Seniors! CELEBRATING OUR
See pages 12 & 13 of the Second Section for our High School Senior Feature!
DAIRY ST R
June 27, 2020
“All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 22, No. 9
Pahl took a leap of faith
Lake City woman joins family farm with hopes to take over in future By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
LAKE CITY, Minn. – When Abby Pahl decided to leave her full-time job and join her family’s dairy in May 2019, the industry had been dealing with several years of a depressed milk price. Despite this, Pahl knew she needed to make the move. “I can’t deny that there was risk coming back to the farm,” she said. “But I was learing on my strong faith and decided to take the leap.” Pahl joined her parents, Kent and Deborah Mills, on their 280-cow dairy near Lake City. Although Pahl’s husband, Jordan, works off the farm as an A.I. technician, he puts in time at the dairy after work hours. In the future, the couple would like to take over from
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Abby Pahl stands in the calf barn at her family’s 280-cow dairy near Lake City, Minnesota. Over one year ago, Pahl joined her parents, Kent and Deborah Mills, full Ɵme with plans to take over as the next generaƟon with her husband, Jordan.
Pahl’s parents as owners and operators. “It’s a legacy thing,” Pahl said. “Jordan and I are wanting to be the next generation so our kids have the opportunity to follow in our footsteps.” The Pahls are expecting their rst child in September. Kent and Deborah bought and moved their dairy to their current farmsite 12 years ago in order to fulll their dream of owning their own farm. “We’re hoping we can keep it going because that’s part of why my parents moved here – so they could give us a future,” Pahl said. During their involvement on the farm, Pahl feels she and Jordan have helped make improvements to keep the farm going towards its goals of being a sustainable, protable farm for their family. “Cow comfort has been a really big focus to Jordan and I,” she said. In the last year, Pahl said cow comfort has improved. Turn to PAHL | Page 5
Farm on display
Hunekes host drivethru event in lieu of county dairy breakfast By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Volunteers help direct vehicles in the right direcƟon at the start of the drivethru dairy experience June 19 at the Huneke family’s 240-cow dairy near Bellechester, Minnesota. The event took the place of the annual county breakfast on the farm.
BELLECHESTER, Minn. – The cows at the Huneke family’s dairy saw a parade of more than just the tractor and feed mixer drive through their barn the morning of June 19. A steady line of vehicles packed with kids and adults alike wound its way through the barns for a pandemic-safe version of a breakfast on the farm at the 240cow dairy near Bellechester. The dairy is owned and operated by Paul Huneke and his two sons, Marc and Micah. “It was a spur of the moment thing,” Micah Huneke said about deciding to host the event. The Goodhue County American Dairy Association board had canceled its
breakfast for this year amidst the threat of COVID-19. But at the end of May, the Hunekes received a call about hosting the event in a new way. “We thought if there was any year to do it, this would be the year,” Huneke said. In its normal fashion, the annual county breakfast on the farm has drawn upwards of 1,800 people in more recent years. “We can’t really host because we don’t have a good area to park a lot of the cars,” Huneke said. However, their barns have wide alley ways, which made it a perfect set up for people to take a tour from the comfort and safety of their vehicles. Cars entered the farm’s eld drive way near the end of the freestall barn, waiting in one of three lines to take their turn to join the tour. Volunteers from farm organizations and businesses greeted people in their cars with information pamTurn to HUNEKES | Page 7
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
ISSN 020355 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) 352-5647 Published by Dairy Star LLC General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake - mark.k@dairystar.com 320-352-6303 (ofďƒžce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition Nancy Powell 320-352-6303 nancy.p@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Editorial Staff Krista Kuzma - Editor/Wisconsin (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Andrea Borgerding - Associate Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com Stacey Smart - Staff Writer (262) 442-6666 • stacey.s@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Advertising Sales Main Ofďƒžce: 320-352-6303 Fax: 320-352-5647 Deadline is 5 p.m. of the Friday the week before publication Sales Manager - Joyce Frericks 320-352-6303 • joyce@dairystar.com Bob Leukam (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-1248 (cell) bob.l@star-pub.com Mark Klaphake (Western MN) 320-352-6303 (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 Amanda Hoeďƒ&#x;er (Eastern Iowa) 320-250-2884 • amanda.h@dairystar.com Julie Barnes (SE WI and Northern IL) julie.b@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@dairystar.com Ashley Curry (Northeast WI and Upper MI) 920-539-7268 • ashley.c@dairystar.com Deadlines The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Subscriptions One year subscription $35.00, outside the U.S. $110.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Advertising Our ad takers have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute 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.
Our view
Dairy producers help national promotion month continue
This year has looked different in many regards with events either canceled or hosted virtually with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In the dairy community, farmers and county dairy princesses have used social media platforms to connect with consumers, reaching both their traditional audience and those far beyond that. Amidst all the challenges of the past few months, the pandemic did not squash all dairy farmers’ plans for this year’s in-person June Dairy Month celebrations. While many events were canceled due to the restrictions of large gatherings, dairy farmers have used their ingenuity to promote in a different way. One example is the idea of the drive through dairy breakfast. There have been many such events that have popped up all across our coverage area. In working with other area businesses, these dairy promotion boards have put together great events in short periods of time. In this issue, both in our print and online editions, we feature two events that took on a unique spin to the traditional breakfast on the farm celebration. In Pepin County, Wisconsin, the promotion board members still wanted people to enjoy food typically found at an on-farm breakfast. Instead of eating at a farm, they gathered volunteers to create bags ďƒžlled with breakfast food to make at home. And, almost all of the food was locally sourced. In Goodhue County, Minnesota, the county American Dairy Association organized and planned a drivethrough dairy tour at the Huneke family’s dairy farm in less than a month. Participants of the tour drove through the barns and saw the farm from the comfort and safety of their vehicle. Plus, there were volunteers throughout the tour route to answer questions, and participants received a goodie bag of dairy products at the end. Whether ďƒžnding a way to safely host in-person events or inviting people to learn more about the dairy community through an online platform, the opportunities for dairy promotion are vast. So, as we near the end of June Dairy Month, it is important to remember – while it may look different than years past – there is still promotion. There is still celebration. There is still a thankfulness for dairy farmers. This time has made us realize challenges, including a pandemic, cannot keep dairy farmers down. They ďƒžnd new or different ways to share their story. Because of this, dairy month has continued on and will be one to recall for the ages.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Ag Insider
Pages 8-9 First Section
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Turner
Bon Yankton Homme
Lin
Clay
Lyon
Hubbard Jackson
Osceola O’Brien
Sioux Plymouth
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Zone 1
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Page
Kanabec ms ey
Worth
Mitchell Howard
Hancock Cerro Gordo
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Floyd
Bremer
Wright Franklin Butler
Greene Guthrie
Boone
Dallas
Story
Black Hawk
Tama
Jasper
Fayette
Benton
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Dela
Jones
Linn
Jackson Clinton
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Iowa
First Section: Pages 1, 5 - 6
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Bu
Jo
Scott
Muscatine
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Po
Polk
all
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Ma
Pahl took a leap of faith
Houston
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Grundy un Webster Hamilton Hardin
Au
Pottawattamie Cass Mills
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Fillimore
Mower
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Ca
Crawford Carroll
Harrison Shelby
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Palo Alto
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Woodbury
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Dick
Clay
Freeborn
Faribault
Martin
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Hutchinson
Nobles
Lake City
Winona
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Wabasha
Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted
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Charles Mix
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Murray
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Gregory
Moody
Goodhue
Rice
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Todd
Tripp
Douglas
Lake
Nicollet
Brown
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Mellette
Miner
Redwood
Dakota
Scott
Sibley
Lyon
All
Aurora
Brule
Sanborn
Brookings
Madison Warren Marion Mahaska Keokuk
Adair
Adams Taylor
Union ld
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Clarke
Lucas
Decatur Wayne
Monroe Wapello se
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Davis
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Lyman
Jerauld
Kingsbury
W in
Buffalo
Beadle
Carver
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Hamlin
Hand
Hennepin
McLeod
Renville
Yellow Medicine
Wa s
Hyde
Deuel
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Jones
Hughes
Lac Qui Parle
Codington
Anoka
Wright
Meeker
sh
Stanley
Clark
Kandiyohi
Chippewa
Isanti
Ra
Spink
Sherburne
Washington
Sully
Swift
Benton
Stearns
Pope
First Section: Pages 34 - 35
Pine
Mille Lacs
Morrison
Douglas
Stevens
Grant
Faulk
Potter
Big Stone
Day
Crow Wing
Todd Grant
Crown helps Sauder tell dairy story
Carlton
eu r
Edmunds
Ziebach
Bennett
Roberts
Marshall
McPherson
Otter Tail
Pine Island
Aitkin
we
Fall River
Sargent
Cass
Su
Dewey
Haakon
Richland
Brown Walworth
Jackson
Shannon
Campbell
Corson
Dickey
McIntosh
Sioux
Becker
Clay
Ransom
LaMoure
Emmons
Pennington
Custer
Cass
Mah
Le
Pages 8 - 9 Second Section
Bames
Lake
Itasca
go
Lawrence
Stutsman
Cook
isa Ch
The “Mielke” Meade Market Weekly
Kidder
Logan
Grant
Perkins Page 33 First Section
Butte
Burleigh
Morton
Adams
en nom
Wadena
Page 32 First Section
Polk
Trail
Steele
Wilkin
JustStark Thinking OutHettinger Loud
Griggs
Norman
Oliver
Dairy Good Life
Harding
Foster
Tra ver se
Bowman
Sheridan Mercer
Lincoln
Slope
Wells
Koochiching St. Louis
Red Lake
Eddy
McLean
Beltrami
Pennington
Grand Forks
First Section: Pages 37 - 38
Lake of the Woods
Marshall
Benson Nelson
Roseau
Pipestone
Golden Valley
Kittson
Walsh
Ramsey
McHenry
Ward
Pembina
Da vi so n
Billings
Page 31 Dunn First Section
Cavalier
Towner
Pierce
Something to Ruminate On
McKenzie
Rolette
n
Page 30 Williams First Section Mountrail
Bottineau
n
Renville
Meyer eager to convey dairy message to consumers
First Section: Page 39
First Section: Pages 23, 25
io
Dear County Burke Agent Guy
Third Section: Pages 8 - 9
Grove City
Dairy Prole: Corey Groshen
Massmann opens bar, restaurant to diversify income
Fraki family
Third Section: Pages 5 - 6
Grove City
Melrose
Kids Corner:
Un
Page 26 First Section
Divide
Ottertail
Changing with the times
Clearwater
Hartington, Neb.
FSA News & Notes
Louisa
n rso Henry Des
fe Jef
Van Buren
Moines
Lee
Wakon
Zone 2
Organic, energy-efcient dairy keeps Langland in business Second Section: Pages 6 - 7
Stewartville
Dux dairy perseveres through second pandemic Second Section: Pages 14 - 15
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE:
How does this year’s rst crop compare to previous years? First Section: Pages 15 - 16
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 5
ConƟnued from PAHL | Page 1
Bongards’ Creameries has been adding value for many Minnesota dairy farmers since 1908, and our reputation as one of the country’s most distinctive cheese brands pricing and believe in paying a premium for quality milk, with a SCC premium up to $0.70/cwt. Quality pay for quality milk! If you are interested in becoming a member of Bongards’ Creameries, please call us today!
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Kent and Deborah Mills (leŌ) are pictured with their daughter and son-in-law, Abby and Jordan Pahl, on their dairy near Lake City, Minnesota. The farm has replaced half of the stall dividers in their freestall barn with plans to nish the rest in the upcoming year. Sprinkler heads and other parts of the system have been upgraded and replaced to be back in full and efcient working order. “We (my family) have been here 12 years so things are getting older,” Pahl said. “We’re just slowly trying to make improvements.” The Pahls and the Mills also changed the stall bedding from lime to a sand mixture. “The lime was packing differently than the sand does,” Pahl said. With this switch, the cows have increased production and decreased somatic cell count. “The cows are denitely more comfortable,” Pahl said. These changes are all part of one of their dairy farming philosophies. “Do the best you can with the money you have to have strong and healthy cows,” Pahl said. Although she does many jobs around the farm, Pahl’s main responsibility on a day-to-day basis is to take care of the calves. “It’s what gets me up in the morning,” she said. It has not always been Pahl’s dream to be a dairy farmer. In college, she
explored elementary education, agriculture education and communicative disorders before switching to animal science. “One winter break it all ipped,” Pahl said. “I came home from college and helped Dad a lot more than I ever had, making me have a whole new appreciation for my agricultural upbringing. Then I decided to switch to animal science and pursue a career in the dairy industry.” After graduating from the University of Minnesota, other opportunities steered her away from returning to the family farm right away. Pahl took a three-month internship specializing in calf care in New Zealand. During those three months, Pahl was a part of a team that helped 700 cows calve. “It was crazy,” she said. “It was easily one of the toughest yet most rewarding experiences of my life. I gained a lot of independence and practice with the management type decisions that happen on a dairy farm.” Following her internship, her plan to join the family dairy was rerouted again. She became interim Wabasha County 4-H program coordinator before taking the position full-time for 3.5 years. Turn to PAHL | Page 6
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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
ConƟnued from PAHL | Page 5
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Abby Pahl checks on a calf on her family’s dairy near Lake City, Minnesota. Pahl’s daily chores include taking care of youngstock. “It was one of those experiences where I learned a lot personally,” Pahl said. “I learned how to work with people, and I got some off-farm experience, which looking back I really appreciate. If I hadn’t done that, I don’t think I would be where I am right now.” During her time as a 4-H program coordinator, Pahl also worked at the dairy before and after her full-time job. But Pahl knew she needed dairy farming to be her career. “When Jordan and I were talking, we really wanted dairy farming in our future, some way, some how,” she said. “We want that for our future family.” There were people who questioned Pahl returning to the farm during such an uncertain time in the industry. At times, Pahl also wondered if she was making the right choice. During those wavering moments, Pahl would focus on taking it day by day. “I focus on the daily tasks to give the best care to our animals,” she said. “Nutrition is a huge priority and doing well inside the barn is a must because that’s where it all stems from.” She also credits her parents with keeping her spirits up when they are low. “My dad has eternal optimism,” Pahl said. “He always says, ‘Keep smiling.’ I try to take on that mindset and don’t let uncertainties get to me.” Working with family has been one of the highlights of her career. “I think I’ve gotten a lot closer with my parents and with Jordan from a mar-
riage standpoint,” Pahl said. “We’ve grown a lot in our relationship. Working with family and your husband can be tricky, but there are a lot of advantages to it. Getting up every day to come work with family is pretty great.” The volatility in milk price and markets have been a challenge as has the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic.
“There is a lot of pride and joy that comes with this type of lifestyle that not many people get to have.” ABBY PAHL, DAIRY FARMER
“We’ve gone through a lot especially in the last year, not to mention before that,” Pahl said. “There’s been a lot of hoops and hurdles we’ve had to go over to get to where we are now. We just pray we can continue to keep going and keep dairy farming in our future.” Despite the hoops and hurdles, Pahl is happy she took the leap of faith. “There is a lot of pride and joy that comes with this type of lifestyle that not many people get to have,” she said. “We have a fortunate job here. It’s a lot but it also gives a lot.”
