Seniors! CELEBRATING OUR
See pages 12 & 13 of the Second Section for our High School Senior Feature!
DAIRY ST R
Volume 22, No. 5
Federal aid coming for farmers
“All dairy, all the time”™
April 25, 2020
Processing plants make staff health, safety top priority
Dairy producers will Food production should not receive one-time direct payments from be a concern in pandemic By Jennifer Coyne $2.9 billion allocation jenn@dairystar.com By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
On April 17, the United States Department of Agriculture announced the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, a $19 billion program to provide immediate relief to farmers and keep the supply chain moving. The program has two major goals – provide direct support to farmers and ranchers through $16 million in direct producer payments; and purchase and distribute $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy and meat to move more product from food service entities that are closed to people in need. “The USDA will implement this program as quickly, effectively and efciently as we can to provide as direct quick immediate nancial relief to our farmers and ranchers, but also allow the purchase and distribution of our agricultural surplus to help our fellow Americans in need,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said. According to a press release from Sen. John Hoeven, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Committee, $9.6 billion of the direct payments will be for the livestock industry: $5.1 billion for cattle, $2.9 billion for dairy and $1.6 billion for hogs. Crop producers will receive $3.9 billion, specialty crop producers will be paid $2.1 billion and $500 million will be paid for other crops. Producers could receive up to $125,000 within each commodity with a cap of $250,000 per individual or entity. Turn to FUNDING | Page 6
LITCHFIELD, Minn. – Dairy manufacturing is a renowned leader in sanitation and safe food processing. Yet, as other food industries have shown, the threat of a compromised workforce is ever present during the novel coronavirus pandemic. “Our No. 1 priority is the safety and health of our employees, our team so that member owners can be sure we’re a viable and reliable source to get their product out to customers,” said Bob Huffman, CEO at First District Association in Litcheld. During these unprecedented times, the processing plant has continued operations as usual with a heightened level of awareness for worker health, sanitized communal areas, and heeding to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations. To reduce the risk of exposure, the cooperative initiated an internal crisis management plan and assembled their team with the overarching goal to maintain employees’ welfare and those who DAIRY STAR FILE PHOTO are afliated with the processing plant. While all plant workers wear personal First District Associa�on’s CEO, Bob Huffman, stands outside the coopera�ve’s facili�es in Litcheld, Minnesota. Dairy processing plants have taken addi�onal Turn to PLANTS | Page 7 precau�ons to protect their workers from contrac�ng or spreading COVID-19.
Roos recovers from COVID-19
Wisconsin dairy farmer spends several days in isolation ghting the novel coronavirus By Andrea Borgerding andrea.b@dairystar.com
AMERY, Wis. – After a ve-day battle, Josh Roos said having COVID-19 is something he would not wish upon anyone. “I had a high fever and breathing was awful,” Roos said. “My chest burned.” Roos farms together with his father, Richard, on their seventh generation farm, Roos Farms near Amery. They milk 150 cows and run 700 acres of corn, alfalfa and rye. Roos’ illness came on slowly at rst, but within hours his symptoms worsened signicantly. The morning of March 26, Roos began feeling a sore throat and coughing. Not knowing what he was getting sick with, he made sure to wash his hands, not touch his face and kept a distance from others. By 5 p.m., he began running a fever of 99 degrees. Roos rested when his fever started, but by 8 p.m. that same night, his fever shot to 103. Roos visited his doctor later that night.
“The doctor ordered my family out of the house before I got back home,” Roos said. “He did not test me for COVID-19 but said to consider it positive.” Roos and his wife, Cassie, have two sons, Levi, 4, and Everett, 8 months. Cassie took their children to Roos’ parent’s house across the road. Family members and an employee picked up the extra chores while Roos was ill. His usual replacement helper did not come to the farm to avoid contamination. “They denitely took a few extras under their wing for me,” Roos said of his family and employees. But Roos had his work cut out for him to overcome COVID-19. Alone, Roos battled a Josh Roos fever and difculty breathing. Dairy producer “I showered, but it hurt my breathing much more,” Roos said. “I was told to keep moving and do breathing exercises – in for ve seconds, hold breath, then blow out slowly.” Roos practiced the breathing exercises along with the doctor’s orders to keep moving around to avoid the onset of pneumonia. Turn to ROOS | Page 5
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 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.
