Past,Present, Future. Read our Past, Present, Future feature starting on page 13 of the 2nd section!
Volume 26, No. 9
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June 22, 2024
“All dairy, all the time”™
HPAI Appreciating farmers continues Secretary Romanski visits dairy to spread in farms to deliver care packages dairy cattle By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
Wisconsin, Minnesota announce new testing orders By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
Nearly three months ago, the rst cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Inuenza H5N1 in dairy cattle was conrmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Since then, the virus has continued to spread, affecting dairy cattle across the country. This month, documented conrmed cases in Iowa, Minnesota and Wyoming bring the total number of conrmed cases to 102 herds in 12 states as of June 18. Illness among three dairy farm workers — one from Texas and two from Michigan — have been conrmed after exposure to infected dairy cattle. The spread of H5N1 between states has been linked to the movement of lactating dairy cattle. This prompted the Federal Order that went into effect April 29 requiring lactating dairy cattle to have a negative test within seven days of crossing state lines. Epidemiological evidence suggests that further local spread is likely multi-factorial, through both direct and indirect transmission routes. A national epidemiological brief posted June 13 on the APHIS website, which detailed information collected from 54% of affected premises as of June 8, said that more than 20% of affected farms brought animals into the herd within 30 days of the initial observation of clinical symptoms. More than 60% of farms continued to move animals off the farm after the onset of those clinical signs. The level of impact the disease has had on affected farms varies greatly. The most prevalent clinical signs observed in dairy cattle include milk that appears abnormal and a decrease in production, feed consumption and rumination. Cows frequently exhibit fevers and dehydration. Other clinical symptoms reported include respiratory issues such as increased respiratory rates, labored breathing, nasal discharge and pneumonia.
Turn to H5N1 | Page 2
WALDO, Wis. — Farming is hard work. But when that work is recognized by others, it can make a big difference. On May 30, six farmers in Sheboygan County were shown appreciation when they received a visit from Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Randy Romanski. He came bearing gifts and lent an ear to learn about their farms and issues they might be facing. “I was glad to be part of this event,” Romanski said. “It highlighted how important it is for us to be connected with our neighbors, and how those relationships can create a support network within our community. I always enjoy hearing
from farmers about their operations, what they’re most proud of, and how we at the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection can help connect the dots to resources that may support their farm goals.” May was Mental Health Awareness Month, and as part of awareness efforts, the Sheboygan County Farm Bureau hosted Romanski in conjunction with the Farm Neighbors Care campaign. This campaign was started by the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation to bring awareness about farmers’ mental health and the struggles farmers face.
Turn to ROMANSKI | Page 6
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Wisconsin Secretary of Agriculture Randy Romanski (from leŌ), Yvonne Preder, Bill Schultz and Brandon Schultz pause May 30 during Romanski’s visit to Lyn-Vale Farms near Waldo, Wisconsin. Preder and Schultz were one of 35 farmers nominated to receive a care package as part of Sheboygan County Farm Bureau’s involvement with the Farm Neighbors Care campaign.
42-year dairy career comes to a close Larsons exit industry on their own terms By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR
Sarah and Richard Larson take a break June 3 on their farm near Alma Center, Wisconsin. The Larsons dairy farmed for 42 years unƟl they reƟred from milking this year.
ALMA CENTER, Wis. — Richard and Sara Larson’s 42-year dairy career had its share of challenges, but also included many highlights. “It’s been good to us,” Richard Larson said. “It’s been tougher at times, but it’s been alright.” Richard and Sara sold their 26-cow dairy herd in April to retire from milking on their farm near Alma Center. Richard purchased the
farm on a land contract July 8, 1981. The 16-year-old had just nished his sophomore year of high school. He had been renting the land since he was 14 years old, with his father co-signing a crop loan. When the owner was ready to retire, they made a deal with Richard to purchase the farm. The interest rate on the land contract was 12.75% and personal property was charged at 19% interest. Richard purchased 24 calves in the fall of 1981, raised them, bred them and then sold all but seven as springing heifers in 1983. He bought another 30 milking cows when he was 18. Turn to LARSONS | Page 5