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 7
ConƟnued from HUNEKES | Page 1 phlets and a dairy bingo sheet. “The attendees had stuff to look for the whole time,” Huneke said. Examples of items included in the game were to spot a blue tractor or the red cow in the barn. After driving through the freestall barn, people drove past the back of the transition barn where the Hunekes had a display of antique tractors before the tour continued around the north side of their feed bunker. There, the Hunekes parked their haybine, tractor and wagon, and tractor with a blade, along with their custom harvester’s self-propelled chopper. Along the front of the bunker, attendees could see the feed piled along with a skidloader and mixer tractor. After the bunker, people drove past the end of the farm’s transition barn, where local dairy princesses and Princess Kay of the Milky Way were available for pictures if people felt comfortable enough to leave their car for a socially-distance photo opportunity. As the cars drove past the milking parlor,
they were given a goodie bag full of donated items, including milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese and crackers, among other items. The last part of the tour was driving through the calf barn before exiting the Hunekes’ driveway. “People really liked the calf barn so they took their time in there,” Huneke said. “At one point, vehicles were bumper to bumper from beginning to end.” Two nutritionists – one in the bunker and one in the freestall barn – were available for people to ask questions. The Hunekes also dispersed themselves on the tour route along with other volunteers. “A lot of people stopped to ask very good questions,” Huneke said. “People weren’t rushed so they could ask what they wanted. With the drive-thru, it may have been easier to ask questions because everyone had the opportunity and the access to people along the way.” Hunekes started letting people drive through at 7 a.m. Although the event was advertised to end at 11 a.m., the last of the
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Huneke family – (from leŌ) Merrisa, Micah holding Nora and Henry, Marc holding Aribella, BriƩany, Paul and Deb – hosted a drive-thru tour June 19 on their dairy near Bellechester, Minnesota.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Cars slowly pass through the freestall barn June 19 during the drive-thru tour at the Huneke family’s dairy farm near Bellechester, Minnesota. 417 vehicles that took part in the event rolled through at noon, Huneke said. It is estimated that 1,136 people participated in the drive-thru. It was a close match to the 1,000 milk cartons and 1,000 ice cream treats on hand to give away. “Organizers had no idea what to expect so they just kind of spit balled the number of items they got,” Huneke said. “They didn’t know if people were going to come with the coronavirus or be too scared and stay away.” Some people who came expressed thanks for having the event. “There were a few elderly people who said they wouldn’t have come if it wasn’t a drive-thru,” Huneke said. “And a few mothers said it was nice they could just stay in the vehicle and didn’t have to chase their kids around.”
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At its busiest point during the morning, the tour took about one hour from beginning to end. “If people went to a breakfast on the farm, they would burn that much time or more anyways,” Huneke said. The Huneke family is appreciative of the Goodhue County American Dairy Association who planned the event and for all the neighbors and community members who helped them prepare to be hosts. “People heard we were doing the event like this and asked us if they could help us get ready and get things cleaned up,” Huneke said. “It’s nice to have a community like that. There were a lot of people working behind the scenes.” Overall, the Hunekes were pleased with how well the event turned out. And their cows did not mind the parade, either.
CFAP sign-up going OK for MN dairy farmers Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
Minnesota Milk Producers Association Execu- likely pick up in July. “I think many in Congress, tive Director Lucas Sjostrom is pleased with the particularly Senate Republicans, want to see the pace of enrollment in the Coronavirus Food As- impacts of the previous COVID-19-related relief sistance Program. At the beginning of the sign-up, package take effect, because a lot of money was almore clarication was needed on dairy ready put into the U.S. economy,” CalAg Insider beef, but Sjostrom said that has been lan said. Callan said there is bipartisan claried. “After those rst few days support to have more money for agriin the program, I haven’t received any culture, but how that manifests itself calls. I take that as people are pretty right now is unknown. pleased with how things are going,” said Sjostrom. In its third week of Peterson said lawmakers prepping sign-up, the United States Department for future ag emergencies of Agriculture Farm Service Agency According to House Agriculture processed 1,012 dairy applications and Committee Chairman Collin Petermore than $27 million for Minnesota son, lawmakers are putting together dairy farmers. Based on previous gova plan to use Commodity Credit Corernment programs, Sjostrom expects poration funding for future challenges up to 2,500 total dairy applicants in the in agriculture, not just the COVID-19 By Don Wick state for the program. pandemic. “I’m not sure if we’ll ever Columnist have another COVID-19 situation, but Senate to consider more COVID-19 the USDA needs to be ready to face any aid emergencies that come up,” said Peterson. “I’ll be In May, the House approved their version of a working with the Trump administration and other phase four economic stimulus package called the lawmakers to look at putting emergency things on HEROES Act. Later this month, the U.S. Senate will the shelf and ready to go.” Peterson said there could be putting together their plan. Combest, Sell and be a hearing on the subject this summer. Associates managing partner Tom Sell said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell plans to take FAPRI projects declining farm income things slow when crafting the legislation. “FarmA new forecast from the University of Missouri ers are staring down the barrel of another ugly year Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute again. I think that question will be answered in this calls for a 15% decline in net cash farm income this new COVID-19 relief package,” Sell said. This bill year. That is despite record government payments may also address long term policy challenges. “The of $33 billion. Large stocks of corn, soybeans fact that we’ve had to do the MFP and the WHIP+ and wheat will pressure commodity markets. COprogram shows the fact that our current farm bill in VID-19 related foodservice slowdowns and packterms of safety net resources aren’t getting the job ing plant closures will negatively inuence cattle done,” Sell said. and hog prices for the year. Restaurant and school closures have also pushed down milk and dairy deNew COVID-19 relief negotiations to pick up in mand. FAPRI said markets will continue to evolve July under the threat of a re-emergence of coronavirus, Agricultural lobbyist Jim Callan said discus- supply chain disruptions are resolved and the econsions about a new COVID-19 relief package will omy begins to reopen.
Milk prices stage a recovery In late April, Class III milk prices were down 50% to $10 to $11 per hundredweight. AgResource Company President Dan Basse said that market is now in the low $20 range. Despite this rally, Basse is concerned about the record spread between the June and October milk futures. “June-October milk is now at a $7.50 premium. I can’t nd anything like that in history. In fact, the biggest premium we can nd is a little over $1,” Basse said. Foodservice is coming back online, but Basse said that is happening very slowly. Demand is not expected to reach pre-coronavirus levels for many months. Dairy Margin Coverage sign-up begins in fall The Dairy Margin Coverage program sign-up for 2021 will begin Oct. 12 and run through Dec. 11. The FSA is encouraging dairy producers to sign up for the program. So far this year, the DMC has already triggered payments for two months for producers who signed up for 2020 coverage.
Fed holds interest rates After its two-day policy meeting, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said the central bank plans to keep interest rates near zero through 2022. The decision was made to provide stability for an economy hurt by COVID-19 and business shutdowns. Fed ofcials projected the U.S. economy will contract between 9% and 10% this year. U.S. dairy groups express frustration on Canada’s tariff rate quotas The U.S. Dairy Export Council and National Milk Producers Federation are criticizing Canada’s allocation of tariff rate quotas under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement. The dairy industry said the allocations undermine the intent of the USMCA’s dairy provisions. They are urging the U.S. Trade Representative to immediately raise the issue with Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 9
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8
Canada and insist that the country adheres to the letter of commitments under the USMCA and to its spirit as well. The USMCA goes into effect July 1.
with a heavy debt load, Borden Dairy led for bankruptcy protection in January. Borden Dairy is based in Dallas and has 12 milk processing plants across the country.
DOJ launches antitrust investigation The Justice Department is investigating the major beef packers for possible antitrust violations. Civil subpoenas have been issued to JBS, Tyson Foods, Cargill and National Beef Packing. Earlier this year, Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue said the agriculture department would extend its oversight into price disparities between live cattle and box beef.
Trivia challenge White Castle was the rst hamburger fast food chain, launching in 1921. That answers our last trivia question. For this week, what was the rst pizza fast food chain began in the United States? We will 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.
Borden Dairy has new owner New Dairy Opco LLC is the apparent top bidder in the bankruptcy auction of Borden Dairy assets. This company is led by former Dean Foods CEO/Chairman Gregg Engles. Faced
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How has using Bovy helped you and your dairy? It has helped us in multiple ways. It has saved us time by being able to look animals up on the go. It has also made it easier and faster to manage, therefore more things get done on time. We use it for keeping track of sire conception rates. How many years have you been testing with DHIA? Testing for 12 years with DHIA.
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Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
Sand the choice for Martin in tiestall barn
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The MarĆ&#x;n family – (front, from leĹŒ) Tabitha and Autumn; (back, from leĹŒ) Kimberly, Bryce and Dorvin – milk 99 cows near Belgrade, Minnesota. The couple put in sand-bedded Ć&#x;estalls before moving their cows to the farm in 2018.
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BELGRADE, Minn. – Dorvin Martin knows the importance of comfortable cows. So when he purchased his own farm in 2018, Martin’s ďƒžrst priority was to replace the straw-bedded mattresses with sand in the 101-stall tiestall barn. “I bought this place, and the barn needed new mattresses and a bunch of new stuff, so I tore it all out and put in sand,â€? Martin said. “My dad had sand. Then, I rented a tiestall barn that was not sand, and just watching the cows, there was no doubt that I was going back to sand.â€? Martin and his wife, Kimberly, and their three children – Autumn, 7, Tabitha, 5, and Bryce, 3 – milk 99 cows in a sand-bedded tiestall barn near Belgrade. The stalls are redesigned for a minimum of 6 feet in length with a 4-inch PVC pipe at the end of the stall to retain the sand. Martin beds the stalls every four to ďƒžve days with sand sourced from a nearby dairy. If he is busy on the farm, then the stalls are bedded once a week. “It doesn’t have to be extremely deep, but you
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A cow’s hooves rest comfortably in the sand June 15 on Dorvin and Kimberly MarĆ&#x;n’s farm near Belgrade, Minnesota. The MarĆ&#x;ns used PCV pipe on the back of the stalls to help hold the sand in.
have to keep enough in there that if they lay down, they are all on sand,� Martin said. “When they stand up, you don’t want to see cement. I use a group of cows in my herd that don’t cooperate with the sand, and when they get dirty, I bed all the cows.� Martin and his wife, who both work full time on the dairy, clean the stalls before milking and use a skidloader to push the manure into a hopper which then gets pumped to a lagoon. The cows came to the farm in November 2018. Since that time, Martin has noticed an improvement
“Longevity on the cows, that’s all it’s for. As far as user friendly, it’s OK, but it’s all for the cows.� DORVIN MARTIN, DAIRY FARMER
of overall herd health. “The biggest thing I noticed was leg lesions went to zero,â€? Martin said. “The only leg lesions I have are ones that were from the (rented) tiestall barn.â€? While sand is known for causing challenges with management, Martin sees how the opportunities far outweigh any costs. “Well longevity on the cows, that’s all it’s for,â€? Martin said. “As far as user friendly, it’s OK, but it’s all for the cows.â€? Martin’s somatic cell count has decreased with the new stall design. “I like to keep my somatic cell count down where I get a little bit of a premium,â€? Martin said. “There are only one or two cows ever that are in the bucket.â€? Martin also likes the idea of sand for public perception. “I’ve always felt that we have to keep the public happy,â€? he said. “You have to keep the cows happy. A good looking, good shaped cow is what we need.â€? With the improvements in herd health, Martin has become more selective in his culling decisions. “I want to cull what I want to cull,â€? he said. “I don’t want them to tell me what to cull.â€? The Martins milk in a two-row, L-shaped barn built in the 1960s. It has a center alley where Martin ďƒžlled in the gutters with concrete. Turn to MARTIN | Page 11
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 11
ConƟnued from MARTIN | Page 10
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Cows are housed in the 101-stall Ɵestall barn on Dorvin and Kimberly MarƟn’s farm near Belgrade, Minnesota. The MarƟns cemented out the guƩers to clean the middle aisle with a skidloader. Martin purchased his rst cows in 2007 and started milking at his dad’s farm nearby. He then rented a farm near Grove Lake before purchasing this farm two years ago. When Martin purchased this site, he looked to his brother’s farm in Wisconsin that also uses sand in a tiestall barn. “He still runs a barn cleaner with his, and he really likes it,” Martin said. The Martins recently installed a piston hydraulic pump to pump the sand over to the lagoon before hauling it. They also redid the milk room, putting in a new bulk tank and concrete oor. “I’m slowly but surely xing everything up the way I want it,” Martin
said. “It’s really wonderful. I have a place to call home.” Most importantly for Martin is the opportunity to work with and see his family throughout the day. “I like the cows, and my family is here, and I can teach them to like them too. That’s the biggest thing,” Martin said. “The family just loves it.” As Martin continues to establish his dairy farming career, he has his sights set on a freestall barn and parlor. For now, the renovated tiestall barn is a good way to milk cows comfortably. “It’s still a tiestall barn and has all the inefciencies of a tiestall barn, but it’s as streamlined as we can get it,” Martin said.
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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
Rising milk sales bust ‘Death of Dairy’ myth For years, a variation of this sentence has appeared in nearly every news story that touches on uid milk consumption: “Milk sales are down while plant-beverages are rising.” It’s easy shorthand to use because while it has been a factually accurate statement in its own limited scope, it can be used toward fantastical ends, such as overhyping the rise of plant-based drinks or crafting a false narrative about dairy trends when dairy, as a whole, is seeing its highest per-capita consumption levels in decades. The assertion will never require a correction in a newspaper, so it persists. Except … it’s no longer true. The coronavirus crisis appears to be resetting consumer grocery habits, and early signs are that that some of these changes -including increased milk purchases -- are continuing as the country re-opens. If current trends hold, milk’s revival may nally force a revision of one of the few non-fake talking points the “death of dairy” myth ever had. This year’s data tells the story. While milk outsells plant-based imitators by a margin more than 10 to 1, 2020 began as another year of slow decline for milk sales in stores. And indeed, as the shorthand would have it, plant-based volumes were increasing. Then the crisis hit – and behavior changed. As consumers emptied store shelves, both dairy and plant-based beverages saw gains – but the sizes of those gains were drastically different. While consum-
ers bought 7.9 million more gallons of plant-based beverages during the two peak weeks in March than they did during the same period a year earlier, milk demand exploded by more than 45 million gallons, erasing its year-to-date decline in less than two weeks. This dramatic turnaround was important for dairy farmers. Literally, retail consumers helped keep dairies in business as food-service orders disappeared and federal disaster assistance hadn’t yet arrived. But after the shock of lockdowns faded and everyone had already stocked up, something interesting happened: People still bought more milk. That ve-to-one advantage established in March has stayed steady through May. When times got tough, consumers seemed to want to return to the comfort Turn to MILK SALES | Page 13
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 13
ConƟnued from MILK SALES | Page 12
of natural, wholesome and nutritious foods like milk, eschewing the marketing hype of plant-based imitators whose taste and nutrition prole stack up poorly against the real thing. Future retail trends are tough to predict, especially in this environment. When life becomes more “normal” and as restaurants re-open, do consumers bring home as many bottles of milk from the grocery store? When schools return, do parents buy less milk for their children? These are open questions. What we do know is this: Milk is back in grocery carts, in a big way. Its
gains are much greater than its selfproclaimed competitors, and they’re showing signs of sticking. Consumers are navigating new grocery realities – and they are creating them as well. The return of milk may be one that’s built to last. That makes it time to pause the “milk is struggling” stories. And it means even less support for the “death of dairy” myth. Might be smart to toss that one altogether. Submitted by National Milk Producers Federation
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 15
How is your first crop hay?
