Sign up for our New Newsletter
Dairy St r Milk Break
Email andrea.b@dairystar.com to sign up.
DAIRY ST R
Volume 20, No. 7
“All dairy, all the time”™
May 26, 2018
Another carton, Next generation keeps farm alive please “I’ve always wanted to come back and I’m glad I did.” – Dylan Youngren
Douglas County ADA promotes milk in schools By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
ALEXANDRIA, Minn. – During the month of May, 5,500 students in west central Minnesota were encouraged to grab an extra carton of milk during lunch, courtesy of the Douglas County American Dairy Association (ADA). The rst and second Tuesday of the month, May 1 and 8, were dubbed Two Milk Tuesdays as students in all 19 schools throughout Douglas County were offered a free carton of milk, in addition to the one that already comes with their meals. “We really went full force with this and provided milk to all schools throughout the county. … It was a big hit,” Jessica Klimek said. Klimek is treasurer and princess coordinator for the Douglas County ADA and milks 90 registered Holsteins with her husband, Alan, and their three children on their dairy near Alexandria, Minn. Throughout the days, students in kindergarten through high school consumed an additional serving of dairy at the cost of the Douglas County ADA. While most students gladly accepted their extra carton during the lunch hour, some elementary classes were offered a carton of milk during snack time. “My son’s class had their milk during a break,” Klimek said. “They had white and chocolate milk available with their snacks. We know young kids don’t always have the caTurn to MILK | Page 5
MARK KLAPHAKE/ DAIRY STAR
Kim, ScoƩ and Dylan Youngren milk 122 cows near Waverly, Minn. The Youngrens renovated a bedded pack into a freestall barn in order to accommodate a larger milking herd for Dylan’s return to the farm.
Youngrens update housing facilities, improve herd health By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
WAVERLY, Minn. – Scott Youngren would be a retired dairy farmer if it were not for his son’s return to the farm. “Honestly, I’d be done if he did not come back,” Scott said. “To milk the number of cows we needed to support us, I couldn’t have done it by myself much longer.” In 2016, Dylan Youngren joined his father on their 122-cow dairy near Waverly, Minn. Since the return home, the duo has made notable changes to the farm, which have aided in improved cow comfort and overall herd health. The Youngrens milk in a 60-cow tiestall barn and house half of the herd in a 60-stall freestall barn, which sits adjacent to the milking facility. A younger, smaller statured group of cows are housed in the tiestall barn and milked rst. Once they are done milking, the group is moved to the freestall barn as the second group of cows – larger, mature animals – leaves the freestall barn and enters the tiestall barn for milking. Milking the herd takes two hours. “We then kick out the second group to a feeding area while we clean the barn,” Dylan said. Turn to YOUNGRENS | Page 6
MARK KLAPHAKE/ DAIRY STAR
Dylan Youngren moves cows out of the freestall barn and into the Ɵestall barn May 21 at his family’s farm near Waverly, Minn.
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
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 (ofďƒžce) 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 Ron Johnson (608) 874-4243 ron.j@dairystar.com Ruth Klossner (507) 240-0048 cowlady@centurylink.net Brittany Olson (320) 352-6303 brittany.o@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman (715) 245-6848 danielle.n@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Advertising Sales Main Ofďƒžce: 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 (ofďƒžce) 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 Lori Menke (Eastern Iowa, Southern WI) 563-608-6477 • lori.m@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 ďƒžnal 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 ofďƒžces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246.
From the editorial team Raise a glass for dairy We all know dairy farming is a tough job; one that is often not rightfully acknowledged by the pubic for the vital contributions of wholesome, nutritious foods to society. As we approach June Dairy Month, it is our opportunity to show appreciation for your work as dairy farmers. We’ve already learned of a few area businesses who have come up with simple, yet effective, ways to recognize dairy farmers, while at the same time encourage more dairy consumption. A restaurant in southern Minnesota is providing customers with a free glass of milk and ice cream with dinner and dessert purchases. In Wisconsin, a greenhouse offered cartons of milk to customers as they shopped for plants. These are two of many ways businesses can support the dairy industry, especially during this market bout. Over the last several years, dairy product consumption across the nation has risen to 646 pounds per person, according to data released by the United States Department of Agriculture. However, while cheeses, yogurts and frozen dairy products continue climbing in popularity, ďƒ&#x;uid milk consumption has decreased year over year since the 1970s. At Dairy Star, we’re eager to celebrate June Dairy Month in a way that encourages drinking a glass of milk, much like other businesses have already done. We’ve partnered with the local Dairy Queen in Sauk Centre, Minn., to offer a free small ice cream cone with any meal purchase that includes a glass of milk throughout the months of June and July. We’re also holding a promotion with Schaefer’s Market in Sauk Centre, Minn., and Stony Creek Dairy. For every Saturday in June, Schaefer’s Market is offering two free gallons of Stony Creek Dairy milk with any in-store purchase of $10 or more, with a cap of 100 gallons given out each Saturday. Next month, and throughout the year, we hope others in our ag community ďƒžnd ways to support our local farmers and raise a glass for dairy.
– The Dairy Star Editorial Team
FEED YOUR HERD...AND YOUR BOTTOM LINE
Oil Cooling and Filtration System
Cone-Style Augers and Triple-Auger Design
VXL 100 SERIES VERTICAL MAXX ÂŽ TRIPLE-AUGER MIXERS Ĺ? +LJKHU FDSDFLW\ WULSOH DXJHU GHVLJQ IRU LQFUHDVHG HIÄ&#x;FLHQF\ WR IHHG PRUH FRZV SHU ORDG Ĺ? /RQJHU RLO OLIH OHVV PDLQWHQDQFH DQG H[WHQGHG JHDUER[ OLIH ZLWK SUHPLXP RLO FRROLQJ DQG Ä&#x;OWUDWLRQ V\VWHP Ĺ? 1HZ FRQH VW\OH DXJHU DQG NLFNHU GHVLJQ IRU IDVW PL[LQJ HYHQ XQORDGLQJ DQG WKRURXJK FOHDQRXW Ĺ? 6KLIW RQ WKH JR IRU D IDVW FRQVLVWHQW GLVFKDUJH ZLWK SRZHUVKLIW WUDQVPLVVLRQ
INVEST IN QUALITY ÂŽ
1,400 - 1,960 cu. ft. mixing capacities • trailer & stationary models
KuhnNorthAmerica.com
Lindell Sales & Service Cannon Falls, MN
Schlauderaff Implement /LWFKĹľHOG 01
Werner Implement 9HUPLOOLRQ 01
J P Scherrman )DUOH\ ,$
Hammell Equipment &KDWĹľHOG 01 (LW]HQ 01
Fluegge’s Ag 0RUD 01
UFC Farm Supply :DFRQLD 01
Burco Sales ,QGHSHQGHQFH ,$
Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN
Pfeifer Implement Sioux Falls, SD
Ag Land Implement 1HZ +DPSWRQ ,$
Lake Henry Implement 3D\QHVYLOOH 01
Mark's Machinery :DJQHU 6' <DQNWRQ 6'
Kunau Implement 3UHVWRQ ,$
Adkins Equipment 'HWURLW /DNHV 01 Northland Dairy Supply (DJOH %HQG 01 Isaacson Sales & Service /DID\HWWH 01 Blue Hilltop /DNH :LOVRQ 01
Minnesota Ag Group 3ODLQYLHZ 01 Dairyland Supply 6DXN &HQWUH 01
Roeder Bros. %HOOHYXH ,$ Bodensteiner Implement (ONDGHU ,$
Gordy’s Repair & Implement 6WDF\YLOOH ,$ Dee Implement of Waukon :DXNRQ ,$
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Ag Insider
n
Kingsbury
n nso
Moody
McCook Minnehaha
Murray
Rock
Nobles
Carver
Redwood
Nicollet
Brown
sey
First Section: Pages 36
Dakota
Scott
Sibley
Washington
Hennepin
Rice
Goodhue Wabasha
Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted Jackson
Martin
Faribault
Freeborn
Winona
Fillimore
Mower
Houston
Hutchinson
Turner
Bon Yankton Homme
Lincoln Clay
Union
Lyon
Osceola Dickinson Emmet
Sioux
O’Brien
Clay
Palo Alto
Kossuth
Winnebago
Worth
Hancock
Cerro Gordo
Mitchell
Floyd
Howard
aw
as
ick
Ch
Bremer
Plymouth
Black Hawk
Zone 1
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
Fayette
Double-feature of breeds at Iowa’s JoLane Dairy Second Section: Pages 3 - 4
Clayton
n
na
ha
c Bu
Luana
Allamakee
Charles Mix
Lake
Renville
Yellow Medicine Lyon
McLeod
Mazepa
Women in Dairy: Mindi Arendt
Winneshiek
Douglas
Brookings
Meeker
Anoka
Wright
Ha
Da
vis
on
Sa
nb or
Miner
Deuel
Kandiyohi
Isanti
Third Section: Pages 6 - 7
go
Hamlin
Sherburne
Chippewa
Lac Qui Parle
Codington
Clark
Benton
Stearns
isa
Swift
Grant
Stransky has desire to react to life in words
Ch
Roberts
Day
Pages 10 -11 Second Section
First Section: Pages 15 - 16
Big Sto Stone
Mille Lacs
Morrison
Pope
Owatonna
Pine
Douglas
Stevens
Second Section: Pages 20 - 21
Carlton
Crow Wing
r
Marshall
The “Mielke” Market Weekly
How has being involved in the young producer program benetted you as a person?
Grant
Tilderquist footwear displayed on local shoe company’s wall of honor
Aitkin
Todd
rse
First Section: Pages 18, 20
Cass
Welch
eu
Repro Leaders: Skyview Dairy
Page 33 First Section
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE:
Wilkin
Hutchinson
Dairy Good Life
Otter Tail
Tra ve
Page 32 First Section
Becker
Clay
Page 31 First Section
Just Thinking Out Loud
M
Itasca
Su
Something to Ruminate On
en
om ahn
First Section: Pages 1, 6
Kanabec
Norman
Youngrens update housing facilities, improve herd health
St. Louis
Polk
First Section: Page 39
First Section: Pages 34, 35
Koochiching
Hubbard
Page 30 First Section
Beltrami
Red Lake
Dairy Prole: Mark Ruegemer
Waverly
Finalists selected for Popplers host rst 65th Princess Kay ever Wright Carver First Section: Pages 10 - 11 dairy breakfast
Waverly
Pennington
Villard
St. Joseph
Lake of the Woods
Wadena
Dear County Agent Guy
Roseau
Marshall
Page 27 First Section
Third Section: Pages 10 - 11
Le
The Transition Pen
Third Section: Page 9
Ra m
Kittson
Pierz
Clearwater
Page 26 First Section
Third Section: Pages 5 - 6
First Section: Pages 1, 5
Pierz
Dairy’s Star Youth: Kids Corner: Samantha Winscher The Marshiks
Rock Picking
Douglas County ADA promotes milk in schools
Lincoln
FSA News & Notes
Grey Eagle
Alexandria
Pipestone
Pages 8-9 First Section
are
law
De
Linn
Dubuque
Jones
Jackson
Fredericksburg
Suhrs host over 1,350 people to NE Iowa dairy Third Section: Pages 2 - 3
When they breathe easy, so do you No matter the weather outside, GEA keeps your cows comfortable, healthy and productive inside. Comfortable cows are the most productive. Just like
to provide ideal barn temperature, air quality and
you, they perform their best when they are cool, calm
humidity levels. With our total ventilation solutions,
and content. GEA’s industry-leading curtains and fan
your cows will breathe easier — and so will you. Contact
systems can be integrated with automation technology
your GEA barn equipment representative today.
Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
S. S.
ONE SHOT
• Eliminates build-up of fats, proteins and minerals. • Removes and Prevents Orbaseal. • Contains NO harsh chlorine (Easy on Rubber Goods).
BENEFITS
$ • Reduces equipment wear &
High Performance Single-Cycle CIP Acid Detergent
LET OUR TEAM DO A COMPLETE WASH ANALYSIS
FEATURES
Compare and Save!
replacement costs. • Reduces water, energy and chemical use. • Decreases cleaning time. • Increases production capability.
FOR MORE INFO - CONTACT ONE OF THESE DEALERS... Advanced Dairy Systems
9 State Rd. 29 • Spring Valley, WI 54767 (715) 772-3201
Anderson Dairy Systems, Inc. 1312 13 1/2 Ave. • Barron, WI 54812 (715) 537-3300
Athman Dairy Inc.
238 Main Street North • Pierz, MN 56364 (320) 468-2494
Champion Milking Systems
23218 350th Street • Albany, MN 56307 (320) 845-4156
D&D Ag Supply
East Central Dairy Supply
133 Atlantic Ave. NE • Pennock, MN 56279 (320) 599-4466
Dairyland Equipment Services, Inc.
24260 Cty. Rd. 27 • Plainview, MN 55964 (507) 534-3161
Dairyland Services, LLC
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.
2545 80th Ave • Woodville, WI 54028 (715) 698-4370
423 U.S. 61 • Lancaster, WI 53813 (608) 723-4634
Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment
Professional Dairy Systems
1449 Homecrest Ave. • Wadena, MN 56482 1400- 7th St. SE • Pipestone, MN 56164 (218) 632-5416 (507) 825-3271
Tri-County Dairy Supply, Inc. Lang’s Dairy Equipment, Inc. 4107 N US HWY 51 • Janesville. WI 53545 2337 Millennium Rd. • Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-8722
Mlsna Dairy Supply
1126 Front Street • Cashton, WI 54619 (608) 654-5106
608-757-2697
United Suckow Dairy
12687 Hwy 18 & 52 • Postville, IA 52162 (563) 864-7417
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
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 5
ConƟnued from MILK | Page 1
MAKE THE MOST OF E VERY MINUTE.
EQUIPPED FOR A NEW WORLD™
A NEW WORLD DEMANDS NEW HOLLAND.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE OSAKIS REVIEW
A student at Osakis Public School takes an extra milk aŌer loading up his lunch tray May 8 in Osakis, Minn. Two Milk Tuesdays was a promoƟonal event put on by the Douglas County American Dairy AssociaƟon.
pacity to drink two milks at lunch, so this was a way they could still get another serving in.” Many of the older students liked the offering with their lunch meal. “It was a big hit with the high school kids because they can easily drink more milk,” Klimek said. Two Milk Tuesdays was an event sprouted by the desire to provide children with an additional serving of dairy in their daily diet and demonstrate the role area dairy farmers play in the community. “We’ve tried different things in the past to donate or promote dairy products, especially focusing on the kids in our community,” Klimek said. “Before, we’ve given kids ice cream, but milk is another great way to consume dairy.” In previous years, the Douglas County ADA provided students in a single school district an extra carton of milk at lunch. This time, they wanted to create a larger impact. “All the board members got together and began thinking of ideas,” Klimek said. “It didn’t take long until we gured out what we wanted to do and started setting up a plan.” The board worked with district food and nutrition supervisors, as well as school lunch personnel to develop a distribution plan that worked with each individual school. In order to provide the additional milk, Klimek and other board members worked with schools months in advance so enough milk would be on hand in May. “Honestly, it was pretty easy to do,” Klimek said. Fortunately, Douglas County ADA had enough funds from last summer’s malt wagon sales to afford cartons of milk across the county without limiting a school. “Based on the cost of a carton of milk, we could essentially afford to put on this event without worrying about a limited number of milk we could give out,” Klimek said. As students walked through the lunch lines May 1 and May 8, they
were offered the extra carton of milk. For those that accepted, a tally was marked at the register. Now, the schools are sifting through their records and providing the Douglas County ADA with invoices for the extra milk distributed to students. “We’re in a pretty good size county, so it’s going to take a while to get all the invoices prepared and to see what the impact really was,” Klimek said. While quantitative values are not yet known, the emotional value Two Milk Tuesdays had on students was evident throughout the county. As students walked through the food line and were handed milk cartons, the cafeteria assistants reminded the students to thank the dairy association for their contributions. “We opened this up to students because as many of us know, the distance between what happens on the farm and what kids know is greater,” Klimek said. “This is a way to reach out and be present. Hopefully, the kids can see that connection.” As Klimek and the rest of the Douglas County ADA reect on the May events, they are looking forward to planning more Two Milk Tuesdays in future school years. But rst, they are taking this opportunity to introduce June Dairy Month and summer dairy promotions within Douglas County. “Since school is out in June, we wanted to focus on May and really use that as a kick-start for us,” Klimek said. Throughout the summer, Klimek will help coordinate dairy princess appearances in the communities and in parades, as well as participate in dairy promotions with the malt stand. Regardless of the event, one important purpose is always evident – to teach children about dairy. “We always feel kids are a good group to focus on, especially as they’re starting to make their own decisions, and dairy can be a part of that,” Klimek said.
The performance and versatility of New Holland C Series compact excavators makes every minute on the job more productive. Choose from seven models from 1.7 to 6 tons. Each puts big digging and grading performance into conÄned spaces so you can work swiftly to master your work schedule. • Work easily next to buildings and roads: compact design for restricted areas • Huge performance: up to 9,550 lbf breakout, 12’6” dig depth • Quiet, fuel-efÄcient power: Tier 4 Final engines from 16.8 to 66.9 hp • Comfortable smooth operation: wide cab, 360° visibility, ergonomic controls Learn more about C Series compact excavators at www.newholland.com © 2018 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or afÀliates. “Equipped For A New World” is a trademark in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or afÀliates.
New Holland Workmaster 25S
Sub Compact, 25HP, Loader, 2 Range HST, R4 Tires ... Call!
Call! USED EQUIPMENT SAUK CENTRE TRACTORS NH T7000 Front PTO/3 Point Kit .....................$6,500 SKID LOADERS NH LS170, Cab, Heat .....................................$11,900 NH L230, Cab Heat, A/C, Air Seat .................$36,900 NH C232, 2 Speed, Cab, Heat, A/C ...............$39,500 HAY TOOLS NH H7450, 13’ Disbine, Drawbar Swivel ........$27,900 BALERS NH RB460, Dry Hay, 4’x6’, 1070 Bales ..........$32,900 NH BR780A, Twine/Net, Wide P/U ...................$7,500 Vermeer 605M, Silage, Twine .........................$12,900 TILLAGE Salford 8214 Plow, 14 Bottom .......................$53,500 FORAGE Krone EC7500 ................................................$29,500 MANURE SPREADERS Gehl 1287, End Gate, Upper Beater ................$9,900 MISCELLANEOUS Messer Attachments and Rock Wagons ...... In Stock! PIERZ TRACTORS NH TC33D, Loader, Super Steer, Hydro .........$13,700 SKID LOADERS NH LS170, Cab, Heat, A/C, Hyd Q-Tach .......$10,900 NH LS170, Cab, Heat, Hyd Q-Tach................$16,500
PIERZ, MN
320-468-2161 Hwy. 27 West
NH L218, Cab Heat, A/C ................................$26,500 NH L220, Cab, Heat, A/C, Hand Controls ......$28,900 HAY TOOLS NH 1431, Nice Consigned ..............................$14,000 NH 1465 Haybine, Hyd. Lift, Stub Guards .......$9,350 New Idea 5209, 9’ Discbine .............................$7,800 NH H7230, 10’ 4” Cut, DB Swivel, Like New .$19,750 NH H6740, Three Point Disc Mower ................$6,250 NH 1465, 9’ 3” Cut, Hyd Swing, Nice ..............$9,800 BALERS NH RB560, 5’x6’, Slice, Endless Belts ...........$32,500 NH BR750A Net/Twine, Wide P/U ..................$17,800 NH BR780, Auto-Wrap, Bale Ejector................$9,500 NH BR780, Net/Twine, Bale Command .........$11,900 NH BR7090, Net Only, Wide P/U ...................$27,900 NH BR7060, Roto-Cut, Net/Twine..................$27,250 NH BR7060, Silage, Net/Twine, 540 PTO ......$22,000 NH BR7060, Net/Twine, 4500 bales, Clean....$21,000 NH BR7070, Silage Special, 4’x6’, Clean.......$26,900 Vermeer 505I, 5x5 Bale, Electric Tie, Twine......$3,900 NH 851, Auto-Wrap ..........................................$2,000 TILLAGE JD 3710, 10 Bottom Plow, Nice, 2013 Model ..........................................................$29,500 FORAGE NH FP230, 27P HH, 3PN CH, KP...................$39,500 NH FP240, 29P HH, 3PN CH, KP...................$35,500
SAUK CENTRE, MN 320-352-6543 Hwy. 71 South
www.modernfarmequipment.com
Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
ConĆ&#x;nued from YOUNGRENS | Page 1
Willmar, MN • 320.231.1470
EXPANDING OR REMODELING YOUR LIVESTOCK OPERATION? Ć‹ĆľĹ?ƉžĞŜƚ tÄž KÄŤÄžĆŒÍ— Íť sĞŜĆ&#x;ĹŻÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ &Ä‚ĹśĆ? Íť sĞŜĆ&#x;ĹŻÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ˝ĹśĆšĆŒĹ˝ĹŻĆ? Íť WĹ˝Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ǀĞ WĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĆľĆŒÄž dĆľÄ?ÄžĆ? Íť ĆľĆŒĆšÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ^LJĆ?ƚĞžĆ? Íť DÄ‚ĆŠĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ÄžĆ? Íť tÄ‚ĆšÄžĆŒÄžĆŒĆ? Íť ^ƚĂůů Ć‹ĆľĹ?ƉžĞŜƚ Íť ,ĞĂĚůŽÄ?ĹŹĆ? Íť DĹ?Ć?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ^LJĆ?ƚĞžĆ?
LANGE AG SYSTEMS SPECIALIZES IN:
Ĺś NEW FACILITIES
_
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
Ĺś RETROFITTING & REMODELING Ĺś TURNKEY PROJECTS Ĺś BARN DESIGN Ĺś INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
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^ 'Íł ' Θ < >>z Zz E '' Z^
www.LangeAgSystems.com " %
Barn Lighting, Sheds, Fans, Trenching, Irrigation, Homes & More!
Master Electrician, Owner
C
.M. ELEC E.A Bob Meyer TRI . B Lic. #CA03435
We Offer the Following Agricultural Services:
!
Need an Electrician?
CLASSIFIED
Doesn’t Always Mean Top Secret!
E lectric
It’s no secret that a Dairy Star classiďƒžed ad can help you eliminate those unwanted items!
Cell:
320-761-1042
Call 320-352-6303
Serving Central Minnesota
or e-mail nancy.p@dairystar.com
S D ’ R STORE A G N O B 10 Year Anniversary Celebration!
June 27, 2018 • 11am - 2pm 13200 Co Rd 51 • Norwood, MN
Free Fried Cheese Curds & Soft Serve Ice Cream! Bring the kids to see the animals!
Perham Store
open house
June 28th • 11am-2pm
Sign up for Prizes!
Free
Pork Patty Sandwiches Bouncing Barn Fun For the Kids! 13200 Co. Rd. 51 Bongards, MN 55368 (952) 466-5521 Fax (952) 466-5556 110 3rd Ave. NE Perham, MN 56573 (218) 346-4680 Fax (218) 346-4684
MARK KLAPHAKE/ DAIRY STAR
A group of 60 cows rest in the Youngrens’ 60-stall freestall barn. The Youngrens renovated the barn last year to improve cow comfort and herd health on their dairy near Waverly, Minn. Scott agreed. “No matter where the cows are, in the tiestall or freestall barn or even outside, they always have access to feed,â€? he said. By mid-morning, the ďƒžrst group of cows re-enters the tiestall barn, while the second group returns to the freestall barn for the remainder of the day. “We like to keep the smaller cows in the tiestall barn,â€? Scott said. This setup is fairly new for the Youngrens. Previous to Dylan’s return, Scott was milking 80 cows. He housed 60 in the tiestall barn, and switched 20 in and out by himself. Those 20 cows were housed in a bedded pack barn. When Dylan ďƒžnished high school, he expressed interest in returning to the farm following college. Because of his that interest, the Youngrens began internally growing their herd using sexed semen and retaining all replacements. “As Dylan worked through college, we spent those two years ramping up our herd,â€? Scott said. In less than four years, the Youngrens doubled their milking herd. The Youngrens built a heifer shed to accommodate the rapid growth of youngstock and continued using the tiestall barn and bedded pack to house the milking herd. “I knew I wanted to come back, and so we worked our way into being able to do that,â€? Dylan said. “It wasn’t until after college that we made bigger changes.â€? With the larger herd, the Youngrens’ facilities were over capacity and the effects of overcrowding were seen throughout herd health. “Our cell count was up, obviously because we had more cows and not enough space,â€? said Scott, who mentioned the bedded pack was designed to hold 30 cows and was at full capacity. The Youngrens struggled to maintain a somatic cell count below 400,000 and were consistently treating six to eight animals at a time. “We just had too many cows for the pack,â€? Dylan said. Last spring Dylan developed a plan to convert the bedded pack to a six-row freestall barn. “We wanted to do it without borrowing any money, and it worked out beautifully,â€? Scott said. Originally, Dylan designed the barn to have stall rows lay north and south but found more space was available if the rows were positioned east and west.
Cement was poured for alleyways and stall curbs, lighting was installed, and curtains and fans were hung. An additional 20 feet was added to the 44by 80-foot structure as a lean-to and feeding area. “Our plan was to be in and out with construction in two weeks,â€? Dylan said. In the meantime, the cows were housed in the heifer barn. “That was terrible,â€? Dylan said. ‌ There was so much mastitis and it was hard to get rid of.â€? A delay in stall delivery pushed the timeline back a bit, but the Youngrens were still able to complete their freestall barn by fall 2017. Now, the Youngrens are maintaining an 80-pound tank average and a somatic cell count well under 200,000. “And there’s a 15-pound difference in production between the group that stays in the tiestall barn and the ones in [the freestall barn],â€? Scott said. Both Dylan and Scott credit the larger stalls, deep bedded with sand, to the signiďƒžcant difference. “When we started using this barn, only one cow laid in the alley, but now that she’s calved back she goes right into the stalls,â€? Dylan said. “All the cows love it when we let them out of the tiestall barn and bring them in here.â€? While Dylan is responsible for milking, as well as vet work and herd health, Scott oversees feeding and cleans the freestall barn daily. Scott’s wife, Kim, also feeds calves in the morning before heading off to her fulltime job in town. At 22 years old, Dylan is pleased with the strides he and his dad are making for a secure future, while also maintaining management practices that have worked well for the dairy, such as retaining a 35 percent pregnancy rate. In the near future, the Youngrens will install a larger bulk tank to accommodate their herd. But with the current milk market, other plans are on hold. “We set Dylan up to receive a percentage of the milk check,â€? Scott said. “This way, he can see the ďƒ&#x;uctuations and really have an idea of what’s going on. We’ve been through this before and it didn’t scare me then. We’ll get through.â€? Dylan agreed. “I’ve always wanted to come back and I’m glad I did,â€? he said. With the addition Dylan and his ideas for the dairy, the Youngrens are able to farm for another generation.
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 7
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Does anyone really care for the dairy farmers? Who will pick up their milk? A $20 oor price would help the small farmer but promote more growth for the big farms. The only way I see possible to save the small family farm is a two- or three-tier pricing system set by cow number prots and no more milk! What did the small farmer do to over-supply the dairy industry? Our pride and perseverance has allowed us to survive the hardships of the past; however, we need action and answers now more than ever. Price collusion, racketeering and market manipulation by dairy giants must stop. Dairy farmers do not want government handouts; we want a fair price from the marketplace. The new dairy program is another failure for ag departments. It doesn’t relieve anything. To go to bed scared and wake up scared of losing the farm everyday – Is this the end of the small family farm? We need help now. Is anybody listening? Does anyone really care?
We Sell & Service • Sukup • DMC • Shivvers
Header Series Vertical Pit Pumps
New Equipment - Special Prices
Calumet SR3750 spreader ..$28,500 Tubeline TLR-5000 wrapper $26,000 Tubeline TL5500 wrapper ....$29,750 Plus: Free Lazer Guide System
Thomas Litkea New Lisbon, Wis.
We Rent & Sell
• Tubeline bale wrappers • Liquid manure spreaders • Lagoon & vertical pumps • Big bale tub grinders
W
Zabel 16” belt conveyor Zabel 120’ belt feeder VanDale Magnum silo unloader Electric motors, many sizes MacDon 9352i SP-14’ head MacDon 9200 w/12’ head, turbo SP MacDon 5020 14’ windrower Rissler 18” poly conveyor 4” & 6” augers New Poly indoor calf pens & outdoor huts
A AG A U T O M A 563-921-2896 T
NN E I V
IO
7264 Iowa Street, New Vienna, Iowa 52065
N
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
• GSI - Conrad American Bins • Calumet • Nuhn • MacDon • NECO • Hanson • LuckNow mixers • Tubeline
Used For Sale
Calumet SR3750 Sukup 27’ Fast Stir LuckNow 2420 vertical TMR LuckNow 285 TMR LuckNow 2260 twin screw TMR LuckNow P425 mixer LuckNow P525 stationary mixer Knight 5032 twin screw TMR Sukup 3/4 hp grain spreader Sukup 28” heater Nuhn 9’ to 14’ adjustable pump
NE
Dairy farmers are required to make a sustainable income for all that are involved rst even if it ends up leaving the farmer with $0 on his paycheck. We pay CEOs, presidents and chairpersons, and for new facilities, technologies, surcharges, new ideas, etc. This matter is in need of immediate attention, due to the continuation of a sustainable prot for everyone in the dairy industry except the farmer. Hauling rates have doubled because the over-supply is our fault?! Promotional fees, that take millions of dollars from dairy farmers, do nothing to change the price of milk. A previous milk hauler was given a raise and come to nd out he bought a new $70,000 pickup truck. A new milk hauler came in with an old banged-up truck a few months ago and recently drove in with a new one! Our milk company just hired a new employee. How can all this be? Because everyone else is rst! It is not only the depressed milk prices; it’s the constant handsin-our-pocket-books. Milk processors are making unheard of prots from our low-priced milk. Now Wisconsin has thousands more dairy cows coming to help saturate the milk supply problem.
To View Pictures Visit www.dairystar.com and go to the Business Directory Listing
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.
DO YOU HAVE AN UPCOMING AUCTION? Advertise It In The
DAIRY ST R PREMIUM AUTOMATIC WATERERS
Call (320) 352-630 for more informatio 3 n.
Housing the Future When you buy Calf-Tel, you can be confident it will last a lifetime... and then some.
For decades, Calf-Tel® has set the standard for superior durability and efficiency, making your investment in calf housing systems one that grows with each generation of calves it protects. Backed by success and people that know how to raise healthy calves, Calf-Tel promises – and delivers – a wise investment. Outdoor Hutches
Group Housing Indoor Pens
Group Housing Indoor Pens
Group Housing
Ritchie manufactures a complete line of livestock watering products with the highest specifications in the industry. From a single horse Stall Fount to a fountain that waters up to 500 head, Ritchie fountains are top quality. Plus, every Ritchie fountain is backed by our 10 year limited warranty. For more information contact us at:
Carlson Wholesale - 800-669-4038 www.carlsonwholesale.net @carlsonwholesale
Dealer logo For more information, or the name of your nearestand dealer, call here contact
1-800-669-4038 or
tim@carlsonwholesale.net or chad@carlsonwholesale.net
Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
House farm bill goes down in defeat There has been no shortage of farm bill drama warned them not to go down this path.” Peterson on Capitol Hill. After more than 100 hearings and said the Democrats are willing to work with the listening sessions across the country, the farm bill Republicans to make changes in the farm bill, was defeated 213 to 198. The Freedom Caucus including food stamp reform. Regarding dairy joined with Democrats to bring down policy, changes were made in the latest Ag Insider the bill. Those conservative Republican Continuing Resolution to improve members leveraged the farm bill vote to Margin Protection Program. “This bring immigration reform to the House year, dairy farmers will get a payment agenda. Immediately after the farm because it was retroactive. There is $8 bill was rejected, House Speaker Paul coverage that was in the CR deal, but Ryan made a motion to reconsider, next year there will be no payment.” which means the farm bill will come up Peterson advocated a workable plan for for another vote. The timing of that vote the new farm bill debate. “I know we is not yet known. can do that without any cost so we can x that with a (farm bill) extension. A game of chicken The May 18 farm bill vote was Raw milk amendment included in By Don Wick a game of chicken between Speaker farm bill debate Columnist Paul Ryan, Majority Leader Kevin While the farm bill was rejected, McCarthy and the Freedom Caucus. the House considered an amendment to Policy Solutions President and CEO Jay Truitt allow the interstate transport of raw milk. Kentucky said the Freedom Caucus played it all the way Republican Representative Thomas Massie to the end. When the bill failed, Ryan moved to offered the amendment. “It is a common-sense reconsider. “Parliamentary procedure-wise, this amendment,” Massie said. “There are millions means the bill can be brought up in the future after of people who drink raw milk and believe it is dealing with the immigration issue.” Truitt sees a healthier for them than pasteurized.” Massie said bigger problem in the Senate. “I don’t think the this is a states’ rights issue and urged lawmakers Senate can function as quickly as the House in the to “reject pasteurization without representation.” rst place, and they’re already behind. The odds Agriculture Committee Ranking Member Collin of having a bill by Sept. 30 dramatically slipped. Peterson spoke against this proposal. “You’re 840 It takes weeks to get back on the schedule and get times more likely to get a disease or have an issue back in line.” by drinking non-pasteurized milk.” The raw milk amendment was defeated 331 to 79. Another farm bill vote possible in June There is a possibility the House will vote on NY senator seeks emergency dairy relief immigration in June, followed by a farm bill vote New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand later in the month. House Agriculture Committee is asking USDA to authorize $300 million in Ranking Member Collin Peterson questioned emergency assistance for dairy farmers. Gillibrand the action by the majority party. “I don’t get said the dairy industry is suffering from low prices what they’re up to; the Senate will not do this. I
and taking on additional debt. Earlier this year, USDA provided direct nancial assistance to cotton farmers.
Trade war put on hold In the words of Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin, the trade war between the U.S. and China has been put “on hold.” Neither country will impose tariffs while they nalize a deal to reduce China’s huge trade surplus with the United States. Few other details are available, but Mnuchin said U.S. agriculture can expect to see an increase in exports to China of 35 to 40 percent. More work remains on NAFTA National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern said there is still work that needs to be done in the North American Free Trade Agreement negotiations. “Until they get an agreement on rules of origin, I don’t think much else will fall into place. When they get an agreement, there are still big issues to be addressed.” With this being the middle of May, a congressional vote on a nal agreement by the end of the year could be slipping away. Mulhern said this does not mean there will not be a NAFTA agreement. There will continue to be negotiations and taking off some of the articial deadline pressure could be helpful. The dairy industry is focused on Canada’s Class 7 milk pricing system. MDA schedules meetings on proposed nitrogen fertilizer rule The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has scheduled a series of public informational meetings on the proposed groundwater protection rule. The rst meetings will be May 30 in Thief River Falls and Fergus Falls. These meetings will continue Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
Cooling the World’s Milk
Cut Your Refrigeration Needs in Half with a Accu-Therm Plate Cooler!
INSTANT COOLtant WELL WATER AND CHILLED WATER
• 98° to 36° F milk in seconds • Up to 50% milk cooling with well water • Milk within 3–5° F of well water before entering chilled section • Counterflow milk vs. well • More cooling with less well water • Easy-to-wash configuration • Customized to your needs • Built to meet commercial dairy demands
Possible Rebates Available! 1-800-MUELLER
DFE.PAULMUELLER.COM
“I didn’t even think we had stray voltage!” Roger Lange milks 100 head on his family dairy at Crofton, Nebraska. Until recently he was often forced to sell his fresh heifers because they wouldn t let down their milk. “We called Stray Voltage Consulting, and Jerry found the problem within half an hour.” Roger said. “I was very impressed with Jerry. He’s a former REA guy, so he understands both the farmer and the electric company. Being able to work with both sides is a key component to his success.” “I haven’t had a single problem with our fresh heifers since Jerry corrected our stray voltage problem. I would highly recommend Stray Voltage Consulting to anyone who thinks they might have stray voltage!”
STOP THE SHOCKS
Stray Voltage Consulting Over 30 years of experience
605-695-3328 •
www.strayvoltageconsulting.org
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 9
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8
throughout the state in June. These nitrogen fertilizer rule meetings are designed to be informational only and are not part of the ofcial rulemaking process.
Director. Lonetti previously worked as a legislative assistant in the Minnesota Senate and served as a legislative coordinator for Messerli and Kramer. She will start her new role June 4.
Nominal change in dairy output Milk production in the 23 major dairy states increased 0.7 percent in April. In Minnesota, milk production declined 2.2 percent. Wisconsin had a minimal drop in milk production.
Trivia challenge Provolone cheese originated in southern Italy and is light in color with a mellow taste. That answers our last trivia question. For this week, what dual-purpose cattle breed originated in northwestern France? 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.
Wood takes IDFA role Bailey Wood is the new vice president of communications, public relations and marketing for the International Dairy Foods Association. Since 2014, Wood has been vice president of communications for the National Stone, Sand and Gravel Association. MFBF names public policy associate director Josie Lonetti is Minnesota Farm Bureau’s new Public Policy Associate
You've got it!
SOMBODY WANTS IT!
“It’s quick, simple and easy” What do you like about the DHIA pregnancy test? No sorting cattle. Otherwise, we have to sort them in a Áat parlor. How long have you using the DHIA pregnancy test? We have used the test for 4 years. Why did you choose to use it? It’s quick, simple and easy. It’s right there when you I have to test. How long have you been testing with DHIA? We have been testing with DHIA for 35 years. What are some other tests you use through DHIA? We use two other tests, the somatic cell count and Johnes. Why is testing with DHIA valuable to your dairy? It makes record keeping a lot easier. All my records are on DHIA, from breeding to butterfat and SCC, I just pull it up and I have all the information on the cow I need. I’d have to have a separate program if I didn’t have DHIA. Tell us about your farm. We farm 900 acres and milk 240 cows. I farm here my two sons, Tom and Jim and nephew, Ron.
Ron Speer, Speer Farms, Elgin, Minn., 240 Cows Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association 307 Brighton Avenue South Buffalo, MN 55313 1.800.827.3442 www.mndhia.org
sell it in the
N10828 Cty Hwy O | Greenwood, WI 715.267.1416 | www.greenwoodsilo.com Email: sales@greenwoodsilo.com
SEALED SILO SERVICES: BOTTOM UNLOADERS: • CONSTRUCTION • MAINTENANCE • PRESSURE CHECKING • RESEALING • REPLACEMENT ROOFS
• GREENLINE UNLOADERS D-SERIES (FORAGE) B-SERIES (SNAPLAGE & GRAIN) • USED UNLOADERS • UNLOADER PARTS • FULLY EQUIPPED SERVICE CREW
MOTORCYCLE LIQUIDATION SALE
SUPERIOR FEED VALUE THROUGH SEALED SILOS We are not affiliated with A.O. Smith Harvestore®, E.S.P.C. or C.S.T.
1989 HONDA RS 27,850 miles - $1,500
FZ 600SL YAMAHA
Galaxy Blue/Black, 4,920 miles - $2,900
with KLC Roasted Soybeans
Quality
Consistency
Our soybeans have what your dairy ration needs: • Energy • Protein • Amino Acids • Bypass Protein
KLC Farms Roasting, Inc. 1-877-738-2326 877 738 232 Visit www.roastedbeans.com
Pipes + extras, 22,045 miles - $3,500
NEW NEW
2008 YAMAHA V STAR 1300
Windshield & bags - $5,900
2008 YAMAHA V STAR 1100
Black with flames - $5,500
A&C Farm Service, Inc. 412 BUSINESS 23 S | PAYNESVILLE, MN 320-243-3736 • www.acfarmservice.com
CAMay18_MS
t nutritionis Ask your sted soybeans, roa for KLC le for substitutes. don’t sett
2001 YAMAHA ROAD STAR
Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Family ties part of nal 12
16
10595T
2016 Ford F350 Dually Lariat
6 New Tires, 100,000 Warranty, Loaded Save From New
$47,988 + 2.9% APR
Easy to Find Just Off Hwy. 29, Thorp, WI
715-669-5517
PHOTO SUBMITTED
A.V. SILO LLC • All types of silos • Concrete-flatwork, • Repair up to 8’ walls • Demolition • Shotcrete• New & Used basements, Construction bunkers, • Replaster walls, etc. • Specializing in Servicing the Rochester Brand Midwest • Used Unloaders
641-364-7456 Leave Message
Harlan Zimmerman Jr., Owner Alta Vista, Iowa
Every Dollar Counts! DON’T LET SUMMER HEAT STRESS AFFECT YOUR MILK PRODUCTION
Hydro-Lac is like a sports performance drink for dairy cows.
The 2018 Princess Kay of the Milky Way Finalists include – (front, from leŌ) Julia Mullenbach, Rebekka Paskewitz, Amy Broll, Megan Hollermann, Catherine Thompson and Blaize Dankers; (back, from leŌ) Katherine Gathje, Korissa Lindquist, Laura Grimm, Calissa Lubben, Ashley Maus and Melendy Miller.
Finalists selected for 65th Princess Kay By Jennifer Coyne & Abby Hopp Staff Writers
ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Whether doing weekend chores together or lending a hand during peak eldwork season, family is often the epitome of dairy farming. And family was ever present as 12 young women were selected as nalists for the 65th Princess Kay of the Milky Way May 20 in St. Joseph, Minn. “Farming is all about family, and this is a perfect example of how we’re all intertwined in the industry,” said Carver County Dairy Princess Laura Grimm, who was named a nalist alongside her cousin, Amy Broll. Both Grimm and Amy represent dairy farmers in Carver County, including their parents, Joel and Barb Grimm of Waconia, Minn., and Dan and Kathie Broll, of Chaska, Minn. Grimm resides on her father’s family farm, while Amy lives on her mother and aunt’s home dairy farm. “Our sisters were also nalists, and that’s a true testament to how dairy is a family business,” Grimm said. Amy’s twin sister, Anna, served as a nalist last year and was present at the luncheon to congratulate her sister’s accomplishment. “I was so nervous for her, and now I’m so proud of all her hard work,” Anna said. “She did really well. We’re twins in real life and now we’re twins in butterhead form.” Amy agreed. “I was honestly in disbelief and lled with
gladness (when they called my name),” she said. … We’re going to have to get another freezer.” The young women were named during an afternoon banquet following a weekend-long leadership conference for county dairy princesses in Minnesota. Also selected as 2018 Princess Kay Finalists are Blaize Dankers, the daughter of Travis and Annette Reimers of Plainview, Minn., representing Wabasha County; Katherine Gathje, the daughter of Scott and Denise Gathje of Richmond, Minn., representing Meeker County; Megan Hollermann, the daughter of Shawn and Debbie Hollermann of Burtrum, Minn., representing Todd County; Korissa Lindquist, the daughter of Rod and Naomi Lindquist of Kerkhoven, Minn., representing Kandiyohi County; Calissa Lubben, the daughter of Cal and Char Lubben of Edgerton, Minn., representing Rock County; Ashley Maus, the daughter of Darrel and Lisa Maus of Freeport, Minn., representing Stearns County; Melendy Miller, the daughter of Stacy and Julie Miller of Plainview, Minn., representing Wabasha County; Julia Mullenbach, the daughter of Al and Lynette Mullenbach of Rose Creek, Minn., representing Mower County; Rebekka Paskewitz, the daughter of Alan and Vicki Paskewitz of Browerville, Minn., representing Todd County; and Catherine Thompson, the daughter of Donny and Holly Thompson of Plainview, Minn., representing Olmsted County. Lubben is looking forward to her summer as a Princess Kay nalist, representing her family’s rich history in dairy farming, as well as the dairy industry in Rock County. “I was ecstatic that it was me,” said Lubben of being selected a nalist. “I feel very privileged to Turn to FINALISTS | Page 11
When the air temperature (in degrees) plus relative humidity (in percent) are added together and their total is 130 or more, Hydro-Lac is needed. Cows back off on their feed intake until the weather cools. Fans and water sprayers help, but cows also need the ability to cool themselves from the inside out. Hydro-Lac has been given to cows across the country more than 25 million times, and the results are consistent: healthy, hydrated cows that maintain their production levels.
There’s one name dairy producers trust in keeping their cows hydrated and productive.
$100 OFF/TON* *Must pick up by May 31
Agron. Petro. Feed Feed: 320-468-6655 Toll Free: 877-468-6655 Agron./Petro: 320-468-2509 Toll Free: 877-438-3378
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
The 12 nalists are announced during a luncheon May 20 in St. Joseph, Minn. The young women will represent the Minnesota dairy industry throughout the summer and vie for the Ɵtle of 65th Princess Kay in August.
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 11
ConƟnued from FINALISTS | Page 10
Milk more cows per hour with less labor with GEA AutoRotors JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Cousins, Laura Grimm (leŌ) and Amy Broll, both of Carver County, are two of 12 nalists chosen during the luncheon May 20 in St. Joseph, Minn. represent my small county.” Rock County is home to 2,900 milking cows, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. “We’re a very small county with very few producers,” Lubben said. “We had to combine with a neighboring county for our annual dairy meeting, awards and princess coronation.” In preparation for the weekend of judging, Lubben looked to her sisterin-law, Morgan (Uphoff) Lubben, who represented Stearns County as a nalist two years ago. With immense support backing her, Lubben is prepared to represent her county and family as she makes
appearances promoting the state’s dairy industry. “There’s a lot of pressure to do well, but I am really excited to see where this year will go,” Lubben said. “This has been my dream ever since I was a little girl, when my sister was a dairy princess.” All 12 nalists have a full summer ahead of them as they advocate for an industry that shaped them. In addition to several appearances within their respected counties, the young women will have their likeness carved in a 90-pound block of butter during the course of the Minnesota State Fair, Aug. 23 through Sept. 3.
Whether it’s a fully loaded DairyProQ rotary with a robotic milking module on every stall, or a conventional rotary with the latest performance features – the foundation is a revolutionary platform system unlike anything else on the market today! “When looking at what type of parlor to build, we quickly realized a rotary was the way to go. It was clearly very relaxing for the cows and much more labor efficient. Our cows and employees are our most valuable assets, so it seemed like the perfect fit. GEA, and Fuller’s Milker Center, Inc. did a great job helping us bring these changes to fruition, and we look forward to working with them long term!” Leah Kieler, Kieler Farms Inc.
1-800-887-4634 (608) 723-4634
FROM FIELD TO FEEDING..
Mid-Central Equipment has you covered!
HYBRID X XTRACTOR ORAL ELECTROLYTE AND N NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT
SAVE TIME SAVE CASH SAVE CALVES Advantages A d of Sx Calf • Premixed Solution • Rehydrates the calf and improves fecal consistency more quickly than any other product • Balances the microbiota of the calf and supports natural immunity • Requires only one 50 ml oral feeding.* • Reduces mortality / morbidity up to 75% versus other products • Saves time and labor expense • Non-antibiotic / No VFD required
* IN UP TO 90% OF CASES
ADAPTABLE • FLEXIBLE ALL-IN-ONE
Experience the Anderson advantage!
• Xtractor push off system • Up to 180 bales/hr • Four (4) stretchers • Round bale diameter up to 6’ (length up to 5’) • Flex hoop for square bale up to 6’ • Hydraulically adjustable compaction system • Always ready self-propelled power driven with traction tires • Reliable hydraulic and mechanical automatic system • Easy to tow at highway speed, pulls like a trailer • Hydraulic lifting axle
NOW AVAILABLE FOR A LIMITED TIME:
“Protect What Matters” Magnet Promotion Reduced pricing when you invest in a vertical mixer with tub mounted magnet. The bigger the mixer, the bigger the savings! Unlike traditional discharge mounted magnets, our newly PATENTED TUB MOUNTED MAGNET provides you assurance by helping to remove more metal from your TMR BEFORE it leaves the mixer. Available for all Patz Stationary, Trailer, and Truck Mount Vertical Mixers, this magnet gets its powerful strength from the 4” thickness. The magnet pulls metallic items out of the Total Mixed Ration (TMR) being blended in the tub and secures items limiting them from being redistributing into the ration. This benefits both you and your livestock by preventing ingestion of potentially dangerous metal items that could cause Hardware Disease. Hwy. 210 West • Henning, MN
iinfo@ecoplanetearth.com f @ l h
•
www.ecoplanetearth.com www.eco
•
406.585.1122
(218) 583-2931 or (218) 583-4124
www.midcentralequipment.com
Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
MPP-Dairy re-enrollment closes June 1 Another risk management tool on horizon By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
The nal days are approaching for dairy farmers to sign-up for the 2018 Margin Protection Program for Dairy (MPP-Dairy), with the enrollment period closing June 1. Earlier this year, President Trump signed the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 into law, which enacted three signicant changes to the government’s dairy safety net program and the opportunity for dairy farmers to opt in for the remainder of 2018. Mark Stephenson “The rst reUW-Madison action was skepticism,” said Mark Stephenson about dairy farmer’s trust in MPP-Dairy’s improvements. Stephenson is the director of Dairy Policy Analysis at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The changes made in Congress have already shown to be benecial to the dairy industry – volume of Tier 1 is increased to 5 million pounds; margins and indemnity payments are calculated monthly; and premiums costs in Tier 1 are signicantly lowered. “The last one is the biggest impact,” Stephenson said. “In a year where we
know indemnities will be triggered, like 2018, the lower premium cost means that it is much more likely farms will have a net benet.” Although enrollment does not end until June, payments were backdated to January 2018. At the time of print, indemnity payments were distributed in February and March with margins falling to $6.88 and $6.77, respectively. “After people rst felt skeptical, then there was disbelief that the Tier 1 product would be net positive after the March margins were computed,” Stephenson said. The net benet, or premiums paid
“There is a portion of the industry that will be eligible and for whom it will be protable but will choose not to go back to MPP.” MARK STEPHENSON, UWǧMADISON
subtracted from indemnities, will average about $0.22 per hundredweight in Tier 1, Stephenson said. If a farm covers 5 million pounds, the net benet will be roughly $11,000 for the year. “We aren’t talking about really large amounts of money for farms,” Stephenson said. “It’s not enough to save a farm that is really in nancial difculty, but there will certainly be enough to pay a few bills.” Since the program’s inception, it has seldom been benecial – on average creating a net loss to a producer over the
Your Cow Comfort and Barn Equipment Specialists
rst four years with premium costs signicantly more than what was paid out. “I think the basic mechanism of the program is sound, but the parameters of the program need to be altered to work as intended,” Stephenson said. … “The program was always intended to be a risk management instrument and not a gift like the [Milk Income Loss Contract].” With enrollment still open, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not have data available on how many dairy farmers signed up for the 2018 MPP-Dairy and how those values compare to years past. In Stephenson’s work, he sees a majority of farmers nding new interest in the risk management program, but realizes it is not a catchall solution for the dairy market. “We have done our best to get the word out to folks [about MPP changes], but we will miss a few,” Stephenson said. “There is a portion of the industry that will be eligible and for whom it will be protable but will choose not to go back to MPP.” American Farm Bureau Federation introduces dairy insurance In an effort to further support dairy farmers, in addition to government-led programs, such as MPP-Dairy and Livestock Gross Margin for Dairy Insurance Plan (LGM-Dairy), the American Farm Bureau Federation is launching a new dairy insurance. The Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance is set to launch in late summer 2018. “This insurance provides exibility to farmers,” Dr. John Newton said. “It is better tailored to individual farms so
they can assess revenue risk in the best way for them.” Newton is the director of market intelligence with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Developed in cooperation with the American Farm Bureau Insurance Services and approved by the USDA’s Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, the insurance simply focuses on revenue from milk sales. Dairy farmers will have several levels of insurance coverage to choose from based on the value of their milk – either using federal order class prices or milk component values. “All other programs out there are based on a national margin of milk price and feed costs,” Newton said. “If farmers choose coverage based on milk components, that insurance option doesn’t carry feed risk.” The insurance program was created to function similarly to crop revenue protection insurance policies, offering revenue guarantees based on futures prices, expected production and marketimplied risk. With support by the USDA, and input from Congress, dairy farmers and industry allies, Dairy Revenue Protection is in its nal stages of development. “Now, we’re dotting our Is and crossing our Ts,” Newton said. When the insurance option is available, it will be able to be used alongside government programs, like MPP-Dairy. “We know we can’t offer protection down to the exact penny or revenue, but this will be suitable for farmers with high components and farmers with lower components,” Newton said. “Think exibility. We’re adding a valuable tool in the toolbox of risk management.”
SINCE 2003
www.dccwaterbeds.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 13
Making a splash with conservation
Water quality certication program helps farmers fund projects By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
PLAINVIEW, Minn. – Like many farmers, Richard and Carolyn Young like to make plans to keep their dairy on track when it comes to conservation; however, the task can be difcult. “Sometimes projects tend to be put off, especially right now in the ag economy,” Richard said. However, the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certication Program (MAWQCP) has helped the Youngs continue their vision on their 48-cow organic dairy near Plainview, Minn. The Youngs have been a part of the program Mark Root since close to its Soil and Water inception, as rst Conservation District a piloted program in southeast Minnesota in 2014 and then a statewide program in 2016. “It’s a pretty popular certication program in southeast Minnesota,” said Mark Root, MAWQCP certication specialist through the Winona County Soil and Water Conservation District. In the southeast region – one of eight regions designated for the program throughout the state – there are 162 farms that have been certied and 117 in the process. Throughout Minnesota, there are 569 farms certied, which amounts to 362,050 acres. There have also been 1,055 new conservation management practices implemented, Root said. Each year, this has equated to 14,779 tons of sediment captured and retained, 17,786 pounds of phosphorus saved and 33,046 tons of soil captured. “We’re making progress,” Root said. The goal of the program is to enhance soil health and water quality to improve Minnesota’s rivers, lakes, streams and groundwater. Reducing the amount of sediment and nutrients released into the Mississippi River, which eventually ends in the Gulf of Mexico, gets a lot of attention in his region Root said. There are two focuses to help achieve this goal – the rst is to educate farmers about practices to help increase soil health and the second is to get farmers to use these management practices on their elds. These practices include nutrient management, pest management, tillage, waterways, irrigation management, soil testing, erosion and sediment control, and buffer strips. “There are a lot of issues out there,” Root said. “Most farms need to improve something.” The Youngs know they can always improve their farm, which includes 200 acres used for rotating crops and pasture along with additional acres of wooded land and permanent pasture. The MAWQCP has helped them expand their cover crop usage. “It gave us different ideas – something we might not have otherwise tried,” Richard said. Now their coverage crop use includes barley, radishes, turnips, sor-
ghum Sudan grass, peas and winter wheat. “Last year was terrible for erosion,” Carolyn said. “Everyone [around us] had soil erosion, but we didn’t have much. Cover crops helped with that.” This year, the Youngs hope to have a grade stabilization project approved to improve a ravine ditch. This means the addition of another pond on their farm. “The ditch is growing so we need to address it,” Richard said. “Otherwise we’ll keep losing ground.” In the future, the Youngs would also like to work on fencing and waterways. Root said the MAWQCP gives farmers an outside perspective. “Many farmers are using it as a check on themselves,” he said. “It’s a second set of eyes on the farm.” Plus, the farmers receive funding to help them implement their projects. Root said the MAWQCP provides money through its exclusive allocations from the federal Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)and a supplemental grant through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Additionally, Root said any form of federal, state or local cost-share or nancial assistance for farmers that exists anywhere can also always be used to support implementing practices to earn MAWQCP certication. Root said the process is simple for farmers and only takes two to three hours. The rst step is to contact the local soil and water conservation district to apply. Then an appointment will be made for a specialist to visit the farm to talk about eld management practices and map out any areas of concern. As long as all standards are met or are agreed to be met, the farmer will sign a contract that states he or she will maintain those standards for 10 years. The farmer will also be given 10 years of regulatory certainty, or a grace period, by the state which deems the farmer to already be in compliance with any new law or rule that would require them to make any changes in their management practices on their farm. “The conservation practices they (farmers in the state) have installed have been huge,” Root said. “Cover crops have exploded. This will really help prevent erosion and nutrient loss.” Each farmer’s information is condential. “It stays here,” Root said. “We don’t give that out to anyone.” And there’s no pressure to sign the contract or be involved in the program after an initial meeting. “We’re farmer friendly and let farmers set the pace and choose their options,” Root said. “We’re non-regulatory so farmers don’t have to be in the program. If anything, we help with the education portion of the program.” However, the Youngs have found the program to be a benet to their farm. “It’s always good to review our practices,” Richard said. “Maybe there are better ways to do things. I’m always open to new ideas.” Richard and Carolyn recommend the program to other farmers, no matter the size or management style, organic or not. “It’s a pretty straight forward process,” Richard said. “At least look into it. There might be a lot of benets you’re missing out on.”
KRISTA KUZMA/ DAIRY STAR
Richard and Carolyn Young’s farm is cerƟed through the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality CerƟcaƟon Program. They milk 48 cows on their dairy near Plainview, Minn.
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, 775 Hrs, Auto Steer, Cab Susp..$235,000 ‘14 Versatile 310, MFD, 189 Hours ................. $144,900 ‘58 Allis Chalmers D-17, repainted...................... $3,450 ‘65 I-H 424 .......................................................... $3,500 ‘40 I-H A with Belly Mower ................................. $2,750 ‘64 Oliver 1950, Wheatland Edition ..................... $8,950 ‘64 Oliver 770, Factory 3 Point ............................ $4,950
USED Hay Equipment
(2) ‘11 NH H-7450, 13’ Discbine, Drawbar Swivel Hitch ................................... $20,500 (2) N-H 1431, 13’ Discbine ............................ $13,900 ‘91 N-H 488, 9’ Haybine ................................... $5,500 ‘12 Case I-H DX132, 13’ Discbine, Steel rolls $21,900 ‘08 J-D 946, 13’ Discbine............................... $16,900 ‘89 J-D 1219, 9’ MoCo ..................................... $4,500 ‘11 N-H FP-240, 3 x30 CH, 29P Hayhead ....... $39,900 ‘04 N-H FP-240, Crop Pro .............................. $23,000
Many used & new skidloaders ON HAND
‘04 N-H FP-230, 2 row corn head .................. $22,900 ‘14 Dion F64, Rotary Corn Head .................... $12,900 ‘14 N-H 560 Rd Baler, Netwrap, Endless Belts$34,500 ‘13 N-H BR-7090 Rd Baler, Netwrap .............. $27,900 ‘05 N-H BR-780 Rd Balers, Twine & Netwrap $14,500 ‘89 N-H 570 Baler w/72 Thrower...................... $6,900 ‘91 J-D 435 Rd Baler, Twine Only ................... $10,900 ‘97 J-D 100 Baler, Roller Chute, Preserative .. $17,500 ‘74 J-D 336 Baler with Kicker........................... $4,250 ‘96 Vermeer 504I Rd Baler ............................... $4,950 ‘98 Gehl 1875 Rd Baler .................................... $6,950 Vermeer SW3500 Sinlgle Bale Wrapper ........... $7,500 Kuhn GA7302DL Rotary Rake ........................ $10,900 ‘14 Tonutti GTH540 Pro, 17’ Tedder ................. $4,650 ‘15 H&S RT-G4, 4 Wheel Tedder ...................... $6,500 N-H 258 Rake................................................... $3,500 Case I-H 960H Rake ......................................... $2,500 N-H Tandem Rake hitch ...................................... $750
Equipment of Norwood LANO A family business since 1946 with the Lanos: Jack, Paul, Bob and Andy 952-467-2181
USED SKIDSTEERS
‘13 T-770, Glass Cab with A/C, 1500 Hours ................................................................ $42,500 (2) ‘13 T-590, Glass Cab with A/C, 1250 Hours...................................................Each $34,500 ‘12 S-770, Glass Cab with A/C, 4400 Hours................................................................ $28,900 ‘11 S-750 Glass Cab with A/C, 2600 Hours................................................................. $32,500 (3) S-650, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 1600 Hours & up ....................... Starting at $28,900 (2) ‘13 S-590, Glass Cab with A/C, 2700 Hours & Up ................................ Starting at $26,900 (2) ‘15 S-550, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 2400 Hrs & Up .................... Starting at $23,900 ‘05 S-205, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 4400 Hours ................................................ $20,900 ‘05 S-185, Glass Cab with A/C, .................................................................................. $23,000 ‘11 S-160, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 1600 Hrs .................................................... $22,500 ‘12 N-H L-230, Glass Cab with A/C, 2 Speed, 4400 Hours ......................................... $23,500 ‘98 Mustang 2050, Glass Cab & Heater, 2700 Hours .................................................. $13,500 ‘15 Loftness 53” Timberax, used very little .................................................................. $10,900 (2) Warrior Log Spliters ................................................................................................... $1,949
LANO EQUIPMENT OF NORWOOD 952-467-2181 One Tough Animal
www.bobcat.com
We’re ONE of the
ng and Ma eedi nu F t re s e
If y
ion .
Minnesota’s L
ing Dealer nd l Ha
ar g
Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
ou
h
ut
l
so wwave a a e w.d barn, we hav y.com airylandsuppl
LARGEST FEEDING & MANURE HANDLING DEALERS AND
MORE!
HEAD LOCKS
RITCHIE WATERERS
VENTILATION
FEED BINS
CALF HUTS
BARN STALLS
*Call or stop by for a quote*
Penta 4430
Penta Mixers... The Best Mixing, Heaviest Mixer You Can Buy Available In Sizes From 350 Cu. Ft. To 1,660 Cu Ft. SAUK CENTRE
Supreme 500T EACH SUPREME MIXER IS CUSTOM DESIGNED AND BUILT TO ORDER!
Available In Sizes From 275 Cu Ft. To 1,475 Cu. Ft. Designed to Suit your Needs
OFF I-94 ON THE CORNER OF HWY. 28 & 71 SOUTH
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 15
From Our Side Of The Fence
What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved?
Mark and Kimber Sipma (with children Jessica, Justin and Johnathan) Boyden, Iowa Sioux County 30 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? We gain valuable insight to our workings of our co-op while at the same time providing a social network with other producers who have the same struggles as us. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? We have participated in summer tours, YC divisional meetings, summer picnics and the annual meeting. Our favorite event is the summer tour, because it gives us a chance to tour our co-op’s plants and other producer’s farms all while being together as a family. How has being involved in the young producer program beneted you as a person? Being involved helps us to know that we are not alone in the everyday ups and downs that dairy farming may bring. Mark feels like it has put him in a better place for holding a passion in the co-op. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? We have learned that AMPI is very much a family co-op that is owned by its members, including a cheese plant, butter plant and a cheese processing plant. At AMPI, we take pride in producing quality milk, which in turn makes quality dairy products. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? Starting our business from scratch, we didn’t have the funds to build a large dairy, and AMPI is more than willing to take our milk anyway and allow us to grow. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? It is important to know the happenings of your co-op. It is good to be able to network with other producers in similar situations. Tell us about your farm. We started in 2008, milking 50 cows in a stanchion barn. We have a six-acre acreage where we raise our youngstock while the cows are in with a 1,200 cow dairy, where Mark serves as a herdsman. Our future goal is to someday have our own dairy.
Shavings BULK
OR
BAG
S&S Wood Products
35335 Green Street | Independence, WI 54747
800-234-5893 | 715-985-3122
MANCHESTER Livestock Auction, Inc.
(40 miles west of Dubuque, Iowa on 4 lane Highway 20)
N FLOO AR
DAIRY SALES 2nd Fridays Monthly at 11:00 AM Selling 150 to 250 Head
Sheep and Goats sell at 9:30 AM
563-927-2540
www.manchesterauction.com
PREVENT YOUR COWS FROM DOING THE SPLITS PRE
R
Wood
Jon and Kim Schmidt Owatonna, Minn. Steele County 185 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? Being involved in our cooperative’s young producers program gives us an inside look at how the co-op works and introduces us to the people managing the co-op. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? We have participated in the annual business meetings with other young cooperatives, YC AMPI summer tours in various plant locations and attended Rochester Honkers baseball games with our local YC district members. These are great ways for us to meet and visit with other young cooperatives who are involved with AMPI. How has being involved in the young producer program beneted you as a person? It has helped us build friendships with other young dairy producers that we wouldn’t have otherwise had an opportunity to meet. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? We have learned that marketing our dairy products is a challenging job with low margins, and the people running the co-op care about us as dairy producers. They want the co-op as well as their members to be successful. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? Some of the meetings we have attended have given us resources and people to talk to about marketing our milk and other programs that are available to us. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? Getting involved with your co-op helps you understand how it works and you have the opportunity to meet the people who make the decisions along with other young dairy producers. Tell us about your farm. Schmity Holsteins LLC is a fth generation dairy farm run by brothers Jon and Matt Schmidt in Owatonna, Minn. We are milking 185 registered Holsteins; we raise all our own youngstock along with a few steers, and raise corn and alfalfa on 250 acres of land.
B
Shelly and Ed Young Holdingford, Minn. Stearns County 70 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? We enjoy helping with different events, such as the winter conference, and seeing the other producers benet from it. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? We have participated in the winter conference, Monti Carlo night and the summer picnic. The winter conference is our favorite because we have met many other young producers, and it’s always fun to catch up with them away from the farm. How has being involved in the young producer program beneted you as a person? We have met different people from areas of Minnesota we would have never met. Also, realizing we are all going through the same issues on the farm. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? FDA has a lot of dedicated farmers, and they keep producing high quality milk even when times are not so good. We have met many FDA employees who are not only dedicated to farming through their job, but also on a personal level. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? Knowing that other farmers are facing the same obstacles and challenges that we are. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? We would encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s YC program because it builds a sense of unity, it makes the cooperative stronger when producers are involved, and there is always something to learn. Tell us about your farm. Ed farms with his brother, Delroy, who owns the farm. We milk 70 Holstein cows in a tiestall barn. Between owning and renting, we farm 400 acres, which consist of corn, alfalfa and soybeans. We also raise and nish steers. We have help from their dad, LeRoy, nephew, Marc, and Ed’s son, Aiden.
Casey Schlauderaff F r a z e e / Ve r g a s , Minn. Becker County 650 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? I get to see a bigger picture of the dairy industry. It has helped give me more awareness for what happens to my milk after it leaves the farm and the overall challenges of marketing milk. I’ve been able to meet people in different areas of the country and learn more how they farm. Finally, the YC program exposes younger members to the overall governance and staff of the cooperative, while helping us gain a better understanding for how the co-op works. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? I have attended leadership conferences as well as YC functions at DFA’s annual meeting. The rst year I went to a meeting was the most memorable as it was the rst time that I was able to hear Rick Smith speak in person about DFA. How has being involved in the young producer program beneted you as a person? It has made me more aware of the global dairy market. There are more dynamics at work that impact the markets than our little place in the world. I’ve also benetted from having conversations with producers from across the United States and learning more about how and why they do things on their farms. This has been invaluable. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? I’m much more aware of the size of the co-op. Also, the talent that DFA hires is impressive. I’ve had the opportunity to meet remarkable and knowledgeable staff members. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? The YC program has made me aware of market forces that may cause changes in milk prices. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? I have met great people who I continue to see at each meeting I attend, which makes attending more enjoyable. It’s great to have broader awareness about the dairy industry and know that the nished product for the dairy farmer is not just the milk leaving the farm, but milk getting to the nal consumer. Tell us about your farm. We have 650 milk cows and raise our own heifers and nish Holstein steers. We also grow corn, soybeans and alfalfa on both irrigated and dryland. I have two brothers, Chad and Kory, who are both actively involved in the operation, and my mom feeds calves and my dad drives a tractor, both on a part-time basis.
AND
G
RO
OVI
NG
Holding Pens • Milk Parlors • Yards • Alleys • Free Stalls
• We Double Cut to Prevent Slippage in All Directions • Reasonable Rates We accept credit cards with no additional fees.
No job too big or small, I groove it all!!!
Visiti our website Vi b i at www.PandDBarnFloorGrooving.com P dDB • 608-225-3595 (Doug) g)
Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Tim and Megan Schrupp Eden Valley, Minn. Meeker County 700 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? It allows us to witness more closely how our cooperative operates, as well as network with other members of our co-op. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? We have participated in our annual winter conference, spring bingo evening and summer picnic. We have also been able to attend the National Young Cooperators Meeting at the National Milk Producers Federation Annual Meeting, which has been our favorite. It was a great experience to meet producers from all over the United States and discuss the opportunities and challenges farmers face from across the nation. How has being involved in the young producer program benetted you as a person? We have been able to further develop our leadership skills while working alongside other producers planning many of the events. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? The YC program has taught us more about how the cooperate operates for its patrons. We have learned about the programs our cooperative offers and how it can best assist our dairy farm. We also have been able to meet the people who work at the cooperative and gain a better understanding of their roles. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? The knowledge we have gained through our time spent in the YC group is invaluable. We have been able to network with producers and learn information through many of the YC events. Many of the ideas and knowledge we have gained we have been able to take back and apply to our dairy farm. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? These groups allow young producers to gain an excellent understanding of how their cooperatives operate, which is important for the success of all of the member dairy farms. Young cooperators are also able to share experiences with producers and gain knowledge that can be taken home to create solutions on their dairy farms. Tell us about your farm. Our dairy farm is a thirdgeneration dairy that we operate with Megan’s sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Brandon Stenger and parents, Vern and Mary Kay Becker.
Visit us on Facebook!
Adam Kuechle Watkins, Minn. Meeker County 75 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? To get a good foundational knowledge of DFA’s governance structure as well as be prepared to take on a leadership role within the cooperative. I have gained ancillary dairy knowledge provided by YC symposiums and conferences. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? For the last six years, I’ve been fortunate to partake in the annual summer Area Council YC conference and also served on the YC Steering Committee for two of those years to help plan the next year’s conference. I attended National Milk Producers Federation YC events, including their national meetings and trips to Washington, D.C., which have allowed me to learn rst-hand how the moving pieces of the legislature all come together. DFA added a cooperative-wide YC program that meets annually at a symposium, which has quickly become one of my favorites, due to the scope of information presented by speakers during the event. How has being involved in the young producer program beneted you as a person? The benets of the YC program have come mostly through gleaning new information on procedures and technologies from the various speakers and workshops. Another benet is the expansion of a social support network and opportunity to make new dairy friends, which I might not have met otherwise. Because of this program, I have good dairy farmer friends in Texas, Wisconsin and California. I often talk to these individuals and bounce ideas off of them. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? I’ve learned that DFA is dedicated to helping ensure the survival of farmer leaders in the cooperative and industry as well as how vastly diversied the different regional councils are when compared to each other. I’ve also come to realize how seriously DFA takes member issues that arise, in both good and bad markets. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? The YC program has helped me focus on how to be an effective and actionable advocate for dairy in these modern times. Whether we like it or not, young farmers need to be incredibly involved in putting out a welcoming presence to consumers. Through the workshops put on by the YC program, I feel condent I am able to do that. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? There are opportunities available to anyone through YC programs, from something as small as getting a few days away from the farm, to something as large as going to Washington, D.C. I’ve also formed lasting friendships as well as gained the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in governance. It’s a great program. Tell us about your farm. We’re a third generation family operation with 75 milking cows, and 240 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa. We milk in a custombuilt retrotted swing-6 parabone parlor with a monoslope, all-steel freestall barn.
@VernonCountyDairyBreakfast
find us on facebook for more information!
Devin Schulze with Cooper Holland, Minn. Pipestone County 430 cows What is the importance of being involved in your cooperative’s young producer program? Dad was retiring from the Land O’Lakes board and nobody was showing interest in replacing him. I like to voice my opinions, so participating in the Land O’Lakes Co-op 101 Program enabled me to learn more about our co-op and eventually earn a seat on the board. What events have you participated in and which has been your favorite? I have participated in both the Co-op 101 and Co-op 201 programs. In Co-op 201, they sent my wife and I and our kids to Orlando, Fla., to sit in on the National Milk Producers Federation annual meeting. While there, we met dairy producers from across the nation. My wife and I became good friends with a dairy farm couple who are from California. We have remained friends with them ever since. How has being involved in the young producer program beneted you as a person? It has helped me mature. It has broadened my perspective of the world in general and how things work outside of Minnesota and the United States. I got to see many different aspects of the co-op that purchases our milk. What have you learned about your cooperative since being involved in your young producer program? You need to educate the public if you want to sell your product. A few days prior to the last Super Bowl, Land O’Lakes put on the Farm Bowl to help educate consumers about the dairy industry. The folks at Land O’Lakes are personable and are great at doing outreach. How has the program assisted you in being a young dairy farmer in today’s industry? It has helped me acquire a deeper understanding of how things work and has made me better at marketing my milk. I have learned to look at things from a different angle. A dairyman may have one point of view, but the company that buys your milk may have a different perspective. I also learned that consumer education and outreach are important. Why would you encourage others to get involved in their cooperative’s young producer program? It was a great experience and a way to meet and make friends with other dairy producers. It broadens your horizons and makes you look at things differently. It helps you become more mature and teaches you how to think outside the box. Tell us about your farm. Family is my top priority. My wife, Becca, and I were high school sweethearts. We have been together for 15 years and have been married for nine years. We have ve children: Collin, 8, Kadence, 5, Cooper, 4, and Leah and Lydia, 15 months. I farm with my father, Rod, and my brother, Chris. Our herd is registered Holsteins, although we do have a few registered Jersey show cows. We farm 900 acres and raise corn and alfalfa. A couple of years ago, we began to operate a custom manure pumping business.
THE NO COMPROMISE FABRIC STRUCTURE DAIRY, MACHINERY & HAY STORAGE
Commercial Agri Buildings
Featuring
Sat. June 9, 2018 7 am - 1 pm Wall-Stone Holsteins, De Soto Breakfast served: served 7-11 7 11 am | Program Program: 8 am
• • • • • • •
traditional Dairy Breakfast Mercantile & gift Store Grilled Cheese Cook-off Cooking Demonstrations Kids Games History Exhibition and Farm tours
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, May 26, 2018 • Page 17
Bobcat skid-steer loaders you can count on to help you take care of your herd every day of the year. ®
That’s One Tough Animal . ®
0% APR for 48 months*
OR in lieu of financing, rebates up to $3,500 USD* on new Bobcat skid-steer loaders IOWA
Bobcat of Cedar Rapids Cedar Rapids • 319-393-2830 Bobcat of Quad Cities Davenport • 563-381-1200 Bryan Heavy Equipment Oelwein • 319-352-6467 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
Plus
Receive additional rebates on these new Bobcat models:
$3,000 on new Bobcat T590 and T650 Tier 4 compact track loaders.
AUTHORIZED BOBCAT DEALERS
MINNESOTA
Aldrich Tractor, Inc. Verndale • 218-445-5430 Alex Power Equipment Alexandria • 320-763-4994 Bobcat of Mankato Mankato • 507-625-4511 Bobcat of Otter Tail County Fergus Falls • 218-739-4505 Bobcat of Rochester Rochester • 507-285-0753 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Dassel • 320-275-2737 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 Sanco Equipment Albert Lea • 507-373-4490 Tri-State Bobcat Burnsville • 952-894-0894
Visit Bobcat.com/Offers or stop by today for details. *Offer ends 12/31/2018. Available at participating and eligible dealers only. Offer may vary by product type, series, model and select units in dealer inventory. Must take delivery from dealer stock by 12/31/18. Offers available on new equipment in US only. Pricing does not include freight, prep or additional fees. 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, municipal/utility bid customers and non-commercial customers. Non-commercial customers may not be eligible for 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.
Tri-State Bobcat Little Canada • 651-407-3727
WISCONSIN
Bobcat of Janesville Janesville • 608-756-0000 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
Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Repro Leaders
Team approach helps Skyview Dairy achieve 42 percent preg rate Skyview Dairy Hutchinson, Minn. McLeod County 1,400 cows What was your average pregnancy rate last year? 42 percent. What is your voluntary waiting period for cows? For heifers? Cows are 67 days in milk. Virgin heifers are 370 days of age. What is your rst service conception rate? 48 percent.
What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? All cows at Skyview Dairy are enrolled in a pre-synch ovsynch program for rst service. After the second prostaglandin shot, cows are cherry picked if they show a standing heat. Open cows are either enrolled in ovsynch or a CIDR synch, depending on stage of cycle and structures. How do you observe for heat? Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op Inc. technician Mark
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Mark Bates (from leŌ), Dr. Tanya Olson, Nico Ojedu, GarreƩ Luthens and Marvin Hernandez are a part of the team at Skyview Dairy, Hutchinson, Minn., that helped the 1,400-cow dairy herd achieve a 42 percent pregnancy rate last year. Andrew Wilke, Russ Heckmann, Kourtney Miester and Brandon Thesing are also a part of the team, but not pictured. Bates walks and tail chalks all the cows eligible for breeding. He then veries with Cow Scout Activity Tags. JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Cows are marked with blue tail paint, which indicates they need to be checked for pregnancy.
How do you conrm pregnant or open cows? All cows are pregnancy checked with
ultrasound by the Lester Prairie Vet Clinic team of Andrew Wilke and Tanya Olson between 32 and 38 days since last being bred. What is your breeding philosophy? How do you select
TRACTORS
Custom Àt to your new or existing building Motorized or Manual Options Highest UV inhibitor and lock stitch style sewing for longer curtain life
minutes
JD 9460R, 2013, 2160 hrs ..................$209,900 JD 8285R, IVT, 1333 hrs ....................$159,900 JD 8235R, 2013, 1983 hrs ..................$134,900 JD 8235R, 2012, 2416 hrs ..................$129,900 JD 8235R, 2012, 2213 hrs ..................$129,900 JD 7210R, 20/20, AQ, ILS, Duals ......$149,900 JD 7210R, 20/20, AQ, MFWD, Duals $139,900 JD 6175R, 20/20, AQ, MFWD ...........$119,900 JD 8120R,S10,000 OLD hrs............................$59,900 JD 6170R, w/loader ............................$104,900 JD 6170R, IVT ......................................$99,900 JD 6155R, 2016, MFWD, Loader.......$119,900 JD 6145R, 2016, MFWD, Loader.......$114,900 JD 6145M, 2016, loader, MFWD .........$89,900 JD 6140M, cab, MFWD........................$74,900 JD 6130R, 2016, loader, MFWD ..........$94,900 JD 5100M, cab, buddy seat ...................$51,900 JD 5065M, loader, cab, MFWD ...........$42,900 OLD PS .................................$16,900 JD 4440,S1982, JD 2750,Sw/loader, MFWD ...................$15,900 OLD JD 2750, 2-wheel ..................................$13,900 OLD JD 2040,SMFWD w/loader....................$13,900 NH T8030, front duals ..........................$89,900 Case 1570, cab, duals, PS, trans ...........$10,900 D SOLloader, IH 966, cab, 5560 hrs ................$10,900
bulls? What traits do you focus on? Does fertility play a role in bull selection? Skyview Dairy has developed a two-pronged genetic strategy to develop the best genetic offTurn to SKYVIEW | Page 18
COMBINES
JD S670, 2012, 1756 hrs .....................$169,000 JD S660, 2014 .....................................$239,900 JD S660, 2014, 870 hrs .......................$214,900 JD 9670, 2010, RWA, clean, 1000 hrs $169,000 JD 9660, 2006, RWA.............................$99,900 JD 9560, 2004, 2WD ............................$79,900 JD 9600, singles, clean..........................$29,900 JD 9500, 2001, 2WD ............................$23,900 Many heads to choose from ....................CALL
HAY EQUIPMENT
JD W235, 2014, rubber .......................$129,900 JD W235R, 2016, tri lobe, 64 hrs .......$139,900 3) JD 569 Premium ........... Starting at $19,900 3) JD 569, surface wrap, big tires............................ Starting at $29,900 JD 568, twine ........................................$16,900 JD 566, surface wrap.............................$12,900 JD 530, twine ..........................................$4,500 JD 469 Premium, 2014 .........................$36,900 3) JD 469 SP, wrap, big tires Starting at $29,000 JD 459 w/wrap ......................................$28,900 JD 468 w/wrap LD SO......................................$20,900 Case IH 464, ................................$12,900 D SOLtwine 2) Vermeer 605SM, 2006, RWA ...........$25,900 NH BR780A, wrap................................$12,900 NH 330 Big Square, 2013 ....................$84,900 JD 3955, 2007 .......................................$12,900
PLANTERS P
JD 1770, 16 row, 3 bu., liq. fert. ..........$29,900 JD 1760 NT, 2012, row shut off, Vari ..$56,900 JD 1760 2003, 12 row, VAC, Liq Fert ..$34,900 JD 1760, 1998, 12 row, 2x2, Liq Fert ..$29,900 JD 1750, 8 row, dry, 2014 ....................$39,900 JD 7200, 12 row, 3 bu., liq. fert ...........$14,900
Get the full value of air quality control curtains at the touch of a button 1947-2018 71 Years of Excellent Service!
IInventory changing daily at miesoutland.com
Watkins, MN
1-800-324-8269
320-764-5310
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 19
We have your forage products! SEE US FOR YOUR:
NCF 52” Panel Fans
Pioneer Inoculants, All Items
IN STOCK!
Keep your barn cool this summer with
Bale Wrap, Twine and Net Wrap
• Durable and innovative 6-blade design • Heavy-duty galvanized frame • Unique and flexible mounting systems
Heavy-duty, Extremely EfÄcient Fan for Quiet Dairy Barn Ventilation 320-836-2284 1-888-276-1751
715-644-2350
29033 Co. Rd. 17, Freeport, MN In St. Rosa
Chippewa Valley Dairy Supply
www.arnzenconstructioninc.com
6053 CTY. HWY. G • STANLEY, WI 54768 • Andrew Zimmerman
“Our SCC has never been lower.” — Bob Keefer
Bob Keefer with grandson Nick at Hard Earned Acres
HARD EARNED ACRES, Bob and Barb Keefer, SHIPPENSBURG, PA 660 cows, 92 lbs/cow/day, SCC 100 to 120,000, 2017 Pennsylvania Master Farmer
“Our SCC has never been lower, down 70,000 and averaging 100 to 120,000. The udder irritation is gone. Production has come up a bit. And we are not noticing any mastitis in our fresh cows. This all helps us with our milk quality and volume with virtually no discarded milk. Udder Comfort™ is about the only thing we added,” says Bob Keefer about his Hard Earned Acres, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania. Bob built his herd from 30 cows in 1977 to 660 today, growing internally since 1985. His attention to detail is evident in high production and quality. Always looking to improve, he tried the Udder Comfort fresh cow routine, and 2 months in, he saw SCC moving lower. Five months into using Udder Comfort on all fresh animals 2x/day 5 to 7 days after calving, Bob says: “I’m impressed. We try to do a lot of things right here. Udder Comfort is like a missing piece. We’ll keep using it because it’s worth it.”
Quality Udders Make Quality Milk
Keep the milk in the system 1.888.773.7153 1.613.652.9086 uddercomfort.com Call to locate a distributor near you. For external application to the udder only after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking.
Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
conĆ&#x;nued from SKYVIEW | Page 18
spring from the herd’s highestranking animals and effectively manage inventory. By using a Net Merit (NM$) composite formula to rank animals, we select the superior animals to breed to sexed semen and lower-end genetic animals are serviced to beef semen. Year after year, Skyview Dairy pushes the envelope on genetics used in the herd. Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op Inc. genetic consultant Russ Heckman visually inspects and corrective mates all cows, while also creating genetic ranking reports. Heckman uses a uniquely created genetic index speciďƒžc to the dairy’s goals to rank and select bulls. This allows for a selec-
tion of production and health traits to create the most well rounded, highly proďƒžtable next generation of cows. Now, we are using even higher-ranking sires because we can easily identify which animals to service to get the best return on investment. How are cows and heifers bred? Do you have a different philosophy for breeding both? Bates walks and tail chalks both cows and virgin heifers every day. Skyview Dairy uses a prostaglandin program to catch the highest percentage of heifers in a standing heat. If a heifer is diagnosed open and does not have a CL,
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Nico Ojedu, general manager at Skyview Dairy, looks through a list of cows that need to be checked for pregnancy May 15. she is enrolled in a CIDR sync program. The goal is to have all heifers calve between 21 and 24 months of age, and 95 percent of those heifers to calve between 21 and 23 months of age. What do you do to settle hard breeders? We have a counseling session, and then bring in the Zoetis representative Brian Kaslow and let him have a “Come to Jesus� moment with her.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Dr. Tanya Olson conďƒžrms a cow pregnant using ultrasound May 15 at Skyview Dairy in Hutchinson, Minn.
How many times do you try to breed a cow before you sell her? Virgin heifers are given three services before becoming a do not breed, while the milking herd receives ďƒžve services.
Is there anything you have done or changed that brought about a signiďƒžcant improvement in your reproductive program? Starting in March, all animals are either bred to Elite Fertility Sexed semen or beef semen, using internal data from Select Sires Inc. Sires are not only selected on genetic merit, but also selected on high fertility. When it comes to genetic and reproductive progress, Garrett Luthens focuses on open and honest goals and expectations to move conversations forward. The dairy managers meet with genetic and reproductive professionals on a regular basis to establish goals and set plans for success.
Tell us about your farm. Skyview Dairy is a family-owned and operated dairy that has been in continuous operation since 1968. The dairy was ďƒžrst started by Daryl Luthens in June 1968 with seven cows. The feed storage facilities consisted of one stave silo. In the next 27 years, another stave silo was added, along with ďƒžve Harvestores. Over time, silos have been replaced by bunkers and drive-over piles, and ďƒ&#x;at parlors replaced by a double-20 parallel parlor. Recent improvements to the dairy include new and renovated dry cow, transition and pregnant heifer housing, as well as freestall additions to the dairy, which now houses 1,400 milking cows.
SIOUX DAIRY EQUIPMENT, INC. *HQHUDO &RQWUDFWLQJ ‡ 'DLU\ 'HVLJQ ‡ +RXU 6HUYLFH ‡ 3UHYHQWDWLYH 0DLQWHQDQFH
Now Hiring: Dairy Service Technician
Mechanically Inclined • Self Motivated • Eager to Learn Excellent Communication Skills • Excels at Troubleshooting If any of the above describe you and you are interested in learning more, please email us a resume, give us a call, or stop by our office. ZZZ VLRX[GDLU\ FRP ‡ ‡ MREV#VLRX[GDLU\ FRP ‡ WK 6W 5RFN 9DOOH\ ,$
We look forward to meeting you!
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 21
LOW RATE FINANCING AVAILABLE. See our complete S l t iinventory t with ith pictures i t and dd descriptions i ti at: t
www.mmcjd.com
Visit one of our 17 locations in Central Minnesota!
L
EL
E ST
(1) = GLENCOE
L
A DE
EL
E ST
L
A DE
EL
E ST
A DE
320-864-5571 4561 Hwy. 212
(2) = HOWARD LAKE 320-543-2170 5845 Keats Ave. SW
(3) = STEWART
265,000
$
JD 9560RT, 2014, 1006 hrs., #144560
320-562-2630 78412 Co. Rd. 20
(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
10 10 8 8 4 4 14 9 3 13 13 13 5 7 10 9 10 9 10 6 8 5 7 17 10 14 5 3 4 4 5 11 16 6 11
320-589-2011 23604 State Hwy. 9
6
(16) = BENSON
11
320-843-2610 380 Atlantic Ave.
(17) = MADISON 320-598-7575 516 1st St. E
10 14 9 6 11 10 17
COMPACT TRACK LOADERS JD 323D, 2013, 726 hrs., #145718 ................. $34,900 JD 323D, 2013, 1015 hrs., #145251 ............... $39,995 JD 323E, 2017, 325 hrs., #140018 ................. $51,900 JD 323E, 2017, 90 hrs., #146360 ................... $53,900 JD 329D, 2012, 888 hrs., #145637 ................. $44,900 JD 333E, 2014, 1656 hrs., #145248 ............... $49,595 JD 333E, 2015, 805 hrs., #144217 ................. $57,500 JD 333E, 2015, 316 hrs., #143895 ................. $66,000 JD 333G, 2016, 402 hrs., #145717 ................. $69,900 JD 333G, 2016, 490 hrs., #143346 ................. $71,900 JD 333G, 2016, 467 hrs., #142414 ................. $71,900 JD CT322, 2008, 2690 hrs., #148766 ............. $19,900 Bobcat T770, 2014, #148520 ....................... $47,500 MOWER CONDITIONERS JD 535, 2005 #139187 .................................. $14,000 JD 630, 2015 #140003 .................................. $19,900 JD 630, 2015 #141908 .................................. $19,900 JD 635, 2013 #140618 .................................. $19,900 JD 830, 2015 #134944 .................................. $19,500 JD 935, 2000 #145273 .................................. $12,800 JD 946, 2014 #126629 .................................. $22,900 JD 946, 2009 #132018 .................................. $23,500 JD 946, 2016 #143740 .................................. $30,900 MF 1372, 2013 #141262 .............................. $21,450 NH H7460, 2013 #144344 ........................... $25,900 PULL-TYPE SPRAYERS Fast 7400, #130185 ...................................... $21,500 Willmar 765HT, 1994 #147782 ................... $28,000 Hardi COMMANDER 1200, 2004 #148536 .. $19,900 Hardi Commander 6600, 2012 #143849 ... $50,000 Hardi NAV 1100, #137542 ........................... $14,000 Hardi NAV 1100, #137543 ........................... $14,000 Hardi NAVIGATOR 4000, 2014 #106506 ..... $55,000 Top Air TA1600, 2017, #134335 .................. $48,500 Top Air TA2400, 2012 #145319 .............. $52,500 JD 430, 1991, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 4 Feet #143800 ............................................................$5,750 ROUND BALERS JD 430, 1984, Width of Bale: 4 Feet #140203 ............................................................$5,900 JD 457, 2005, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 4 Feet #148076 ......................................................... $12,900 JD 458, 2011, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 4 Feet #147870 ......................................................... $17,500 JD 466, 1997, Twine Only, #148779 ............... $11,900 JD 467, 2005, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 4 Feet #144341 ......................................................... $14,500 JD 467, 2002, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 4 Feet, #148375 ...................... $18,500 JD 468, 2012, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 4 Feet, #148136 ...................... $28,000 JD 535, 1991, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #139110 .........................$7,900 JD 569, 2015, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #134021 ...................... $31,900 JD 569, 2015, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #145624 ...................... $33,500
8 JD 569, 2014, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #148334 ...................... $35,500 4 JD 569, 2014, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #135360 ...................... $37,000 8 JD 569, 2012, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #134619 ...................... $37,900 6 JD 569, 2017, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #143801 ...................... $38,000 6 NH 678, 2001, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #145697 ............................................................$7,500 4 MF 2946, 2015, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 4 Feet, #143367 ...................... $29,700 10 Claas 380 Variant, 2011, Surface Wrap Only Width of Bale: 4 Feet , #140005...................... $19,800 8 JD 569 Premium, 2014, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #148146 ...................... $26,900 8 JD 569 Silage Special, 2016, Surface Wrap Only Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #148333 ...................... $40,900 5 JD 569 Silage Special, 2015, Surface Wrap Only Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #134962 ...................... $41,900 11 NH BR7060, 2008, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 4 Feet, #143774 ...................... $15,000 4 NH BR7070, 2010, Surface Wrap Only, Width of Bale: 4 Feet, #139987 ...................... $15,900 5 NH BR7080, 2008, Twine Only, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #140282 ...................... $12,900 10 NH BR7090, 2012, Both Twine and Surface Wrap Width of Bale: 5 Feet , #133944...................... $17,900 4 NH BR7090, 2008, Wrapping: Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #143390 ............ $19,800 9 NH BR7090, 2008, Wrapping: Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #143259 ............ $19,900 8 NH BR780, 2005, Wrapping: Both Twine and Surface Wrap, Width of Bale: 5 Feet, #140575 ............ $17,500 SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS 17 Ag Chem 1254, 2000, 80-Foot, 3676 hrs., #148842 ......................................................... $33,000 16 Case IH 4260, 90-Foot, 4093 hrs., #148930 .. $44,500 2 JD 4720, 2006, 90-Foot, 1673 hrs., #130054$109,000 7 JD 4730, 2013, 80-Foot, 937 hrs., #145736 . $169,000 16 JD 4830, 2014, 309 hrs., #145739 ............... $244,900 6 Miller Nitro 4240HT, 2011, 120-Foot, 1060 hrs., #148139 ...................................................... $175,000 8 Case IH Patriot 4440, 2015, 120-Foot, 643 hrs., #145199 ....................................................... $279,500 15 JD R4030, 2014, 90-Foot, 303 hrs., #144439 ...................................................... $219,500 8 JD R4038, 2017, 120-Foot, 182 hrs., #141223 ...................................................... $329,500 15 JD R4038, 2017, 445 hrs., #143961............. $346,500 SKID STEER LOADERS 4 JD 260, 2000, 1923 hrs., #147863 ................. $18,500 4 JD 320, 2004, 1145 hrs., #148318 ................. $16,900 9 Gehl 3725, 1472 hrs., #147858 ..................... $11,900 5 Gehl 3825, 1998, 1579 hrs., #148522 ..............$8,900 8 JD 8875, 1996, 3100 hrs., #146674 ............... $12,900 3 Caterpillar 272D, 2015, 1475 hrs., #145200 $34,500 1 JD 314G, 2016, 43 hrs., #126153 ................... $29,900 11 JD 318D, 2013, 2800 hrs., #148609 ............... $22,900 11 JD 318E, 2014, 815 hrs., #135937 ................. $28,900
AL
AL
E LD
ST
88,000
JD 6120R, 2016, $ 378 hrs., #144502
129,000
JD 6175R, 2015, $ 309 hrs., #144526
8 10 4 6 4 15 7 2 2 4 8 12 11 10 4 7 6 7 4 5 10 11 7 5 14 5 6 6 5 6 6 6
STEEL DEALS
JD 318E, 2015, 125 hrs., #148061 ................. $37,900 JD 320E, 2016, 2489 hrs., #143842 ............... $27,500 JD 320E, 2014, 705 hrs., #135901 ................. $31,900 JD 320E, 2016, 88 hrs., #140280 ................... $39,900 JD 320E, 2015, 295 hrs., #143386 ................. $42,900 JD 320E, 2017, 92 hrs., #144216 ................... $43,900 JD 326D, 2012, 210 hrs., #135673 ................. $40,500 JD 326E, 2015, 2328 hrs., #146698 ............... $29,850 JD 326E, 2016, 1162 hrs., #141601 ............... $38,900 JD 326E, 2016, 497 hrs., #138363 ................. $39,500 JD 326E, 2016, 75 hrs., #146359 ................... $44,000 JD 326E, 2016, 3 hrs., #126370 ..................... $45,900 JD 326E, 2016, 258 hrs., #142477 ................. $46,000 JD 328E, 2013, 567 hrs., #145635 ................. $41,500 JD 330G, 2016, 641 hrs., #140027 ................. $53,000 JD 332D, 2012, 858 hrs., #127231 ................. $36,900 JD 332E, 2015, 519 hrs., #138924 ................. $47,900 JD 332E, 2016, 438 hrs., #139118 ................. $49,900 Case 85-XT, 1998, 5278 hrs., #143885 .......... $15,500 Mustang 940E ROPS, 2343 hrs., #148523 ......$8,300 NH L230, 2013, 291 hrs., #146693 ............... $40,500 Bobcat S650, 2013, 862 hrs., #140188 ......... $33,900 Bobcat S70, 2015, 218 hrs., #145275 ........... $21,995 Kubota SVL75, 2013, 3311 hrs., #145817 .... $28,900 WHEEL LOADERS JD 544D, #146695 ......................................... $17,500 JD TC54H, 1998, 12551 hrs., #146271 ........... $39,000 WINDROWERS JD 994, 2005, #145340 ................................. $16,500 JD W235, 2014, 921 hrs., #140754 .............. $129,500 JD W235, 2014, 598 hrs., #134973 .............. $134,900 JD W235, 2014, 653 hrs., #135622 .............. $142,500 JD W260, 2015, 443 hrs., #132464 .............. $162,000 JD W260, 2014, 570 hrs., #140978 .............. $166,000
STEEL DEALS
11 Summers 9K4727, 2015, #129015 .............. $65,000 3 Case IH 370, 2014, #137899 ......................... $29,500 FIELD CULTIVATORS 2 JD 985, 1993, #138938.................................. $10,500 2 Wil-Rich QUAD X2, 2011, #138552 .............. $29,500 GRAIN CART 3 Brent 1594, 2011, #125547 ......................... $54,900 MISCELLANEOUS AG 2 Rite Way RR900, 2005, #130973 ................. $10,900 MOWER CONDITIONERS 9 JD 830, 2015, #134944.................................. $19,500 6 JD 946, 2014, #126629.................................. $22,900 11 JD 1600A, 1996, #131826 ................................$5,500 PLANTERS:DRAWN 11 White 8524, 2013, #140624......................... $67,000 RIPPERS 11 JD 2700, 2009, #118932 ............................... $19,900 17 JD 2720, 2013, #144468 ............................... $39,500 8 Case IH 730C, 2011, #135148 ....................... $21,900 ROUND BALERS 11 JD 535, 1991, #139110.....................................$7,900 10 JD 569, 2015, #134021.................................. $31,900 10 NH BR7090, 2012, #133944 ......................... $17,900 ROW CROP TRACTORS 3 JD 6145M, 2017, 145 hp., 208 hrs., #134658 ......................................................... $95,000 14 JD 6155R, 2016, 155 hp.,190 hrs., #144519 ....................................................... $122,000 16 JD 6155R, 2016, 155 hp., 221 hrs., #144517 ....................................................... $128,000 16 JD 6175R, 2015, 175 hp., 308 hrs., #144526 ....................................................... $129,000 9 JD 6175R, 2017, 175 hp., 88 hrs., #134664 ....................................................... $147,000 15 JD 8235R, 2013, 235 hp., 2882 hrs., #144532 ....................................................... $109,000 SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTER HEADS: ROTARY 6 JD 676, 1995, #108982.................................. $17,900 6 JD 710, 2007, #115310.................................. $33,000 SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTERS 4 JD 5730, 1986, 4980 hrs., #124367 ............... $25,000 6 JD 6810, 1997, 3614 hrs., #142671 ............... $25,000 6 JD 7400, 2004, 427 hrs., #122051 ................. $99,000 SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS 2 JD 4720, 2006, 1673 hrs., #130054 ............. $109,000 SQUARE BALERS 12 JD 336, 1977, #140671.....................................$3,500 TRACK TRACTORS 16 JD 9560RT, 2014, 560 hp., 1006 hrs., #144560 ....................................................... $265,000 7 JD 9620T, 2005, 500 hp., 6191 hrs., #145278 $79,500 UTILITY TRACTORS 15 JD 6120R, 2016, 120 hp., 365 hrs., #144502 ....$88,000
ARTICULATED 4WD TRACTOR 7 NH T9020, 2009, 335 hp., 2905 hrs., #142873 ....................................................... $115,000 CORN AND ROW CROP HEADERS 14 JD 612C, 2010, #144255................................ $39,500 6 JD 893, 1998, #133187.................................. $13,900 1 Geringhoff RD830B, 2004, #132061 ........... $13,900 14 Case IH 3412, 2012, #144248....................... $32,900 COMBINES 6 JD S660, 2012, 1899 hrs., 1457 sep., #133738 ...................................................... $149,500 16 JD S680, 2012, 2943 hrs., 1865 sep., #144321 ....................................................... $139,500 15 JD 9550, 2001, 4165 hrs., 2914 sep., #144235 ......................................................... $44,900 16 JD 9770 STS, 2010, 3857 hrs., 2596 sep., #144241 ......................................................... $79,500 DISKS 1 Krause 8200, 2013, #131061 ....................... $24,000
AL
AL
E LD
EE
EE
ST
$
Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com
(4) = ST. CLOUD 320-252-2010 1035 35th Ave. NE
109,000
JD 4720, 2006, 90’ boom, 20” spacing, 1673 hrs., #130054
E LD
EE
EE
ST
115,000
New Holland T9020, $ 2009, 2905 hrs., #142873
E LD
ST
65,000
Summers 9K4727, $ 2015, 47 ft., #129015
JD 612C, 2010, #144255
39,500
$
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Winning hearts in June, beyond
Blue Hilltop, Inc. Your Mixer, Spreader, Hay Processor Headquarters We carry:
www.panningbrothers.com
www.rotomix.com
Used Parts • Replacement Parts
LLC
Dana Berreau
507-879-3593 / 800-821-7092
FREE NATIONWIDE PARTS LOCATING We Buy Salvage Tractors 25060 651 Ave., Gibbon, MN Toll Free: 1-800-635-0993
Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151
What would you buy with 0% financing? Let us know today.
0%
There is no denying it. Dairy farmers are utterly devoted to providing delicious and nutritious dairy foods everyone can enjoy. Who else would work 365 days of the year to provide cheese for our hamburgers, butter for our cookies and yogurt for our smoothies? So, let’s start celebrating in honor of National Dairy Month this June as we win the hearts of consumers and give them permission to enjoy dairy. One of the easiest ways to kick off National Dairy Month festivities is with a virtual milk toast June 1, which is World By Eir Garcia-Silva Milk Day. This is a fun way Midwest Dairy VP, to remind people that many of Dairy Experiencetheir favorite foods start with Farmer milk. Toasting is simple: Take a picture of you, your kids, your employees, your partners (or even your animals) raising a glass of milk and share it on your social channels such as Twitter and Instagram using #worldmilkday and #undeniablydairy. To keep the cheers going, tag others and ask them to do the same. Whether you’re hosting an on-farm event, going into the classroom or bringing dairy to unexpected places, remember to visit the ‘for farmers’ section of MidwestDairy.com. The Producer Service Center has free promotional resources for dairy farmers – including coloring books, chocolate milk-avored lip balm and cow hats – to help you engage with consumers of all ages. You can also create your own Farmer Calling Cards which are designed to feature
L consumers see h Let how you are just like them and feel good about selecting dairy foods when they go shopping.
FINANCING FOR 30 MONTHS1 OR
1.90% FOR 46 MONTHS2 OR
$99 FOR 6 MONTHS FOLLOWED BY 2.75% FOR 34 MONTHS MILK ROBOTICALLY FOR AS LOW AS $2,000 PER MONTH3
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
0% interest for 30 months, DeLaval equipment only, on approved credit. 21.90% interest for 46 months, zero down. DeLaval equipment only, on approved credit and minimum deal amount of $30,000 is required to qualify for these rates. Subject to special conditions’ and cannot be combined with other promotional offers. 3Estimate monthly charges in connection with the financing of one VMS to a qualified buyer on approved credit on a 7 year term. Offer good until June 30, 2018. 1
Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., doing business as Umpqua Bank Vendor Finance, is a subsidiary of Umpqua Bank. Products offered by Financial Pacific Leasing, Inc., are not FDIC insured. is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2018 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. www.delaval.com
your family, your farm, animals, equipment and favorite dairy foods, and can be handed out to guests as a personalized way to share your story and stay connected with them after they leave the farm. You will also nd additional resources for classroom visits, apparel to order and design assistance to help give consumers an excellent dairy experience. Also available on Midwest Dairy’s website, in the ‘resources section,’ is a National Dairy Month toolkit available to help you elevate your event and bring dairy to life all year. Resources include key messages, dairy trivia, scavenger hunt ideas, T-shirts, graphics and more. All these resources support Midwest Dairy’s 2018 strategic plan to bring dairy to life. Tap into them in June with the obvious tie to National Dairy Month and keep the momentum going all year long. After all, dairy farming is a year-round process so we encourage you to tell your story. Let consumers see how you are just like them and feel good about selecting dairy foods when they go shopping.
700-1100 Head Springing, Bred, Open Heifers On Hand At All Times. Excellen type Excellent LINUS KUENNEN LI
30842 P Avenue Fort Atkinson, IA 52144 For
Phone 563-534-7754 Ph Mo Mobile 563-422-8423
Fax 563-534-3042 F www www.kuennendairycattle.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 23
Young women nd value working on farms Bailey Delzer, 17 Dodge Center, Minn. Dodge County How did you become involved in the dairy industry? Although my dad and grandpa have trimmed cattle’s feet since long before I was born, I started to get involved in the dairy industry the summer after my freshman year when I started leasing heifers to show. In the past three years, I have continued to show through the summer, assist at sales, judge dairy cattle for FFA and work on a dairy farm. How long have you been working on a dairy farm? What are your main responsibilities? I started working for Keith Behounek in the summer of 2017. I have learned a lot about the commercial side of dairy cattle. My responsibilities include milking cows and cleaning the parlor, along with other tasks I’m asked to help with. What skills have you learned on a dairy farm, and how do you see those skills beneting you in the future? Working with cattle has taught me patience. Whether a cow is slow to get up and get into the parlor or a cow had her rst calf and is irritable, you have to be patient and work with the animal. Learning to be patient has helped me tremendously, even outside of the barn. Next year, I will be attending South Dakota State University for agricultural education, and in teaching, patience is key. How do you balance school, extracurricular activities and working on a dairy farm? I am in National Honor Society, FFA, 4-H and the dairy princess program. Being organized is key in having a busy schedule, so I use a calendar and agenda to manage my time. I also prioritize certain events so there are times when I have to miss or say no to other things. What is the best part about being able to work in the dairy industry? The farmers. Dairy farmers are so dedicated to their work, and I think everyone can learn from that. They have an amazing work ethic and
are passionate about what they do. I’m blessed to be able to work with and learn from these people. How is working on a dairy farm different than other jobs you have held? I was a dietary aide at the nursing home. An obvious difference would be working with animals instead of people. Being a dietary aide was also much less labor intensive. Although I love working for the Behouneks, I do miss hearing stories about growing up on the farm from residents at the nursing home. Tell us about the farm you work on. Keith has a herd of 260 Holstein cows near Hayeld, Minn. My favorite cow is Goober, because she sticks her head into the parlor for some attention before milking. Their family also has a small herd of buffalo. Amanda Feldman, 18 Brooten, Minn. Stearns County How did you become involved in the dairy industry? I was already babysitting for Jessica and Aaron Radermacher, and I knew they had a farm. One night, I went there to deliver some stuff they bought from me and asked if I could milk for them. Anthony and Jill Vait are my cousins. When Anthony found out I was interested in milking, he asked if I could help at his place. How long have you been working on a dairy farm? What are your main responsibilities? I have worked on the farm for Jessica and Aaron for three years. I help in the barn with milking and cleaning everything down. I have been at Anthony and Jill’s for two years. What skills have you learned on a dairy farm, and how do you see those skills beneting you in the future? I have learned so much, from milking to working with people. I will be able to use those skills to help relate with future bosses and co-workers. Working with the cows has also taught me valuable patience.
How do you balance school, extracurricular activities and working on a dairy farm? I am only involved in tennis, which is in the fall. Jess and Aaron are nice, and they only have me work on Sundays in the fall. And, Jill and Anthony have me work mornings on Saturday and Monday. Otherwise, I do my schoolwork in school and work at work. What is the best part about being able to work in the dairy industry? You get to see all the changes that happen within the community and learn new things every day. How is working on a dairy farm different than other jobs you have held? Working on the farm is quite interesting. I enjoy seeing how everything lines up to make the farm run, and everyone has to do their share to make things run as smoothly as possible. Tell us about the farm you work on. Both the farms I work on are family farms. Jess and Aaron milk around 200 cows, and Anthony and Jill milk around 130 cows. Julia Mullenbach, 18 Rose Creek, Minn. Mower County How did you become involved in the dairy industry? My mother grew up on a dairy farm and was a county dairy princess, so I like to believe that my passion for the dairy industry is within my blood. It was not until middle school, when I was fortunate enough to be able to lease my own Brown Swiss calf, when my passion really took off. How long have you been working on a dairy farm? What are your main responsibilities? My main responsibilities include caring for calves and heifers by providing a safe a nutritious diet, as well as a cleanliving environment. I will also volunteer to ll in as a Turn to YOUNG WOMEN | Page 25
Weatherproof your forage supply with Alta® and KingFisher® BMR Gene 6 Summer Annuals Forage Sorghum
• Treated pretty much like corn • Plant at a fraction of the cost of corn
We also now have a BMR Pearl Millet – high digestibility and no worry about prussic acid!
Sorghum-Sudan & Sudan Hybrids
• Treated more like haylage • Can have Crude Protein levels 4 to 6 &-age units higher than CS
Both KingFisher Alta BMR Gene 6 Summer Annuals: • Have the energy of corn silage • Love “hot and dry” • Can do well on ground not so good for CS Burkholder Seeds
For more info or dealer inquiries - please call:
Rick Tamm
NW Territory Manager
320-267-5021 Brad DeBauche
NC Territory Manager
920-660-7974
Claremont, MN Dwight 507-279-0292 Justin 507-456-0006
Gerard Becker
Long Prairie, MN (320) 290-9261
Hy View Feeds 507-493-5564 Mabel, MN
Valley View Ag Russ Funke Dyersville, IA (563) 590-6939
Schueler Farms
Greenwald Elevator
Sherman Schueler 330-987-3159 Willmar, MN John Dockendorf (320) 894-4808 Greenwald, MN (320) 290-1240 Cleeson Mill Travis Schlosser Altura, MN Miltona, MN (507) 458-5907 218-639-1727
Luxemburg Feed Service
Luxemburg, MN (320) 252-1513
Jack Stamschror Kellogg, MN (507) 259-0269
Timberline Dairy Service Joe Graber Kalona, IA (319) 656-3527
Dale Ommodt, CCA Crop & Livestock Nutrition Atwater, MN (320) 212-3190
Winscher Seeds Mike Winscher 320-282-6748 Shawn Winscher Royalton, MN (320) 420-4516
Lee Kurtenbach
Mechanicksville, IA (319) 241-5105
Peak Forage Products LLC
Benjamin Arlt
Natures Best
Tim Huffman 608-574-7918 Nelson Horst Adam Decker 608-988-6855 Canton S.D. Kevin Zimmerman (605) 359-0765 608-574-7918
Natures Best
Big Stone City S.D. (651) 331-8865
Jason Mickelson Frazee, MN 218-849-3137
Mervin Beachy St. Ansgar, IA (641) 381-0054
DJ Cattle Co.
Daryn Yoder Leon, IA (641) 344-6002
Chad Tesch Canton S.D. (605) 759-5622 Dan (Boone) Uphoff, Sioux Falls S.D. (605) 321-1862
Natures Best Roger TeSlaa
Inwood, IA
(605) 370-2249
Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Talk to your nutritionist about the health and performance benefits of including in your dairy rations.
... Yeast Probiotic The RIGHT choice!
WORKING AT THE CROSSROADS OF NUTRITION AND HEALTH...
Phileo Branded Products are ®Registered Trademark(s) (Registrant) LESAFFRE ET COMPAGNIE
1-877-677-7000 7475 West Main Street Milwaukee, WI 53214, USA www.phileo-lesaffre.com
ConƟnued from YOUNG WOMEN | Page 23 milking hand for other local dairies. What skills have you learned on a dairy, and how do you see those skills beneting you in the future? A strong work ethic. This work ethic will benet me in every aspect of my life moving forward, whether it be a future career or raising a family. What is the best part about being able to work in the dairy industry? Getting to work with the hardworking dairy farmers and industry employees, where I am given the opportunity to learn something new every day. I also enjoy getting to work with baby calves, as well as creating strong bonds with individual cows. How is working on a dairy farm different than other job you have held? How everyone works together to accomplish one goal. Tell us about the farm you work on. The farm that I work for, Reads Brown Swiss, is a 120-head Brown Swiss dairy operation with a few Holsteins and crossbreds sprinkled into the mix. Johannah Nielsen, 18 Russell, Minn. Lyon County How did you become involved in the dairy industry? I rst became involved in the dairy industry when I was in the fourth grade. It was my second year of showing in 4-H, and my dad asked me if I wanted to show dairy cattle because a family friend was selling two pregnant Jersey heifers. I have continued to show dairy cattle in 4-H, along with beef cattle and swine. How long have you been working on a dairy farm? What are your main responsibilities? I have been working at Prairie Line Farm since August of 2015. My main responsibilities are milking and being in charge of the monthly testing process. I work morning shifts, which start with milking at 4 a.m., and after that I help with any other miscellaneous work that needs to be done. This includes pushing up feed, feeding calves and bedding pens. What skills have you learned on a dairy farm, and how do you see those skills beneting you in the future? I’ve had a lot of experience with cattle because my family raises beef cattle, but I hadn’t had much experience around dairy cattle. I have learned a lot of mechanical skills and about the equipment involved with dairy farming, which led me to learn more about the new technologies that are being used in the industry. These skills and new information will help me in my future career because I plan to work with livestock, possibly as a veterinarian. I have improved my leadership skills. All the skills I have gained while working on a dairy farm have helped make me a better employee now and for my future. How do you balance school, extracurricular activities and working on a dairy farm? I am involved with basketball, softball, band, choir, FFA, FCCLA, Honor Society and 4-H. I only work at the dairy every other weekend and in the morning during the school year. I have a planner to write down school assignments and due dates, sports games, my work schedule, etc. I also have a support team behind me that include my parents, my friends and some amazing teachers and advisors, all of whom helped keep me accountable. What is the best part about being able to work in the dairy industry? The rst is the knowledge I’ve gained about dairy cattle and the industry itself. The second is the doors that have opened in my life because of my job. How is working on a dairy farm different than other jobs you have held? In the past, I’ve rock picked for local farmers and babysat for some neighbors and family. At those jobs, I didn’t have to ll out any tax forms, and I don’t get a steady paycheck. Babysitting is different because I’m usually doing it by myself, so I have to rely on my own skills and knowledge to do the best that I can at taking care of the children. Working on a dairy farm and babysitting do have other similarities. The cattle are like my giant children because they all have their own personalities that I’ve learned to love, and they all have needs that we as their caretakers need to fulll for their health and safety. Tell us about the farm you work on. Prairie Line Farm near Tyler, Minn., milks around 250 registered Holsteins. Rachel Paskewitz, 18 Staples, Minn. Todd County How did you become involved in the dairy industry? When I was young, I got involved in 4-H and showing dairy cattle. Through my showing experiences, I started working on my uncle’s dairy farm. It was my job to feed the calves, make sure they have fresh bedding and that they stayed healthy. How long have you been working on a dairy farm? What are your main responsibilities? I started working on my uncle’s farm, Solid Rock Dairy, in June 2014, and continued working there until mid-fall 2017. I am employed at Rinde Farms, LLC, where I milk cows and am responsible for cleaning and sanitation of the milking parlor and equipment. What skills have you learned on a dairy farm, and how do you see those skills beneting you in the future? From my time working with calves, I learned to take responsibility for my actions and for the lives of each and every calf. When milking cows, I have learned how to take care of the equipment and calves. I strive to perform to the best of my abilities and take care of every cow that walks through the barn. How do you balance school, extracurricular activities and working on a dairy farm? When I am not studying for my college courses offered through the high school or PSEO, I am involved in band, choir, orchestra, 4-H, FFA and in my church’s youth group. The key to balancing everything comes with good time management. I spend my hours in school doing school work, while music and FFA are added into that. What is the best part about being able to work in the dairy industry? The irreplaceable relationships made all over the state and the fun of producing the wholesome, nutritious and delicious dairy products. It is a humbling experience to be a part of something so much larger than myself. How is working on a dairy farm different than other jobs you have held? I
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 25
have never had another job. Tell us about the farm you work on. I am employed at Rinde Farms, LLC, where it is my responsibility to milk the cows, as well as keep the milking parlor clean. The farm milks 220 Holsteins. Grace Volden, 18 Buffalo, Minn. Wright County How long have you been involved in the dairy industry? I became involved in the dairy industry one year ago when one of my friends got me a job on the farm she worked at, Green Waves Farm. How long have you been working on a dairy farm? What are your main responsibilities? I have worked for a little over a year and some of the things I do are collect cows to go into the milking robots, clean the robots, feed calves, scrape and random chores to keep the farm running smoothly. What skills have you learned on a dairy farm, and how do you see those skills beneting you in the future? I have learned how to work hard. When working on a farm, we have to physically be able to move heavy objects, as well as think creatively when a problem occurs. There is never just one way to do something and sometimes thinking outside the box helps get a job done safely and efciently. These will help in the future because I am going to need to be able to work hard, both physically and mentally, no matter what career I decide. I want to do something in the medical eld. How do you balance school, extracurricular activities and working on a dairy? My work is exible, so I am able to balance my extracurricular activities, work and school well. I also have a planner where I write everything down. So, before I say yes to anything, I check to make sure I am able to do it. What is the best part about being able to work in the dairy industry? The cows. Every cow has a different personality, just like humans; and most of them are curious and friendly, which makes work fun. How is working on a dairy farm different than other jobs you have held? I worked at Cub Foods as a cashier. Unlike at Cub, you are always busy, which makes time pass quickly. I also have a relationship with my bosses I did not think was possible. My bosses are willing to teach me new things and are genuinely concerned about their employees. Tell us about the farm you work on. I work at Green Waves Farm. They have about 400 cows milking. They put in milking robots that milk 24/7. Right now, they have eight of these robots. This is a family farm run by two brothers and one of their sons.
www.advanceddairy.com
Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Final date for MPPDairy signup is June 1
NUTRIENT DELIVERY BY THE BARREL
CRYSTALYX® USAGE CHART Dry Cows
Fresh Cows
Lactating Cows
Chelated Trace Minerals and Vitamins Anionic Salts, Chelated TM Chelated TM, Yeast Culture, B Vitamins Extra Buffer for Rumen Health
CONTACT THESE DEALERS TO LEARN MORE: GERKEN’S FEED & GRAIN Zumbrota, MN 507-732-7691
IOWA
B&G FEED SERVICE St. Donatus, IA • 563-773-8801
GLACIAL PLAINS COOP Kerkhoven, MN • 320-264-3831
AG-VENTURE FEED & SEED Watkins, MN • 320-764-9910
HOLDINGFORD MILL Holdingford, MN • 320-746-2281
ALBANY ROLLER MILLS Albany, MN • 320-845-2303
LEWISTON FEED & PRODUCE Lewiston, MN • 507-523-2196
CHS ChatÀeld, MN • 507-867-4311 CHS Kasson, MN • 507-634-7545 ext 5
GERKEN’S FEED & GRAIN Wabasha, MN 651-565-2611
AGRI-TECH Watertown, SD • 605-882-7015
GLACIAL PLAINS COOP DeGraff, MN • 320-843-5364
MINNESOTA
ELROSA GRAIN & FEED Elrosa, MN • 320-697-5515
AGRI-TECH Brookings, SD • 605-692-0955
GLACIAL PLAINS COOP Benson, MN • 320-843-3999
WINCO FARM SUPPLY Calmar, IA • 563-562-3253
DOANE GRAIN SERVICE INC. Plainview, MN • 507-534-3165
SOUTH DAKOTA
LUXEMBURG FEED SERVICE St. Cloud, MN • 320-252-1513
CENTERVILLE CO-OP Trempealeau, WI • 608-539-3311 FARMERS GRAIN, LLC Allentown, WI • (262) 629-4126 GARNAVILLO MILL INC. Garnavillo, IA • 563-964-2243
NELSON AGRI-CENTER TRUE VALUE Viroqua, WI • 608-637-2195 REDDY AG SERVICE Stitzer, WI • 608-943-8353
MILLVILLE FEED INC. Millville, MN • 507-798-2391 OAK PARK CO-OP CREAMERY Oak Park, MN 320-968-7864 PRAIRIE FARM SUPPLY Belle Plaine, MN • 952-873-4234 SUNRISE AG CO-OP Buckman, MN • 320-468-6433
WISCONSIN
ROSS SOIL SERVICE LLC Mineral Point, WI • 608-987-3242 SCHMITT FARMS Waterford, WI 262-492-1131
TOP NOTCH FEED & PET SUPPLY New Glarus, WI • 608-527-3333
Last call for MPP-Dairy signup for 2018 as the nal date for enrollment is June 1. We will be issuing payments under this program for February and March to those producers who purchase a margin at $7, $7.50 or $8. To quickly review, FSA News & Notes the program protects dairy producers by paying them when the difference between the national all-milk price and the national average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount elected by a participating producer. Changes included are: By Ryan Brunn - The calculations of the Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. margin period is monthly rather than bi-monthly. - Covered production history is increased to 5 million pounds on the Tier 1 premium schedule, and premium rates for Tier 1 are substantially lowered. - An exemption from paying an administrative fee for limited resource, beginning, veteran and disadvantaged producers. Dairy operators enrolled in the previous 2018 enrollment period that qualify for this exemption under the new provisions may request a refund. Call your local ofce now to set up an appointment for MPP-Dairy by the June 1 deadline if you would like to participate for 2018. Marketing assistance available for 2017 corn and soybeans The 2014 Farm Bill authorized 2014-18 crop year Marketing Assistance Loans (MALs) and Loan Deciency Payments (LDPs). MALs and LDPs provide nancing and marketing assistance for corn and soybeans, as well as other commodities such as feed grains, other oilseeds, pulse crops, rice, peanuts, cotton, wool and honey. MALs provide producers interim nancing after harvest to help them meet cash ïƒ&#x;ow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. The deadline to request a 2017 MAL on corn and soybeans is May 31. A producer who is eligible to obtain a MAL but agrees to forgo the loan may obtain an LDP if such a payment is available. To be eligible for a MAL or an LDP, producers must have a benecial interest in the commodity, in addition to other requirements. A producer retains benecial interest when control of and title to the commodity is maintained. For an LDP, the producer must retain benecial interest in the commodity from the time of planting through the date the producer led Form CCC-633EZ (page 1) in the FSA County Ofce. For more information, producers should contact their FSA county ofce or view the LDP fact sheet.
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.
75$'(0$5. 2) 9$/(17 8 6 $
*SL[OVKPT <ZL PU WSHJL VM :LSLJ[ÂŽ NHS 75$'(0$5. 2) 6<1*(17$
-VYTLZHMLU <ZL PU WSHJL VM -SL_Z[HYŽ NHS .S`WOVZH[L NHS Z NHS ;V[L! NHS 75$'(0$5. 2) 6<1*(17$Š
4LZV :[HY <ZL PU WSHJL VM *HSSPZ[VÂŽ NHS 7V^LY 4H_ ;V[L! NHS :\YLZ[HY[ ;V[L! NHS :`ULYNPaL 3PX\PK (4: 9LWSHJLTLU[ NHS
*(33 <: -69 (33 @6<9 */,40*(3 5,,+:
46990: .9(05 (;3(5;0* (=, ‹ 46990: 45
®
RESULTS BY THE BARREL
• Dairylyx.com or call 1-888-258-7422
^^^ TVYYPZNYHPU JVT
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 27
Springtime, family time The Transition Pen
By Laura Scholtz & John Rosenhammer Father/Daughter Farming Duo Just ve weeks ago, we were experiencing the nasty April blizzard of 2018. The howling winds have nally been replaced by gentle breezes, snow has turned to rain and the temperature skipped right from winter to summer. On our farm, spring babies are arriving as well. One of my sister’s beef cows gave birth her rst day out on pasture, and we have a mama duck that is nesting in the heifer freestalls. We’ve gotten an abundance of rain, which has made our window of opportunity to get in the eld painfully slim. Luckily, my younger brother, Johnny, nished up college and took a two-week break to help us on the farm before starting his summer job. We have kept him busy with trucking corn, hauling manure, digging the elds, lling the planter and other tasks. Amongst all the hustling, I wanted our family to slow down to take a break from the farm and acknowledge the changes we are making as individuals. May is a big month for our family. On May Day, my sister, Becca, turned the big 2-1 and of course as her older sister, I did my chores early and took the rest of the night off to celebrate with her. May 2, Ava, the rst grandchild, turned 1. Ava lights up every room she crawls into and we all rush to spend time with her when she visits the farm. It has been amazing to watch my sister, Mary, and her ancé, Kyle, develop into amazing parents over the past year, and we are excited to celebrate their wedding next May. Next up, my mom’s birthday, Mother’s Day, and my grandparent’s 59th wedding anniversary all took place. Mom’s birthdays and Mother’s Day are especially monumental for my mom, who went through a breast cancer diagnosis a few years ago that certainly challenged her health; however, she is now a survivor in remission. One Saturday, I nished morning chores so Dad could leave for Brookings and see Mary walk across the stage for graduation. In return, he did my calf chores that evening so I could drive through a pounding thunderstorm to the Cities and see my best friend, Rachel, walk across the stage for her graduation from veterinary school. I can’t begin to express how proud of Mary I am for completing her degree and being an example for her daughter, Ava. Watching Rachel walk across the stage made me tear up, as we’ve spent many nights on the phone discussing how she could survive vet school. To round out the accomplishments, we needed to celebrate my brothers, Joe and Johnny. Joe, with tremendous help from Dad, has made huge progress and completely renovated his xer upper home. We are all proud of him for taking on such a big project rather than starting new, which he usually chooses. Johnny completed his rst year of college at Lake Area Tech and will be working on semi tractors this summer. His rst year included not only learning and making friends, but also being hospitalized for appendicitis and another trip to the hospital for a mono infection. Hopefully year two will bring better health. Though I texted everyone two weeks ahead of
FOR SALE:
200 good quality Holstein heifers, 6-8 months bred, for sale at all times, shots & trucking included.
MILLER CATTLE 612-201-1613
time to save the date for a night out, coordinated who would bring a cake, called for a reservation and told Dad to schedule extra help for evening chores, my efforts weren’t quite enough. Sunday morning, Dad admitted all our chore helpers had other plans, so we decided to move the party from the restaurant to my parent’s garage so it wouldn’t get so late. I texted everyone the update, delegated who would bring what food, and we were back on track. Then my brothers informed me they needed to nish a manure hauling job an hour away and with the impending rain, I let them off the hook. As my dad and I did chores, I felt frustration setting in, I had actually planned something in advance and it still didn’t work. As we walked from the barn to the party at about 8 p.m., all my irritation quickly melted away as I saw my sisters, Kyle, and his family all playing baseball on the lawn. Dad and I joined in, and it was clear that even though we all were looking forward to Carl’s Corner’s chicken
dinner and being waited on at a restaurant, a game of baseball and grilling out was a perfect substitute. This situation dealing with family is the same as I deal with on the farm each day. Sometimes its raining when I had planned on giving shots outside. Sometimes I’m the only one on the farm when I wanted to move cows across the yard. Sometimes I have long todo lists that get interrupted when a single cow needs all my attention. But I always try and come up with a different plan rather than get upset, or at least before getting upset. When plan A doesn’t work, call up plan B, and even plan C before just giving up. I changed my strategy and surrounded myself with people who had the same goal as me, and we made the best of our situation. Laura Scholtz farms with her father, John Rosenhammer, and uncle Greg, on Roseview Dairy near Sleepy Eye, Minn. They milk 200 Holsteins and run 580 acres of cropland.
2017 National Champions
Excellence in
dairy science technology NATIONAL CHAMPIONS. The NICC Dairy Judging Team are the 2017 national champions in the Post-Secondary Practical Contest at World Dairy Expo. A $1,000 dairy judging scholarship is available to second-year students.
TRUSTED EDUCATION LEADER. NICC has more than 25,614 graduates since 1966.
SUCCESSFUL GRADUATES. 95 percent of alumni are employed or continuing their education one year after graduation. Dairy Science Technology graduates are managing family farms, leading the way in dairy sales and service or transferring credits to a four-year college.
WORLD RENOWNED FACILITIES. 300-head, on-site teaching herd. Jersey herd ranks nationally among the top 10 overall for milk (ninth), fat (third) and protein (sixth).
IT’S YOUR FUTURE. APPLY TODAY!
www.nicc.edu/apply LEARN MORE.
Dave Lawstuen, Dairy Science Instructor 866.474.4692, ext. 112 lawstuend@nicc.edu
www.iowadairycenter.com • www.nicc.edu/agscience
Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Betty Berning bberning@umn.edu 320-203-6104 Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130 Hugh Chester-Jones chest001@umn.edu 507-835-3622 Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184 Marcia Endres miendres@umn.edu 612-624-5391 Sandra Godden godde002@umn.edu 612-625-8177 Joleen Hadrich jhadrich@umn.edu 612-626-5620 Les Hansen hanse009@umn.edu 612-624-2277 Brad Heins hein0106@umn.edu 320-589-1711 Kevin Janni kjanni@umn.edu 612-625-3108 Karen Johnson ande9495@umn.edu 320-484-4334 Claire LaCanne lacanne@umn.edu 507-332-6109 Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu 320-732-4435 Kota Minegishi kota@umn.edu 612-624-7455 Randy Pepin pepin019@umn.edu 320-333-1369 Erin Royster royster@umn.edu Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu 320-203-6093 M. Scott Wells mswells@umn.edu 612-625-3747 Emily Wilmes krek0033@umn.edu 320-255-6169
www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
A few thoughts on dairy cattle welfare The domestication of cattle occurred about 10,000 years ago. The dairy cow has been referred to as the foster mother of the human race. Dairy cattle should be treated with care and respect, be provided with adequate shelter, feed and water, and have an overall good and comfortable life. Dictionary’s denition of welfare: the health, happiness and fortunes of a person or group. “They don’t give a [darn] about the welfare of their families.” Synonyms: well-being, health, comfort, security, safety, protection, By Marcia Endres prosperity, success, fortune. This denition was in relation to U of M Extension humans. What about animals? Would most of the denition still apply? Donald Broom (Cambridge University) denes good animal welfare as having a good life. Of course, the denition of a good life for an animal can have many interpretations. The Dairy Cattle Welfare Council is hosting its third annual symposium, this year in Scottsdale, Ariz. (details at: www.dcwcouncil.org/symposium) May 31-June 1. The program includes diverse topics related to dairy cattle welfare, in addition to a consumer panel and a talk by Carl Sana on animal emotions (his book focuses on elephants, wolves and killer whales – a way for us of thinking out of the box, so to speak). The council’s board of directors and membership are composed of veterinarians, academics, dairy producers and various industry representatives. It is a cross-section of many people passionate about cattle and the quality of their lives (or their welfare). The creation of this council shows that animal welfare has become an increasingly important topic for the dairy industry. There is a principle of mutual respect and acceptance of diverse views of animal welfare within the council, keeping in mind that animal welfare is not synonymous with animal rights. Animal welfare, as dened by the American Veterinary Medical Association, is a human responsibility that encompasses all aspects of animal well-being, including proper housing, management, disease prevention and treatment, responsible care, humane handling, and, when necessary, humane euthanasia. Animal rights is a philosophical view that animals have rights similar or the same as humans. True animal rights proponents believe that humans do not have the right to use animals at all. Animal rights proponents wish to ban all use of animals by humans. (Source: Animal Welfare Council.) David Fraser (University of British Columbia) has
suggested the three spheres of animal welfare – basic health and functioning, affective states, and natural living or expression of natural behaviors. It is easier for us in the dairy industry to understand basic health and functioning – this is somewhat measurable. Affective states, such as fear, pain, distress and contentment, are more difcult to measure. Providing for the expression of natural behaviors is also a bit more controversial. But a good life for an animal includes all three spheres of welfare. Treating animals in a calm and gentle manner using low stress handling can certainly help improve their affective state and it does not cost any money. If animals become fearful of humans due to inadequate handling, they may experience acute stress in the presence of humans or even develop chronic stress. Stress can lead to immunosuppression, which can also affect health of the animal. Inadequate human-cow interactions can create a cycle of low animal productivity and disease. Even if productivity were not affected by handling, it is agreed by all researchers that aversive handling can cause fear and consequently stress in cows. From an animal welfare perspective, it is essential to handle cows gently. It is the right thing to do. Cow handling also affects the public perception of the dairy industry. It is strongly suggested that low stress cow handling training sessions be implemented at all dairy operations. Check the UMASH (umash.umn.edu) or FARM program (nationaldairyfarm.com) websites for helpful training resources on this topic. Pain management for procedures such as dehorning/ disbudding or castration is also a topic that has gained more traction within the dairy cattle welfare organizations and the dairy industry in general. Research has shown that the use of anesthetics and analgesics during dehorning can effectively reduce the pain from the procedures, therefore, improving the animal’s affective state. Studies done at the University of Guelph have shown that even caustic paste for disbudding at an early age appears to be acutely painful for at least three hours. A cornual nerve block was shown to reduce the pain. Authors of the study recommended that calves disbudded with caustic paste should receive local anesthetic with a cornual nerve block as well as a nonsteroidal anti-inammatory drug to reduce acute pain. A study at the University of California Davis showed that hot iron disbudding wounds remained painful throughout healing. Wounds took 62 days to heal and were more painful than new epithelium throughout this time, regardless of whether the dehorning procedure occurred at 3 or 35 days of age. More emphasis will be placed on pain management in the near future.
COW COMFORT...THE KEY TO SUCCESS! 712-722-3626
Are you prepared for the summer heat?
CROSS • NATURAL • TUNNEL
VENTILATION
Circulation Fans | Exhaust Fans | Evaporative Cooling Misting Systems | Heaters | Controls
CALL FOR A DISTRIBUTOR NEAR YOU
1.800.779.3267 www.schaeferventilation.com SCHAEFER® – A USA-MADE BRAND OF PINNACLE CLIMATE TECHNOLOGIES
SERVICE AFTER THE SALE
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 29
Can small-, medium-scale dairies compete? Can small- and medium-scale dairies compete? This is a question that carries enormous weight to many in the dairy industry. On average, economies of scale and labor management programs create a comparative advantage for large-scale dairies. Also, the scale of operation often inuences a farm’s bargaining power with its suppliers or contractors. The increasing presence of large-scale operations can cast a shadow over communities with small dairy farms in the Upper Midwest. To make matters worse, a general scarcity of information can mystify the competitiveness of large-scale dairies, adding to fear and confusion. Given the importance By Kota Minegishi of this topic, this comparison must be treated with caution. In particular, U of M Extension the following shortcomings may be noted. The comparison between different sources of data is not ideal, due to the complexity in dairy enterprise accounting that is inter-mixed with crop and youngstock enterprise budgets. Also note that the farms in the FINBIN tend to be more efcient than the overall dairy farms in the state. Finally, a more thorough nancial assessment would include the analysis of cash ow, risks in repayment ability and a more comprehensive economic accounting that may include the opportunity cost of land and any other productive assets. To alleviate these problems, I gathered average performance metrics from Genske, Mulder and Company (an accounting rm that works with large-scale dairies across the country) as well as FINBIN reports by the Center for Farm Financial Management in which the average herd size is smaller and more representative of the dairies in the Upper Midwest. Start with the competitiveness across prominent dairy states or regions within the large-scale dairy farms (Table 1). The Upper Midwest tends to be competitive in the income over feed cost compared to California, Idaho, Washington and Texas due to a comparatively favorable milk price and a low feed cost. However, the Upper Midwest tends to lag behind those states in the total cost of production. Historically, California and Washington have the lowest cost of production, followed by Idaho and Texas and then the Upper Midwest (Figure 1). The top 25 percent of these large-scale dairies had a lower cost of production by $0.90 to $1.90 per hundredweight in 2017. Some differences in cost levels across states can persist because of the differences in milk price, which depends on the mix of milk utilizations and varying conditions in consumer demands, processing capacity and regulatory framework. Now, compare the competitiveness of dairies, mostly in Minnesota, in the FINBIN data (Table 1). In terms of the in-
come over feed cost and the cost of dairy production, these smallto medium-scale dairies are generally competitive against large-scale dairies in the state. For smaller operations, it is important to account for the compensation for operators’ labor and management. For the FINBIN data, this is done consistently across farms by following a specic formula. Any remaining prot can be reinvested in the business or regarded as additional return on management. An operation may temporarily sustain losses within its equity or available line of credit, but the loss must be minimized. If the cost is met, but the operator cannot compensate properly, other sources of revenues may Figure 1. Cost of dairy production (in fourth quarters) excluding debt repayneed to be explored. In a time of consolidation, ment and owner withdrawals. Source: Genske, Mulder and Company. every farm should assess the viability of its operation. Upon may be harrowing. On the other hand, as long as possibilisuch assessments, consultants may recommend drastic chang- ties exist that small- and medium-scale dairies can compete, es in their business model or liquidating the business before these dairies should be given a fair chance of doing business. losing a signicant part of its value. From a business perspec- And those working in the industry should not give an imprestive, there is no shame in cashing in what one has built and sion that all dairies below a certain size scale are failing; this transferring assets to others who see higher economic values would propagate a misconception that would damage busiin those assets – from a personal perspective, such a decision ness opportunities for all. Table 1. Performance of large-scale dairies in selected states1 and typical dairies in Minnesota2 1 2 3 4 5 CA ID WA TX Upper Midwest MN – dollars per hundredweight – Income over feed cost 8.08 8.42 9.12 9.43 10.10 Milk sales 16.55 17.38 17.81 17.62 17.97 Feed cost 8.47 8.97 8.69 8.20 7.87 Cost of dairy producƟon3 15.38 16.79 16.58 15.90 16.98 3,4 Cost plus debt & draws 16.42 17.66 17.25 16.61 17.96 Cost plus labor & mgt charges3,5 – – – – – Herd size 2,291 2,266 3,189 2,501 2,039 Milk, lb./cow/day 76 76 78 72 77 BuƩerfat, percent 3.78 3.81 3.52 3.78 3.85 Protein, percent – 3.11 3.24 3.24 3.19 Number of farms 71 10 11 30 43
Sources: Genske Mulder & Company (average of quarterly reports from 2017 Q1 to 2017 Q4), columns (1) – (5). FINBIN livestock report, 2017, columns 6-7. Total cost of operaƟon minus non-milk revenue sources, such as the sales of livestock and crops. 4 Cost of dairy producƟon plus debt repayment and owner withdrawals. 5 Cost of dairy producƟon plus labor and management charges. 1 2 3
6 Top 20 percent MN
7
9.92 17.72 7.80 16.32 – 17.08 210 75 – – 279
10.98 18.19 7.21 14.34 – 15.24 247 78 – – 76
Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Lost in the closet
I recently received a mysterious envelope that again, hoping that the mailman would bring her a tiny bore an unfamiliar postmark. My heart leaped. Maybe bit of joy. it was that long-awaited prize notication from Ed I wiped away a tear. By golly, that dear, sweet McMahon. little old lady will get a copy of that column. I would The envelope instead contained a letter from a see to it myself. nice little old lady. She had But rst I would have written kindly, little-oldto tackle the problem of i kl llost track k off time i as nding a copy of that ladylike words of praise I quickly about my writing. She I burrowed through my old particular column. Or any also requested a copy of a column, for that matter. column that she had wanted writings. I have a system for to pass along to a friend but storing hard copies of the had somehow misplaced. articles I have published A lump formed in my throat as I thought about over the years. It may not seem like much of a system, that poor little old lady. I imagined that she lived alone but that depends on your opinion of cardboard boxes. in a humble little hovel with a striped gray cat named And closets. Puddy. I could see her shufing about, watering her I le paper copies of my articles by tossing them geraniums, cinching up her tattered shawl against into a big cardboard box in the hall closet. Many the cold. She would glance out the window now and wouldn’t consider this to be a very organized way
Daughters of 1HO11889 AVENGER
Narrow Your Genetic Focus To Better Achieve Your Breeding Goals Production Efficiency (PREF$) A Sub-index of the Ideal Commercial Cow (ICC$) Index Use the PREF$ sub-index to pinpoint genetics that result in high-yielding cows with lower feed costs. PREF$ emphasizes pounds of Protein and reverses the trend for taller cows.
NEW
1HO11881 Co-op PRINCETON-ET
NEW
ICC$ Leaders
PREF$ ICC$
1HO11881 PRINCETON
+757
1HO11955 BEYOND
+640 +1148 +2152
1HO11952 SILVERTON
+611
+918 +2097 +143
1HO10396 CABRIOLET
+603
+953 +1064 +154
1HO12965 RADICAL
+603
+955 +1399
+178
1HO12409 TETRO
+587 +1071 +1971
+157
1HO11950 CHICO
+581
+928 +2445 +157
1HO12990 NET
+572
+1113 +1867
1HO11925 BANCROFT
+564 +1044 +1934 +166
1HO12932 JUICY
+562 +1078 +1494
1HO11955 Hartford Josup BEYOND-ET
888.333.1783 // www.crinet.com
MILK
CFP
+877 +2699 +191 +151
+125
+139
to do things, but we creative types aren’t big on organization. We are best at creating, which is why our work spaces often look as if they were used as a set for the movie “Twister.” A typical highlycreative person – Dear County Agent Guy someone like me, for instance – has a work space that’s demarcated by a ragged ring of detritus. Styrofoam coffee cups containing the fossilized remains of half-eaten donuts serve as paper weights. Documents are piled haphazardly on every available at surface, By Jerry Nelson including the oor. The computer’s monitor is Columnist plastered with sticky notes and its mouse is probably raising a family somewhere amidst the clutter. These are clear signs that massive amounts of creativity are present. It is not, as certain people might have you believe, laziness. Against my better judgment, I mounted a foray into the hall closet. When I opened its door, I got a hint that things were not about to go well when an old bowling ball tumbled out and attened a toe. As I hopped and cursed, I painfully recalled that I had stuffed the bowling ball into the closet and quickly shut the door behind it some weeks ago. But at least my stash of columns had been safeguarded against plagiaristic burglars. I quickly lost track of time as I burrowed through my old writings. Some of them still seemed wondrous, while others made me wonder what in blazes I was thinking when I wrote them. When I nally reached the bottom of the box, a trove of Lego blocks and Lego men reminded me that this cardboard container had previously served as a toy chest for our two sons. Legos are actually pretty cool. In no time at all, you can snap together a miniature fort and populate it with tiny soldiers. “Give me your report, lieutenant,” barks the general. “Sir, we have held off the enemy for the moment, but our scouts now report increased activity in the Alpha quadrant. We suspect that the enemy may be readying their ‘Brunswick’ weapon.” “Don’t be silly, lieutenant. They would never … AAIIEE!” The gigantic black sphere plows through the fort, swiftly reducing it to rubble. Sadly, none of the soldiers are able to escape as their stumpy plastic legs are unsuited for running. “Having fun?” My wife’s voice behind me gave me a start. “Um, yeah. I mean, no. See, I was looking for something – I forget what – and found all this junk so I thought I’d organize things.” “Good. It’s about time you helped clean up a little. And since you’re in the mood, I’ll rent a Rug Doctor so you can do the carpets too.” “AAIIEE!” I suspect that my wife had been waiting to ambush me with her Rug Doctor weapon. And I think I should send its rental bill to that sneaky little old lady. Because I just know that she was in on it somehow. Jerry is a recovering dairy farmer from Volga, S.D. He and his wife, Julie, have two grown sons and live on the farm where Jerry’s great-grandfather homesteaded over 110 years ago. Jerry currently works full time for the Dairy Star as a staff writer/ad salesman. Feel free to E-mail him at: jerry.n@ dairystar.com.
FEED BUNKS
• H-Bunks • Fenceline Bunks • 115 Bu. Steer Stuffer • Individual Yard Bunks • Bunker Silo Backed by over 40 years proven experience!
PRECAST SYSTEMS Hwy. 12, Darwin, MN 55324
© 2018 Genex Cooperative, Inc. All rights reserved.
A-18581-18
CDCB/4-18, HA-USA/4-18, IB-M/USA/4-18, HA-M/USA/4-18, CDN/4-18, GENEX/4-18
1-888-693-8440 • www.darwinconcrete.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 31
Wide swaths benet alfalfa A year ago, I shared comments in this column illustrating the value of harvesting topquality alfalfa silage both for your cows and your pocketbook. Harvesting at the right time is the rst step to achieving this goal. Plant maturity is the most important factor affecting quality. Scissor cuttings, Predicted Something to Ruminate On Equation for Alfalfa Quality (PEAQ) sticks and monitoring stage of plant maturity are all tools to determine when to start rstcutting hay harvest. How long it takes to complete the harvest – and how much quality is subsequently lost during harvest and fermentation – also By Barry Visser impacts the quality of Nutritionist silage available to the cow. When forage is cut, it usually has a moisture content of 75 to 80 percent. This freshly cut forage needs to be dried down to approximately 60 to 65 percent moisture for haylage and closer to 15 percent for dry hay. Exact numbers vary depending on storage structure and harvest method. Plants continue to respire during the wilting and drying process. This respiration process consumes plant sugars within the plant cell and produces oxygen and water. Respiration rate is the highest at cutting and gradually declines until the plant moisture content has fallen below 60 percent. The longer it takes forage to dry to the ideal moisture content for harvest, the longer the forage is
respiring in the eld. Therefore, rapid initial drying to remove the rst 15 percent of moisture from the plant reduces the loss of fermentable carbohydrates and preserves more total digestible nutrients in the harvested forage.
Preserve quality with wide swath The concept of hay in a day has gained widespread popularity over the past several years to shorten harvest windows and ensure maximum retention of nutrients. Once alfalfa is cut, the largest portion of the initial water loss is through the leaf surface openings called stomata. These gas and moisture exchange sites open in daylight and close in darkness. By laying forage in a wide swath, the amount of forage exposed to the sunlight is maximized, thus keeping the maximum amount of stomata open. Many more stomata will close if put into a narrow windrow where it is dark. Research at Penn State University has shown that wide-swath cutting increases the
Pl Plant maturity i iis the h most important factor affecting quality. drying surface of the swath by 2.8 times. In many trials, it has been shown that moisture reduction from 85 percent to 60 percent can be reached in as little as ve to seven hours. Some producers may be reluctant to go to a wide swath because they do not want to drive one or both wheels on the cut hay. Research has shown that this causes less loss than making a swath narrow enough to t between the wheels.
Condition or not condition? When possible, avoid conditioning on a haylage crop. Conditioning crimps plant stems and disrupts the natural moisture transportation within the plant, reducing the drying rate. If the stems are left intact, the leaves of the plant can pull more moisture out the stems and the hay will dry more quickly to 60 to 65 percent, the ideal moisture for haylage. Conditioning is important for making dry hay, as the crimping allows additional moisture to leave the stems at moisture below 60 percent. Drying forage to the ideal moisture content as quickly as possible is the single most important factor in preserving the harvested forage quality. Wide swathing allows for fast drying, and the shorter harvest window also reduces the risk of rain damage, further enhancing the opportunity to feed top-quality forage. Have a safe and productive hay harvest. Barry Visser is a nutritionist for Vita Plus.
DAIRY STAR E-EDITION
FREE www.dairystar.com
The right information at the right time during milking... Y O U R’ E I N C O M M A N D W I T H S W I F T F LO C O M M A N D E R
• With a water proof enclosure, LCD display and touch screen technology the Commander provides all the information you need on each cow during milking including: - Cow ID - Milk flow rates - Milk temperature - Total milk yield - And much more... - Milking time • Integrates with the DHIA approved Weigh-All milk meter and the flowthrough, maintenance free milk yield indicator. Check out the Dairymaster www.youtube.com/dairymaster
• Built in pulsation stop – shuts off pulsators when units are detached, reducing maintenance and noise in the parlor. • In built system diagnostics – your dealer can easily check what requires servicing on each milking unit. • Each unit can be quickly and easily upgraded with new features. • Provides alerts to the operator such as cows in heat, fresh cows, mastitis etc.
Channel to see our videos!
To find out more call 608-757-2697 Tri-County Dairy Supply, Inc.
Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Now what’s next I can’t believe we are at this milestone. It just seems like a few years ago when the kids were little and playing pasture ball. Kids were constantly rotating through the kitchen grabbing a quick snack on their way to the next event. The house was well lived in and seldom picked up. Our house felt like a beehive of commotion. I loved this active rhythm. Now, the living room is always picked up. The only ones eating the snacks are us, and our rhythm has slowed down to a peaceful lull. It is ofcial. All of our children have grown up. Austin, our youngest, graduated from college last weekend. Looking across the reception area outside Mariucci Arena, I see several familiar families posing for pictures with their graduate. For many of us, this is our last one to graduate. There will be no more Schmitt, Sorg, Daninger, Sexton, Thurk, Dado or Dingles to walk across the stage for an undergraduate degree at the U of M. There will be no more Gopher Dairy Club
banquets to attend. We are all moving into the next phase of our lives. Some of the kids are continuing their education with advanced degrees, while others are helping to shape young students in the high school classroom. Some are moving onto careers off the farm, while others are nding their way back to the barn. My heart sings as I see the potential future of these new graduates. Now, where does that leave us? With new opportunity come new struggles. As the new graduates start to plot their futures, we start to focus on where our journey is headed and how the two are intertwined. I have been preaching to my children since they were little the path for their future. They would move out and attend at least two years of college or vocational tech, then work off the farm for ve years before they could come back home to farm with us. They knew how to work on our farm, now they needed to learn how other things work at different places. They needed to learn how to be a good employee before they
Put LegenDairy™ fuel in her tank to fill yours. The sooner heifers enter the milking herd, the sooner you can get a return on investment. ADM’s LegenDairy Calf and Heifer Program incorporates proven technologies with a precise balance of nutrients to enable development of heifers capable of reaching their genetic potential sooner and more efficiently.
ADM provides the expertise and program innovation to accommodate your specific calf and heifer development needs.
Scan to visit our online Dealer Locator.
For more information on the LegenDairy Calf & Heifer Program contact Bill Earley—ADM Dairy Product Portfolio Manager at 800-777-7692, ext. 5, or email bill.earley@adm.com
ADMAnimalNutrition.com 866-666-7626
could become a good employer. They also needed this time to discover who they were and where they wanted to be in life. Like Dorothy in the “Wizard of Oz,” they needed to discover there’s no place like home. They needed to feel the tugging of their heart strings pulling them back to where their past and future join the same path. When they Just Thinking Out Loud were little and we were younger, my words of wisdom made perfect sense. Now that they are grown and we are older and slower, they are hard words to stick to. We would love for the kids to come home and take over the farm from us now, but that is our wish and not their plan yet. By Natalie Schmitt They haven’t discovered Columnist there is no place like home, and we haven’t gured out how to make room for them either. I learned these words of wisdom around my parent’s kitchen table. It was drilled in my brother’s head before he could come home. Good in theory. Hard in practice. My dad was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in his 50s. My brother Barry came home right after college graduation, but before he had the chance to work somewhere else. The only good thing about the situation was that Dad had to step away from the daily responsibilities, and Barry learned to navigate the farm on his own terms. Not to say that it was easy and smooth sailing, but both of them needed to move into different and opposite positions as father/son and owner/operator. They made it work for them. Through college internships, my nephew has had the experiences needed to return home. He has always had the calling to be the seventh generation to run the family farm in Illinois. Our kids know they have the opportunity to be the fourth generation to run the Schmitt family farm in Minnesota. I was talking with a transition advisor a couple of years back. I had all of these questions about what we should be doing to get things lined up for the next generation. He had all of the answers to my questions but asked me a question to answer rst. Do your kids need to farm your farm or can it be a different farm? I never thought of it in that way. I assumed they would come home and start dairying on our farm. Why would they go someplace different? Then I started to look around our farm. My father-in-law built all of the modern buildings in the 70s and early 80s. They were great facilities to set his boys up to come home to farm. It was a good plan. Like my nephew, Mark has always had the calling to be a dairyman. He knew from a young age that is what he wanted to do but due to circumstances, he didn’t have the chance to work off of the farm to gain a different perspective. Our facilities have been good for us but many not be the right facilities for our kids to return to. They say the dairy industry goes through major changes every 10 years. As Mark said, we’re four turn overs behind in keeping up. We know we need to make changes, but do we make changes for us or for the kids who haven’t returned yet? We have held off on building because we didn’t want to build in the wrong spot and pigeon hole the kids into working around what we built. Another obstacle facing our future is land. We are land locked in our area. Big crop farmers gobble up every piece of land when there is a whiff of a potential sale. The kids recognize they will need a larger land base and more cows to support all the families who may want to come back and dairy farm. They also see they will need to do things differently than what we have done. They will need to generate revenue in different ways through marketing or expansion. One thing is for sure, it won’t look like our farm. But our farm doesn’t look like my father-in-law’s farm or his father’s farm. Nor should it. Everyone needs to make their own mark. So as the graduates answer the repeating question, we must also search for the answer to now what’s next? Natalie, Mark and his brother, Al, Schmitt farm together near Rice, Minn. They milk 100 registered Holsteins under the RALMA prex. Their four children are great help around the farm and are pushing Natalie out of several jobs. Therefore she is thankful to have something else to do. For questions or comments please e-mail Natalie at mnschmitt@jetup.net.
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 33
When the farmer’s away
When the farmer’s away, the cattle will play. Glen hasn’t been sleeping well for quite a while now, so he mentioned it to his doctor when he went in for his check-up this spring. His doctor ordered a sleep study, which was scheduled for earlier this month. The day of the study, we hurried to get chores done so Glen could get to the sleep center on time. After we waved goodbye to Glen, our relief milker took care of milking, and the kids and I started homework, baths, and bedtime. I was tucking Daphne in when my phone beeped with a text message from Ron, our milker. The message said there were some dry cows out. I told Ron I would be right out to help him get Dairy Good Life them back in. I told the kids to go to sleep. I swear the cattle knew Glen was gone for the night. They must have been waiting for this moment ever since the grass turned green. It wasn’t just the dry cows that were out. Apparently, the bred heifers saw the dry cows frolicking about and decided they wanted in on the fun, too. Ron and I rounded up the group of heifers that was lingering around the barn. We got them back in the heifer yard and xed the fence that they had taken down. By Sadie Frericks Then we went looking for Stephanie and Stella, Columnist the two dry cows Ron had rst reported out. What we thought would be a couple more wandering cows turned into a rather large group. There were several more dry cows and a dozen more heifers grazing in the pasture behind our manure lagoon. I guess the cows and heifers couldn’t wait any longer for us to let them out to pasture. Unfortunately for them, the pasture fences hadn’t even been turned on yet, thanks to dismal grass growth, so they couldn’t stay in the pasture. We herded the cows and heifers back into the dry cow yard and then into the milk cow yard. The milk cow yard is equipped with fences and gates that are inescapable. I gured that, since this group of escapees got a taste of fresh grass, they would be eager to escape again. I thanked Ron for staying longer to help me get the cows and heifers back in, and he went home. Before I returned to the house, I decided I As I walked back to the heifer should reinforce the section of heifer yard fence yard, I found Stephanie, Stella, that had been disman- and Obsidian (a heifer) helping tled. Those heifers, too, would be itching to get themselves to the dry cow grain out again. mix in the bin by the shed. As I walked back to the heifer yard, I found Stephanie, Stella, and Obsidian (a heifer) helping themselves to the dry cow grain mix in the bin by the shed. Somehow they disappeared while we were rounding up the rest of the troublemakers. It didn’t help that both Stephanie and Obsidian are nearly as black as night itself. I smacked myself on the forehead for not double-checking that Stephanie and Stella were with the rest of the dry cows before sending Ron home. I was able to direct Stephanie and Stella into the dry cow shed without too much trouble, but Obsidian didn’t want to follow the cows. She took off in the direction of the heifer yard. Luck was on my side, though, or maybe it’s the fact that Obsidian was once Dan’s show calf. Either way, she stopped right by the heifer yard gate. I opened the gate and only had to circle her around once to get her back in the yard. I walked around the farm once more, just to make sure there wouldn’t be any middle-of-the-night surprises. Satised that every stray critter was once again contained, I returned to the house to nd two of our three children still awake. They said they couldn’t settle down due to all of the commotion. I got the kids settled down, nished a few chores, and tucked myself in, all the while thinking that it’s not very often Glen gets to sleep through this kind of excitement. 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
Sign up for our Newsletter
KM Electric Charles City, IA 641-364-2103
TMR Feed Carts
Stationary TMR Mixers
Avon, MN • Covering MN, SD, IA, & WI
Visit us at www.justinaddy.com
Zabel Equip. Eastman, WI 608-874-4105
.HOOL &XOO %XGMRQ )DUPV
“I feel good my investment will last a long time. I particularly like the bedding doors on the back of the group hutches.”
Raise healthier calves in heavier, better ventilated calf hutches! Call or visit us online today to learn more! MFG Co.
320-200-1221
Melrose Imp. Melrose, MN 320-256-4253
“I feel our calf program has been highlighted as one of the best in the country BECAUSE of our Agri-Plastics hutches! We raise a healthier calf that thrives in both individual and group hutches.”
REASONABLE RATES!
Drink Milk
Hartung Sales & Service Freeport, MN 320-836-2697
LOYAL FARM EQUIPMENT
Call for your Concrete Grooving Needs!
Graduate of the Dairyland Hoof Care Institute
Maki Farm Svc LLC Curtiss, WI 715-613-7308
Hanson Silo Lake Lillian, MN 320-664-4171
Round Bale Unrollers
Keep Your Cows Healthy
Dairy St r Milk Break Email andrea.b@dairystar.com
AUTHORIZED DEALERS IN IA, MN & WI
P.O. Box 40 Loyal, WI 54446
FREE 92-Page Printed Catalog
1-800-472-2341
E-mail: info@loyal-roth.com Website: www.loyal-roth.com
Rugged Equipment ... Priced Right ... Since 1956!
Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Two counties, one breakfast Popplers host rst ever Wright Carver dairy breakfast By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
WAVERLY, Minn. – June Dairy Month is right around the corner and dairy farmers across the state are anxiously planning promotional events. This year, Wright County dairy farmers Harlan and Jenny Poppler are expanding their reach to the consumer as they host the rst ever joint dairy breakfast between Wright and Carver counties. “We wanted to expand our publicity for dairy and be able to put the spotlight on more farms as hosts,” said Jenny of the event collaboration. The Popplers and their children, Brett, Halli, Dani and Shayne, along with Jenny’s parents, Roy and Danita Marschall, will welcome guests on June 16 to the Wright Carver Dairy Breakfast on the Farm on their 300-cow registered Holstein farm near Waverly, Minn. The breakfast will begin at 7 a.m., and include a pancake breakfast and free events, such as a petting zoo staffed by PHOTO SUBMITTED the Buffalo, Dassel-Cokato and Howard The Popplers – (from leŌ) Shayne, Jenny, Harlan, BreƩ, Dani and Halli – milk 300 cows near Waverly, Minn. The family Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA chapters, will host the Wright Carver Dairy Breakfast on the Farm June 16. children’s activities, dairy food samples and tours of the Popplers’ dairy. Attendees will also have the oppor- interactive educational booths and dem- High School and take a shuttle to the attend the June event, with 2,000 of tunity to speak with those involved in onstrations. those participating in the breakfast. farm. agriculture to learn about milking cows Anyone who attends should park The planning committee anticipates Turn to POPPLERS | Page 35 and working with equipment through at the Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted nearly 2,500 community members will
why
GENERATORS for small to large dairies.
This is
The DeLaval VMS milking robot makes every second count.
More milk. Faster. +
Unrivalled teat preparation and stimulation One second faster milking per pound of milk means up to 12 additional milkings per day
+
+
High speed farm monitoring
With Smart Monitoring apps, manage your herd from anywhere and make fast, accurate decisions
+
Smart Pulsation 7% higher milk flow means up to 12 additional milkings per day
™
+
Automated body condition scoring
Precision udder health monitoring
Detect mastitis earlier to lower SCC, save money and increase milk yield. Only available with DeLaval Mastitis Detection index and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) with Herd Navigator
Assess cow health and feed intake in real time to make changes quickly with 3D images as cows go through the VMS
Better efficiency and productivity allows the VMS milking robot to pay for itself faster. And that’s making every second count.
DeLaval Robotics. Your future is our why.
Over 200 units currently on hand … 30kw up to 1000kw.
PEAK LOAD SHAVING COMPLIANT UNITS 712-348-7119 AVAILABLE.
Call Jay for your generator needs.