A glance at the other side
COVID-19 updates As the novel coronavirus continues to impact communities around the world, here at Dairy Star we want to make sure you are informed with the latest updates surrounding the pandemic and our dairy industry. We compiled a list of helpful resources, news and updates on postponed or canceled events on our website. We will update this page daily. Please visit www.dairystar.com for more information. If you have a helpful link or change of event to share with others, please email andrea.b@dairystar.com. Here are a few highlights from stories you will not ďƒžnd in this paper, but you can ďƒžnd online in zone 2. A passion for polka Dancing the polka is a favorite pastime of Zander and Helaina Raymakers. These farm kids from Pulaski, Wisconsin mastered the polka by age 2 and dance anywhere and everywhere – including the barn. Zander also plays the concertina and both kids play piano. Their parents, Ken and Amber, are also avid polka dancers, and the whole family attends many church festivals and polka dances in between running their 55-cow dairy. Moving forward Jagiello Dairy Farm in Lena, Wisconsin is successfully run by multiple family members of two generations. While members of the fourth generation prepare to exit the business, the ďƒžfth generation is gearing up to take over. The younger generation is in charge of daily operations on this 500-cow farm and have made several key decisions that brought much success, including switching to three-times-per-day milking and growing BMR corn along with implementing a variety of new technologies. Disbudding, pain relief topic at DCHA conference Standards for disbudding protocols on dairy farms, and the development of pain mitigation practices, continue to evolve. UC-Davis PhD candidate Sarah Adcock presented the ďƒžnding of her research on the changing best practices for these procedures during the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association’s Virtual Conference held online earlier this month. Adcock stressed the importance of performing the task as early as possible, and deďƒžnitely before the calf reaches eight weeks of age.
FAST UNLOADING CAPABILITY
2044 & 2054 PROPUSH
ÂŽ
BOX SPREADERS
• Simple, hydraulic push-off design with no chains for fewer moving parts Ĺ? 3RO\ Ä RRU DQG VLGHV SURPRWH VHOI FOHDQLQJ WR SUHYHQW PDWHULDO EXLOGXS • Wide, consistent 25' to 30' spread pattern • All-steel welded construction for reliable service and long life INVEST IN QUALITY 440 & 540 heaped cu. ft. capacities
www.kuhn.com
Lindell Sales & Service Cannon Falls, MN
Lake Henry Implement 3D\QHVYLOOH 01
Scott Supply 0LWFKHOO 6'
Hammell Equipment &KDWĹľHOG 01 (LW]HQ 01
Minnesota Ag Group 3ODLQYLHZ 01
Grossenburg Implement Philip, SD :LQQHU 6'
Adkins Equipment 'HWURLW /DNHV 01 Isaacson Sales & Service /DID\HWWH 01 Blue Hilltop /DNH :LOVRQ 01 Schlauderaff Implement /LWFKžHOG 01 Fluegge’s Ag 0RUD 01 Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN
Diaryland Supply 6DXN &HQWUH 01 Werner Implement 9HUPLOOLRQ 01 UFC Farm Supply :DFRQLD 01 Anderson Bros. (GJHOH\ 1' Duppong's, Inc. *OHQ 8OOLQ 1' Enerbase Cooperative Minot, ND
Pfeifer Implement Sioux Falls, SD Mark's Machinery :DJQHU 6' <DQNWRQ 6' Van-Wall Equipment Albia, IA ,QGLDQROD ,$ .QR[YLOOH ,$ Roeder Bros. %HOOHYXH ,$
Vetter Equipment &ODULQGD ,$ 6KHQDQGRDK ,$ Kunau Implement 'H:LWW ,$ Bodensteiner Implement (ONDGHU ,$ J. P. Scherrman, Inc. )DUOH\ ,$ Nelson Farm Supply +DUODQ ,$ Burco Sales ,QGHSHQGHQFH ,$ Helmuth Repair Kalona, IA
Graber Services /RFNULGJH ,$ Carroll Implement /X9HUQH ,$ Ag Land Implement 1HZ +DPSWRQ ,$ Kunau Implement 3UHVWRQ ,$ Engel Agri-Sales 6DF &LW\ ,$ Gordy’s Repair & Implement 6WDF\YLOOH ,$ Dee Implement of Waukon :DXNRQ ,$
Visit your local KUHN Knight dealer today!