Dan Dysthe Slayton, Minnesota Murray County 500 cows Tell us about your ďƒžrst crop hay harvest. We chopped 240 acres of hay and put it up as haylage June 4-5. Our hay is alfalfa. About 160 acres are low lignin varieties that are in their ďƒžrst year. It will be interesting to see how the low lignin alfalfa turns out. What was the yield? The yields were very good. The quality looked excellent, although we do not have the ofďƒžcial test results yet. The haylage will be used to feed our milking herd and our dry cows. How does this year’s ďƒžrst crop compare to previous years? Yields are up about a half-ton per acre compared to last year. None of our alfalfa is more than 2 years old. Field conditions were excellent except for a couple of washouts from last year’s heavy rains. We didn’t have to spray any of our ďƒželds for insects. What challenges have you had so far this harvest, and how did you manage to work through them? We didn’t have any winter kill. Our main problem was one ďƒželd where we didn’t get the rocks picked. We hire our neighbor to chop our hay with his self-propelled John Deere silage chopper. We get more done in one day than what used to take us an entire week. How are you planning to manage your hay ďƒželds through the rest of the season? We are aiming for three to four cuttings this year depending on weather conditions. We plan to apply liquid manure on our alfalfa after the second cutting. We will watch the hay and will cut it when it’s ready. In order to prevent winter kill, we won’t cut any of our alfalfa after Sept. 10. Tell us about your farm. My wife, Trish, takes care of the bookkeeping, manages the payroll, runs for parts and does a million other things that helps the farm run smoothly. Our daughter,
Bob Pierce Darlington, Wisconsin Lafayette County 38 cows Tell us about your ďƒžrst crop hay harvest. We have 50 acres of grassalfalfa mix hay ground this year. The grasses consist of orchard, Timothy and brome. We do have some volunteer red clover. We mainly do dry hay, making small squares for in the barn and round bales for heifers and dry cows. We started June 7 and ďƒžnished June 20. What was the yield? This year the yields have been good, in the range of 2 ton to the acre. How does this year’s ďƒžrst crop compare to previous years? This is much better than last year with all the alfalfa in the bud stage. There has not been as much rain this year to slow down harvest compared to constantly raining last year. What challenges have you had so far this harvest, and how did you manage to work through them? We had a late start due to a cool, late spring. How are you planning to manage your hay ďƒželds through the rest of the season? We will look at cutting in a 30- to 45-day window depending on weather conditions to make dry hay. Tell us about your farm. We have a 165-acre dairy that my grandparents bought in 1968. We graze throughout the summer. Our herd consists of a lot of dairy breeds crossed for longevity and durability. We try to keep it small and simple.
Kayla, works on the farm full time and is in charge of calf care. We have 11 employees. Tom Vanderlinden, who has been with us for many years, is our foreman and is in charge of feeding the cattle.
Randy Roecker Loganville, Wisconsin Sauk County 300 cows Tell us about your ďƒžrst crop hay harvest. We did 250 acres. I cut everything and then we had it custom chopped. We got it all done within three days, from June 4-6, with no rain. The ďƒžrst crop had a lot of grasses because of the cool start to the spring, I think. I had some new seeding from last year that did really well. It was nice and thick. The older stuff was thinner, and we had some winterkill but not like the year before. The second crop coming in looks great and will be ready before too long. What was the yield? The overall tonnage was pretty good. How does this year’s ďƒžrst crop compare to previous years? Tonnage was down slightly from last year, again I think because of the cool spring. What challenges have you had so far this harvest and how did you manage to work through them? The biggest challenge so far has been the cool spring and the bit of winterkill we suffered. We are also dealing with a feed shortage stemming from the past two years. We are purchasing corn silage and some from neighbors. How are you planning to manage your hay ďƒželds through the rest of the season? I am planning to shorten my cutting interval from around 30 days. I probably won’t go as short as 20, but somewhere in the middle. We haul manure daily onto some of the older ďƒželds. Tell us about your farm. My grandfather started the farm in the 1930s. Today, I farm with my parents and my daughter and son-in-law. We farm about 750 acres and have two fulltime milkers.
Alan Klejeski Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota Pine County 35 cows Tell us about your ďƒžrst crop hay harvest. We cut and baled about 40 acres June 14-15. We have 60-70 acres of hay ground. We seeded in an additional 30 acres of hay for next year. Our ďƒželds are about 50/50 legumes versus grasses – alfalfa, clover, Timothy and Orchard grass mix. Being as it’s so dry, we may also cut 50 acres of oat for hay. What was the yield? It yielded about 850 pounds to the acre. In total, we put up 680 small square bales. We will be feeding this to our milking cows and young heifers. How does this year’s ďƒžrst crop compare to previous years? The acreage harvested is the same as previous years, but the yield was absolutely terrible. What challenges have you had so far this harvest and how did you manage to work through them? We had excellent weather for making hay, as it has been nothing but dry and sunny. We haven’t received a decent amount of rain yet this year. Because of the dry conditions, the hay was short and drought stressed. We are deďƒžnitely praying for rain. How are you planning to manage your hay ďƒželds through the rest of the season? Normally, we would fertilize after cutting, and typically we get two to three cuttings off of our ďƒželds. However, if we don’t get any rain, we probably won’t get another cutting. We are contemplating, instead of fertilizing, to take that money and use it instead to buy hay. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is Trinity Dairy. We share a lot of the farm happenings on our YouTube channel. Our farm is 60 acres with an additional 140 rented acres. I milk 35 cows, just about one of every breed, with my wife, Jennifer, and ďƒžve children.
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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15
Emily and Isaac Hanson Lone Oak Farms Cologne, Minnesota Carver County 50 Cows Tell us about your rst crop hay harvest. We run 25 acres of 100% Harvextra Alfalfa, planted in 2019. It was cut May 29 at 27 inches tall in late bud stage. We harvested it on May 31, chopped at a length of 0.5-inches and bagged. We have another 1- acre eld of new seeded alfalfa that will be cut and chopped later this year. We also have 15 acres of mixed hay – a 10-acre stand that is 70% grass and 30% alfalfa, and a 5-acre stand that is 70% alfalfa and 30% grass. Both of these stands were cut June 11, raked and baled on June 14 and 15. The 15 acres produced 55 4- by 5-foot, 800-pound round bales. What was the yield? The 25-acre alfalfa eld yielded 3 tons per acre. Feed value upon testing was 20% CP (crude protein), 162 relative feed quality at 62% moisture. Our alfalfa silage is primarily fed to our milk cows, with small amounts fed in our heifer rations. All hay produced from the 15-acre mixed elds is fed to our heifer and dry cow groups. How does this year’s rst crop compare to previous years? Since our 25-acre eld was newly seeded in 2019, we easily doubled the yield. What challenges have you had so far this harvest and how did you manage to work through them? The only real challenge we had this year was getting our chopping tractor ready to go. Earlier this year our chopping tractor, a White 2-155, had gone into the shop for restoration. Waiting on parts and getting everything put back together in time was our only challenge, but the guys worked their tails off and got everything back together and in working order. How are you planning to manage your hay elds through the rest of the season? We usually apply a thin layer of liquid manure on the elds after every harvest. We try to cut our elds every 28 days, weather permitting. The Harvextra gives us a little bit of leeway if we are not able to get in the elds right at 28 days. We hope to get three to four cuttings from our elds a year. Tell us about your farm. Lone Oak Farms is a partnership of Jerry and Tracy Braun, and their daughter and son-in-Law, Emily and Isaac Hanson. Lone Oak Farms was started ve years ago. We bought our property from a relative who wanted to see the 120-yearold farm in production once again. We cleaned up the property and found a nice herd of 30 cows to add to the 10 we already had. Our goal is to milk a herd of 70. We have a very diverse herd. The majority is registered Holstein, but we also have both registered and grade Dutch Belts, Ayrshires and Jerseys. We take such pride in what we do, and could not imagine doing anything else.
Todd Streif West Union, Iowa Fayette County 350 cows Tell us about your rst crop hay harvest. We made 270 acres of haylage June 8, and we baled 50 acres of grass/ alfalfa mixture into dry hay. What was the yield? We don’t have our quality test back yet, but I think it will test well. The tonnage is all over the board. The new seeding did well, but the other stuff did not do so good. It was probably because of the early frost. I expect about 5 tons for a yield on the old, established elds. We chop all the alfalfa for the milk cows and store in a bunker using a 7750 John Deere and hauling with trucks. We pack with a Case IH 535 quad track and get the family, employees and anyone else I can con into helping cover the pile. Our dry hay is done with a John Deere 450 windrower and a Miller Pro twin merger into big round bales that we net wrap for heifers. How does this year’s rst crop compare to previous years? Where it’s good, it’s really good, and the rest is so-so. Overall, I’d say it’s better. At least we didn’t have to dodge the mud this year. We tore up about 140 acres last fall and seeded about 70 acres more down to pea, triticale and alfalfa that won’t be cut until later. What challenges have you had so far this harvest and how did you manage to work through them? I’m not complaining. Maybe the rst crop drying too fast. How are you planning to manage your hay elds through the rest of the season? As late as rst cutting happened, we’ll probably do four cuttings this year. We put 500 pounds of potash on after rst crop and just do that once. Otherwise, we spray 10 days after each cutting and wait 14 days for residual and then cut on day 28. Tell us about your farm. At Triple M Dairy, we milk 350 cows in a double-12 parlor and farm 2,000 acres. We bought the farm from my father, Mike, in 2014. He still helps, especially with silage and combining. My wife, Heidi, works part time off the farm in addition to her help at the farm. My son, Michael, joined us after graduating college two years ago, and my daughter, Maria, graduated from college this spring with the intention of eventually joining us on the farm. She is here at least temporarily with the current job market. She works a lot with the breeding and genomics and has her own beef herd. Our youngest son, Matthew, will be a high school sophomore this fall. He runs the hay merger. We also do some custom ammonia work. It was great to have Maria and Matthew home this spring to help on the farm.
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Doug Blasberg Tripoli, Iowa Bremer County 100 cows Tell us about your rst crop hay harvest. This year, I have 87 acres of established alfalfa that has 1 pound of orchard grassed mixed in per acre. We cut rst crop the last day of May and nished the harvest over the few days following. What was the yield? The alfalfa had not even budded out completely when we cut so I was anticipating really high feed quality. But according to the forage analysis, it is only 19% protein and 110 RFV. The yield was around 80% of what it normally is. So, I am a bit disappointed. Hopefully the analysis will improve as the fermentation process continues. We put rst crop in the silo to feed to the milking herd. What challenges have you had so far this harvest, and how did you manage to work through them? This year, following my nutritionist’s recommendations, I seeded 2.5 pounds of meadow fescue per acre with alfalfa. Fescue is supposedly high in nutrient availability. So, we’ll see how that turns out. There must not have been enough heat and sunshine this spring in my area to make forage grow like normal. Since making rst cutting, we’ve been having favorable growing conditions. We’ve been getting ample moisture, and we’ve had warmer temperatures. The second crop is coming along nicely and will be due to be cut around June 28. I hope to be able to small square bale second cutting. How does this year’s rst crop compare to previous years? Last year was tough to get hay dry for baling so I had a custom operator come and big square bale and wrap quite a bit of hay. It is a bit of a hassle to feed in a stall barn, but it makes excellent feed. The cows have milked very well off it. I won’t hesitate to do it again if drying conditions are poor. How are you planning to manage your hay elds through the rest of the season? We always put rst cutting in the silo and bale second cutting, weather permitting. Third cutting sometimes has a few broadleaf weeds in it, so I also like to chop that. I bale most of fourth cutting because it is so soft and leafy. We call that the inhaler because when spreading that kind of hay in the barn, by the time we nish spreading the hay to the last cows, the rst ones fed are nished eating it already. Dry fertilizer is applied after rst and third cuttings. Four gallons of Na-churs liquid fertilizer is foliar fed along with insecticide and fungicide after rst, second and third cuttings. We have been using pea and oat as a cover crop for when seeding a new eld of alfalfa for over 30 years. We harvested pea and oat the week of June 15. The yield was low on that too. Tell us about your farm. I bought a farm shortly after completing a dairy herd management course at a local college. Dad and I have been farming together for 30 years. Together we farm almost 500 acres. Four years ago, I took over the dairy herd and started renting some of Dad’s land. He’s not ready to
Brian Seykora Owatonna, Minnesota Steele County 50 cows Tell us about your rst crop hay harvest. I have 70 acres of alfalfa. This spring, it got off to a fast start with a warm spring, but the dip in temperatures into the mid 20s over Mother’s Day slowed it up a bit. I intended to cut the alfalfa over Memorial Day weekend, but our area received 3 inches of rain. So, I started cutting May 28 and was done by the evening of May 30. About half of the alfalfa is low lignin. This is my rst year trying it. I seeded it last fall. What was the yield? I do not know exact feed values because I have not received my sample test results back yet; however, it seems to be good quality. All 70 acres were chopped and put into an upright silo to feed to the milking herd. I fed it right away to the cows, and they did not miss a beat. How does this year’s rst crop compare to previous years? This year was better because it was a drier spring. My stands are fairly young so I think they fared better for winter kill. I did not have any damage from it. This year, I cut a few days later than I normally would because it rained when it was ready. Because of this, the elds were a little wetter than I would have liked, but there wasn’t a lot of damage or compaction because of it. As for yield, I think it was better, but will not know for sure until test results return. What challenges have you had so far this harvest and how did you manage to work through them? I was not able to cut the days I would have liked because of rain, but I am hoping that having half of the alfalfa be low lignin will help with that. How are you planning to manage your hay elds through the rest of the season? I hope to cut second crop sometime between June 24-26, but we are supposed to get rain so we will see what happens. I put foliar fertilizer and insecticide down right after cutting rst crop, and I have been scouting the elds accordingly. I am big on fertilizer. I think it helps with winter kill. I have pea aphids and weevils in the elds, but there have not been a lot of leaf hoppers. I usually run a ve-cut system, but I am undecided how many times I will cut this year because of the low lignin alfalfa. Tell us about your farm. My 50cow herd has a rolling herd average of 26,000 pounds of milk with 1,100 pounds of fat and 890 pounds of protein on twice a day milking in a tiestall barn. I have 790 acres where I raise alfalfa, corn and soybeans. My wife, Mary Beth, works off the farm as a teacher. We have two sons, Matthew, 17, and Mitchell, 14. retire so he has some on his own. He helps with tractor driving and feeding calves. I make the decisions for the dairy cattle, but he lets me know whenever he does not agree with what I’m doing. I have one full-time employee and two part-time employees to help with chores.
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 17
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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
Repro Leaders
Maly Farms focuses on cow comfort, management to reach 38% pregnancy rate Maly Farms Inc. Bryant, Wisconsin Langlade County 440 cows What was your average pregnancy rate last year? Last year, we averaged a 38% pregnancy rate on cows in second lactation or higher and a 42% pregnancy rate on our rst lactation cows. What is your voluntary waiting period for cows? For heifers? Our voluntary waiting period is 78 days for rst lactation cows and 68 days for second lactation and up. This allows our rst lactation animals more time to transition into production before becoming pregnant. Virgin heifers’ VWP is 13 months. What is your rst service conception rate? Our rst service conception rate is 52%. What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? We use a presynch, ovsynch program for all rst services on cows. After this, we breed based on heat detection or resynch if found open at vet check.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Alicia Sippl (from leŌ), Juan GuƟerrez Diaz and Gregorio Marquez work together to handle the synchronizaƟon shots and A.I. work at Maly Farms Inc, near Bryant, Wisconsin.
