, with ve to six plants per square foot being an optimal yield production. If the population is less than that with 40 stems per square foot, dairy farmers will see about 25% yield reduction and should consider replacing the stand.
“If you’re over 40 stems, you could leave the stand alone and take a slight yield reduction rather than investing in alternative forage,” Combs said. Once farmers assess their elds, they may purchase hay to compensate for the loss in the eld. However, Combs suggested rst taking inventory in storage and yield potential, then act with another forage. “If [inventory is low], look at options to get forage crops to feed to dairy cattle, dry cows and heifers, as soon as possible,” Combs said. “We can also thicken stands.” One option is to replace the damaged stands with corn silage or sorghum sudangrass. This will produce a high yield per acre and make up forage loss quickly. However, these forages are the most expensive. “If you can, look to add inventory later on. There are a number of options going forward,” Combs said. “After winter wheat or sweet corn harvest, think about adding oats, winter rye or triticale.” Dairy farmers may also consider direct seeding alfalfa into corn or soybean stands, but must be cautious of residual effects of previous herbicide applications that inhibit the establishment of alfalfa. Thickening stands with grass is another option to salvage an alfalfa eld, although not readily recommended. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t increase yield,” Combs said. If a dairy farmer would like to thicken the stand with grasses, Combs suggested ryegrass because of its quick growth, unlike orchardgrass or tall fescue. To thicken the stand and see signicant yields, farmers should consider oatlage or barely silage planted immediately and harvested in the boot stage. Peas also add quality to the stands. Regardless of how dairy farmers choose to address winter kill, rations will most likely have to be reformulated to account for the quality of forages used. “Test forages as it’s brought in,” Combs said. “We’re not feeding pound for pound, and depending
E R S V I D CES, I NC L E I F H & . D Darrin Herickhoff
DAIRY STAR FILE PHOTO
Two alfalfa taproots are assessed for winter kill. Browning and dehydraƟon under the crown are indicaƟons of damage.
on the [forage] alternative and quality, if the ration is balanced, you might see higher intakes.” For lactating rations, corn silage in place of alfalfa will increase starch load and crude protein, but also decrease calcium values. Small grain silages with or without peas will make for a suitable heifer and dry cow feed. As spring planting is right around the corner, dairy farmers should assess their alfalfa stands and develop a plan to address winter kill, taking into consideration how alternative forages will thrive in the growing conditions and impact the ration of both lactating and non-lactating animals in the herd.
A GROUP OF HORN FLIES IS CALLED A “BUSINESS.” IRONIC, SINCE THEY COULD BE HURTING YOURS.
Ph. 320-352-6746 Cell 320-760-0848
“Unlimited Possibilities” Helping Your Crops Thrive…
“The Natural Way”
Specializing in Liquid & Solid Manure Handling • Drag Hose Application • Direct Injection
©201 Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. All rights reserved.
Chick Days LIQUID MANURE
OR STOP IN RDER We Have Waterers, OO Feeders, Heat Lamps, CALL TFEED ORDER FROM WEBSITE: KS! OUR Bulbs C I H C & Feed R YOU
• GPS
e
Chicks delivered every other Thursday Chick Chicks are from Hoover’s Hatchery - hoovershatchery.com
• Unlimited Distance
Call for an y! a stimate tod
aare every day at Sunrise Ag!
DON’T OVERPAY FOR YOUR CREEP FEED & PASTURE CATTLE MINERALS THIS SUMMER. Book your creep feeder and Purina and Hubbard Beef minerals now.
Call Ron at 320-224-8812
www.sunriseagcoop.com FOLLOW AND LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
SOLID MANURE
Check out our website www.dhfieldservices.com
9361 Creamery Dr., Buckman • 468-6433 Hwy. 27, Lastrup • 468-2543 Hwy. 25, Little Rock • 584-5147 14395 Hwy. 25, Pierz • 468-2168
Dairy prole
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 39
with Justin and Jason Schaffer, Miesville, Minn.
Justin and Jason Schaffer Miesville, Minn. Dakota County 140 cows
to 10 months. It makes chores simple and efcient. We can group and feed them accordingly. The health and growth rate of our heifers has been much better.
How did you get into farming? Jason: I never left. After I graduated from high school in 2007, I stayed home with my dad and uncle to farm. Justin: I was born and raised here. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I went to college and then worked for a neighboring dairy farmer for 1.5 years before returning to the family farm in January 2017. We farm together with our brother, Jeff, dad, Al, and uncle, George.
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? Jason: To keep the farm going with my dad and uncle. Justin: Going to college and working for other people. I rst went through the dairy herd management program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, Wis. Then, I studied dairy science and ag nance at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? Jason: I hope the price goes up. Justin: I’m concerned the market won’t be enough. I think milk and beef price will be up 10-15% in the next year, but commodity prices will be at.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? Hopefully we will be able to stay in the industry. We are looking at robots. We have talked about it for the past two years; however, there are a lot of factors that make it tough – the milk price, interest rates and the price of the robots. All this makes building a new facility with robots hard to cashow. I (Justin) am open to other options like a parlor. Right now, we have a double-5 herringbone parlor built in 1971.