ÂŽ
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Ag Insider
Pages 8-9 First Section
Bon Yankton Homme
Clay
First Section: Page 37
Ida
Monona
e Buena Vista
Sac
Harrison Shelby
Kossuth
ry
ome
nt
mo
tg Mon
Page
n Win
t
old
mb
Hu
Kanabec
Washington
Worth
Mitchell Howard
Hancock Cerro Gordo
Floyd
Bremer
Wright Franklin Butler
Black Hawk
Grundy un Webster Hamilton Hardin
Greene Guthrie
Taylor
Union
Polk
ld
go
g Rin
Clarke
all
Tama
rsh
Ma
Jasper
Lucas
Decatur Wayne
Brown County ADA launches Virtual Dairy Days First Section: Pages 34 - 35
Story
Fayette
Clayton
n na
e war Dubuque
a
ch
Bu
Benton
Iowa
Madison Warren Marion Mahaska Keokuk
Adair
Adams
Sleepy Eye
Boone
Dallas
Houston
aw
as
ick
Ch
lho
Ca
Pottawattamie Cass
Fre
Zone 2
s
ta
on
ah
c Po
go
eba
Palo Alto
Crawford Carroll
Mills
Zone 1
Clay
ke
ero
Ch
Woodbury
n inso Emmet
Dick
Au
Picowsa of Dairy Fest art contest is going virtual
Hubbard
O’Brien
Sioux Plymouth
Brookings
Wadena
Osceola
Fillimore
Mower
e
Lyon
Freeborn
Faribault
Martin
iek
ln
co
Lin
Jackson
ake
Turner
Nobles
Third Section: Pages 3 - 4
Winona
sh
Hutchinson
Rock
Wabasha
Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted
ne
Charles Mix
McCook Minnehaha
Murray
am
Douglas
Gregory
Moody
Rice
All
Tripp
on
ns
Ha
Lake
Nicollet
Brown
Petersons inducted into MLBA Hall of Fame
Goodhue
Dela
Jones
Linn
n Cedar
o ns
h
Jo
Monroe Wapello se
noo
pa Ap
Davis
Jackson Clinton
Muscatine
n
Todd
Miner
Redwood
gto
Aurora
Brule Mellette
Sanborn
Brookings
Lyon
Wykoff
Dakota
Scott
Sibley
W in
Lyman
Jerauld
Kingsbury
Carver
hin
Buffalo
Beadle
Hennepin
McLeod
Wa s
Jones
Hughes
Hamlin
Hand
Anoka
Wright
Meeker
Renville
Yellow Medicine
Isanti
sh iek
Stanley
Hyde
Deuel
Kandiyohi
Chippewa
Lac Qui Parle
Codington
Clark
Sherburne
Po we
Sully
Swift
Benton
Stearns
Pope
Pine
Mille Lacs
Morrison
ms ey
Spink
Crow Wing
Douglas
Stevens
Grant
Ziebach
Carlton
Ra
Day
Faulk
Potter
Big Stone
Third Section: Page 7
Aitkin
eu r
Edmunds
Cass
Su
Tra ver se
Roberts
Marshall
McPherson
Rollingstone
Dairy’s Star Youth: Kate Meyer
Todd Grant
Lake
Le
Dewey
Bennett
Sargent
Brown Walworth
Haakon
Richland
Lincoln
Campbell
Corson
Dickey
McIntosh
Otter Tail
Wilkin
Emmons Sioux
Becker
Clay
Ransom
LaMoure
Logan
Grant
Cass
no
Cook
Itasca
n
Shannon
Bames
Morton
Jackson
Fall River
Stutsman
men
Pipestone
Custer
Kidder
n
Pages 10 - 11 Pennington Second Section
Burleigh
Koochiching
go
The “Mielke” Meade Market Weekly
Polk Mah
First Section: Pages 10 - 11
St. Louis
Red Lake
Trail
Steele
First Section: Pages 12 - 13
Vertheins take transition with ease
isa Ch
Butte
Griggs
Beltrami
Norman
Oliver
Perkins Page 33 First Section
Lawrence
Foster
Altura
Lake of the Woods
bo
Sheridan Mercer
Princeton
How one farmer braved depression
Pennington
Grand Forks
Eddy Wells
Roseau
Marshall
Benson
McLean
Page 32 First Section Adams
Kittson
Walsh
Nelson
Dairy Good Life
Harding
Pembina
Ramsey
McHenry
Ward
Stark
Bowman
Cavalier
Towner
Pierce
Just Thinking OutHettinger Loud
Slope
Rolette
io
Golden Valley
Bottineau
Da vi so n
Dunn 31 Page Billings First Section
First Section: Pages 1, 7
du
Renville
Page 30 Williams First Section Mountrail
McKenzie
Second Section: Pages 6 - 7
Processing plants make staff health, safety top priority
Un
Dear County Burke Agent Guy
Something to Ruminate On
Litcheld
Northern MN dairy farmers nd niche in organic market
Page 26 First Section
Divide
McIntosh
Clearwater
FSA News & Notes
Louisa
Scott
Fort Atkinson
Crop and Weather Reports Second Section: Pages 20-21
n rso Henry Des
fe Jef
Van Buren
Moines
Lee
Hayeld
Dairy Prole: Daryn McGowan
First Section: Page 39
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
Chosen 10,000 times for 10,000 good reasons Reason 9,378: innovation built into every single detail gea.com
Hull, IA Watertown, SD
(712) 439-2081 (605) 753-0300
www.automatedwastesystems.com
Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
Spring has Sprung! AND SO ARE THE SAVINGS at the Gilman Creamery!
