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See page 7 in the second section for end of the year specials!
DAIRY ST R
Volume 18, No. 20
Ready or not, change is here FARM 3.0 begins rst of year By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
ST. CLOUD, Minn. – In a few short weeks, most dairy producers across the country will see a requested change to their on-farm management practices as noted in the National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program’s latest version (3.0), which becomes effective Jan. 1, 2017. On Nov. 30, Ryan Bennett, senior director of industry and environmental affairs with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), explained FARM 3.0’s revisions during the 2016 Minnesota Milk Conference and Expo in St. Cloud, Minn. “We were worried about [the dairy industry’s] image in 2009, that’s why the program started,” Bennett said about FARM. “We continue improving the program because we’re still worried.” At the beginning of the new year, dairy producers enrolled in FARM – who account for 98 percent of the nation’s total milk production – will have to abide by new rules that further promote the well being and safety of animals and employees on Ryan Bennett the farm. NMPF “Every three years, FARM is re-evaluated and revised,” Bennett said. “We need to defend the defensible. If the science is not there, what needs to change so that we’re a viable business and industry?” FARM 3.0’s notable improvements are categorized into two priority areas – phase one and phase two. “The big points we’re trying to hit are pain management and employee training,” Bennett said. Phase one is a short list of three matters that require mandatory correction – veterinarian-client-patientrelationship (VCPR); dairy cattle ethics and training agreement; and no tail docking after Jan. 1, 2017. “The rst two are forms that document a working relationship with your Turn to FARM | Page 5
“All dairy, all the time”™
December 10, 2016
A gift from Dad
Twin Weber sisters enjoy custom tractors By Cassie Olson
cassie.o@dairystar.com
DORCHESTER, Wis. – Dan Weber is a man of many hats. By trade, he is known as a dairy farmer of 50 cows on his farm near Dorchester, Wis. He is also a farm toy collector and an enthusiast of all things John Deere. Dan shares his love of John Deere equipment and merchandise with his wife, Tammy, and twin daughters, Tara and Tia, who he surprised with customized tractors for their 16th birthdays May 1. Dan’s love of collecting John Deere items began in 1985 when one particular toy caught his attention. “I had bought a John Deere A tractor with rubber wheels,” Dan said. “Soon after I heard that Ertl had a John Deere A with steel wheels, and I thought that was pretty neat. I drove over to Merril so I could get one; I wanted that toy so bad, and it all snowballed from there.” Over the years, Dan and his family have continued to grow their collection Turn to WEBER | Page 6
CASSIE OLSON/DAIRY STAR
The Webers – (from leŌ) Tara, Dan and Tia – milk 50 cows on their farm near Dorchester, Wis. As a family of avid John Deere collectors, Dan presented the twins with restored customized tractors as a giŌ for their 16th birthdays.
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board names chief executive ofcer By Cassie Olson
cassie.o@dairystar.com
MADISON, Wis. – After an extensive national search, the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board (WMMB) has named its new chief executive ofcer (CEO). Chad Vincent, a native of East Lansing, Mich., began his tenure Dec. 1 with WMMB, a nonprot organization of dairy producers that promotes the consumption of milk, cheese and other dairy products made in Wisconsin. Vincent said being selected for the position is a great distinction. “It is amazing and such an honor. I really cannot wait to get in, learn about all of the programs and get things going,” Vincent said. Vincent joins the WMMB team with a long history of executive experience. He received an undergraduate degree in nance and a Master of Business Administration in marketing and nance, both at Michigan State University. During his career, Vincent
has been successful in handling brand marketing, general management and international marketing of startups, turnarounds, family-owned brands and fortune 50 divisions. Most recently, Vincent served as the chief marketing ofcer and senior vice president of strategic development at Sartori Cheese in Plymouth, Wis. He believes his former position has wellChad Vincent prepared him well WMMB CEO for his role with WMMB. “In the last seven years, I worked with the Sartori family in building the brand, bringing them to retail and helping them to build their marketing skillset,” Vincent said. “We had a very small retail business that we have since grown to a very strong retail presence nationwide and in over 40 countries.”
In his former role, Vincent said he established a relationship with the team at WMMB and was impressed by their work for Wisconsin’s dairy farmers. “I am looking forward to working with the staff we have here and the board of directors. With my experience [with them], I realized they are all very motivated and passionate individuals,” Vincent said. Having started his role, Vincent said his rst objective is to familiarize himself with the entire scope of WMMB’s programs and activities. He said from there, he intends to recognize opportunities for growth and do his part to see that growth occur. “Once I fully understand the programs and the people, I will be able to identify what is working and what areas we can do better at,” Vincent said. From that point, Vincent plans to develop a strategic plan that is transparent with WMMB staff and Turn to WMMB | Page 7