What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? We put auto steer into two of our tractors. We are able to do variable rate seeding and fertilizer spreading. It also allows us to do yield mapping and map our liquid manure. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? Jason: Jeff and I took over the responsibility of feeding the herd. We added more baleage and earlage. We have also done more sampling in order to get more consistency along with scheduling more meetings with our nutritionist. What cost saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? We watch our treatments a lot more closely.
We are not treating high somatic cell count cows. A lot of them just run their course. We feed pasteurized waste milk to our calves, so we pull out the high somatic cell count milk to feed to the calves. How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? We have one employee, who has been here for eight years. We try to be fair and easy to work with. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. Jason: I get along well with others. Justin: I have surrounded myself with a lot of different people in the industry to learn from and ask for help when needed. What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Jason: It’s like going to school. I learn and teach myself something everyday.
Justin: You get to see the results of what you put into it. What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Jason: Grandpa told me to always make sure to wear a watch. Now with three kids, I have to make sure I get places on time. Justin: Don’t farm with blinders on. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to stand out. What has been the best purchase you’ve ever made on your farm? Jason: Seven years ago, we got a pasteurizer for the milk we feed our calves. We also started using calf jackets three years ago. Two years ago, we bought a calf warmer. Before that we used a wooden box with straw and a heat lamp. Overall, the calves are healthier, and they get a better start with all these things. Justin: We built a heifer barn in August 2018 for 100 calves between the ages of weaning
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? Jason: I like to spend time with my family – my wife, Jessie, and our sons, Triston, 6, Owen, 3, and Mason, 2. In the winter, I am in a snowmobile club and like to help groom trails. Justin: I always have family around to spend time with, especially my nieces and nephews. My friends also like to show up during chores to hang out. I have also been a part of the Miesville volunteer re department for the past three years.
LET FORESTON FARMER’S CO-OP CREAMERY HELP YOU WITH ALL YOUR SPRING PLANTING NEEDS ASSORTED SEEDS
!
CORN SEED/BEANS
• Oats (CertiÚed & Non-cert.) Dahlman Seed
• Alfalfa • Clover • Hay/Grass/Pasture • Deer Plot • Sweet Corn • Onion Sets • Potatoes • Lawn Seed
DUAL LOWLAND
Bulk Oil & hydraulic oil • Fencing supplies Hay bales • Straw bales Twine • Net wrap • Belts • Ag Bags Dairy Supplies • Wood shavings Wood pellets (Stove)
ALL GRASS MIX
ASSORTED ALFALFA & CLOVER
GRASSES • BROMEGRASS • ORCHARDGRASS • TIMOTHY
• REED CANARYGRASS • PERENNIAL RYEGRASS
• ANNUAL RYEGRASS ...AND LOTS MORE!
WE WILL SPECIAL ORDER ANY OTHER SEED NOT LISTED HERE
• Jenkins Skid Steer Attachments • Gates • Corral Panels • Hay Feeder
on t s e For
During the Spring Planting Season
MISCELLANEOUS
PASTURE MIXES & ASSORTED GRASSES UPLAND HAYLAND
PLEASE BE SAFE
FARMERS CO-OP CREAMERY
YOUR ONESTOP SHOP CO-OP!
MEETING YOUR ANIMAL FEED NEEDS & MORE! FORES T ON, MN • 320-294-57 11 • M-F 8-5PM • S AT 8-NOON WWW.FORES TONCREAMERY.COM
CLOVER
ALFALFA
• 3 YEAR RED • MED RED • ALSIKE • WHITE DUTCH • LADINO
• WRANGLER • YIELD PLUS • 645 BRAND • NORTHERN HARDY
PEAS & OATS • PEAS & BARLEY BARLEY • PEAS ORDER YOUR BABY CHICKS HERE!
2-1/2 gal.
BRILLION SEEDER FOR RENT
$10/ACRE Inoculant season is just around the corner
RoundUp Ready
®
–Get your orders in early!
Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
FAST UNLOADING CAPABILITY
2044 & 2054 PROPUSHÂŽ
BOX SPREADERS
r Simple push-off design with no chains for fewer moving parts r Poly floor and sides promote self-cleaning to prevent material buildup r Wide, consistent, 25' to 30' spread pattern
INVEST IN QUALITYÂŽ
440 & 540 heaped cu. ft. capacities KuhnNorthAmerica.com
FASTER UNLOADING, IMPROVED MATERIAL BREAKUP
SLC 100 SERIES PROTWINÂŽ SLINGERÂŽ SIDE-DISCHARGE SPREADER r #FLWUVCDNG JCOOGT UJTQWF HQT HCUVGT CPF OQTG EQPUKUVGPV URTGCFKPI r 6YKP CWIGT FGUKIP GNKOKPCVGU OCVGTKCN DTKFIKPI r (WNN[ GPENQUGF QKN DCVJ HQT NQY OCKPVGPCPEG CPF NQPI NKHG r 1RVKQPCN UECNGU HQT RTGEKUG OQPKVQTKPI CPF PWVTKGPV VTCEMKPI CPF ICNNQP ECRCEKVKGU r VTWEM VTCKNGT OQFGNU
+08'56 +0 37#.+6;ÂŽ
KuhnNorthAmerica.com
Salesmen: Shawn Martin (608) 778-4554 or Joe Ryan (608) 778-2900
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI
OfďŹ ce: (608) 348-9401 or Toll Free: 1(888) BUY-Patz www.steinhartsfarmservice.com
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI