the Pulsator - Spring 2022

the Spring 2022

As milk prices rise, so do the prices of YOUR dairy cattle

Advertise YOUR dairy cattle on More EYES on YOUR ad, when YOUR ad is on Dairy Agenda Today

Contact us today!

David Jons, Manager David.jons@att.net • 913-634-3526 Melissa Hart, Editor farm.writer@hotmail.com • 517-398-1957

SALES STAFF Chad Griffith - OH xavier12146@yahoo.com • 513-543-2315 Mary Thomson - MO angelo@1791.com • 417-880-5732 Kathi Brown-Meier - WI kathibrownmeier@gmail.com • 608-558-8089

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Vol. 53, No 2- 2022 Missouri Holstein Association President Ryan Bilyeu Vice President Scott Wilson Secretary/Treasurer Jodi Wright Director at Large John Schoen Junior Advisors Shannon Kleiboeker Katie Wantland 417-743-2921 • jwright@missouriholstein.com missouriholstein.com Missouri Jersey Association President Doug Thomas Vice President Ryan Gettle Secretary/ Treasurer Diane Gettle 417-880-8999 • dmgettle@yahoo.com Missouri Guernsey Association President Mark Melander Vice President Kenlee Calvin Secretary/Treasurer Cindy Wilson 417-388-0185 Missouri Brown Swiss Association President Adrian Buff Vice president Stephanie Bos Secretary/treasurer Karla Grimm 417-543-6809 Missouri Ayrshire Association President Karen Coleman Vice President Brent Unnasch Secretary Chuck Scoon Treasurer Jeff Jensen 319-230-6002 • karayrayrshires@gmail.com

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MO Dairy MO & National BAA’s & New Classifications State Convention Highlights Cow Camp & All Breeds Heifer Show MO Holstein Juniors CGrison Dairy & Creamery Missouri News Embracing Positivity Making Good Hay in Bad Weather Clark & Edith Thornton Dairy Hall of Honors

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Missouri Shorthorn Association President Sam Crawford Vice President Scott Gardner Secretary/Treasurer Sally Burd 417-839-7002 • sallyburd@yahoo.com Missouri Dairy Chairman Tom Oelrichs Vice Chairman Alfred Brandt Secretary Sean Cornelius Treasurer Mark Fellwock MO Dairy Education Director Reagan Bluel Board Members Norris Sloan, SE District Scott Maples, SW District Bernie Van Dalfsen, SW District Rick Scheer, Central District Sally Burd, Associate (417) 772-4231 • reagan@modairy.org modairy.org

We Welcome Subscribers and Advertisers From All States

BREEDER RATE

Ad Size Color Black/White Full 275 190 Half 170 100 Quarter 110 65 Business Card 65 35

COMMERCIAL RATE

Grison Kannon Kolombia photo by: Sandra Buff The content of this magazine has been produced with utmost integrity. However, we do not assume responsibility for errors or ommissions.

No reproduction of material is allowed in any form without the permissions of the Pulsator Magazine.

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Next Ad Deadline: May 20 the Pulsator

Ad Size Color Black/White Full 425 325 Half 260 185 Quarter 140 95 Business Card 80 45 10% DISCOUNT ON YEARLY ADVERTISING

SUBSCRIPTION RATE $25/YEAR 4 ISSUES A YEAR Shannon Kleiboeker 417-737-2876 mopulsator@gmail.com

Jodi Wright 417-840-3203 jwright@missouriholstein.com

Jenna Wilson 417-459-8794 mopulsator2@gmail.com

It has been quite the winter here in Missouri. It started out mild but February came blasting in with rollercoaster temperatures and varying wintry precipitation. We too, know the struggles of breaking ice and working long hours in the cold and nasty weather. We hope that everyone made it through these weeks with little stress and that our Spring brings sunshine, ample rain and lots of green grass!

We want to make sure we don’t leave anyone out, so if you have a birth announcement, wedding, or the passing of a loved one you would like us to publish, make sure to share it with us and we will include it in our next issue.

We would like to thank all of our advertisers for their support. The businesses and producers that advertise here make this publication possible. So, make sure to check each of them out and see if their services will work for your dairy operation.

We look forward to the upcoming year. We hope everyone stays safe, happy, and healthy!

CALENDAR 2022 APRIL

4-9 Southern National Holstein & Jersey Show,

Stillwater, Ok 6- Youth Judging Contest 7- Junior Show 8-Sale 9-Open Holstein Show 7 National Holstein USA Judging Conference,

Stillwater, Ok 15 Junior Essay Contest Application Due MAY 1 3-8 15 20 25-27

27 28

Enrollment Deadline for Cow Camp Ozark Jubilee Sale, ONLINE ONLY All Breeds Heifer Show Entries Due Summer Pulsator Deadline 4-H Dairy Cow Camp, Freistatt Junior Food Booth-Help Needed Missouri Heifer Tag Sale All-Breeds Heifer Show

JUNE 1

27- July 1

MHA Membership dues received after June 1 not eligible for Assoc. Sponsored Awards Natl. Holstein Convention, Sioux Falls, SD

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It’s worth it.

Champions aren’t defined by home runs.

They’re the ones who keep their eye on the ball. The ones who know what it takes to get the win. The ones who stay focused on their goals.

Same goes for growers. Paying close attention to your crop’s fertility needs will help hit your yield goals.

Follow the right nitrogen program this spring and prepare your crop for a successful season ahead.

Meet nitrogen needs now. Hit yield goals later.

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2022 Expo & Annual meeting January 21, 2022

Missouri Dairy celebrated at the 2nd Annual Dairy Expo and Annual meeting in Springfield, MO at the Oasis Conference Center this past January.

The morning began with a full program on how to gain value from your dairy herd through adaptive breeding strategies which include breeding a portion of the low end to beef sires. Dairy producers and members, Bernie VanDalfsen and Tom Oelrichs joined industry leader in genetics, Chip Kemp, to share their experiences and financials to the group while serving on a panel.

This topic is especially relevant, since the announcement of the packer, American Foods Group, selected Missouri for their expansion. On the left of the picture collage, Davin Althoff, director of Ag. Business Development for the Missouri Department of Agriculture, addressed the crowd over lunch on the process of securing this opportunity.