How do you observe for heat? Each pen is walked daily by the herdsperson where they use tail chalk and check for standing heats. All milking shifts will also note any cows they observe in heat.
How do you conrm pregnant or open cows? Cows are checked weekly for pregnancy using ultrasound. What is your breeding philosophy? How do you select bulls? What
traits do you focus on? Does fertility play a role in bull selection? We breed for problem free cows. We use only Concept Plus bulls. We breed for Turn to MALY FARMS | Page 20
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 19
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Targeting milk quality is more important than ever. Being proactive at the start of lactation changes the equation of costs and labor throughout the lactation. Many dairy producers improved milk quality and performance after taking the Udder ComfortTM fresh cow challenge. For maximum results minimal cost, they target 10 to 14 fresh and/or pre-fresh Udder Comfort applications to the bottom of the udder and up a few inches. “Investment per fresh cow was minimal, and we saw immediate impact. This was the missing piece to get the most out of all the things we do for comfort and quality,� Jacob Moes reports. At MoDak Dairy, Goodwin, SD, 2100-cows milk 92 lbs. In 2017, they adopted the practice of spraying udders with Udder Comfort 2x/day 5 to 7 days post-calving. “Less than a year earlier, our SCC had been 280,000. We couldn’t budge it. But with this routine, SCC dropped like a rock to 178,000, then 150,000, and we were down to 4 hospital cows,� Jacob reports.
For John Waddell, Marshall, Wis., 1000 cows milk 85 lbs. and earn quality awards. It wasn’t always that way, John reports: “We had been fighting to keep SCC below 300,000. We started the fresh cow routine with Udder Comfort in 2012. We saw less mastitis, and it was big for our milk quality, getting SCC down to 180,000 within a year, then 90 and 150,000 between two farms. We apply it 2x/day for 5 days post-calving; 2-year-olds also get it 1x/day 5 days pre-fresh,� he explains.
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Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
ConĆ&#x;nued from MALY FARMS | Page 18
smaller cows, and focus on combined fat and protein percentages and daughter pregnancy rate.
How many times do you try to breed a cow before you sell her? We stop breeding at 222 days in milk.
How are cows and heifers bred? Do you have a different philosophy for breeding both? Heifers are on a CIDR synch for ďƒžrst service, and we run a 73% conception rate on it.
Is there anything you have done or changed that brought about a signiďƒžcant improvement in your reproductive program? Our most signiďƒžcant improvements in our reproductive program came when we made cow comfort a top priority and took more control over our reproductive program. Everyone has a role to play to help us achieve our success.
What do you do to settle hard breeders? After 180 days in milk, we use a CIDR synch program.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Maly Farms Inc., located in Bryant, Wisconsin, is operated by Butch, Ron and Kelly Maly, and Alicia Sippl, and is home to 440 cows, milked three Ć&#x;mes per day. The farm consists of approximately 1,200 acres.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Tail chalk is used daily to help with accurate heat detecĆ&#x;on at Maly Farms Inc.
WE ARE HERE TO
SERVE YOU!
We have deep-bedded stalls with composted manure solids, which are reďƒžlled three times a week and are cleaned and topped with lime at each milking. Dave Schroepfer, from Alta Genetics, selects bulls to use and helps us pinpoint areas for improvement.
BUY THREE TIRES, GET ONE
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Jennifer Meyer, of Badgerland Nutrition, works with our feeders to make sure rations are ďƒžne-tuned to maintain healthy cows. Tell us about your farm. We farm approximately 1,200 acres. We milk 440
cows three times a day in a double-10 parallel parlor. We raise our youngstock. We have four family members – Butch Maly, Ron Maly, Alicia Sippl and Kelly Maly – involved in the operation and have 13 part- and full-time employees.
GOT CALVES? Feed them right with this new
AUTOMATIC FEEDING SYSTEM!
Brand new (used once for demo) H&L automatic calf feeder with 2 mixing bowls and 4 stalls in a custom built 8’ X 12’ insulated building. Building features include heater, water heater, utility sink, exhaust fan, 100 amp service/ breaker panel, 2 walk doors, glass board interior walls, stainless steel trim and oor drain.
This system has the capacity to feed 100 calves!
CALL 605-690-1517
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 21
0.75% Ànancing for 60 months on 2010 or newer Sprayers, Utility Tractors and Hay Equipment through June 30th.
JD W260, 2018, 500 hrs., $ ##1163376 7644 #163764
169,500
Claas 3100/FRC & 9100RC, 2011 #160472
JD 5045E, 2018, 68 hrs., $ #163844
23,900
NH H7550, 2014, 13’ cut #167351
49,900
$
JD 6105M 2015, 989 hrs., $ #168001
66,900
20,500
$
JD 6120E, 2018, 233 hrs., $ #143692
79,500
Financing subject to pre-approval through JD Financial. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.
JD 560M, 2019, 5,500 bales $ #166321
43,900
JD 6120R, 2019, 147 hrs., $ #153295
119,500
Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com 7 7 12 12 8 8 8 8 2 2 10 10 6 6 6 5 11 11 14 3 1 1 15 16 16 16 8
MOWER CONDITIONERS JD 835, 2012, #164224 ..............................................................................................$18,900 Hesston 3312, 2007, #167802 ................................................................................$15,500 JD 946, 2016, #170664 ..............................................................................................$29,500 JD 1360, 1990, #169705..............................................................................................$8,800 JD F350R, 2019, #166686 .........................................................................................$27,000 JD R990R, 2019, #166685.........................................................................................$65,300 New Holland H7550, 2014, #167351 ...................................................................$20,500 JD 635, 2013, #169331 ..............................................................................................$19,900 ROUND BALERS NH BR7060, 2011, Mega Wide, Surface Wrap Only, 540 pto, 4’ bale, 7300 Bales, #169262 ....................................................................................................$23,900 JD 560M, 2018, Mega Wide, Surface Wrap Only, 1000 pto, 5’ bales, 4500 bales, #170395 ....................................................................................................$45,400 NH 460RB, 2014, Mega Wide, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 pto, 4’ bales, 7500 bales, #165910 ....................................................................................................$24,900 NH BR7060, 2012, Regular, Twine Only, 540 pto, 4’ bales, 2900 bales, #166079 ..$18,500 JD 569 Premium, 2015, Mega Wide, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 pto, 5’ bales, 10175 bales, #170738 ...................................................................................$32,900 JD 560M, 2019, Mega Wide, Surface Wrap Only, 1000 pto, 5’ bales, 5500 Bales, #166321 ....................................................................................................$43,900 JD 567, 2004, Mega Wide, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 540 pto, 5’ bales, 8000 bales, #170581 ....................................................................................................$17,400 JD 460M, 2018, Mega Wide, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 pto, 4’ bales, 5985 Bales, #164359 ....................................................................................................$49,900 JD 385, 1994, Regular, Twine Only, 540 pto, 4’ bales, #170585 .................................$5,400 NH BR780, 2003, Twine Only, 540 pto, 5’ bales, #169873 ........................................$9,900 NH BR780A, 2007, Mega Wide, Both Twine and Surface Wrap, 1000 pto, 5’ bales, 15900 bales, #167206 ....................................................................................$11,900 Vermeer 605F, Twine Only, 1000 pto, 5’ bales, #168368 .........................................$3,250 SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS JD R4038, 2018, 120’ boom, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 516 hrs., #150887 ..............$314,900 Ag-Chem 854, 80’ boom, Poly tank, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in., 5700 hrs., #170022 $34,900 JD R4038, 2017, 120’ boom, Stainless tank, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 2 18 hrs., #166646 ........................................................................................................$336,900 JD R4038, 2018, 120’ boom, Stainless tank, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 414 hrs., #157823 ......................................................................................................$329,500 JD 4940, 2013, 120’ boom, Stainless tank, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 1714 hrs., #170040 ....................................................................................................$169,500 JD R4038, 2019, 132’ boom, Stainless tank, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 544 hrs., #168957 ......................................................................................................$388,900 Case IH Patriot 3330, 2013, 90’ boom, Stainless tank, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 2777 hrs., #167048...............................................................$119,900
(1) = GLENCOE 4561 Hwy. 212
4 4 4 10 10 7 1 15 15 9 16 13 5 11 11 8 8 14 3 4
RoGator RG1300, 2012, 120’, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 2740 hrs., #167047 .........$110,000 Melroe 220, 1985, 60’ boom, Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 1233 hrs., #160062 ...............$8,500 Melroe 218, 1988, 60’ boom,Nozzle Spacing: 20 in, 924 hrs., #160063 ..................$9,900 Patriot Tyler Patriot 150, 1997, 90’ boom, Poly tank, 2090 hrs., #168414 .......$44,500 SKID STEER LOADERS JD 324G, 2018, Cab w/ AC, Foot Controls, Air Ride Seat, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 291 hrs., #161893 .......$44,500 Bobcat S650, 2017, Cab w/AC, A/C, Hand Controls, Foot Controls,Ride Control, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics; 78” Bucket, 427 hrs., #166045 ............................................$42,900 JD 324G, 2018, Cab w/AC, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Ride Control, 2 Spd, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 354 hrs., #162065 $45,900 Bobcat 500, 1978, Foot Controls, General Purpose Bkt, #169690 ............................$3,500 New Holland LX885, 1995, Cab w/o AC, Cab Enclosure, Foot Controls, 2 Speed, Beefy Baby Tires, 72” Bucket, 4300 hrs., #169658 ........................................$13,500 Bobcat S650, 2019, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 76” Bucket, 85 hrs., #169639 ..........$45,900 JD 250, 2000, Cab w/o AC, Foot Controls, 3100 hrs., #167442.................................$18,500 JD 320G, 2019, Cab w/ AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, Less Bucket, 3180 hrs., #170752 ..................................................................................$26,500 JD 320G, 2019, Cab w/ AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, Less Bucket, 2344 hrs., #170753 ..................................................................................$29,900 JD 326E, 2016, Cab w/AC, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, EH Controls, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Joystick, Joystick, Ride Control, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, Reversing Fan, 517 hrs., #168499 ..........$39,990 JD 332G, 2018, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling; Aux Hyd., Weights, 84” Bucket; Reversing Fan, 150 hrs., #144002 ......$56,900 JD 260, 2002, ROPS, Hand Controls, Foot Controls, 2 Speed, Flotation Tires, Steel Tracks, 72” Bucket, 2103 hrs., #169439 ...............................................................$13,900 Mustang 2041, 2006, ROPS, Foot Controls, Aux Hydraulics, 84” Bucket, 4765 hrs., #170739 .......................................................................................................$10,900 JD 330G, 2018, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 575 hrs., #159949............$48,900 JD 320E, 2017, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, Less Bucket, 2976 hrs., #158327 ..................................................................................$27,900 JD 326E, 2015, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 1600 hrs., #170737 ..................$33,900 JD 324G, 2019, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, Air Ride Seat, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 50 hrs., #168623 .........$45,000 Caterpillar 299D, 2015, Cab w/AC, Hand Controls, EH Controls, Hi-Flo, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, Rubber Tracks, 1200 hrs., #170315 ....................................................$54,900 JD 250, 2003, ROPS, Hand Controls, 72” Bucket, 3802 hrs., #168067 ......................$13,900 UTILITY TRACTORS JD 6105E, 2019, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 44 hrs., #151983 ....$71,900
Visit one of our 17 locations in Central Minnesota! (7) = ALEXANDRIA (9) = PRINCETON (4) = ST. CLOUD 1035 35th Ave. NE
(2) = HOWARD LAKE (5) = GLENWOOD 5845 Keats Ave. SW
1710 N. Franklin
(3) = STEWART
(6) = SAUK CENTRE
78412 Co. Rd. 20
8 14 14 14
1140 Centre St.
320-763-4220 5005 Co. Rd. 82 SE
3708 Baptist Church Rd.
(8) = PAYNESVILLE
16069 Hwy. 27 E.
725 Lake Ave. S.
4 JD 6130M, 2019, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 150 hrs., #152367 ........................................................................................................................$99,500 4 JD 6110M, 2018, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 450 hrs., #149248 ........................................................................................................................$89,500 4 JD 6135E, 2019, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 pto, Loader, 154 hrs., #152152$82,900 4 JD 6110M, 2017, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, Loader, 188 hrs., #145468 .........................................................................................................$97,900 4 JD 5045E, 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 pto, 68 hrs., #163844 ....................................$23,900 4 JD 5115M, 2018, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540 pto, Loader, 1100 hrs., #143690$69,500 10 JD 5090R, 2018, Cab, Partial PS, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 24 hrs., #147006 .............$71,900 10 JD 5055E, 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 pto, 98 hrs., #140787 ....................................$32,900 10 JD 6110M, 2018, Cab, Partial PS MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 221 hrs., #149246 ...........$94,900 10 JD 3020, 1965, 2WD, Syncro, 540 pto, Duals, 7772 hrs., #169574.............................$8,900 10 JD 2840, 1979, Partial Power Shift, 2WD, 540/1000 pto, 5128 hrs., #168454 ..........$9,900 17 JD 3020, Syncro, 2WD, 540/1000 pto, #167795 ........................................................$5,900 7 Farmall Super MTA, 1954, 2WD, 540 pto, #170761 ..............................................$5,000 7 MF 5613 Deluxe, 2014, Cab, Power Reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, Loader, 945 hrs., #167436 .........................................................................................................$75,900 6 JD 6110R, 2017, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 210 hrs., #145477 ........................................................................................................................$98,900 6 JD 6120E, 2018, 482 hrs., #143694 ..........................................................................$79,500 6 JD 6130R, 2016, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 442 hrs., #142596 ........................................................................................................................$99,500 1 JD 6110R, 2016, Cab, IVT, MFWD, 573 hrs., #144500 ..............................................$95,900 12 JD 5055E, 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 pto, 7 hrs., #140896 ......................................$32,900 12 JD 6110M, 2019, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 107 hrs., #153313 .....................................................................................................................$109,500 12 JD 5100E, 2014, Cab, Syncro, MFWD, 540 pto, Loader, 652 hrs., #169704..............$56,000 12 JD 6120R, 2019, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, Loader, 147 hrs., #153295 ......................................................................................................$119,500 15 JD 6105M, 2015, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 989 hrs., #168001 ........................................................................................................................$66,900 9 JD 6135E, 2018, 499 hrs., #143698 ..........................................................................$84,900 16 JD 6120E, 2018, Cab, MFWD, 540 pto, Loader, 233 hrs., #143692 ..........................$79,500 13 JD 5075E, 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 pto, 9 hrs., #140875 ......................................$36,900 5 JD 5400, 1996, Syncro, MFWD, 540 pto, 6000 hrs., #164957 ..................................$19,900 11 JD 6125M, 2015, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, Loader, 2904 hrs., #166455 .......................................................................................................$74,400 11 JD 6120M, 2018, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, 170 hrs., #141903 ........................................................................................................................$92,900 11 JD 6120M, 2017, Cab, Partial Power Shift, MFWD, 540/1000 pto, Loader, 400 hrs., #169250 ......................................................................................................$105,400 WINDROWERS 8 JD W260, 2018, 16’ platform, Rubber/Urethane conditioner, 500 hrs., #163764 $169,500
CALL TODAY! (320)365-1653 (12) = AITKIN 1120 2nd St. NW
(10) = LITTLE FALLS (13) = BAXTER (11) = WADENA 62505 US Hwy. 10
7045 Foley Rd.
(14) = ELBOW LAKE
(16) = BENSON
(15) = MORRIS
(17) = MADISON
110 2nd St. NE
23604 State Hwy. 9
380 Atlantic Ave. 516 1st St. E
SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY WITH PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS AT: www.mmcjd.com
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
USDA issues rst CFAP payments
Start planning for tomorrow, today. 0
% FINANCING FOR UP
72 MONTHS*
TO
3 MONTH DEFERRAL ON CONTRACTS UP TO 60 MONTHS*
SCAN ME
www.delaval.com
Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: IOWA Kramer Bros. Monticello, IA 319-465-5931 Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United-Suckow Dairy Supply West Union, IA 563-422-5355 Postville, IA 563-864-7417 WISCONSIN Advanced Dairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713
Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Mondovi Dairy Systems Inc. Mondovi, WI 715-926-5777
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466 East Central Dairy Supply Mora, MN 320-679-1029
Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 608-635-0267
Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Watertown, SD 605-886-7401 Sioux Falls, SD 800-284-0015
Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579
S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288
The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470
Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
West Salem, WI 608-769-2113
*0% interest for up to 72 months, DeLaval equipment only and restrictions may apply, on approved credit and minimum deal amount of $25,000 is required to qualify. Lease option may include a residual to be paid in order to obtain full ownership at the end of the term. Subject to special conditions’ that may cease at any time. is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2020 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. www.delaval.com
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue today announced the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) has already approved more than $545 million in payments to producers who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 applications for this important relief program. “The coronavirus has hurt America’s farmers, ranchers, and producers, and these payments directed by President Trump will help this critical industry weather the current pandemic so they can continue to plant and harvest a safe, nutritious, and affordable crop for the American people,” said Secretary Perdue. “We have tools and resources available to help producers understand the program and enable them to work with Farm Service Agency staff to complete applications as smoothly and efciently as possible and get payments into the pockets of our patriotic farmers.” In the rst six days of the application period, FSA has already made payments to more than 35,000 producers. Out of the gate, the top ve states for CFAP payments are Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota. USDA has released data on application progress and program payments and will release further updates each Monday at 2:00pm ET. The report can be viewed at farmers.gov/cfap. FSA will accept applications through August 28, 2020. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in nancial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a ve-percentor-greater price decline due to COVID-19 and face additional signicant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. In order to do this, producers will receive 80 percent of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available. Getting help from FSA New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended rst step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county ofce at their local USDA Service Center. Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from farmers.gov/cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can nd a payment calculator to help producers identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments. Producers self-certify their records when applying for CFAP and that documentation is not submitted with the application. However, producers may be asked for their documentation to support the certication of eligible commodities, so producers should retain the information used to complete their application. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print a pre-lled CFAP application, sign it, and submit it to your local FSA ofce either electronically or via hand delivery through an ofce drop box. Please contact your local ofce to determine the preferred delivery method for your local ofce. Team members at FSA county ofces will be able to answer detailed questions and help producers apply quickly and efciently through phone and online tools. Find contact information for your local ofce at farmers. gov/cfap. Policy clarications FSA has been working with stakeholder groups to provide further clarication to producers on the CFAP program. For example, the agency has published a matrix of common marketing contracts that impact eligibility for non-specialty crops and has provided a table that crosswalks common livestock terms to CFAP cattle categories. Updated information can be found in the frequently asked questions section of the CFAP website. To nd the latest information on CFAP, visit farmers.gov/CFAP or call 877-508-8364.
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 23
An opportunity outside of dairy Massmann opens bar, restaurant to diversify income By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
MELROSE, Minn. – Jessica Massmann has come to know the value of hard work and determination. She has seen it many times over on her family’s dairy farm and now is living through it as a rst-time bar and restaurant owner. “Running this bar takes a lot of long hours,” Massmann said. “But you get out of it what you put in, just like on the farm.” Massmann is the owner of Crazy J’s Bar and Grill in Sauk Centre. She and her husband, Jo-
seph, and their ve children – Wyatt, Tenley, Clayton, Elliott and Amon – milk 52 cows in Stearns County near Melrose. They also raise beef steers and nish out 1,000 pigs with Massmann’s father-in-law, Hugo Massmann. For the rst 10 years of their marriage, Massmann worked alongside her husband on the farm and helped care for the children. Then, after a short stint bartending last summer, Massmann came across the opportunity to purchase a bar and restaurant. While Massmann had never owned and operated a restaurant business before, she JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Jessica Massmann is the owner of Crazy J’s Bar and Grill in Sauk Centre. Massmann and her husband, Joseph, purchased the restaurant to diversify their income.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Jessica Massmann talks with customers Todd Fisher (front, right) and Joe Wessel at her restaurant, Crazy J’s Bar and Grill, June 18 in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.
saw it as a venture to create income diversity for her family and work independently much like her husband does on the farm. “If dairy farming continues like it has with low prices, the bar is something we can use to back it up,” Massmann said. “It’s another market to get into to help pay the bills.” After purchasing the business, Massmann spent the fol-
HAY & FORAGE, STALK CHOPPERS
BEST
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Case IH MX 270 FWA, 16.9R30 Fr Dls, 20.8R42 R Dls. 5,615 hrs John Deere 5055D 2WD, with 420 hrs, 8x2 trans. front weights JD 4200 Compact Hydro Tractor w/JD 420 ldr., 1,395 hrs. MF 1030 4WD Compact Tractor w/1016 Ldr & Bkt. 1,328 Hrs
COMBINES & HEADS
Gleaner S96 Combine, ‘19, Tires 800R32 single, 214 Sep. hrs Gleaner S67 Combine, ‘11, duals , 1187 sep, 1558 eng, nice Gleaner S77 Combine, 2012, duals, 1,777 sep, 2,325 E. Gleaner R75 Combine, 2004, Duals, 1982 Sep, 2719 E, very nice Gleaner 8000-20 Flex Head Laterak Tilt, 2005 Gleaner 8000 Flex Head 25’ Lateral Tilt, 2004 Gleaner 3000 630R Corn Head, 2008 Gleaner 3000 830R Corn Head, 2004 Case IH 1640 Combine 4,435 hours, 28L-26 singles Harvestec 4306C Cutter Corn Head 6R30” Gl Mounts, Low Acres Harvestec 4308C Cutter Corn Head 8 Row 30” GL Mounts Harvestec 4308C Cutter Corn Head 8 Row 30” JD Mount Harvestec 4308C Cutter Corn Head 8 Row 30” NH/Case IH Mount ‘08
SKID STEERS
Case SR220 Skid Steer, Cab, Heat, A/C, 2 Speed, 3200 hrs. Mustang 2700V, ‘11, 2,000 hrs., pilot ctrls., cab, 2 spd, nice Mustang 2076, ‘12 1200 hrs., H/F ctrls, cab, w/heat, 2 spd. Mustang 2060 ‘96, 6,636 hrs., T-Bar controls, universal mount
TILLAGE/FIELD CULTIVATORS
Case IH 6500 Conser-Till 9-shank chisel plow with frame ext. Glencoe SS7400 5-shank chisel plow (excellent condition) DMI Ecolo-Tiger 730B, 7 shank, Straight Front Coulters, Closing Disc Wilrich 357 5-Shank Ripper With Cart, 2014 Wilrich 657 11 Shank Chisel/ Ripper Combo, 2014 Wilrich 657 11 Shank Chisel/ Ripper Combo, 2012, 2 Bar Coil & Basket
John Deere 582 Silage Special Round Baler 4X5, 19,434 Bales Kuhn VB 2295 Round Baler, 4X6 Var. Chamber Opticut with 5,660 bales, 2018 McHALE V660 ROUND BALER 4X6 CUTTER BALER, 8,600 BALES New Holland BR7070, 2014, round baler, 14,059 bales, Crop Cutter NEW HOLLAND RB560 2017 ROUND BALER 1,176 BALES, LIKE NEW New Holland 330 Big Baler, ‘13, 3X3, manual applicator, 6,200 bales Hesston 8200 SP windrower w/14’ auger head H&S CR8 8WHEEL CART RAKE, GOOD SHAPE New Holland 56 bar rake Art’s way 240C Stalk Chopper, 2015, 20’ Width, Low Acres Anderson SB780 Individual Bale Wrapper Teagle Tomahawk 6060 3-pt Bale Chopper Vermeer CPX9000 Bale Processor, 2017, with Twin Blowers
lowing couple months remodeling the interior and adding her own welcoming touch to it. The bar and restaurant opened Feb. 14. For the rst month, Massmann spent her mornings and early afternoons at home caring for her family. Then, she managed the bar and restaurant through dinnertime and closing. When Massmann is home
in the evenings, she helps with chores and milking the cows. “I was gone for a lot of hours, and a lot of times I would get home and go to bed as Joseph was waking up to milk,” Massmann said. “I couldn’t do it without him. He and my in-laws help with the kids when I’m gone. Between Turn to MASSMANN | Page 25
Maximize Your Harvest Nutrition
ROW CROP, DRILLS & SPRAYERS
Hardi Navigator 4000, 2013, 90’ Boom, 120” Axle, ISO Hardi Navigator 4000, 2012, 90’ Boom,120” Axle, 5500 rate controler Hardi Navigator 3000, 60’ Boom, adjustable axle Hardi Navigator 550M 45’ hyd. fold boom, foam marker, ñush & rinse CIH 5300 Grain Drill With Small Seeds Box Great Plains 13’ solid stand grain dril
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H&S LK-500 Forage Box, 14’ with P&H 4 wheel gear Demco 1102 Cart Red, 1250 Tires, Roll Tarp, ‘17, Rented 1 Season Demco 365 Gravity Box w/385-22.5 Truck Tires, Red Ez-Flow 300 Gravity Box w/EZ-Trail 1074 Gear. 12.5-15 Tires Parker Gravity Box, 400 bu.
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Farm King Y600 Snow Blower 60” Cat. 1. manual chute, green & yellow Sand Shooter Becker Woodchuck 68” Very Nice Virnig 96” Hydraulic Angle Broom. New Brushes. Virnig 4 Prong Bale Spear, round tapered shaft, #101939 Westendorf WL-42 All-Matic loader with White tractor mounts Consign AGRIC AFMJ-65 65” Roto Tiller
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Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
0 FOR %
APR
60 MONTHS
*
Plus $1,700 in Bobcat attachment credits
ON SELECT NEW BOBCAT EXCAVATORS, COMPACT TRACK LOADERS AND SKID-STEER LOADERS In lieu of finance, there are several rebate options available with your purchase:
$5,000* with the purchase of a T770 compact track loader. er. $3,000* when you purchase a S740 skid-steer loader. AUTHORIZED BOBCAT DEALERS S
IOWA
JP Scherrman, Inc. Farley • 563-744-3393
Reiser Implement, Inc. Waukon • 563-568-4526
SOUTH DAKOTA
Bobcat of Brookings, Inc. Brookings • 605-697-5544 Bobcat of Watertown Watertown • 605-886-5844
Pfeifer’s Implement Co. Sioux Falls • 605-338-6351
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Alex Power Equipment Alexandria • 320-763-4994
Bobcat of Otter Tail County Fergus Falls • 218-739-4505 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Dassel • 320-275-2737 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Long Prairie • 320-732-3715 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. St. Cloud • 320-240-2085 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Willmar • 320-235-3672
Lano Equipment of Norwood Norwood Young America • 952-467-2181
K&L Bobcat, Bobcat Inc Darlington • 608-776-4044
Tri-State Bobcat Burnsville • 952-894-0894
Komro Sales & Service Whitehall • 715-538-1495
Miller Sellner Slayton, LLC Slayton • 507-836-8571
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Visit Bobcat.com/Offers or stop by today for details. *Offer ends 7/31/2020. Available at participating and eligible dealers only. Offer may vary by product type, series, model and select units in dealer’s current inventory. Must take delivery from dealer stock by 7/31/2020. Offers available on new equipment in US and Canada only. Some restrictions apply. Length of contract may vary. Prior purchases not eligible. See dealer for details. Financing provided on approval of credit by authorized Bobcat finance providers to well-qualified buyers. Administrative fees may apply. Offer not available to government accounts, national accounts and municipal/utility bid customers. Non-commercial customers may not be eligible for low rate financing. Bobcat Company reserves the right to extend or discontinue any of these programs at any time without prior notice. Bobcat®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries.
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Miller Implement Co., Inc. & Motorsports of Fond du Lac Fond du Lac • 920-922-8521 Tri-State Bobcat Hudson • 715-531-0801
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 25
ConƟnued from MASSMANN | Page 23 the dairy and this business, we picked the two hardest routes to go.” But with the onset of the novel coronavirus, Massmann had to shut her doors nearly a month after she started up. “We pulled money from the farm to buy the bar so we could have another source of income. What are the chances the farm would still carry the weight?” Massmann said. “When we had to shut down, the farm carried this business.” Massmann was lled with shock and disappointment when she had to close, but she looked on the brighter side of the situation. “There are hard days and there are good days, and somedays you just have to laugh to make it through,” Massmann said. “You have to hang in there because it always gets better and works out in the end.” Massmann quickly reorganized her business plan. She began offering takeout lunch and dinner orders, and received an unexpected amount of support from the community, including from businesses the family works with on the farm. Between the farm and the restaurant, the children spent time with both of their parents, learning valuable lifeJENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR long skills. “Each kid had their own time The Massmann family – (front, from leŌ) WyaƩ, Tenley and Clayton; (back from leŌ) Jessica holding EllioƩ and Joseph with Mom and Dad,” Massmann said. holding Amon – milk 52 cows near Melrose, Minnesota. In February, Jessica opened a restaurant in Sauk Centre, Min“When they were with me, I hope I was nesota. teaching them the same type of work ethic they learn on the farm. And we meals allows Massmann to talk about allow Massmann more time to dedicate part of her family’s pride just as farmto her bar and restaurant. ing has for three generations. had fun. After packaging lunches, we’d her farming roots. “I love to cook,” she said. “We use The farm has been in the Mass“It’s no different than when you go down to the park for a bit.” Massmann has reopened her doors, our own beef at the restaurant, so I’m mann family since the 1930s. Through harvest your crops in the fall or watch offering both indoor and outdoor seat- able to bring the farm into this part of the highs and lows, it has become a pro- the bulk tank ll up,” Massmann said. ing. She is looking forward to regain- my life. It brings everything full circle.” fession the family is passionate about “There’s no better feeling than seeing Massmann has big plans for the fu- more so than any sort of payback they a bar full of people at the end of the ing her customer base and serving her night.” ever-popular homecooked farm meals ture of her business. Luckily, the farm might receive. recently installed automatic take-offs to In the years to come, Massmann like meat loaf and goulash. Providing customers with hardy help streamline the milking process and hopes the bar and restaurant becomes a
“When we put the A5s in, there was no learning curve. It was so simple.”
