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Heart For Dairy Feature
DAIRY ST R
February 27, 2021
“All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 23, No. 1
Hesses troubleshoot for quality milk Family overcomes stray voltage to achieve low SCC By Danna Sabolik Contributing Writer
CHASKA, Minn. – Jason Hesse knows how valuable clean milk is, and that is why he makes it a priority on his farm. This year, the Hesse dairy was recognized by Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association for having the lowest overall somatic cell count among herds that test with DHIA for 2020. The annual recognition is bestowed to a farm in Minnesota that participates in the DHIA program. Jason attributes his success to the help he has had along the way. “Relationships are huge,” he said. “You can’t
DANNA SABOLIK/DAIRY STAR
Jackie (from leŌ), Jason and James Hesse own and operate Harmony Hills Dairy LLC near Chaska, Minnesota. The Hesses had the lowest overall somaƟc cell count of those that test with Minnesota DHIA in 2020. know everything, so it’s very valuable to get someone’s opinion. We especially rely on our vet, nutritionist and power
company.” About 15 years ago, the Hesses’ farm, Harmony Hills Dairy LLC, struggled with
stray voltage, skyrocketing their SCC. “Hints you may have it is uneasy cows, cows that lick or
lap up their water instead of actually drinking it, or cows unable to drop their milk,” Jason said. “Also, if you have a cut on your nger, try putting it on your wash vat and see if it gives the cut a steady jolt.” After working with the electric company and installing a new electric panel and pole outside, the Hesses began to see a reection in the production and quality of milk. “We work with Minnesota Power Company and are very lucky to have a great relationship with them,” Jason said. “They worked with us so well and still come back to check the pole every year.” Today, Jason milks 63 cows in a at double-6 parlor. Jason’s wife, Jackie, works off the farm as a business risk and control senior manager at Wells Fargo. The couple has a 2-yearold daughter, Avery, and a baby Turn to HESSES | Page 7
A couple committed to the industry Bolins’ Farm Bureau tradition leads to service award By Sherry Newell Contributing Writer
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Dave and Pam Bolin dairy farm near Clarksville, Iowa. The couple was named Iowa Farm Bureau’s DisƟnguished Service to Agriculture winners in December.
CLARKSVILLE, Iowa – It has been more than 50 years since two Butler County children played together while their parents took part in local Farm Bureau meetings held in members’ homes. Back then, Pam Jensen and Dave Bolin could not have imagined the life they would lead together. Nor could the two of them, who married in 1978 and dairy farmed their entire lives, have imagined becoming the Iowa Farm Bureau’s 2020 Distinguished Service to Agriculture award winners. But win they did. Dave and Pam Bolin were bestowed with the honor late last year during a partly virtual Iowa Farm Bureau state meeting. The award honors those who have played a signicant role in the
agricultural industry at the local, state and/or national level. While it is often given to an individual, the Bolins received it together. “It’s tting that Pam and I win this together,” Dave said. “We always worked together; I think we should win together.” Working together began when Pam brought her Holsteins from the Jensen family dairy to the Bolin family’s Guernsey farm after their marriage. They farmed with Dave’s parents, Neil and Mavis Bolin, then became the fourth generation to own the farm. Eventually, Dave and Pam raised three sons on the farm: Matthew, Daniel and James. Daniel and his wife, Lynn, returned to the farm in 2011. By 2015, New Day Dairy was born, ushering in the fth generation. A freestall barn with robotic milkers was built on a new site, and it includes a bed and breakfast business managed by Lynn. Dave and Pam own cows and equipment and work for New Day while also custom raising heifers Turn to BOLINS | Page 5