Highlighted in the circles are award recipients for the first year of recognizing outstanding dairy producers. Energy Corrected milk recipients were identified using test day information to determine the top Large and Small producers in the state. Pictured receiving the award (left circle): Top Large: Brian Riegel, of Riegel Dairy and 2nd Large: Derrick Segelhorst, of Purina Animal Nutrition Center. Also distributed at the evening Awards Banquet was “Bulk tank Never Exceeding 200,000 SCC” Award. Pictured in the Right circle, Diesel Dixon proudly accepting on behalf of Stil Dreamin’ Dairy one among a list of other farms you can view in the Expo program available online at: MODAIRY.ORG

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State and National BAA Lists

January 2022 New Classifications

2021 Top 25 BAA-Region 7 First Time Excellent cows in Missouri scored January 2022

Region 7: AR, KS, MO, NM, OK & TX Rank Herd Name 1 Dwight J. & Anita J. Rokey Four Streams Dairy, Inc 3 The College of The Ozarks 4 Todd & Brad Groves 5 Robthom Farm LLC 6 David Andrew Day 7 Larry & Jodi Wright 8 Mason Dairy Farm LLC 9 Leo A. Hoff, Jr. Nathaniel & Rose Graber 11 Ed Hart 12 John Koster 13 Gene Hall, Jr. Joseph W. Osinga 15 Robert John Seiler 16 Anthony L. Musser Michelle & Loren H Eilenstine Wilson Martin 19 University of Missouri 20 Lindsay S. Mitchell 21 Toecky Farm 22 Johnny L. Hanna 23 Herbaugh Dairy 24 James L. & Novalee Coats Mark & Gwen Chamberlin

State KS KS MO MO MO MO MO OK TX MO MO TX OK TX KS MO MO MO MO TX MO OK AR MO MO

BAA 109.6 109.6 109.5 109.3 109.0 108.9 108.6 108.5 108.2 108.2 108.0 107.7 107.6 107.6 107.5 107.1 107.1 107.1 107.0 106.9 106.8 106.7 106.4 106.2 106.2

# Cows 116 22 39 163 84 10 66 179 89 38 16 228 16 184 119 69 20 99 153 115 107 23 10 71 75

MO Top BAA for College & Universities Rank 2 6

Herd Name The College of The Ozarks University of Missouri

State MO MO

BAA 109.5 107.0

# Cows 39 153

BAA Herds in Missouri-Scored January 2022 BAA 109.1 108.7 108.7 108.6 108.6 107.4 107.3 107.1 107.0 106.9 106.9 106.5 106.3 105.5 105.4 104.4 104.3 103.9 103.9 103.1

Farm Name Groves-View Dairy College of the Ozarks Larry & Jodi Wright Robthom Farm David Day Valley View Holsteins Anthony Musser Toecky Farm Loran & Michelle Eilenstine Elmer Martin Alfred Brandt Wilson Martin Clifford Oberholtzer Lamar Oberholtzer Vedder Dairy Leslie Parrigon Julliette Albrecht Maples Dairy Schoen Farms Shatto Farms

City Billings Pt. Lookout Verona Springfield Bolivar LaRussell Arbela Huggins Mt. Grove Memphis Linn Memphis Rutledge Memphis New Haven Stotts City Purdy Clever Oak Ridge Osborn

#Cows Scored 150 47 63 79 16 34 74 108 23 47 112 108 70 68 27 135 24 25 253 92

Name: Age @ Class Score C-OF-O BEEMER ASHTON-ET 4-04 90 GROVES-VU KENOSHA BRIA 5-00 90 GROVES-VU AWESOME LAWANDA 4-07 90 WHITEHEAD HY-CLASS BLUES 5-02 90 S&K-VALE LASER PEARL 5-00 90 WRIGHTVALE LJ ATWOD GEORGIA 7-03 90 MS C-OF-O REGINALD RUTH 6-01 90 PARRDARI MOGUL 1802 5-04 90 PARRDARI SHAMROCK 1747 6-02 90 TOECKY GOLD CHIP GLENDORA 4-02 90 RAM-ELLE APOLLO JODY 6-09 90 RADINE MOGUL DUO 5-04 90 SCHOEN BRADNICK 2853 3-09 90 B-LOWE SHOT CAYLA 8-03 90 STUNNING AWESOME GADI-ET 4-09 90 CLA-COR DAY 2335 8-07 90 LITTLE-STREAM BARBW KRYSTAL 6-01 90 LITTLE-STREAM GO KALITA 5-05 90 LITTLE-STREAM CORVET CHERIE 3-10 90 OAKTOP-ACRES DEVOUR RENDY 4-04 90 OBERLEDGE RAMBO WINIPEG-ET 4-05 90

Owner College of the Ozarks Todd & Brad Groves Todd & Brad Groves Larry & Jodi Wright Larry & Jodi Wright Larry & Jodi Wright Larry & Jodi Wright Leslie Parrigon Leslie Parrigon Toecky Farm Michelle & Loren Eilenstine Al Brandt Schoen Farms Shatto Farms Clifford Oberholtzer Clifford Oberholtzer Anthony Musser Anthony Musser Anthony Musser Elmer Martin Lamar Oberholtzer

City Pt. Lookout Billings Billings Verona Verona Verona Verona Stotts City Stotts City Huggins Mt. Grove Linn Oak Ridge Osborn Rutledge Rutledge Arbela Arbela Arbela Memphis Memphis

New Very Good 2-Yr Olds in Missouri scored January 2022

Name: Age @ Class LONE-TREE BRIGADE PLATT 2-10 C-OF-O HIGH OCTANE NORA 2-11 ARAGORN MAUREEN-RED 2-04 REDCARPET DOOR COUNTY-ET 2-10 MISS TRI-DAY KIT-KAT-RED 2-07 GROVES-VU DOC LOVABLE-ET 2-10 GROVES-VU UNDENIED LAVISH 2-10 GROVES-VU S DATE NIGHT-ET 2-10 Z-HIGH CLOUD 9 MAYBE 2-04

Score 86 86 86 86 86 86 86 86 86

Owner Clifford Oberholtzer College Of The Ozarks David Day Larry & Jodi Wright Robthom Farm LLC. Todd & Brad Groves Todd & Brad Groves Todd & Brad Groves Wilson Martin

City Rutledge Pt. Lookout Bolivar Verona Springfield Billings Billings Billings Memphis

SWAN-CREEK MONTROSS FIG SWAN-CREEK KINGBOY GAZER SWAN-CREEK MOGUL KAYLA LITTLE-STREAM AKITO RAVEN BARING-VIEW 669 OAK C-OF-O UNDENIED ASHLAN-ET C-OF-O TATOO BUTTERCUP DOUBLE-EM ANDRO WINDOW DOUBLE-EM IOTA 224 SCHLUTER ALTITUDE APPLE-ET JAC-MAC BOURBON EIFFEL-ET PRF CAMDEN 4760 MISS TRI-DAY BEYONCE SCHOEN BAYONET 3034-TW GROVES-VU UNDENIED BRAZIL GROVES-VU IMMENSE BANDINGO GROVES-VU AXL LATTITUDE TOECKY DECEIVER SHERYL TOECKY IMPRESSION ANNA-BREE SILVERVIEW-LANE JRDY SHERRI R-GARMAN ARTIST BALLET FLAT-TOP-VUE AFTERSHCK BARR

85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85 85

Al Brandt Al Brandt Al Brandt Anthony Musser Baring View Holsteins College of the Ozarkws College of the Ozarkws Elmer Martin Elmer Martin Josh Walther Lamar Oberholtzer LongView An Nut Center Robthom Farm LLC. Schoen Farms Todd & Brad Groves Todd & Brad Groves Todd & Brad Groves Toecky Farm Toecky Farm Valley View Holsteins Wilson Martin Wilson Martin

Linn Linn Linn Arbela Baring Pt. Lookout Pt. Lookout Memphis Memphis Jackson Memphis Gray Summit Springfield Oak Ridge Billings Billings Billings Huggins Huggins LaRussell Memphis Memphis

2-11 2-10 2-03 2-05 2-06 2-11 2-08 2-06 2-04 2-07 2-11 2-05 2-10 2-06 2-11 2-06 2-04 2-10 2-04 2-08 2-10 2-07

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Missouri Holstein Association

State Convention

January 21-22, 2022 The Oasis Hotel, Springfield, MO

Returning to Springfield and a format that is closer to what we have traditionally had over the years provided for a larger crowd. There were several meetings going on during the two days and it was enjoyable to see those who were able to attend to talk and discuss items of business in our industry.