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Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
Farm storage facility loans As a reminder, Farm Service Agency ofces are open by phone appointments only at this time. Call your local ofce to make an appointment, or we will work with you to complete your FSA paperwork by mail or email. FSA’s Farm Storage FSA News & Notes Facility Loan program provides low-interest nancing to producers to build or upgrade storage facilities and to purchase portable (new or used) structures, equipment and storage and handling trucks. The low-interest funds can be used to build By Ryan Brunn or upgrade permanent Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. facilities to store commodities. Eligible commodities include corn, grain sorghum, rice, soybeans, oats, peanuts, wheat, barley, minor oilseeds harvested as whole grain, pulse crops (lentil, chickpea and dry pea), hay, honey, renewable biomass, fruits, nuts and vegetables for cold storage facilities, oriculture, hop, maple sap, rye, milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, meat and poultry (unprocessed), eggs and aquaculture (excluding systems that maintain live animals through uptake and discharge of water). Qualied facilities include grain bins, hay barns and cold storage facilities for eligible commodities. Loans up to $50,000 can be secured by a promissory note/security agreement and loans between $50,000 and $100,000 may require additional security. Loans exceeding $100,000 require additional security. Producers do not need to demonstrate the lack of commercial credit availability to apply. The loans are designed to assist a diverse range of farming operations, including small and mid-sized businesses, new farmers, operations supplying local food and farmers markets, non-traditional farm products and underserved producers. To learn more about the FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport or contact a FSA county ofce.
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.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 27
Resilience. No one demonstrates this quite like dairy farmers especially in today’s environment. National Dairy Month has always been a time to celebrate all things dairy and a great way to kick off summer. With restrictions on gatherings due to the new coronavirus, dairy farmers have used their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to nd ways to share their stories and connect people with where their food comes from. While the excitement of a busy breakfast on the farm and the celebration of communities coming together was missed, there have By Eir GarciaSilva been opportunities to reach VP, Dairy Experience even more consumers to build – Farmer trust and drive dairy demand by bringing the farm to them through virtual experiences. One of the most engaging ways to reach today’s consumer is through a live virtual farm tour, giving a real, unscripted and unltered glimpse into a dairy farm. Margaret and Michael Johnson of Trailside Holsteins in Minnesota, in partnership with Discover Dairy and Midwest Dairy, used technology to engage with consumers by sharing their dairy story on a live YouTube tour of their farm. Consumers were able to ask questions in realtime during the tour, providing the more than 200 live viewers with a chance to connect directly with where their food comes from. The recording is now posted on the Discover Dairy website and YouTube and has received more than 3,800 views. This recording will continue to be available to families and schools across the nation as the 2020-21 school year begins. Through a partnership with the Iowa Food and Family Project, consumers were given a virtual tour of an Iowa dairy farm. The tour was part of a learning series hosted this April through June by IFFP that virtually connected consumers to behind-
O off the One h most engaging ways to reach today’s consumer is through a live virtual farm tour, giving a real, unscripted and unltered glimpse into a dairy farm. the-scenes farm and restaurant tours, mealtime tips, cooking demonstrations and family-friendly activity ideas. Farmer Shannon Wellman, an Iowa Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership participant, led the tour. Wellman showed consumers a modern milking parlor, how cows are cared for and what goes into producing sustainable, nutritious milk. The tour was posted on the IFFP blog and shared on their social media channels as a resource for families that will be available online for months to come. For more than 12 years, Midwest Dairy has partnered with Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and
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Aquarium for an annual Moo at the Zoo event to share dairy’s farm-to-table story with consumers visiting the zoo. This year, the event was reinvented through the creation of virtual eld trips to dairy farms that included themes of animal care and sustainability, along with an interactive social media scavenger hunt. To date, the three videos have received more than 69,000 views, and more than 200,000 people received e-newsletters with the information and links to the virtual eld trips. Drive-thru dairy events have also been growing in popularity throughout the Midwest. With support from an Undeniably Dairy Grant from Midwest Dairy, dairy farmers have been opening their farms for an in-person experience – with social distancing top of mind. The Iowa Dairy Center planned a drivethru scavenger hunt where visitors drove around the farm in their vehicle with a scavenger hunt card
looking for agriculture-related clues throughout the visit. This unique approach for an on-farm activity created a memorable experience for visitors. When dairy farmers are met with challenges, we have seen time and time again how you turn them into opportunities. Whether you want to try a live or recorded farm tour of your own, launch a virtual story time or something entirely new, Midwest Dairy is ready to support you and all Midwest dairy farmers as the dairy community continues to show our true resilience. Please reach out if you have ideas about how we can keep building trust with consumers to increase dairy demand. We would love to hear from you. In the meantime, we hope these activities inspire you to continue sharing your stories of resilience with consumers as National Dairy Month comes to a close and beyond.
WHERE WOULD 9 YEARS OF AUTOMATION BRING YOU? Here’s a Groetsch Family Update!
Steve and Lisa Groetsch are in their 9th year with Lely milking robots.
Goals in January 2012: • Milk 3x a day • Ease labor • Improve milk production That year, they installed four A3-Next milking robots and were better able to manage their herd’s production.
Continuing Great Results in 2020: • Increased tank average • Improved cow health U Ƃ Ã>Ì ÃvÞ } > ` yiÝ L i Ü À « >Vi v À ÕÀ VÀiÜ • Lifestyle and a career for children’s future (all currently working in >} Ài >Ìi` wi `Ãt® In 2019, the Groetsch family earned one of the Top 200 robot-producing `> ÀÞ iÀ`Ã Ì i Ü À `t ,> } Ì i Ì « Óää « >ViÃ Ì i Ì i Ì « £¯ v Ì i i Þ v>À ð }À>ÌÕ >Ì Ã Ì iÃi «ÀiÃà Ûi Õ LiÀÃt “People ask us what we do with all our time now. Our herd manager said it well, ‘Even with robots there is plenty to do.’ And this is so true! Now we use that time to keep up on general herd health and other areas of our dairy.” - Lisa Groetsch
Contact Leedstone to learn more about Lely automation for milking, feeding, barn cleaning and more! Melrose, MN Jake at jmoline@Leedstone.com or call 320.761.9630
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Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 Joe Armstrong armst225@umn.edu 612.624.3610 Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130 Hugh Chester-Jones chest001@umn.edu 507-835-3622 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 Nathan Hulinsky huli0013@umn.edu 320-203-6104 Kevin Janni kjanni@umn.edu 612-625-3108 Karen Johnson ande9495@umn.edu 320-484-4334 Emily Krekelberg krek0033@umn.edu 507-280-2863 Claire LaCanne lacanne@umn.edu 507-332-6109 Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu 320-732-4435 Erin Royster royster@umn.edu Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu 320-203-6093 Mike Schutz mschutz@umn.edu 612-624-1205 M. Scott Wells mswells@umn.edu 612-625-3747
www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
Holsteins continue to get taller each year: What can you do to reduce the trend in your herd?
If you believe Holsteins are becoming taller as the years go by, you are correct. However, the vast majority of dairy producers prefer cows that are more medium size and will t more easily than taller cows into stalls. We hear much in Holstein circles about current breeding goals moving to a modern Holstein cow that is more moderate in tallness and carries somewhat more body condition. This sort of thinking and marketing suggests the trend toward taller and thinner Holsteins has been turned around. Unfortunately, that is not the case. At ve-year intervals, the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding and the Holstein Association USA both change the geBy Les Hansen, Ph.D. netic base to serve as the center point University of MN (plus/minus) for reporting transmitting abilities (PTA) for each trait within each breed. A change of genetic base recently took place with the April 2020 genetic evaluations. For each trait of cows, the new 2020 genetic base will be xed for the next ve years and is the average of cows born ve years earlier, in 2015. For most traits, genetic improvement is favorable during the previous ve years, and this results in a xed subtraction to the PTA of every animal in a breed to reect the change of genetic base. For example, the 2020 change of genetic base for PTA for stature (tallness) of Holsteins was 0.47. This documents Holsteins became taller since the previous change of genetic base ve years ago. Therefore, the PTA for stature (tallness) of every Holstein (male and female) was lowered by a xed 0.47 from the December 2019 genetic evaluation to the April 2020 genetic evaluation. The consequence of the subtraction of 0.47 is the average PTA for stature of available Holstein A.I. bulls went from +1.11 in December 2015 to +0.61 in April 2020. Therefore, a bull with a PTA for stature of +0.30 in December 2019 should have a PTA for stature of about -.17 in April 2020, despite no difference in the genes transmitted by the bull to his daughters. Yes, the march toward taller Holsteins continues. Why? There are two major reasons for the ongoing genetic trend for taller Holsteins. Some people believe taller cows will automatically result from selection for more production because bigger (taller) cows produce more milk. However, that is not the case. Genetically, zero relationship exists between tallness of cows and production. On the other hand, taller Holsteins tend to have reduced fertility, higher health treatment cost and shorter herd life compared with shorter cows for stature. The
classiers employed by the Holstein Association USA score Holsteins for individual type traits as well as for overall score that is called nal score type. On average, Holstein classiers assign higher nal score type to taller cows than to somewhat shorter cows for stature. On average, all other breeds of dairy cows have less stature than Holsteins, and the desire for cows with less stature is one of the reasons for the movement away from Holsteins and toward crossbreds and Jerseys over the past decade. The other reason for the trend for taller Holsteins is selection for udder composite, which is a common selection priority for dairy producers. However, most dairy producers are unaware selection for udder composite results in indirect selection for taller Holsteins. The trait udder depth contributes to udder composite, and udder depth is scored as the distance from the lowest point of the udder to the hock of rear legs. As an example, let us assume two Holsteins have identical udders including depth of udder measured downward from the body, but one of the two cows is taller (has longer legs) than the other cow (has shorter legs). The longer-legged cow receives a higher score for udder depth than the shorter-legged cow despite the udders themselves being identical in appearance. The outcome is a higher udder composite for the taller of the two cows. Because of this situation, the Holstein Association USA made a bold move in August 2017 to partially adjust for the relationship between higher udder composite and taller cows. The association placed a negative 20% weight on stature (tallness) when calculating udder composite. This change reduced the relationship between higher udder composite and taller stature of cows by about 35%. However, 65% of the problem continues to persist. Therefore, selection for udder composite even when ignoring stature (tallness) will result in indirect selection for taller Holsteins. This is a pesky problem. So, what should dairy producers do if they would like their Holsteins to become somewhat shorter for stature over time? They should be aware that emphasis on PTA for udder composite when choosing A.I. bulls will result in cows becoming taller if they do not place a corresponding negative weight on PTA for stature. Actually, a PTA for udder composite that is near zero (or even slightly negative) will not result in deep udders that lack function because of all the selection for better udders that has taken place for 40 years. Likewise, choosing A.I. bulls that are negative for stature will not result in small Holsteins because of selection for taller cows that has taken place for many years and is reected in the changes of genetic base every ve years.
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Highlights from dairy nutrition, management conference By Marcia Endres & Jim Salfer University of Minnesota
The new coronavirus has changed all of our lives in one way or another. Our Four-State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference (organized by extension specialists from Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin) was hosted in a virtual format June 10. This conference is geared toward nutritionists’ interests, but some veterinarians and farmers also attend. There were various topics covered during the event, starting with the pre-conference symposium on amino acids in dairy diets sponsored by Adisseo, followed by two main sessions at the conference, one focusing on improving herd health and the other focusing on maximizing prot from bull calves. There were also 10 pre-recorded breakout sessions on various topics related to nutrition, management and housing. For program details, visit http://www.fourstatedairy.org. How do circadian rhythms affect milk production, components and feeding behavior? Kevin Harvatine, Penn State University, discussed his research on how circadian rhythms impact cows. A circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates our biological processes. All dairy farms know that components drop in the summer. Using DHI records back to 2000, Kevin observed a predictable seasonality of milk production and fat and protein percent. Key ndings and take-home messages were: – Milk yield peaks in April, averaging about 5 pounds more than the fall. – Components follow a different rhythm with lower milk fat (-0.34%) and milk protein (-0.20%) in the summer than the winter. – Anticipate and expect a swing in components with a peak around the rst of the year and a bottom around July 1. – If milk fat and protein percentages are not increasing in late fall to early winter, investigate and try and determine the reason. If your annual fat test is 3.9%, you should expect a 4.1% fat in January and 3.7% in July to be normal. In another experiment, they wanted to examine if feeding regimes affected cow feeding behavior and performance. Cows’ natural feeding behavior is crepuscular, meaning their natural pattern is to spend the most time eating shortly after dawn and shortly before dusk. Cows will naturally eat some during day, while most of the night is spent resting and ruminating. – In connement systems, delivery of fresh feed is the biggest factor inuencing periods of peak feed intake. – When they compared once-a-day feeding in the morning, once-a-day feeding in the evening and twice-a-day feeding with half the feed in the morning and half in the evening, peak feed intake corresponded with feeding times for all groups. – Cows fed once daily in the evening had more of a slug feeding pattern, eating 50% more after evening feeding compared to cows fed once in the morning. The feeding pattern throughout the rest of the day was similar between the three groups. – They concluded there is potentially an increased risk of acidosis if a highly fermentable diet is fed once in the evening. – Think not only about the diet presented, but how the eating pattern may affect the rumen and risk of acidosis and milk fat depression. – It is likely not benecial in the summer to feed once in the evening, believing cows will have eaten more of the fresh feed overnight. This may increase the risk of acidosis on some diets. How does feeding of colostrum and milk, and weaning strategies affect gut health and development? Mike Steele, University of Guelph,
presented a main session talk on nutritional regulation of gut health and development with a focus on colostrum and milk, and also a breakout session with a focus on weaning and beyond. Colostrum provides not only immunoglobulins, which are key for calf immune function, but also various bioactive molecules and cells necessary for good health. – Delaying the rst feeding of colostrum beyond six hours after birth will not only impact passive immune transfer but also negatively inuence the colonization of benecial bacteria in the calf intestine. – The best innovation in calf feeding in recent years are the 3-L and 4-L bottles, which allow for feeding greater amounts of milk to our calves. – Feeding transition milk from days two and three fresh cow milkings (or a combination of colostrum and whole milk on a 1:1 ratio) resulted in improved gut health and development compared to going straight from the rst feeding of colostrum to whole milk or milk replacer. – Feeding transition milk was similar to feeding colostrum for those three days. Both have positive immunological and nutritional effects. – Weaning calves results in large transformations of the gut. – If feeding high levels of milk (8 or more quarts per day) wean at 8 weeks of age with a two-week stepdown to reduce impact of weaning on calf performance and health. – Heifers offered a high plane of nutrition (85% concentrate) for two months post weaning had improved reproductive development compared to heifers fed 70% concentrate.
What are keys to prevent lameness in our dairy herds? What aspects of barn design help improve performance and health in automated milking systems? Nigel Cook, University of WisconsinMadison, presented a talk on steps to prevent lameness in dairy cattle. Steps include hoof care, disinfection and cow comfort. He also presented a breakout session on barn design in automated milking systems. – Trim hooves twice per lactation unless wear is an issue; restore a more upright claw angle; balance weight between the inner and outer claw. – Use well designed footbaths (10 to 12 feet long); footbath four milkings per week; use effective antibacterial solution; no more than 300 cow passes; all life stages (includes heifers). – Standing up for too long is a main factor in the development of sole ulcers. – Deep bedded stalls with sand reduce chronicity of lameness. – Mattress herds must have excellent stall design; treat lameness cases promptly; allow lame cows to recover on soft surface; and use effective footbathing. These will help reduce lameness in mattress herds. – Heat stress negatively inuences resting behavior contributing to lameness. Heat abatement is key. – Aim for lying times of 11.5 to 12.5 hours per day. – Rubber transfer lanes reduce hoof wear to and from the parlor. Rubber is not recommended in freestall barn alleys. Focus on stall comfort. – Heifers can develop corkscrew claw syndrome. To prevent this, a bedded pack rather than freestalls is recommended up to at least breeding age; or use organic bedding rather than sand in freestalls; reduce headlock exposure; provide outdoor access. – AMS general design priorities: 55 cows per robot maximum, minimum of two AMS units per pen, deep loose bedding, sufcient feed bunk space per cow (24 inches), 24/7 fresh cow access to the robot for 10-21 days post calving, and expert gating and ow modeling.
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 29
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Music memories Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
The capacity to produce music has never been my One day, Mrs. Gaspar was struggling to teach us forte. I am one of those who could not carry a tune our state song, “Hail, South Dakota,” when she became even if you bolted a handle onto it. aware of the boys’ unmitigated musical apathy. Her I was 11 when my musical abilities reached rst hint was that only the girls were singing. their crescendo. That was the Mrs. Gaspar quietly placed year when Mrs. Gaspar, our her autoharp on the desk and h my musicall sat down. A hush fell over the elementary music teacher, took I was 11 when it upon herself to give our class classroom. She said that she of sixth graders an appreciation abilities reached their could hardly blame us for our for music – whether we liked it crescendo. lack of enthusiasm as this song or not. was not betting of our great Mrs. Gaspar held forth state. every day during music class, oblivious to the fact Mrs. Gaspar then made a startling announcement: that her lectures were mostly background noise to us Someone in this room would produce our new state boys. Mrs. Gaspar even attempted to teach us how to song. Each of us was to write the lyrics and compose read and write music. All I learned from that is that the melody of the new song. She gave us music writing written music is a mishmash of bizarre symbols that pointers, saying our songs should include positive are as indecipherable as any super-secret spy code. messages about South Dakota’s geography, ora and
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fauna. She also mentioned our wide-open spaces, which is a nice way of saying “hardly anybody lives out here.” This assignment posed problems bigger than Mount Rushmore. For instance, our state ower is a prairie native called Dear County Agent Guy the pasque ower. In all my years of tromping across the prairie, I have yet to encounter a single pasque ower. We must live in a no pasqueing zone. There were numerous other hurdles besides nding a word to rhyme with pasque (all songs are poems and By Jerry Nelson federal law dictates that Columnist all poems must rhyme). Our state bird, the Chinese ring-necked pheasant, is a prime example. Aside from the obvious – that our state bird is a cheap foreign import – how do you convey the message regarding its intended use? How do you say, “Hey all you hunters, come to South Dakota and blast away at our state bird. And yes, they taste just like chicken.” And how do you deal with the awful truth, namely, that our real state bird is actually the mosquito? I swiftly scribbled some timeless poetry that incorporated many of these themes, making sure every other line rhymed. Then came the mission impossible part, which was writing a melody. I stumbled along like a blind man in a eld of fresh cow pies. It was not long before I began to ignore the copyright notice of my music book. After an hour of herculean effort, I managed to produce a respectable treble cleft and a score that was comprised of notes scrawled indiscriminately across the preprinted music scale. I would randomly give notes cute little ags like those I saw in my music book. I peeked at a classmate’s music writing and saw she had used notes that looked a lot like the letter O. She explained that this was a whole note and that one of them was equal to four quarter notes. In the interest of expediency, I began to use large numbers of whole notes. Peering at another classmate’s paper, I noticed she had made some odd squiggles that she said were rests. I was getting tired of the entire business, so I began to include a lot of rests in my musical score. I turned in my song, condent I would soon be hailed as a child prodigy. People would point at me and say, “There goes the next Beethoven. And why does that kid have such a weird haircut?” Mrs. Gaspar bundled up our songs and sent them off to South Dakota Gov. Nils Boe. A few weeks later, our class received a courteous letter from Gov. Boe. He said he had reviewed our materials and thanked us for our efforts, adding he would keep them on le. I suspect the le was circular and sat at the end of his desk. I was indignant that Gov. Boe had not immediately recommended the legislature adopt my new state song, “It Never Hails In South Dakota.” It was a wonderful little ditty. Especially the part where “pasque-a” rhymes with “located right above Nebraska.” 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.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 31
Small grain forages, such as spring-planted oats or an oat-and-pea mix, have been a part of our forage feeding strategies for decades. Recently, we have seen more creative uses and applications of small grain forage. It is increasingly common to see oats planted mid-summer and Something to Ruminate On harvested in the fall, or winter triticale or winter rye planted in the fall and harvested the following spring. Most farms relying on winter or spring cereal grain silage as part of their forage inventories have likely harvested these crops over the past few weeks. The quality By Barry Visser of these small grain Nutritionist forages is not so much determined by the species, but rather soil fertility and maturity at harvest. Soil fertility can have a relatively minor inďƒ&#x;uence on the forage quality of corn silage and alfalfa. In contrast, it can have a rather dramatic effect on crude protein, potassium and magnesium content of small grain forages. Plant maturity also plays a huge role in small grain silage quality. When harvested in the vegetative stages, it is common to observe small grain forages with less than 45% neutral detergent ďƒžber. These forages are ideal candidates for lactating dairy cows. In contrast, small grain forages can also be harvested after seed head emergence, and these forages will have NDF content similar to straw. A few nuances and considerations come with feeding cereal silages to lactating dairy cows. While not intrinsically true in all rations, most of the time, we see cereal silage replace legume silage in the diet because corn silage inventories on Upper Midwest dairies are relatively ďƒžxed. Comparing the similarities and differences of cereal silage and alfalfa is a great starting place to consider diet formulation. A primary consideration of any alternative forage in inventory is its protein content. In general, a minimum crude protein content of 14-15% is desired for inclusion in the lactating diet to help minimize purchased protein costs. Cereal forages, such as triticale or rye silages, harvested at the ďƒ&#x;ag leaf or early boot stage of maturity may contain 15-18% CP. In addition to harvest timing, the protein content of grass silage is largely dictated by the soil nitrogen fertility. Cereal forages are much lower in calcium and can be very high in potassium because grasses are luxury consumers of soil potassium. This means dietary calcium and potassium levels need to be doublechecked. Additionally, when grass crops are grown on high-potassium soils, dietary magnesium needs to be monitored closely. High potassium levels in grass
forages and in the cow can interfere with magnesium concentration. This may result in slightly lower dry utilization. Thus, we often supplement a bit more matter intakes in high-producing cows consuming magnesium when grass forages are incorporated into diets with more grass inclusion, even when diets are the diet. formulated on an equivalent NDF basis. Another difference in cereal grass forages is the That means we have to play a bit with diets type of ďƒžber. As compared containing more grass to to alfalfa, cereal forages ďƒžnd a dietary NDF level Recently, l we hhave seen more have less lignin and more R that maintains DMI, rumen hemicellulose. As a result, creative uses and applications health, milk components cereal forages have less and milk yield. Despite indigestible NDF and of small grain forage. nuances between feeding greater NDF digestion legume or grass forage in potential as compared to our diets, we have observed typical alfalfa silage. That all sounds perfect, but excellent milk production potential when high-quality research has shown that legume forages have a greater grasses replace a portion of legume forage in the diet. passage rate compared to grass forages. Alternatively, Work closely with your nutritionist to evaluate the this means legume forages have a lower rumen ďƒžll quality of your forages that work in your cropping effect and grass forages may result in more rumen system and are a best ďƒžt for groups of animals. ďƒžll, even when diets are formulated at the same NDF Barry Visser is a nutritionist for Vita Plus.
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Remind me again Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
It had been one of those days, topping off one at what cost. of those long weeks where nothing seems to go your When you invest in sexed semen for your cattle, way. You cannot seem to get a break, and if you did you can generally count on a good return with a heifer not have bad luck, you had no luck at all. That is when from a strong family line. Well you know it is one of Mark asks me the question I have no answer for. those weeks when you end up getting a split pair of Let me set the stage. The weather has been twins using sexed semen. What are the odds? Even throwing curve balls. The rains split or dissipated greater yet, what are the odds the heifer is any good? before they reached our place. We have yet to Not a day to go buy a lottery ticket, that is for sure. receive an inch of rain in a single day. The lack of In the yard, Mark keeps a close eye on how the rains is accentuated by the constant winds this June. springing heifers are coming along. He can spot a We feel like we live in the heifer with a suspicious Dakotas. Day and night the quarter, and we run her in wind blows, taking away Th to check things out. We These past several l d days, I h have any chance of efďƒžciently sort her off from the herd watering the crops. The been mulling his question and run her into a small winds also create a unique around in my mind. pen. Now over the years, problem – a beltway for you think we would have aphids, potato beetles and invested in a head gate other insects to invade our system. But, why, when we ďƒželds. When we can run the irrigation gun on our have an extra gate, an old rope halter and our bodies short ďƒželds, something breaks. The cable snaps, the to secure her for treatment? We squeeze her up against hose end gets ripped off or parts wears out. It feels the cable fence and quickly wrap an old rope halter like Mark is constantly ďƒžxing. around the gate to secure her in place and prevent her At least we were able to get the ďƒžrst crop hay up from backing up. Then Mark proceeds to examine the with very few problems and of course no rain on it. questionable quarter. Now if we are lucky and she is So there have been some rays of good fortune shining, a calm, sedate heifer, it will take just a few minutes to but it is amazing how quickly it dims when we start treat her quarter. If not, which is generally the case, to focus on other issues. Water hemp is becoming a she will throw her head over the fence, stand on the problem. We cannot seem to ďƒžnd the right combination curb, stomp for any exposed toes trying to make an of chemicals to help control the advancement of this escape. obnoxious weed before it takes over sections of the It was during one of these episodes of a thrashing ďƒželds. You start to question how much you can invest heifer, while I was trying to secure the rope wrapped
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around the gate to prevent her from stepping on Mark, when out of the blue he asked me the question. “Remind me again why we are doing this?â€? Woah. Is that a question for an immediate answer or one that needs to be contemplated? Or, is it a question that needs to Just Thinking Out Loud be said out loud, like an exasperated sigh with no answer required? Was he talking about treating our third heifer and the way we were doing this job? Or, was he talking about farming as a whole? I did not know how to answer his question. Do I answer like a business partner or as a spouse? I decided to By Natalie Schmitt let the question hang in Columnist the air. These past several days, I have been mulling his question around in my mind as I pull weeds in the garden or drag hoses around the yard watering the ďƒ&#x;ower beds. What is the answer? Better yet, what was the real question? Was it just a situation or a plateau on life’s journey? Alice, a retired bookkeeper for the local co-op, shares funny and thought-provoking messages with me. I have heard versions of the story she sent me, but it really hit home for me. A professor walks into class and places an empty glass jar, a bucket of golf balls, a box of pebbles, a pail of sand and a couple of bottles of beer on the lecture table. He puts the golf balls in the empty glass jar and asks the class if the jar is full. Some say yes. He then proceeds to add small pebbles to the golf balls in the jar. He asks again and a few more say it is full. He grabs the bag of sand and proceeds to pour it into the full jar. Sand ďƒžlters in the spaces left between the golf balls and pebbles. He shakes and pounds the jar ďƒžlling any open space with extra sand. Now the whole class says the jar is full. Puzzled, the class waits to hear what point the professor is trying to make. He says we all have one life to live. The jar represents our life. The golf balls are the big important things we treasure – family, friends, faith, health. The pebbles are other important things we value. The sand is all the small stuff. If we put the sand in our jar ďƒžrst, the rest will not ďƒžt. We will not have time for the things that really matter. He urged his students to set your priorities to focus on the important things, the things that are most important to your life and let the little things ďƒžll in the extra space. A student, who was paying close attention, raised his hand and asked how the bottles of beer ďƒžt into the lesson. The professor popped a top, took a swig and told his observant student, “No matter how full your life, there is always room for a beer with a friend.â€? I do not know the right answer for Mark’s question, but as long as we focus on the important golf balls in life, we will be able to ďƒžll our jars with everything else and have room for a beer or two. Natalie, Mark and his brother Al, farm together near Rice, Minn. They milk 100 registered Holsteins under the RALMA preďƒžx. Their four children are grown up and all involved in agriculture with hopes of someone returning to the farm. For questions or comments, please e-mail Natalie at mnschmitt@jetup.net.
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A raspberry patch of our own Raspberries have always been my favorite fruit. Popped into my mouth fresh off the cane, simmered into jam, or blended into smoothies; for me, few avors are more delightful. So when I rst began dabbling with gardening back in our pre-farming years, one of my plans was to plant raspberries. But, that spring, we moved to start farming before my carefully planted tulips were even up. Dairy Good Life Lucky for me, though, there was a patch of raspberries at my home farm, so I didn’t go without fresh picked berries. Then, when we moved to Melrose, the enormous raspberry patch at Glen’s folks’ farm kept me supplied. I spent many afternoons picking berries there when the kids were little. Now, 16 years later, I nally have a raspberry patch of my own. But, truthfully, I should call it our raspberry patch, because everyone has contributed to making it happen. We rekindled the idea of our own raspberries last fall and started looking for plants. Over the winter, a friend mentioned they always have extra daughter plants after By Sadie Frericks thinning out their stand in the spring. Columnist So between our friends and my father-in-law’s coworker, who also thinned out his rather large raspberry patch, we ended up with 48 raspberry transplants in our new patch – three varieties of red raspberries and a golden variety. Glen’s dad, Vern, helped us plant them all. Glen and Dan dug the holes; Vern, Monika and I planted the canes; Daphne topped the plants off with barnyard compost, while trying to save all of the earthworms. For the rst couple days, we all took turns watering the raspberries. Then Glen made a drip line for the berries out of a couple old hoses, complete with a castrating band to hold the kinked end closed. You can’t beat farmers’ ingenuity. The drip line literally saved the raspberries. It would have been nearly impossible to maintain moisture during this unseasonably dry June, especially on those blast-furnace days. We were a little late in the season for transplanting, so some of the canes look a little tough. But some of them are blooming. I was overjoyed to see bees buzzing around the delicate blossoms when I checked the drip line last week. Perhaps we’ll have a few berries to pick this summer. Like many things in life, though, our new raspberry patch needs us to be patient. Our transplants have more important things to do right now than make fruit. They need to put down roots and acclimate to their new home. Next summer, they’ll be all settled in, and we should be in raspberry heaven. I can hardly wait for my kids to experience the joys and challenges of raspberry picking which happen to mirror some important life lessons. Raspberries often hide behind the leaves. Oftentimes, you need to look at the canes from a different angle to nd the fruit. Berries also hide beneath the leaves. It’s important to regularly kneel down and look up. The sweetest, tastiest raspberries are always the ones that require a little effort to pull off – ripe but resistant. Raspberries magically taste better when you grow and pick them yourself. For that reason, I’m guessing very few raspberries will actually make it into the refrigerator. I can already see Daphne’s red-stained ngers and cheeks. If there are any berries left for freezing, they might nd themselves whipped up into a decadent dessert. My favorite elaborate recipe is oating raspberry dessert, a classic from Grandma Mae’s cookbook that will forever taste like my youth. My favorite simple treat is a bowl of frozen raspberries topped with whipped cream. Or, we’ll blend them into smoothies. The kids love berry smoothies made with frozen berries, yogurt, milk and a bit of honey. I love my TMR smoothie, which has been my daily breakfast for over 10 years now. If you’re looking for a complete, easy breakfast, this smoothie is it. I used to add sugar or stevia, but now I like it with the natural sweetness from the berries. TMR super smoothie 1 cup viili (Finnish cultured whole milk) or whole-milk yogurt 1 cup frozen raspberries (or other frozen berries) 2 tablespoons unavored whey protein powder 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 tablespoon collagen protein powder 1 tablespoon dried greens powder Enough milk or water to ll blender cup (¼ to ½ cup)
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Place all ingredients in an 18-ounce rocket blender cup. Blend until smooth. Enjoy! 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.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 33
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Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
PRINCESS KAY FINALIST
Crown helps Sauder tell dairy’s story Role as princess helps Pine Island woman reach more people By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
PINE ISLAND, Minn. – Valerie Sauder has been promoting the dairy industry long before wearing her crown as a Dodge County Dairy Princess. “I don’t need to wear a crown to tell people about farming, about where their food comes from and what happens on farms,” said Sauder, who will be a junior this fall at the University of Minnesota. “But in the last year or more that I’ve had a crown to help me do that, it’s amazing how it opens conversations.” Now the 20-year-old daughter of Stanley and Amy Sauder has the chance to promote with a bigger crown as she will compete as one of 10 nalists for the role of Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Sauder grew up on her family’s 500-cow dairy owned by her uncles, Dave, Duane and Rick Alberts, near Pine Island. Her rst memories of the dairy were at the age of 3, tagging along with her mom, the full-time calf feeder.
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Valerie Sauder is one of the 10 Princess Kay of the Milky Way nalists. She grew up on her family’s 500-cow dairy near Pine Island, Minnesota. “I would run around the barns and had fun,” she said. “It all started with that.” As she grew older, she took on more responsibilities and would show dairy animals every year at the county fair. Being involved in 4-H and FFA prepared her for her dairy princess role. “Speaking for ag and for
farmers has been second nature because of these organizations, and all the trainings and camps I went to,” Sauder said. Taking on the title of dairy royalty has been on Sauder’s wish list since she was little. She attended the county princess banquet every year and looked up to many of her cousins who wore the crown along
with her mom, who was also a Princess Kay nalist in 1986. “Growing up, I knew was going to be a dairy princess, but I didn’t realize how much was involved with it and how much it meant until I was doing it, until I wrote my rst speech for our banquet last year,” Sauder said. Now in her second year
serving at the county level, Sauder said any and all events as a dairy princess are important. “At rst glance, it’s just ice cream scooping and you’re standing there in the grocery store offering ice cream,” she said. “Looking back, all of those are good experiences with people. We’re being visible, we’re there, we’re talking about dairy products and dairy farming.” Last summer, Sauder presented to daycares in Rochester and talked about farming at day camps for 6-8-year-olds. Sauder said she answered so many questions after explaining what cows eat and how they are cared for on a dairy. “They don’t get to see this up close,” she said. “They’ve never seen a cow in their life. I was showing them a part of the food industry they don’t get to see.” This year’s promoting has been more virtual with more posts on Facebook and live sessions on Instagram showing the everyday chores on her family’s dairy. Prior to becoming a dairy princess, Sauder has talked with fairgoers while at the state and county fairs. “When you’re just sitting in the barn, people see you Turn to SAUDER | Page 35
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 35
ConĆ&#x;nued from SAUDER | Page 34
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Valerie Sauder feeds a calf a boĆŠle on her family’s dairy near Pine Island, Minnesota. and come up and talk to you,â€? she said. “They have so many questions. I love those conversations so much.â€? She also worked at the Miracle of Birth Center at the Minnesota State Fair three years ago. One conversation that stands out amongst the rest was when Sauder engaged in a 45-minute conversation with a mother about her daughter being a vegan. “She had a lot of genuine questions,â€? Sauder said. “When the conversation ended, the mom felt more informed, got questions answered, and I think it ended positively. Even if she doesn’t convince her daughter that dairy farms are well run and well managed, she got that.â€? While most interactions are simple, Sauder knows there will be people who have differing opinions about dairy farming. “Sometimes you’re not going to change people’s mind that day,â€? Sauder said. “They’re convinced, they’ve done their Facebook research and that’s what they believe. But you can have an impact. You can be a touch that was positive. They can say, ‘I hate all dairy farmers, but I had a really good conversation with this one dairy princess one time so I guess I don’t hate all dairy farmers.’â€? Through her interactions while wearing the crown, Sauder said she wants to share the message that dairy farmers care about their cows, the product they produce and their land.
“As the sixth generation on our farm, for me, a lot of this came from family tradition, a family love for this industry that has gone on over 100 years,â€? Sauder said. “It’s really impactful to me to be a part of something my family’s done for so long. So overall the main message is that farmers care about what they do.â€? Sauder also wants people to know how farming has evolved over those 100 years. “People may have a romanticized picture of a little farm with a white picket fence and it’s not what agriculture is these days,â€? Sauder said. “I like getting to have these conversations to tell people what we are doing is advancing our industry. You wouldn’t want your doctor to treat you the way they did 50 years ago. ‌ Sustainability has gone up, and we’ve been able to do more with less. Getting to tell people those things and shift their perspective has been one of my favorite things.â€? And while Sauder has been able to have these conversations without a crown, the shining jewels on her head have helped her gain more traction in agricultural education. “I can say I’m a princess, but I don’t have a castle, I have a farm,â€? Sauder said. “The crown is such a tool for me to open those conversations, and that’s something I’ve really loved about being a dairy princess.â€?
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Women In Dairy Laura Raatz Oconto Falls, Wisconsin Shawano County 650 cows Family: I farm with my parents, Hank and Pam Wagner, my brother, Shawn Wagner, and my husband, Tyler Raatz. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is a fth-generation dairy farm and a family-owned business where we set our motto to be, “People. Animals. Environment.” We have an amazing team working at Wagner Farms who are like family and help us be successful. We want our employees to know how valuable they are. We have employee parties once a month with meals and activities and celebrate birthdays. We care about our animals, creating a comfortable, safe environment for them to live with an abundance of high-quality foods, fresh water and a comfortable, sandy bed. Our animals are our livelihood. We want to make sure we are giving them the best care and environment to live in. Our calves receive some of the best nutrition, having a zero percent death loss for almost two years. We want to be good stewards of our land and put certain practices in place to make sure we eliminate runoff, soil erosion and closely monitor the use of natural fertilizer. It is important to have a connection with the consumer and help them feel comfortable about how food gets from our farm to their table. We have a farm Facebook page and a YouTube page that allows us to stay connected with the community and showcase what happens on our farm. We are proud to produce enough milk to give 120,000 people one glass of milk every single day. We have about 1,200 acres and 650 cows. We produce about 106 pounds per cow and have around a 90,000 somatic cell count. What is the busiest time of day for you? The busiest time of the day for me is early in the morning. I feed the babies and do all of the herd work. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? In my spare time, I love the outdoors and staying active. I hunt and sh and enjoy camping. I am also involved in cross-t, basketball, volleyball and softball leagues. I also coach basketball at the college level. It’s important to give back to the community, so I enjoy coaching and also doing mission trips in other countries.
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Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. My brother and I used to milk the night shift with employees. We were into bull riding at that time, so we decided we would bring bull riding right to the farm after our milking shift ended. So, each of us chose a cow that we would like to ride and sorted her out. Then we did just as the bull riders do and placed a cow in a holding pen, wrapped the rope around to hold on to, raised our hand, nodded our head, and the gate was opened, and away we went riding our cow outside. Little did we know that we were being watched. At about 3 a.m., we looked over, and one by one, we noticed a shadow just standing outside the light. It was my dad. We all were terried. Later that day, we were punished for riding cows and never did it again. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? Working with my family every day. Most kids wouldn’t enjoy it, but I enjoy waking up and seeing my family at work, eating lunch together and creating a successful business together. I also love being outside. I love seeing the early morning sunrise and watching the sun set. I love raising the baby calves and watching them grow into happy, healthy, milking cows. Farming is such a rewarding and joyful job for me. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? Staying connected to people in the industry is so important. I try to stay involved with Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin as much as possible by going to their events and meetings. I also stay connected with Dairy Girl Network and attend a number of meetings connected to companies we use throughout the farm. I also connect with people through social media. We have a farm Facebook page and YouTube page that allows us to connect and stay connected with people all over the world. Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? There are some incredible people in our industry. My parents have been an inspiration for me. They have raised me on our farm – one of the greatest places for a child to be raised, in my opinion. They have given me such a wonderful example to live by. They push me, challenge me and encourage me daily. They have inspired me to be the woman I am today. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be? It is important to tell our message to everyone, not just famous people. From the stay-at-home moms, to businessmen and women, or athletes, people are important, and sharing our message with anyone who will listen is important to me. What is the best vacation you have ever taken? Every year, our entire family rents a house together in Florida and have been doing that since I was little. I love taking those trips. The other is when my husband and I went on our honeymoon in the Dominican Republic. Our resort was amazing, and we can’t wait to go back. What are some words you like to live by? Having an attitude of gratitude. I have been in some poor countries doing mission work. After seeing how they live, having an attitude of gratitude doesn’t seem so hard. They have nothing, yet they have such a great attitude. I strive to see the positive each day, no matter how bad my circumstances get. If some of the poorest people can do that, so can I.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 37
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ANDREA BORGERDING/DAIRY STAR
Maggie Meyer helps on her family’s dairy farm near Grove City, Minnesota. Meyer is a Meeker County Dairy Princess and a ďƒžnalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.
Meyer eager to convey dairy message to consumers By Andrea Borgerding andrea.b@dairystar.com
GROVE CITY, Minn. – Dairy farming and family are the two most important facets of Maggie Meyer’s life. It was just as well that she was with her parents when she found out she would be a ďƒžnalist in the Princess Kay competition in August. “It was really different because it is not a typical year,â€? Meyer said of the announcement. “But it was nice to be with my parents. It was a good moment to share with them.â€? Meyer, 20, is a 2020 Meeker County Dairy Princess and ďƒžnalist for Princess Kay of the Milky Way. She helps on her family’s dairy farm near Grove City where they milk 85 Holsteins and raise 110 acres of corn and alfalfa. Meyer’s brother, Nate, works in partnership with their parents, Greg and Patti. This summer, Meyer is completing
an internship at nearby First District Association where she is working in the milk quality assurance lab. This fall, she will enter her third and ďƒžnal year at University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in dairy science. Reaching the point of competing for the Princess Kay title is something Meyer has been preparing for. She started with her county’s dairy ambassador program after seventh grade, and this will be her third year as a county dairy princess. “I really wanted to get more experience and grow as a person before I competed for Princess Kay,â€? Meyer said. Meyer remembers watching the Princess Kay coronation since she began representing dairy farmers as an ambassador. “I’ve been watching amazing wom-
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Maggie Meyer (center) stands with her parents, Greg and Paƍ, on their family’s dairy farm near Grove City, Minnesota. Maggie is a student at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls majoring in dairy science.
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Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020
ConƟnued from MEYER | Page 37 en represent Minnesota’s dairy farmers, and I think it would be an honor to be included with the rest of those women,” Meyer said. Meyer credits her family for helping her get to this point. With three older brothers, Meyer has witnessed her family’s dedication to a livelihood that has given them all attributes of a hard worker. “Dairy has really given me everything I have including work ethic and responsibility,” Meyer said. “I know to work for what I want.” Dairy has also taught Meyer to appreciate her family. Two brothers chose careers off the farm but continue to help with chores and eldwork as needed. “It’s truly a family practice,” Meyer said. When it came time to build an addition to the family’s tiestall barn to accommodate
ANDREA BORGERDING/DAIRY STAR
Maggie Meyer pushes up feed to the cows June 19 on her family’s dairy farm near Grove City, Minnesota. Meyer helps with evening chores when she not working at her summer internship. “My
brother
“I see my family work wanted to come back to the farm full time,” so hard for what they Meyer said. “With my two brothers in have, and a lot of other construction, we were to work together people don’t realize able and build the addition how much it takes to be ourselves.” The farm is a strong focus for the a dairy farmer.” Meyer family, which is why being a representative for the dairy industry is so important to Meyer. “I see my family work so
MAGGIE MEYER, PRINCESS KAY FINALIST
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hard for what they have, and a lot of people don’t realize how much it takes to be a dairy farmer,” Meyer said. “I am happy to be able to share my family’s story and to be able to convey our message that dairy is good and safe.” Knowing that people may not be getting reliable information about dairy farming practices from the internet is also something Meyer strives to correct. “I think there is a lot of bad coverage of dairy on the internet,” Meyer said. “The main
point I’d like to get across to people is to talk to a dairy farmer before going to Google to nd an answer.” Connecting with consumers has been a challenge this summer with all county events canceled. Meyer is now directing her efforts to connecting with consumers over social media. Her preferred avenue of communication is face to face, but Meyer said she is honing her communication skills via social media channels. This June marks the third year of the Meyer family’s calf
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naming contest. Meyer is taking name suggestions on her personal Facebook page for a Red and White Holstein calf born June 1 on her family’s farm. At the end of the month, the Meyer family will decide a name from the suggestions provided. The person who suggested the name will win a prize consisting of ice cream, cheese and milk. “She is such a pretty calf,” Meyer said. “We have managed to have a Red and White Holstein calf born every June, and it ends up being a fun contest.” In August, Meyer will compete with nine nalists for the title of 67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. The competition will be different from its typical format because of social distancing practices, but Meyer remains positive. “It’s denitely going to be a different year,” Meyer said. “Midwest Dairy is working so hard to make sure we have a unique experience that is still really great.” Meyer is appreciative for the opportunity to reach out to the community as well as possibly earning the Princess Kay title. “It would be amazing to be Princess Kay,” Meyer said. “It would give me the opportunity to represent all of Minnesota’s dairy farmers and be their voice to the consumers and the public.”
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 27, 2020 • Page 39
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Corey Groshens Grove City, Minnesota Meeker County 40 cows How did you get into farming? I started working for neighbors when I was in high school. I started milking here 30 years after the barn was empty. I was partners with Don Witte by Atwater for six years. Then, I started renting the land on this farm during that time. The owners asked me if I wanted to x up the barn and come milk here. I’ll be here 14 years this fall. What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? One major concern is the wild milk price. It was $12 last month, and now we’re looking at $21 next month. I’m wondering when the next downswing in price will be. What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? When I bought a TMR mixer. When I rst started, I was component feeding then I switched to a TMR. Milk production increased from that change. What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? I haven’t bought any new equipment. I’m waiting to see how things go. I’ve held back on trading in any equipment. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. Watching cows. I’m able to tell if they are coming down with milk fever or other sickness after they freshen.
What has been the best purchase you have ever made on your farm? The farm itself. I bought this farm three years ago. I was renting it.
in the lot. In ve years, I would like to build a new machine shed. I built a heated shop last summer with help from my brother.
What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Working for myself and being able to set my own schedule.
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? Starting on my own farm having not grown up on a farm.
What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Always ask for advice. If you want to change something or try something new, talk to people. That’s how I learned to do things. I learned a lot from my former partner. He was a good dairyman. He had an eye for cows.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? The next year, I might try to improve some of the heifer facilities. I’d like to add on to the cattle shed. It needs new cement to be poured out
How do you and your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? We spend a lot of time out in the garden. It’s 80 feet by 125 feet. Half is owers and then a lot of vegetables. My wife, Michelle, likes to take the kids to the lake. We like being outside.
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