“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
www.delaval-us.com is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB. © 2016 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296
EDERER DAIRY SUPPLY LLC
PROFESSIONAL DAIRY SERVICES
1 (888) 337-6455
1 (608) 849-5043
Plain WI, Dodgeville WI, Blanchardville WI
328 Raemisch Rd, Waunakee, WI 53597
HoÁand Enterprises Inc.
3189 Silver Ave., Sanborn, IA 51248 • corner of Hwy.18 and 59 South
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 35
ConƟnued from POPPLERS | Page 34
HL100 Programmable Calf Feeder
Easy to clean!
IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CALVES PLUS REDUCE COSTS AND IMPROVE RETURNS.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Poppler family raises all of their youngstock. The calves will be on display as part of a guided tour during the dairy breakfast June 16. “We’re thinking most people will the event. “Breakfast on the farms are come from Wright County and the met- a good way to show farmers are good, ro area, but we’re also hoping to draw hard-working people who care about bigger crowds from Carver County to the food they produce for the world.” In preparing for the event, the the event,” said Charles Krause, planPopplers were fortunate not to have to ning committee member. The joint venture was rst consid- make major improvements on the dairy. ered last year when Carver County dairy They recently completed family photos, farmers approached the Wright County which will be used in a promotional Breakfast on the Farm Planning Com- brochure, as well as updated their farm mittee about the annual summer event. sign. “After spring planting, we will do “Carver County has never hosted a dairy breakfast before and they were more farm clean up and put out potted interested in doing that,” Krause said. owers,” Jenny said. On June 16, the Popplers are ex“They came to one of our planning meetings to see what it was all about. pecting a large crowd of people eager And honestly, we were running out of to learn more about agriculture, specically the dairy industry. volunteers to host.” “I can’t wait to see the expressions The collaboration has allowed more sponsors to participate, as well as bring of the children and adults as they learn fresh ideas to the planning committee how modern agriculture works to feed our nation,” Jenny said. meetings. Moving forward, the counties plan “We’d like to start planning ahead and have a host farm for the following to alternate host farms – rst in Wright year already named,” Krause said. “This County and then next year in Carver way, they can attend the event the year County. “The thing with doing the breakbefore they host and get a better idea of fast as two counties is that we can show what it all takes.” This is the rst year the Poppler more people dairy farms,” Harlan said. family has hosted a dairy breakfast on “It’s important that they understand that larger farms like ours are still family their farm. In 2001, Harlan and Jenny wed, owned and operated. All farmers care and Harlan began working on the for their cattle and the food they proMarschalls’ dairy farm in Shakopee, duce.” Minn. Over the next two years, the young couple purchased the dairy herd and decided to relocate to a more agriculture-focused part of the state. “At that time, Shakopee was growing fast, and so we decided to move the dairy to Waverly,” Harlan said. In addition to milking 300 cows, the Popplers raise 500 heifers and run 1,950 acres of land. “Our family has a schedule for everyone, but we all work together to get each job done,” Harlan said. “We also employ a great staff of milkers and other help throughout the year.” Last spring, the Popplers were encouraged to host the upcoming event. “We wanted to PHOTO SUBMITTED promote dairy in our counties,” Jenny Poppler Dairy will host the rst annual Wright Carver said of why her fam- Dairy Breakfast on the Farm June 16 near Waverly, ily wanted to host Minn.
Optimum and early nutrition promotes the calves’ future high performance potential. With an optimized feeding program, they will produce 10% 20% more milk. An improved state of health results in a lower death rate, too, hence more animals in the herd reared from your herd offspring.
• Can feed 100-120 calves with just one unit • Tube Cleaning - Even the Teat • Cleaned Mucus Tray • Natural Drinking Approach • LED lit teat • Calves Teach Themselves
Introducing the Double Milk Jug!
Same great features as the original plus more! There are two separate tanks that share a cooling compressor. When tank 1 is empty the Milk Jug will automatically switch over to tank 2 and wash tank 1. A continuous supply of milk available.
Dairyland Equipment Services, Inc.
Dairyland Services, LLC
Montgomery, MN
800-548-2540
Woodville, WI
866-467-4717
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
Bill Bartusch • 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
Jim Ryan • 605-668-4275 Yankton, SD Lean Cows • Bulls
Mike Baczwaski • 800-445-0042 Gibbon, NE Fed Cows • Lean Cows • Bulls
Hutchinson Buying Station
Ricky Schiefelbein • 320-304-2346 Hutchinson, MN
Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
Women In Dairy Mindi Arendt Mazeppa, Minn. Wabasha County 600 cows Family: I live on our family dairy farm with my husband, Nate, and our four children, Makayla, 17, Jakalyn, 15, Zakary, 14, and Bakster, 10. Tell us about your farm. Our family dairy was established in the late 1870s. My husband is the fth generation. We milk 600 Holsteins and run about 800 acres for forage. What is the busiest time of day for you? On the farm, mornings are the busiest for me. It’s when I’m in the barn doing calf chores, doing reproduction checks and giving vaccinations. In the afternoon, it slows down and I can focus on ofce work. On the home front, evenings are the busiest because our kids are active in extra-curricular activities. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? I support and cheer on our kids and their teammates at their sporting events. I also coach ninth grade volleyball and co-coach our youngest son’s basketball team. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. One that stands out is when a handful of us were covering a corn silage pile at midnight in an extreme down pour. We were drenched before we ever started. But it is amazing what you can get done when everyone has the same goal in mind. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? Dairy farming is a great life. The values it has taught my kids are tremendous. It is also a job that keeps life interesting. No two days are the same. There are always new challenges. Dairy farming is also rewarding. You meet many wonderful people who share the same passion as you. As dairy farmers
we get to provide consumers with a wholesome, high quality product. It is always fun giving tours to consumers, especially the kids. Their expressions and questions are priceless. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? One way is attending seminars and conferences, such as ones put on by Minnesota Milk. Publications and social media keep me in the know, plus I have great conversations with people within the industry who are at the farm. I also am a member of the Wabasha County American Dairy Association Board, where I assist with our county dairy princess program, and I was elected to the Minnesota division of the Midwest Dairy Board. Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? My husband. He has taught me so much about the dairy industry. I started out as a city girl that swore she would never marry a farmer or live in the country. Now I wouldn’t trade either. My knowledge of dairy has grown tremendously. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be? Oprah Winfrey. It amazes me at how many people she inuences, especially mothers. And I would say a huge consumer base for our dairy industry is moms. Kids may help their moms make the decisions on what to put in the cart, but I still think moms have the nal say.
FARM INFORMATION STATION Joe Gill • Farm Director
What is the best vacation you have ever taken? Anything that involves time with the family. The quick, last minute trips to the lake in Wisconsin are always fun.
Catch the Dairy Star’s Mark Klaphake with Joe Gill at 6:45 a.m. the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month on KASM!
What are some words you like to live by? Always be you. Work hard, play hard. Life is short, so smile and don’t sweat the small stuff.
SERVING CENTRAL MINNESOTA FOR OVER 50 YEARS
PO Box 160, Albany, MN • (320) 845-2184 • Fax (320) 845-2187
tfn
M&D TRUCK AND EQUIPMENT
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR
1997 New Holland 7610 S, 2,094 Hrs., O-ROPS, 95Hp, New Holland Diesel, 540 PTO, 3-Point, 2-Remotes, 6,200# Machine - $16,500 New Bradco 60” Magnum Mulcher Series 2 Attachment, 5ft width, 3060 GPM - With 44 Reversible Claw Teeth, 80” Hoses, 3-line hydraulics, Universal Mounting & Universal Electrical Control Box - Skid Steer Loader Attachment - $22,900
2007 Caterpillar D6K XL, 3,980 Hrs., E-ROPS w/Air, 125Hp, Cat Diesel, 120” 6-Way Blade, 22” Pads, GPS Ready, 28,409# Machine - $83,500
2012 Caterpillar 416F, 1,761 Hrs., w/Air, 97Hp, Ext-Hoe, 18’ Depth, 96” B.O.C.E. Bkt, Rear 24” Tooth Bkt, Rear Manual Coupler, Ride Control, Good Rubber, 24,250# Mach. - $56,500
2013 Volvo MCT125C , 2,308 Hrs., w/Air, 84Hp, JCB Diesel, ISO/H Ctrl Pattern, 2,600# Lift Cap., Manual Coupler, Standard Flow, 14 Pin Wire Harness, 18” Tracks, 84” Bkt, 10,205# Mach. - $29,500
2018 Lamar Trailers Inc 102” X 32’ XD Deck-Over, New 20k, 3 Year Frame Warranty, Lifetime Warranty LED Lights, 2” Treated Pine Floor, 6” Channel, 2 x 7k lb. Axles, Hydraulic Cylinder Lift - $10,699
201 N 29th Ave. Monroe, WI 53566
608-325-3810 1-888-811-2525 www.mdtruckequipment.com
www.skidloadersource.com
DAIRY FARMERS
Supplier of Conventional and Organic Feed and Seed AND KSI Plastic - Bunker Covers, Silage & Grain Bags, Bale wrap, Net Wrap, Twine
from Elba Coop
Your one stop for all you farm needs 1230 S. Main St. Elba, MN • 507-796-6571 • 507-932-3861
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 37
Dairy festivities during June Dairy Fest, June 2 The 2018 Dairy Fest Celebration will be June 2 at the Swiftel Center in Brookings, S.D. The event is free and open to the public. It is designed for all ages to learn about dairy including the “Got Milk Galaâ€?, Fork to Farm: Dairy Educational Event, leadership training with Sue McCloskey, Dairy Fest Carnival, cooking with dairy demonstrations, SDSU Davis Dairy Plant tours, and a free lunch and bus tour of Old Tree Farms in Volga. For more information about Dairy Fest, please visit the Dairy Fest Facebook page to learn more.. Clay County Breakfast on the Farm, June 2 The Clay County Breakfast on the Farm will take place on June 2 from 7a.m. to noon at Dave and Joanne Herbranson Farm - 12402 260th St. S, Hawley, Minn. The event is a free will donation that will be given to the Hawley Lions. Pancakes, sausage (locally made), fresh scrambled eggs, cheese, milk, coffee from Subway and water will be served. Come enjoy ice cream cones, entertainment by Eric Reitan, horse drawn wagon rides, bouncy houses, barrel train rides, play in the corn box, milk Daisy May, farm animal zoo, farm safety just for kids (and adults), kiddie pedal tractor contest, free cheese samples, Sunbutter tasting, ďƒ&#x;avored butter tasting, tractor parade, new and old farm equipment display. Free parking with shuttle rides to the breakfast is available. For questions contact Keith or Lori Aakre - 218-9375514 or BOTF.Hawley@gmail.com. The Clay County Breakfast on the Farm is sponsored by Clay County Farm Bureau, Hawley Area Lions and many other local organizations. Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm, June 2 Stearns County Breakfast on the Farm will be from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at Vogt Dairy in Sauk Centre, Minn. Park at the Stearns County Fairgrounds, and a free shuttle bus will take you to the farm. The cost of the event is free. Pancakes and sausage is served for breakfast with a charge of $5. Activities include farm tours, horse wagon rides, petting zoo, ice cream cones and an obstacle course. Contact Tara Meyer at 507-330-3927 with any questions. This event is sponsored by Stearns County Farm Bureau and other local organizations. MoDak Dairy Day, June 9 Visit MoDak Dairy Day from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 46472 171 St, Goodwin, S.D. The MoDak family invites you to tour their dairy, enjoy a free grilled cheese sandwich, and learn more about dairy in South Dakota. No registration required. Steele County Breakfast on the Farm, June 9 Steele County Breakfast on the Farm will take place from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Balzer Dairy Farm - Rick and Cathy Balzer Family, 5005 NE 60th St., Owatonna, Minn. Free bus transportation available from Steele County Farigrounds, starting at 8 a.m. Last bus will depart to the farm at 11:30 a.m. Handicap parking only at the farm. Cost is $5 per person, children 5 and under eat free. Pancakes, sausage, cheese, milk and coffee will be served. Activities include a tour of the barns, pictures with the calf, robotic milking machines, petting zoo, butter making, kiddy train rides, crafts, bouncy houses and Steele County Dairy Princesses and Dairy Ambassadors. This event is sponsored by Steele County American Dairy Association.
6$8. &(175( 01 ³Â§à ŒâoĂ”oĂ˜Ă˘ Â’ÂŚAÂŚ\’Œ† ĂťA’›AR›oc Ă? <oAĂ”Ă˜
8600, 2016, 785 Hrs, RWA, Warranty ......$359,000 8600, 2015, 436 Hrs, RWA, Warranty ......$349,000 8500, 2016, 665 Hrs, RWA, Warranty ......$329,000 8500, 2016, 248 Hrs, RWA, Warranty ......$335,000 7780, 2014, 1301 Hrs, RWA .....................$239,000 7780, 2015, 382 Hrs, RWA ................... Coming In! 7580, 2013, 610 Hrs, RWA .......................$259,500 7950, 2012, 694 Hrs, RWA .......................$274,900 7850, 2008, 1600 Hrs, RWA .....................$179,500 7550, 2012, 1825 Hrs, RWA .....................$205,000 7550, 2008, 1359 Hrs, RWA .....................$189,500 7450, 2009, 1550 Hrs, RWA .....................$189,500 7450, 2010, 2985 Hrs, RWA .....................$139,000 7350, 2008, 2950 Hrs, RWA .....................$149,000 7800, 2007, 1885 Hrs, RWA .....................$159,500 7700, 2007, 1570 Hrs, RWA .....................$169,500 7500, 2005, 2423 Hrs, RWA .....................$135,000 7500, 2003, 3100 Hrs, RWA .....................$128,000 7450, 2009, 1748 Hrs, RWA .....................$167,000 Steel Deal 7400, 2004, 2918 Hrs, RWA .......................$99,000 Pricing 7300, 2003,3637 Hrs, RWA ........................$79,000 6850, 1999, 3120 Hrs, RWA .......................$79,500 6850, 1998, 3100 Hrs, 2WD .......................$74,500 6810, 1997, 2520 Hrs, 2wd ........................$25,000
11th Annual Breakfast on the Farm, June 16 Visit Royalwood Dairy in Brandon, S.D. from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meet a dairy farmer, watch cows being milked, make free ‘Hood Magazine Make-N-Take crafts. Performances by Phil Baker at 10:30 and 11:30. Top off your morning with pancakes and ice cream. A free-will donation will be collected for the food and will be donated to Feeding South Dakota. The farm is located just ďƒžve minutes east of Sioux Falls. Fillmore County Dairy Night on the Farm, June 16 Fillmore County Dairy Night on the Farm will take place from 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Roadside Dairy - Todd and Sue Hendrickson, 14163 241st Ave, Preston, Minn. From Harmony, 8 miles west on County Road 44. Turn north at 241st Ave (Bristol) and go one mile. Cost is a free will donation. The event will include a farm tour, dairy displays, inďƒ&#x;atables, prize giveaways and dairy royalty. Cheese burgers, baked beans, cheese curds, milk and malts will be served. Contact Trinity Johnson 507-273-7550 with any questions. This event is sponsored by the Fillmore County American Dairy Association. Mower County Breakfast on the Farm, June 16 Mower County Breakfast on the Farm will take place from 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. with Children’s Activities from 9:30 a.m - 11 a.m. The event will take place at Brian and Aimee Klouse Farms, 56633 150th St. Austin, Minn. Go south on Hwy 218, turn left on 150th St. Cost of the event is $3 for adults, children 6 and under free, family $12. Menu is pancakes, sausage, milk, coffee and orange drink. Activities include a scavenger hunt, bouncy house, petting zoo, horse drawn wagon rides and machinery exhibits. Parking is available onsite. Please contact Virginia Bissen - vmbissen@gmail.com or 507-582-3158 with any questions. This event is sponsored by Mower County Farm Bureau.
6750, 1999, 2839 Hrs, RWA .......................$74,000 6710, 1995, 2908 Hrs, RWA .......................$68,500 6710, 1993, 2116 Hrs, 2WD .......................$49,000 5830, 1991, 3700 Hrs, RWA .......................$39,900 Steel Deal 5730, 1986, 4980 Hrs, RWA .......................$25,000 Pricing Claas 970, 2008, 3000 Hrs, RWA ............$175,000 Claas 900, 2005, 2848 Hrs ...................... $115,000 Claas 890, 2002, 2290 Hrs, RWA ............$129,000 All hours listed are “cutter hours�.
8500
2016, 665 Hrs., RWA, KP, Dual Header Drive, Autolube, Guidance Ready, Warranty
$
329,000
@™™ à Šd@Ăž {ŠÒ dmĂ @Â?™Ö Š¤ ŠÍÒ @Ă–ĂžÂ? m@Ă–m |¤@¤ZÂ?¤„y $âÂ?oĂ” ÂĄA\Â?Â’ÂŚoĂ˜ AĂťA’›AR›o }ÂŤĂ” ›oAĂ˜o AÂ›Ă˜ÂŤĂ‚ 0ĂR™o\â ⍠\Ă”of’â AŸŸÔÝA›Â A›› }ÂŤĂ” foâAÂ’Â›Ă˜Ă‚
Waseca County Dinner on the Farm, June 12 Waseca County Dinner on the Farm will be from 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at Farmamerica, 7367 360th Ave, Waseca, Minn. The event is free of charge. The menu includes burgers, chips, milk and root beer ďƒ&#x;oats. Activities include tours, machinery exhibits and a variety of kids’ activities. Parking is available onsite. Please contact Ashley Harguth at 507-461-2098 or ashley.harguth@hotmail.com with any questions. This event is sponsored by Waseca County Farm Bureau. Dodge County Dinner with a Farmer, June 14 Dodge County Dinner with a Farmer is held from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Park in Kasson, Minn. Memorial Park is close to the Kasson Aquatic Center. Cost is $5. The menu includes burgers, chips, water, cookie and ice cream. A petting zoo and a free movie will be available. Contact Mary Jo Schoenfeld, 507455-0745 or maryjo.schonfeld@fbmn.org with questions. The event is sponsored by Dodge County Farm Bureau.
3KRQH $VN IRU 5DOSK RU 6WHYH
ZZZ PPFMG FRP
W4666 State Hwy 85 | Durand, WI | 715.672.4263 36275 Tower Drive | Whitehall, WI | 715.538.1495 www.komrosales.com
2017 Hagedorn 277 Spreader (270 cu. ft.)
Artex SB300 (300 cu. ft.)
OWN FOR: $26,640
OWN FOR: $29,417
Artex SB600 (600 cu. ft.)
Artex SBx800 (858 cu. ft.)
RENT FOR: $350/day
RENT FOR: $375/day
OWN FOR: $47,200
OWN FOR: $56,204
Houle 8� x 52’ Lagoon Pump
Nuhn 8� x 48’ Lagoon Pump
RENT FOR: $700/day (sand) $500/day (no sand)
RENT FOR: $700/day (sand) $500/day (no sand)
RENT FOR: $750/day
OWN FOR: $31,980
RENT FOR: $1,000/day
OWN FOR: $34,000
Agitating, Injecting, or Spreading, We have your owning and rental needs covered!
Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
“DEPENDABLE
PEOPLE AND CONSISTENT YIELDS. THAT’S WHAT WE NEED. THAT’S WHAT WE GET.”
Emily Carolan DuPont Pioneer Territory Manager
Brent Fetzer Dairy Producer
Kevin Niebur Pioneer Sales Professional
Wade Crosby DuPont Pioneer Marketing Manager
The Silage Zone® resource combines proven products, unmatched support and forage management solutions to help you achieve success. See more at pioneer.com/silagestories.
PIONEER® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase which are part of the labeling and purchase documents. ® TM SM , , Trademarks and service marks of DuPont, Pioneer or their respective owners. © 2018 PHII. DUPPFO18020_VAR1_041418_DS
Dairy prole
Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018 • Page 39
sponsored by
Mark Ruegemer Villard, Minn. Pope County 68 cows How did you get into farming? I grew up farming. I did construction for a couple years, then I decided to get into it and started purchasing animals. Now, I own all the cattle. I’m buying some of the equipment from my parents, Tim and Marian. What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? I hope the milk prices start coming up, so I can make improvements on the farm and purchase more equipment and the land in the future. What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? The smart phone. It’s great for keeping track of records, and I use it to look up things. I also use it to communicate with my nutritionist and processor. I like the efciency of it. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? I changed how I feed my smaller calves. After they were weaned, I used to put them in a super hutch and give them forage and grain. Now, I keep them on grain one month longer and their weight gain has been better. What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? I try to do more maintenance around the farm myself. How do you retain a good working relationship with your employee(s)? I don’t have any full-time employees. I do work with Mom and Dad, and I have some nephews that drive tractor and haul boxes for me. I try to communicate well with them. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I can do construction and try to do a lot of it myself on the farm. I added two stalls to the super hutch myself and built a heifer shed with help. I do construction on the side, now. What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Being my own boss. I like making my own schedule of what I want to get done in a day. I like being home with the kids.
What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Stay efcient and pay attention to your low producing cows. What has been the best purchase you’ve ever made on your farm? The skidloader. It’s made things handy, efcient and less labor intensive. What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? There have been little improvements like my changes with how I feed the calves. I’ve also changed how we do feed storage. We do mostly piles and bags. I like it because the quality is better and the feeding is easier and more efcient. What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? I want to keep plugging away at purchasing machinery and land. How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? My wife, Deidre, and I have six kids. We like to go camping a couple times a year or hang out at home. Our kids help quite a bit on the dairy.
Star Blends is a full service feed manufacturing facility. We provide custom complete feeds, supplements and minerals. We utilize modern technology to produce your needed products on demand with the highest quality feeds at the best cost. We also offer a wide selection of commodities, ingredients and additives. We are focused on dairy, efficiently delivering to farms in Western Wisconsin. Give us a call, we’d be happy to discuss our commodities or custom products and services with you and your nutritionist.
1919 Riley Road Sparta, WI 54656 | 800.462.4125
Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, May 26, 2018
FAST UNLOADING CAPABILITY
2044 & 2054 PROPUSH®
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 QUALITY®
440 & 540 heaped cu. ft. capacities KuhnNorthAmerica.com
Salesmen: Shawn Martin (608) 778-4554 or Joe Ryan (608) 778-2900
Office: (608) 348-9401 or Toll Free: 1(888) BUY-Patz www.steinhartsfarmservice.com
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI
FAST. CONSISTENT. VERSATILE.
SL 100 SERIES PROTWIN® SLINGER® SIDE-DISCHARGE SPREADER • • • •
All-new discharge provides more consistent, even spreading Exclusive twin-auger design eliminates material bridging Extended and simplified service intervals save time and money Versatility to handle the widest variety of materials
1000, 1400, 1800 and 2400 gallon capacities • trailer models
INVEST IN QUALITY®
KuhnNorthAmerica.com
Salesmen: Shawn Martin (608) 778-4554 or Joe Ryan (608) 778-2900
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI
Office: (608) 348-9401 or Toll Free: 1(888) BUY-Patz www.steinhartsfarmservice.com
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI