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DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 23, No. 23
Increasing components in the tank Doherty explains how management techniques affect fat, protein By Kate Rechtzigel kate.r@dairystar.com
WELCH, Minn. − Every dairy farmer has management techniques that work for their farm, from feeding strategies to stall upkeep and availability, but what do those differences mean for milk components? “There are things that are in your control as a dairy farmer and quite frankly out of our control as nutritionists that will have a dramatic impact on the components that your herd is able to produce,” Tim Doherty said. Doherty, a dairy business manager for Form-A-Feed, presented, “Boosting milk components with top-notch management,” on behalf of Rick Grant at Form-A-Feed’s Dairy Conference Jan. 13 in Welch. Grant works at the Miner Institute in Chazy, New York, studying the effects of management technique on milkfat and protein. Due to illness, Grant could not make the conference. “This is where we say don’t forget management,” Doherty said. “Feed bunk management, stall and water availability, resting or ruminating time; every one of these techniques you have under your control as dairy farmers. And, that has the ability to improve your milk component production.” The rst area of management to consider is stall availability and comfort. A wellrested cow eats and ruminates more, Doherty said. “Cows prefer to ruminate while lying down, and they will choose to lie down over eating when under stress,” Doherty said. “Anything you are doing that is hindering lying time will also reduce rumination and feeding.” Turn to COMPONENTS | Page 6
January 29, 2022
A farm’s progress focused on family Barfnechts embark on fth generation of dairying By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
MAYER, Minn. – As the Barfnecht family thinks about their future in the dairy industry, they credit much of what has become of the farm to each other. “Dad once told me he was sorry he wasn’t a better dad and that we didn’t do more,” Daryl Barfnecht said. “But we got to work together every day of my life, and now I’m working with my children every day. And, we’ve accomplished all of this.” The Barfnechts – Betty and her two sons, Doug and Daryl; and Daryl’s wife, Michelle, and sons, Brett and Tyler – milk MARK KLAPHAKE /DAIRY STAR 460 cows and run 3,000 acres Daryl Barfnecht (from leŌ), his two sons, Tyler and BreƩ, and brother, Doug, visit as they walk in Carver County near Mayer. through their freestall barn Jan. 19 on their dairy near Mayer, Minnesota. The Barfnechts milk 460 cows. Turn to BARFNECHTS | Page 7
Minnesota conƟnues to see decline in dairy herds
Industry in midst of growing pains By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
COLOGNE, Minn. – Last April was the nal milk pick up at Hollandale Farms. It was a bittersweet moment for the Hoens, who knew their chapter as dairy farmers was coming to a close. “We realized that selling the cows was in our best interest for both of us,” Richard Hoen said. “It’s realistic in that the dairy industry has changed signicantly from since when we started.” Hoen and his brother, Roger, milked 78 registered Holsteins in Carver County near Cologne. The family’s farm was one of nine herds in the county – 18% of the dairy makeup – that dispersed in 2021, according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. In total, Minnesota lost 115 licensed grade A farms from January 2021 to January 2022, bringing the number of dairy herds in the state to a mere 2,210. “Unfortunately, this is a trend that has been going on for years,” said David Weinand with the MDA. “There are fewer farms today than last year or 10 years ago.
I don’t like it, but it’s a sign of the times.” Ten years ago, the state lost 242 farms (5.7%) for a year-end number of licensed grade A farms at 3,979; in 2017, there were 153 farms (4.7%) lost for a year-end total of 3,105. In the past decade, the most signicant loss was in 2019 with 268 herds (9.6%) leaving the state. “(The industry) is going through growing pains right now, and a part of that is fewer farms,” Weinand said. For the Hoens, the decision to sell the cows was an imminent one as both Hoen and his brother were aging and dealing with signicant health issues that limited their ability to milk cows. Additionally, the younger generation of Hoens have established careers off the farm. In 1957, the Hoens’ farm was established with a 44-cow tiestall barn. In 1971, Hoen’s dad expanded the facility to house 78 cows and formed a partnership with two of his sons. “At the time, we were one of the largest dairies in the area,” Hoen said. “Since then, we’ve always tried to stay at full capacity.” Over the years, Hoen has realized the efforts his father made to help his four sons dairy farm. Hoen and his brother operated Hollandale Farms while two other sons milked cows on their own. Both Hoen brothers brought a unique
Top 10 dairy counties by licensed herds 1. Stearns County, 446 2. Todd County, 165 3. Morrison County, 157 4. Otter Tail County, 117 5. Winona County, 111 6. Goodhue County, 84 7. Wabasha County, 81 8. Houston County, 62 9. Benton County, 62 10. Wright County, 58 skillset to the industry, and their varying interests only beneted the farm’s progress. “Roger really liked mechanics, and I’d been A.I.’ing cows since I was 16-yearsold,” Hoen said. “I am fascinated with good, high-quality cows.” When the Hoens retired, their herd boasted a breed age average of 106.7%. Their decision to hang up the milking Turn to DAIRY HERDS | Page 6