MO Dairy hosted the state dairy meetings at the Oasis Hotel in Springfield, MO. All dairy groups were invited to participate.

MO Dairy hosted a seminar featuring “Beef on Dairy” on Friday along with their annual business meeting. Friday night also was a social event with all breeds presenting awards and across the breeds recognition along with a fun time of cornhole. There were three divisions in the tournament: adult, family and youth.

The Holstein Juniors were involved in a Princess and Miss competition along with a speech runoff and their annual meeting. The Holstein Association and other breeds hosted their annual meetings.

Missouri Holstein 106th Annual Meeting Highlights

• DFA - Marilyn Calvin: The Ozarks council does a lot of donating to dairy causes. Each council member has $250 of discretionary funds to give. Contact a council member if you have a worthy cause.

• MU Extension: Reagan Bluel reported that the new director of the SW Center in Mt. Vernon is Jay Chisolm. Two retirements in Ted Probert and John Denbigh. Dr. Scott Poock is now the manager of MU’s Foremost Dairy.

• MO Dairy: Hired Gene Wiseman as the state legislative lobbyist in 2021. Invited to MO Governors Conference.

• Dairy Hall of Honors: 2020 & 2021 honors were presented the end of January • Sale: Larry Wright stated that the 2021 All-Breeds Heifer Tag Sale held in conjunction with cow camp was a success.

They plan to continue the same format for 2022. Selections will be made soon. If you are interested in consigning contact Tim Ewing or Larry Wright. Some details regarding sale: - Sale Date: Friday, May 27th - Tag-type sale - Open to consignments from other breeds. Sale sponsored by MHA and retains all commission - $100 lotting fee allows consignors to set tag price - Open to adults purchasing as well.

- Animals that do not sell return to consignor broke to lead and clipped.

- 10% commission.

- Donated items and semen to be sold before sale • Cow Camp: Dates are set for May 25-27, 2022 in Freistatt, MO. Sale to take place Friday evening.

All-Breeds Heifer Show will be Saturday, May 28 also in Freistatt.

• State Fair: They are seeking sponsors for awards and premiums. Current sponsors include: MO Soybean = $2000; DFA = $1000; Jason Justice Insurance Group of the Ozarks = $1500. Thank you. Contact AmyJo Estes if interested or know of others to contribute 573-338-4559.

• Awards Committee: Changed Cow of the Year nomination deadline: Sept. 20 for Fall Issue of the Pulsator and Midstates.

-Distinguished Member: was to be awarded to Dr. John Underwood in 2021 and postponed to 2022.

(Presented posthumously) • Field Day: Looking for a volunteer for 2022. Currently we do not have anyone lined up. Please contact Jodi if you are interested.

• Pulsator Expansion: Shannon Kleiboeker reported on the progress of the first year magazine format that is mailed to all MO Grade A dairies and to MHA members. Commend breeders and commercial businesses for their support in advertising and content. Problems occur with the USPS and mailing. Working on getting a more timely delivery of magazine without exponential postage costs.

• New Officers: President: Ryan Bilyeu; Secretary: Jodi Wright; VP: Scott Wilson; Director at Large: John Schoen; At Large Board Member: Jason Ewing and Scott Maples.

• Junior Advisors: Katie Wantland and Shannon Kleiboeker will share duties and be co-leaders. Junior meeting details on Junior Page.

REMINDER: Missouri Holstein state dues are payable at this time & Pulsator Subscriptions.

We welcome everyone to be a member and support the dairy industry: professionals, all breed affiliations, herd owners, industry representatives, and dairy supporters! A late fee applies after April 15. So enroll today.

Downloadable forms or online payment at missouriholstein.com or contact Jodi Wright at jwright@missouriholstein.com 417-743-2921.

You can also get additional Pulsator Magazine subscriptions for $25 for one year! Great value.

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The Missouri Holstein Association would like to thank all the attendees for joining us at our 2022 State Covention.

We would also like to thank all of the sponsors for their continued support and Missouri Dairy for hosting this event.

Top Left to Right: Marilyn Calvin presenting an achievement award to Whitney Yerina; Cornhole tournament adult division winners; Monique Turner and Lila Wantland crowing Holstein Princess Adeline Dickerson; Missouri Holstein Juniors gather for picture; MO Dairy hosts Dairy Symposium MO Dairy board members; Ed Wittorff presenting awards to Missouri Brown Swiss breeders; Cornhole tournament youth division winners; Juniors that received Junior All-Missouri Awards; Trade show vendors visit with dairymen Cornhole tournament participants; Juniors participating in cornhole tournament; Juniors ready to compete in the cornhole tournament; Lila Wantland reads minutes at Junior Holstein meeting; Monique Turner, Lila Wantland, and Kent Daniels, Select Sires present College of the Ozarks Manager Ryan Bilyeu with futurity award

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Deadline for application is May 1

Cow Camp:May 25-27, 2022

Enrollment is limited and will be first come first serve.

Registration may be completed via 4-H online.

Check or cash payment must be mailed to PO Box 388, Mount Vernon, MO 65712.

No credit card payments will be accepted for this event.

Schedule of Events Wednesday, May 25 12:30 pm Registration at Fair Grounds 1:30 pm Orientation 8:00 p.m Depart Fairgrounds

Camp fee:

$100 in-state 4-H Member $130 Out-of-state/non 4-h member

Thursday, May 26 7:30 am Begin day workshops/Meals/Speakers

Objectives:

1. Increase the knowledge of youth about care and management of dairy animals.

2. Develop awareness of the ethical issues in care of dairy animals.

3. Increase the awareness of issues in the dairy industry.

4. Increase life skill development of participating youth.

5. Certify youth in Show-Me Quality Assurance.

For more information, contact Karla Deaver 417-466-3102 Or deaverk@missouri.edu

Friday, May 27 7:00 am Begin Day/prepare for showmanship contest 10:00 am Showmanship Contest-guests invited to attend LUNCH Guests invited- pre-purchase lunch ticket 1:00 pm Awards-wash/clean-up (campers may leave or continue to participate) 2:30 pm Cattle for show may arrive 7:00 pm Ice Cream Social 8:30 pm MO Holstein Tag Sale Closes Saturday, May 28 10:00 am All Breeds Heifer Show (optional event for cow camp attendees )

Parents and family members are invited to watch the showmanship competition at 10 am on Friday, May 27. Lunch will be served following the contest. Lunch is provided for cow campers, helpers, and workshop presenters. Parents and others will need to prepurchase a lunch ticket for $10 each.

Cow camp entry and health information can be found on missouriholstein.com

Headquarter Hotel:

Quality Inn 1125 E Daniel Dr., Mount Vernon, MO 65712

Lodging is provided in camp fee for 2022. A block of rooms has been reserved for those who need hotel accommodations. To reserve your room, contact the hotel above at 417-466-4511. Ask for dairy cow camp rate of $72. Please contact Karla Deaver if you require further assistance or have any questions.

SATURDAY, MAY 28, 2022, 10AM FRIDAY, MAY 27

SATURDAY, MAY 28

In-state and out-of-state exhibitors welcome Entry Deadline: May 15, 2022, entry fee $20 per head

$72

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CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations

2022 Missouri Holstein Princess Adeline Dickerson 2022 Missouri Holstein Miss Molly Melzer

MAY 27-28 WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Juniors will be helping with dinner on the evening of Friday May 27th at the Missouri State Heifer Sale. We will also be running a concession stand during the heifer show on Sat. May 28th. This will be our fundraiser for this year so please plan to come help.

We need parent volunteers as well as youth to assist. Please sign up with Shannon or Katie if you are available to help.

Please bring a silent auction item to the MO Holstein State Sale May 27th. The silent auction will be held during the heifer show on Saturday.

Jr All Missouri Reminders Show season is right around the corner!

Juniors will be using the point system

Please note:

Missouri Holstein Dues must be paid by June 1st Animals must be owned and transferred by July 15 Animals must be shown by a junior throughout the entire class to qualify for points.

Points will be given for placings at District Shows and the Holstein State Show For the complete set of rules, please see missouriholstein.com

2022 Junior Holstein Officers:

President: Whitney Yerina Vice-President: Sophia Geppert Secretary: Lila Wantland SW Reporter: Sammi Justice NE Reporter: Adeline Dickerson WC Reporter: Case Melzer SC Reporter: Amanda Brooks

Missouri Junior Holstein Memorial Calf Essay

Thanks to the generous donations from the Dick Little Memorial, the Missouri Junior Holstein Association would like to offer our Missouri youth a unique opportunity. We will be offering the “Dick Little Grant” which is to be used towards the purchase of a dairy heifer in the Missouri State Heifer Sale. The grant will be in the amount of $500. Youth will be selected by a panel of judges based on their application and the essay they provide.

Visit missouriholstein.com or contact Shannon or Katie for the complete set of rules application

Congratulations to our 2021 Junior All-Missouri Recipients!

L to R Whitney Yerina, Sammi Justice, Molly Melzer, Case Melzer, Adeline Dickerson, Kason Wilson, Sophie Geppert, Jared Parrigon, Colton Kleiboeker, Lila Wantland, Blake Wright(not pictured)

Postmarked by April 15th Applicants should be between the ages 8-18 years old as of January 1, 2022 Entrants do not need to have a Holstein background or be from a Holstein farm

Junior Advisors:

Katie Wantland 417-872-5543 katie635@gmail.com Shannon Kleiboeker 417-737-2876 shannonkleiboeker@hotmail.com Distinguished Junior Member-Junior Sophie Geppert, Kingdom City Distinguished Junior Member-Senior Blake Wright, Verona

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PHOTO CONTEST Photos will be accepted through August 21, 2022

Photographers may submit up to three entries per category, and the entries must show some aspect of agriculture including food production or agritourism.

Divisions: Phone Photos

12 and under Junior 13-18 Senior 18 and over

* Age as of January 1, 2022

High-Resolution 12 and under Junior 18 and under Senior 18 and over

* Age as of January 1, 2022

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To Enter:

Email images to Jenna at mopulsator2@gmail.com Subject line: Pulsator Photo Contest With photo please include: Name, Division, address, phone number and a portrait of yourself.

Winners will be announced and published in the fall issue of the Pulsator.

Submit up to three JPG/JPEG digital files per category no later than AUGUST 21, 2022 Submitting your photo(s) is an agreement of all terms and conditions set forth in the guidelines.

Rules:

• Photos must show some aspect of dairy production including but not limited to; livestock, products, landscape, and individuals.

• Photos must have been produced in Missouri since January 1, 2021, by the person submitting the image.

• Limit of three entries per photographer.

• Significant digital manipulation of photos, digital signatures and watermarks are not allowed.

Normal cropping, color correction, etc. are acceptable.

• Photos entered in the contest may appear in “the Pulsator,” and/or on the Missouri Holstein website and Facebook page.

• Entries will be judged on visual impact, creativity, memorable content and image quality.

Congratulations to The All-Americans BROWN SWISS Top Acres Lega Wizee Reserve All-American Spring Heifer Calf Breeder-Wayne Stiker, Ohio Exhibitor-Bailey Groves, Billings, MO SS Debs 929 Honorable Mention Aged Cow Breeder-Stephen Stewart, Missouri Exhibitor-Landen Knapp, Iowa

GUERNSEY Valley Gem Lindor Lottie Da Reserve Junior All-American Winter Heifer Calf, Guernsey Exhibitor-Colton Kleiboeker, Wentworth, MO Breeder-Valley Gem Farms, Cumberland, WI Dix Lee Kojack Dont Doubt Me-ETV All American and Jr. All American Senior Two-Year Old Guernsey Exhibitor-Haley Beukema & Lauryn Weisensel,WI Breeder-Dix Lee Guernseys, Phillipsburg, MO

Dix-Lee Method Journey Unanimous All-American and Unanimous Jr. All-American Junior Three-Year Old Guernsey Exhibitor and Breeder-Whitney Yerina, Phillipsburg, MO Springhill Kojack Uno-ETV Unanimous All-American Five-Year Old Guernsey, Reserve Junior All-American Five-Year Old Guernsey Exhibited by- Faith Ling, Mark and Cheryl Melander, Springfield, MO

JERSEY Page-Crest Satin Juju HM Junior All-American 5-Year-Old ABA Contest Exhibitor-Erin & Sophie Leach and Ron & Christy Ratliff, Linwood, KS Breeder-Derek Page, Mount Vernon, MO

HOLSTEIN

Wrightvale Doorman Livvy Unanimous All-American Junior 3-Year Old ABA Contest Exhibitor-MB Luckylady Farm Modesto, CA Breeder-Blake Wright, Verona, MO

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T

ucked in the Ozark Mountains, in Douglas County Missouri, is Grison Dairy and Creamery. Here, you can find the maker of “Ozark Mutschli.” It is a mild and creamy cheese that is named for the area in which it is produced. Cheesemaker, Adrian Buff, brings his Swiss heritage to the US by producing this specialty cheese along with many other Swiss style cheeses. In Switzerland, it is common for cheesemakers to create their own recipe of specialty cheese, then name it after the town or area that they are near, then adding the word, “Mutschli,” which is a traditional cheese produced throughout the country.

This cheese is made from milk that is produced on his family’s dairy farm, Grison Dairy. Grison Dairy began in Switzerland where they milked 12-15 cows.

In, 1997, due to the heavy regulations that surrounded dairy farming in Switzerland, Adrian’s parents, Heinz and Vroni Buff moved to Missouri, and bought an existing farm near Ava. This was beginning of Grison Dairy, named for the canton they lived in, “Grison,” in Switzerland.

Today, this family dairy currently milks about 100 head of registered Holstein and Brown Swiss cows. It is a pasture-based operation and they allow the cows to graze as much as possible. Cattle are supplemented with feed in the barn as well as alfalfa and grass hay. The farm produces most of their own forage, and they have not used commercial fertilizer in over 18 years. In 2014, the farm went solar. Solar panels placed on a new hay barn, and an older barn produce all the electricity needed to run the farm and their house. The quality of cattle is important and they emphasize on breeding cows for milk production, milk quality, longevity, feed efficiency, as well as type and style. The family places a lot of emphasis on cattle well being as well as environmental impact.

While Adrian does help on the farm and handles the cheesemaking, the farm and creamery are dependent upon the entire family.

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Grison Dairy & Creamery

by Shannon Kleiboeker

His dad, Heinz runs the farm and cares for the cattle. Sisters, Sandra and Kathrin help out on the farm whenever they are available. Sandra also manages the farm and creamery’s social media and website. The various farm photos found here and on their website were taken by Sandra.

Adrian Buff, grew up on Grison Dairy and after completing high school, at just 20 years old, he decided to return to Switzerland to train as a cheesemaker. To do so, he completed a 3-year apprenticeship program as a European Dairy Technologist. He attended school one day a week and worked for Napf Chäsi for the remainder of the week. Napf Chäsi produces specialty products including cheese, yogurt, butter, bottled cream and milk. Adrian took to the cheese making, and was named Salutatorian of his cheese class. He completed making Brie and Emmentaler, semi hard washed and hard washed rind cheeses for his final practical exam.

Once Adrian finished his apprenticeship, he spent a year working for a large industrial plant in Switzerland. After his second year in Switzerland, Adrian says, “I began to develop homesickness for the wide-open spaces, the people and his cattle back here in the US.” He continues, “I have felt more at home in Missouri.” Also, in order to own your own business in Switzerland, more schooling is needed. Whereas, here in Missouri, he needed less schooling and would face a much less saturated cheese market than that across seas. He then obtained his green card and moved back to the US. Adrian spent time working in Illinois, Georgia and Hawaii.

It was in 2018, he was approached about renting a “make room” part time by Leslie Million, Terrell Creek Farm, Fordland. Terrell Creek Farm produces fine artisanal goat cheese, and by 2021 they had both outgrown this cheese making space.

So, he moved the operation to Mtn Grove, where it resides currently. His current pasteurizer/cheese vat is 400 gallons. This is 4.4 times bigger than what he had previously, giving him plenty of room continued on pg. 20

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to keep growing. Right now, he is only filling it half full, and only makes cheese when his inventory gets low. A future goal of his is to get his own facility and fill the vat completely. Adrian says, “Ideally, one day, we would process all of our own milk.”

Adrian produces artisan swiss style cheese. He ages his cheese in wheels and is currently making three types of cheese. There is the Grisontaler, which is a raw milk Swiss style that ages for over 3 months. The product he is currently selling has been aged for 6 months. Next, the beforementioned Ozark Mutschli. It is an Alpine style washed rind and ages for 4 weeks.

Finally, his seasonal, Säntis. This type is washed in a beer and herb solution and is currently aged at over 60 days. It will continue to age as the year continues.

These cheeses have also become prize winning. A Vermillion River Blue he produced has previously won Grand Champion at the Illinois State Fair. Adrian’s cheeses have also all won blue ribbons at the Missouri State Fair.

The availability of his prize-winning cheese is constantly growing. You can find his cheese in many cities across the state of Missouri, as well as ten other states. A complete list of stores can be found on the farm’s website. You can also read more about each type of cheese he offers and the characteristics that make each one unique.

Outside of finding these cheeses in a store, you may also catch Adrian at a farmer’s market from time to time. To him, these help with exposure, but require a lot of work. Buff looks to the future, hoping to continue expanding his wholesale accounts, so he is not spending so much time at the farmer’s markets.

Adrian takes a lot of pride in his growing cheese business. If you get a chance to speak to him, his vast knowledge and skill becomes apparent.

One of his favorite things about being a cheesemaker is, “the attention to detail, the cleanliness, and the process. It is fascinating, I start with a liquid and at the end of the day I have a solid product. I also enjoy the science. Trying to get a consistent product requires you to understand what is happening and make adjustments as needed.”

A lot of work, dedication, knowledge, and skill goes into making each wheel of cheese. So, when patrons give feedback, it means even more.

Adrian says, “I enjoy getting positive feedback from customers and clients.” The farm puts a large emphasis on cattle care as their milk is a staple ingredient for this artisan cheese. The Buff family has found their home here in Missouri, and strive to continue growing their business.

For more info and a complete list of stores that offer his cheese, go to: www.grisondairy.com/where-to-buy Or find them on Facebook: Grison Dairy & Creamery

Instagram @grisondairyandcreamery

Photo Credit Sandra Buff and Ciera Cooney

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MISSOURI NEWS Marguerite “Margie” Mabel Gerken, 93, of Cole Camp, MO, formerly of Sedalia, MO, passed away Saturday, February 5, 2022, She was born on August 29, 1928, in Rural Benton County, MO. On October 7, 1951 in Cole Camp, she was united in marriage to Bud (C. C. Gerken Jr.), who preceded her in death on August 6, 1997.

In 1951, she married Bud (C. C. Gerken Jr.) and moved to his family farm west of Mora, MO. Margie’s life revolved around the BUDMAR dairy Holstein Farm and helping Bud with the milk cows and field work. The couple made their home on the 450 acres that his great grandfather acquired. The couple purchased 3 registered Holstein heifers in 1954 and brought them home in the trunk of their car. Budmar sold down in 1972 and focused on quality semen and cattle and sold finally in 1985. Bud served as MO State Fair Dairy Superintendent from 1985 – 1997.

Margie was always by his side helping him with the dairy department at the state fair. Bud and Margie were recognized as the Farm Family at the Missouri State Fair in 2003. Bud, Margie and Judy served as chairman of the Jr Activities of the 1984 National Holstein Convention in Missouri.

Honoring a lifelong dream of Bud and Margie’s was the dedication of the new dairy facility at the Missouri State Fair in 1999. Margie continued to help at the Missouri State Fair throughout the remainder of her life.

Survivors include two daughters, Pat Vansell (Ed) of Van Buren, AR, and Judy Smith (Todd) of Sedalia; six grandchildren, Christy Barnett, Kelly Moore, Eddie Vansell, Haylea Heimsoth, Chelsea Smith, and Drew Smith; and eleven great grandchildren. Condolences can be sent to Judy (Gerken) Smith, 2405 Woodland Dr., Sedalia, MO 65301

Samantha Hope Hilgenberg of Neosho, entered into rest on December 17, 2021 in Neosho, Missouri at the age of 17. Samantha was born November 16, 2004 in Joplin, Missouri and was a lifelong area resident. She was a student at Neosho High School in the eleventh grade and attended the Crowder College nursing program. Samantha was on the basketball team, the track team and was in debate. She was especially active in the Neosho FFA, where she served as an officer and showed livestock. She had a loving servant’s heart.....loved helping others and volunteered in the community.

She was a member of the Living Church of God and was loved by all who knew her. Samantha is survived by her father, Joseph Hilgenberg; her mother, Wendy Kelley Hilgenberg; one brother, Patrick Hilgenberg; one sister, Grace Clouse and husband, Marcus and numerous other family and friends. Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 24, 2021 at 10 am at the Clark Funeral Home, Granby. Can leave contributions in memory of Samantha may be made to Neosho High School FFA

Dr. John Paul Underwood was born 5/14/62, Humansville, to Ruby and Billie Underwood and passed 1/19/22, Springfield.

John Underwood dedicated his life to the dairy industry. John grew up on the Bil-Und family dairy and farmed 240 acres near Fair Play. A 1980 graduate of Fair Play High School, John was an active member of the FFA chapter and continued to support it throughout his life. Underwood is the graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia earning a Bachelor’s degree with honors in 1995 and a Master’s in 1998, both in Animal Sciences. John worked at MU Foremost Farm as a teaching and laboratory assistant. John received his doctorate in 1999 from University of Illinois-Urbana Champaign in Dairy Cattle Nutrition.

After graduation, John worked at Golden Oaks Dairy in Wauconda, Illinois and for Martin Prairie Farm, Humansville. Underwood worked for MFA Incorporated as a dairy specialist, a sales representative for Renaissance Nutrition, WI, and Turner’s Feed, Hartville.

John’s passion lied in researching and compiling information about the past and present dairy industry in Missouri. His vision resulted in publication of two books highly valued to the industry. Underwood authored the 500 page book “Celebrating 100 Years of Missouri Holsteins” published in 2012. This work was by far his proudest achievement.

John also wrote “Sires of Distinction: The M.F.A. Artificial Breeding Association and Its Impact on Missouri’s Dairy Industry.” This publication detailed the history of AI in Missouri and M.F.A.’s contribution to sires and the technology of the time. In addition to these two books, John extensively researched Clyde Hill, a famous dairy owned by a covenant of nuns. He wanted to write a book on their history as well. But it was during this time that he lost his eyesight. This project has now been resurrected.

John was active in nominating candidates for the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors, making sure leaders and pioneers were justly honored. John received the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Meritorious Service Award in 2012 and was scheduled to receive the 2021 Missouri Holstein Association Distinguished Service Award two days after his passing. Underwood has supported the Fair Play FFA Chapter sponsoring the Billy R. Underwood award since 1980. 4-H Dairy Cow Camp was an event Underwood was passionate about hosting workshops for youth every year.

A memorial has been established in his honor to support 4-H, Fair Play FFA and dairy youth. Make memorials to: Greene County 4-H Foundation (Memo: John Underwood Memorial). Mail to: Greene County 4-H Foundation c/o Billy Claiborn, 2316 E. Harrison, Springfield, MO. John’s 100 years book also available at missouriholstein.com

We want to hear about your lives. If you have a birth or death announcement let Shannon know at mopulsator@gmail.com

Gary Burnell Fulp, 80, of Mt. Vernon, formerly of Aurora passed away Thursday, February 17, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Aurora.

He was born to Gordon and Flossie Williams Fulp on September 14, 1941 in Aurora, MO. Gary went to work for Highland Dairy as a delivery driver until deciding to farm. While dairy farming he also worked for Willowbrook for 12 years. He served on the corporate board of Dairy Farmers of America and served for 15 years on the Aurora School Board. After retiring from the dairy farm after 50 years he enjoyed tending to his beehives, gardening and canning the produce with his wife, Sue. He was passionate about woodworking, his grandkids and great-grandkids. On any warm day you would see his horse hooked to the buggy where he would take Sue and the grandkids for rides.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Sue; four daughters, Karla Grimm and husband, Jim of Mt. Vernon, MO., Angela Bos and husband, Alby of Billings, MO. Tami Fulp of Mt. Vernon, MO. and Sheila Groves and husband, Todd of Billings, MO.; 9 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Harvey Fulp.

He will be greatly missed by family, friends and neighbors.

Dorothy Jean (Jackson) Clouse, 79, of Mansfield was born October 21, 1942, to Irene Webber Jackson and Edward Adrian Jackson in Purdy, Missouri. Following a six year battle with cancer, she departed this life February 10th, 2022, at her home.

Dorothy along with sisters, Shirley and Betty, were raised in the rocky hills of Barry County.

They grew up poor but often said they didn’t even know it because everyone around them was poor too. Brother Winfield Poe encouraged the family to move to Ava, Missouri. Eventually all three girls graduated from Mt. Zion.

While attending Mt. Zion, Dorothy met and fell in love with Billy Lee Clouse. They were high school sweethearts who graduated together in 1959.

Billy had grown up on a dairy farm and in May of 1961, he purchased land near Mansfield, Missouri, with plans to take his twenty Holstein cows there to start a dairy farm. They were married August 3, 1961, after the cows were milked, the couple met at Brush Arbor Church for a simple wedding ceremony. Their honeymoon was spent back at the farm where they have been for 60 plus years.

To this union four children were born who were raised to work hard, have morals and values, to be self-sufficient. After Dorothy retired from her milking post and farm chores, she took a job at the Bank of Mansfield for almost 8 years. Dorothy enjoyed cooking, baking and taking the grandkids on trips and overnight stays in Branson.

Dorothy is survived by her husband, Billy, of 60 plus years. Daughters, Regina Clouse of Nixa; Ramona Clouse, Rogersville; Becky (Thomas) Fleming, Mansfield. Son, Rodney (Lynda), Ava, Lane (Erin) Clouse.

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day, they had to take a break to water the horses and sit a few minutes. Not now. Today’s horses burn fuel and the cell phone won’t leave us alone! A few minutes of quiet in your favorite place with your pet or even better with that young child or grandchild may be the best medicine. Or take the time and read a book, or write in a journal. It can reset your well-being. A child can innocently know when things are not right. In their own way, they inject positivity in your bucket with a homemade colored picture and a big ole hug. Just make sure that you ALWAYS put something in theirs as well.

Embracing Positivity

Let’s make that seemingly impossible day a little easier by doing a little at a time. It may not seem like much, but its progress! Enjoy the simple accomplishments such as a new heifer calf from your favorite cow or a barn full of hay that has been put up right. Or a nice milk check after a long hard winter month.

by John Schoen

T

he business of agriculture is always getting more complicated. For better or worse, we like to think we are in it for the long haul. The days are not often balanced and it is easy to say there is never a dull moment!

So, here we are with better prices for dairy, beef and grain production. As a result, these higher returns produce a more positive morale. This encouraging attitude can fuel your operation. We can see the effect positivity has in day-to-day dealings. You might notice, family life goes more smoothly, employees are more at ease and those hectic days just seem to go much better.

But, with that in mind, it can swing the opposite way just as fast.

The not-so-positive times can seem never-ending and they drag us down the road of bad moods. This “bad mood” goes through everybody and even animals seem to sense it. There is the dog who faithfully follows you around all day and the cow that just seems to always need a scratch behind the ears on your way through the lot. Sometimes, just taking a minute with them tells your inner being that things will work out. The decompression these moments offer can go a long way.

A first step is to start your day out great. When you go to the barn, start things better. The tone of your voice when you meet family and employees for the first time during the morning or evening shift can always start better. Start with an upbeat GOOD MORNING or GOOD EVENING! I call it, putting something in your emotional bucket. In return, the one receiving the pleasant greeting, puts a response in your bucket.

The culture of running any small business or farm or even our church family is going to always have a better outcome if we can keep the negativity to a minimal amount in our lives.

I know EVERYBODY has days that just don’t seem to go right. Take a break. You have to. In our grandparent’s

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I learned the bucket technique from a book called “How Full Is Your Bucket,” by Tom Rath and Donald O. Clifton.

This book teaches strategies by using an analogy of a bucket and a dipper. It’s a very good book that I highly recommend. I have loaned to many friends and people in many fields, some have even bought it for themselves. I found it doesn’t hurt to reread it now and then myself. There is also a child’s version available. Both books are easy reading, about 100 pages, and have been in print since 2004.

- John Schoen

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PO Box 45 • 100 E Main St. Bunceton, MO 65237 Phone: (660) 427-5521 Fax: (660) 427-5821 www.buncetonmutualinsurance.com

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mizzou News Adam Shetley has officially began his tenure as manager of Foremost Dairy. We are very happy to have Adam on board.

We would like to thank the staff of Foremost (Will Tackett and Sarah Estes) along with a fantastic core group of students (Tiffany Hagemann, Drew Edwards, Bella Aguilar, Hannah Hoelchser, Emily Shanks, Will Gourley) and finally a host of new students that are quickly gaining new skills. There is no way we would have made it through the winter without everyone’s efforts. We calved 72 animals in the last 5 weeks and have 37 heifers on milk replacer. Foremost has never calved this many animals in such a short period.

-MU Extension Dairy Team

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Making Good Hay in Bad Weather

by Tim Schnakenberg, Field Specialist in Agronomy Stone County Extension Center, Galena, MO

C

onsidering the vast amount of hay that is baled on Missouri dairy farms and the labor, land, fertilizer and machinery costs involved, the investment we make for stored feed production is huge. It costs a lot of money to produce hay and farmers should make every effort to become more efficient in the haying process and focus on devoting their energy and resources to produce quality hay, not just quantity.

Missouri Weather and Cool-Season Forages Really Don’t Mix Well Farmers are faced with a dilemma when harvesting hay. Weather is the biggest issue. Most of the fescue, brome and orchardgrass should be harvested around the late boot stage of development for maximum quality which normally occurs in May in Missouri, normally one of the wettest months of the year. In addition, the first cutting of alfalfa occurs about the same time, or before, and it is equally as challenging.

Early harvest of hay is critical for maintaining quality, but the dilemma producers face is that it is next to impossible to find several good days of drying weather when the crop is ready to harvest.

First cutting of cool season crops rarely matches up with Missouri environment. As a result of delayed harvest, thickening of cell walls occurs in the plant that comes from maturity of the plant once seed heads are made. The thick, mature cell walls lead to higher a fiber content of hay and less energy to maintain dairy cow nutritional requirements.

At University of Missouri hay production schools and workshops, it is often emphasized that farmers should not put as much emphasis on the number of bales they produce per acre, but the pounds of Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN) or Net Energy that is produced per acre since that is what is most beneficial to the livestock that is fed on farms. When hay is tested, this can be easily analyzed and used to determine the actual amount of hay or supplements that are needed for animal maintenance and production.

The Problem with Rained-On Hay and Mold The University of Wisconsin has conducted extensive research on the effect of rained-on hay. They have found that most losses of protein and energy occur with leaf loss during untimely rain. In their studies, they found that digestibility of rained-on hay can decline in a range of six to forty percent. This occurs as leaves are lost and soluble carbohydrates leach out of the plant. Microbe activity is thought to concentrate fiber content.

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The other issue with weather is harvesting in a timely manner so that mold will not be a factor. Every dairy producer understands that moldy hay will not produce milk. Mainly this occurs due to refusal of the forage by the cows. A University of Manitoba study found that intake of dairy heifers dropped forty percent with high fungal biomass levels in their hay.

There are ten genera of fungi that can be found in a hay windrow and this fungi can propagate rapidly after hay cutting in the right conditions, especially between twenty and thirty percent moisture.

It is imperative that producers follow safe baling moisture recommendations. The University of Missouri recommends a target of no more than twenty-two percent moisture in small square bales, eighteen percent in round bales and sixteen percent in large square bales.

Strategies for our Weather Dilemma There are strategies that farmers could consider to deal with our weather dilemma when making hay in the spring. The first is to do everything possible to speed up harvest. This includes the use of tedders where appropriate, crimpers for legumes and thick stalk grasses, use of preservatives in the baling process and widening the windrows. Wide windrows will maximize solar drying capacity and can reduce drying time by fifty percent.

For farms that have the scale of production to justify it, the use of wrapped baleage has become one of the leading ways to speed up the harvest process considerably, limiting dry matter and quality losses due to rain, raking and baling losses and long-term storage losses. A higher value forage is usually needed to justify the cost outlay for baleage equipment. Being able to more accurately predict weather events within one or two days is much more reliable than predicting weather five to six days out with dry hay production.

Another strategy is to bale much earlier than normal if the weather allows. April baling of hay is not normal for some, but if the equipment is ready to go and the weather happens to clear up, it would most likely pay to bale earlier, leading to a higher value product. Much of the tonnage sacrifice by early harvest of a grass crop may be made up by a heavier second cutting. This second cutting would also make higher energy feed. This strategy involves risk, but for many the risk could be worth it.

Delays in forage harvest may result in a greater loss of digestibility and energy that what a rain event may cause. In one study involving

alfalfa, digestibility of the standing crop was a very good 70 percent.

When harvested at one-tenth bloom, it was 67 percent. If the crop was rained on, digestibility was at 57 percent. A three-week cutting delay resulted in a 52 percent digestibility.

Forages that fit well into this strategy could be bermudagrass (south Missouri), crabgrass, switchgrass, Indiangrass and big bluestem.

There are also annuals that could be used including teff, Pearl millet and the many newly improved varieties of sorghum-sudangrass.

Studies at the University of Arkansas using bermudagrass found similar results. Three inches of rain on 13 percent dry matter hay in the windrow resulted in a drop of TDN of only 1.5 percent.

However, a two-week delay in harvest resulted in a 6.5 percentage points drop in TDN and a four-week delay resulted in a 15 point drop.

If all of these strategies are just too much to deal with while you are already busy managing and milking your cow herd, the last option may be the best fit for you. That would be to buy all of your hay. This considerably reduces the amount of equipment, land and time expense that occurs on your farm and takes the stress out of struggling to make good hay in bad weather in Missouri.

Even though there will be train wrecks trying to harvest on time, sometimes the risks are worth it. One thing that has gone in our favor has been improved weather forecasting and the ability to monitor rain events over the last few decades.

Eliminating these concerns from your work load may be just the ticket to helping you be a better dairy manager and concentrate more on what makes the direct income on the farm…the cows. Finding and maintaining a good quality hay source is not always easy, but may be worth the effort in the long-run.

Late grazing of grass hay fields is another approach to dealing with the weather dilemma. There are plenty of drawbacks to this including reduced tonnage produced, but this would keep forages like fescue in a vegetative stage longer and push harvest into a drier time of the year when rainfall is less of an issue. Typically grazing would be done from March to early April, in time to allow some regrowth for hay purposes. Another appealing aspect of grazing in a hay field is the amount of manure that can be left to supplement the hay’s fertility needs.

Another approach to the weather dilemma is to convert some hay fields to a warm season grass. This allows for more harvest opportunities in the drier time of the year. Many dairies have not had much experience with warm season perennial forages for a hay crop due to the perception of lower quality.

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Clark and Edith Thornton of Bremen, Indiana

The Things We Treasure

My friend Brian from Indiana sent me these photos of some treasured family farm items that he inherited from his grandfather.

It seems that his grandparents, Clark and Edith Thornton along with Clark’s brother Mark and his wife Betty owned their own artificial insemination business during the post war years of the 1940’s.

But I like to look back at these early pioneers and admire what they did.

They invented an industry and saved countless lives from the dangers of owning an unpredictable dairy bull while improving genetics at a much faster rate.

Hats off to them !

-Paul Kruse, “Dairy Cattle Enthusiast”

They only had two bulls.

Both were Guernseys which were in high demand back then (and today too for that matter), and they collected fresh semen and sent it out to those who called the telephone line.

Some of it was kept in a refrigerator until the calls came but each sample was scrutinized under the microscope before being sold.

Lots of it was airdropped from small aircraft in boxes with parachutes.

Brian has everything except one of those parachutes.

It’s funny to think about things like this being considered new technology when compared to big online retailers who might deliver packages by drone.

Please contact me anytime.

I look forward to supplying your semen needs

RAY SCHOOLEY

Home Cell

Semen Sales

417.859.2594 573.554.0599

470 Forest Drive, Marshfield, MO 65706 Email: rayschooley@centurytel.net

It’s been done before.

Anyway, as many of you know, this is exactly how MFA Artificial Breeders was set up during that same time period and they also delivered fresh semen by air dropping directly to the farms.In fact, they set the industry standard on running a great operation of good quality.

Myself, I learned how to A.I. at an ABS week long school in Springfield in the 1970’s.

I’d milk the cows, hurry to Springfield and stay all day And return to milk again that evening.

But we couldn’t afford to buy our own tank back then.

Just couldn’t justify the cost for a small herd.

So I continued to use hired inseminators until I quit dairying.

Springfield, MO

Monett, MO

800-749-5674 800-299-6680 www.mainstreetfeeds.com

Like you I’ve witnessed many mergers, takeovers and bankruptcies in the AI business and the technology is all better now.

Supposedly.

Candy Heppard Realtor

417-859-0800

Happy to help with your buying and selling real estate needs

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Phone: (417) 260-0439 Email: candyheppard@outlook.com

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S

Dairy Hall of Honors Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors recognizes five dairy leaders COLUMBIA, Mo. – The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors announces their 2021 award winners. www.missouridairyhallofhonors.com Ken Bolte of Washington is the recipient of the Dairy Leadership Award.

Ken retired after nearly 44 years from the University of Missouri as an Extension Specialist, 38 of those years in Franklin County. During this time, he served as the Regional Dairy Specialist, Farm Management Specialist and Agriculture Business Specialist. He also worked with Franklin County cattlemen and dairy farmers to develop educational programs that included annual herd health events and dairy seminars.

Toecky Farms of Huggins will receive a Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award. Owned by Tom and Becky Durst, the main focus of their operation has always been the improvement of their herd genetics through breeding by combining type along with excellent management of their herd to achieve high production as well. They were awarded the Holstein Association’s Progressive Breeder Registry (PBR) award five times and have also ranked among the top in the state for their BAA score every year.

Kloppe Dairy of New Haven will receive a Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award. The dairy was started in 1948 by Lee and Laverne Kloppe after being purchased from Lee’s parents. Starting with a mixture of cows from some of the dairy breeds, the Jerseys ended up being the only breed on the dairy. This third-generation dairy is one of only four farms from Missouri that have won a national award for reproduction from the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council. In fact, they have won five times.

Bill Wilberding is the Senior Vice President of Operations at Prairie Farms Dairy in Edwardsville, Illinois. In this role, he manages the Vice Presidents of Operations, the Cheese Division, Ice Cream Operations, Director of Quality, Director of Technical Services, Director of Safety and Vice President of Engineering. Bill has been involved in numerous innovative dairy solutions in Missouri. One collaboration with a retailer involved developing the first caseless delivery system. He was instrumental in the design, construction and startup of this project. Bill has served on several industry boards as well.

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Karl Musser will be recognized with the Pioneer Dairy Leader Award for his contributions to the dairy industry. He served as the Executive Secretary for 31 years with the American Guernsey Cattle Club. His Missouri ties run deep as he received a master’s degree under C. H. Eckles from the University of Missouri in 1914. Musser was very well respected by nearly everyone in the registered dairy cattle industry in that era. He is credited for major elements in developing the Purebred Dairy Cattle Association and the National Dairy Shrine.

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Phone: 417-439-7363 17312 Lawrence 1030 • Wentworth, MO 64873 the Pulsator