JUST IN TIME FOR GETTING OUT IN THE FIELDS!
Looking for a great deal on a Rock Bucket?
15% OFF
We’ve lowered the price on our Virnig rock buckets
66� $1,175 72� $1,200 CHECK OUT OUR RENTAL SELECTION! Get your jobs done & save money at the same time!
FERTILIZER!
Check us out for great prices on all your fertilizer needs!
All In Stock Ladders
(Werner & Louisville)
OIL SALE! Check out our oil sales this month! Get the best prices just in time for planting season!
Needing alfalfa, clover, grasses or pasture mixes?
Small & Medium Flake Wood Shavings
We’ve got them & at some of the best prices around!
NOW $ ONLY
4.49
Shop the Gilman Creamery for all your needs!
TIRES
Skid Loader & Implement (Mounting Available)
Made in USA
Automatic
We are an exclusive dealer! • One person operation - eliminate the need for a second hand for hook-ups
AGRi-Speed HITCH
Draves Dairy Mike, Josh, & Jake Highland, WI • 650 Cows “Since installing the Westwaard 150-bottle washer and stand alone pasteurizer, we have found a huge benefit in labor savings and consistency. Prior we were only able to pasteurize enough milk for the younger calves and had to hand wash each bottle. The service from Fuller’s has been excellent.â€?
• For pick-ups, choppers, tractors, wagons, etc.
Gilman Co-op Creamery
FEED & FARM SUPPLY STORE
Gilman, MN 320-387-2770
Open M-F 7:30-7, Sat. 7:30-5, Sun. 8:30-1 Good service - fair prices - every day
WWW.GILMANCREAMERY.COM
Protect Your Cows BI-WEEKLY FOOTBATH NEW FROM
KlingonBlue™
LONG-ACTING FOOTBATH
Stays on Hooves for 2 weeks!
Average Cost/Lost-ProďŹ t per case of Digital Dermatitis is $275 OR MORE!
Max Protection until the next milking
DUAL GERMICIDE CHLORINE DIOXIDE
THE PREMIER GERMICIDE ON THE MARKET
TOUGH TIMES CALL FOR PRIME PROTECTION GREEN USE SAVE UP TO 9 EMOLLIENTS COLOR PRE & Ultimate teat $1/GAL. over Iodine
conditioning
POST
for High-Vis Marking
FOR MORE INFO - CONTACT ONE OF THESE DEALERS... Advanced Dairy Systems
Athman Dairy Inc.
D&D Ag Supply
9 State Rd. 29 • Spring Valley, WI 54767 (715) 772-3201
238 Main Street North • Pierz, MN 56364 (320) 468-2494
133 Atlantic Ave. NE • Pennock, MN 56279 (320) 599-4466
Advanced Dairy Solutions
Professional Dairy Systems
East Central Dairy Supply
Champion Milking Systems
Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems
278 W. Court St. • Richland Center, WI 53581 1449 Homecrest Ave. • Wadena, MN 56482 (608) 647-4488 (218) 632-5416
Anderson Dairy Systems, Inc. 1312 13 1/2 Ave. • Barron, WI 54812 (715) 537-3300
23218 350th Street • Albany, MN 56307 (320) 845-4156
2195 Hwy. 23 • Mora, MN 55051 (320) 679-1029
105 3rd Ave. NW • Epworth, IA 52045 (563) 876-3087
Fuller’s Milker Center, Inc.
Lang’s Dairy Equipment, Inc.
2337 Millennium Rd. • Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-8722 1467 West 5th Street • Winona, MN 55987 (507) 452-5532 Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment 1400- 7th St. SE • Pipestone, MN 56164 Leedstone (507) 825-3271 222 E Co Rd 173, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-3303 Tri-County Dairy Supply, Inc. 24260 Cty. Rd. 27 • Plainview, MN 55964 4107 N US HWY 51 • Janesville. WI 53545 (507) 534-3161 608-757-2697 423 U.S. 61 • Lancaster, WI 53813 (608) 723-4634
Leedstone
2545 80th Ave • Woodville, WI 54028 (715) 698-4370
United Suckow Dairy
12687 Hwy 18 & 52 • Postville, IA 52162 (563) 864-7417 210 N. Industrial Pkwy • West Union, IA 52175 (563) 422-5355
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 5
ConƟnued from ROOS | Page 1 He feels these steps helped keep the illness from taking a worse hold on him. By Sunday, Roos’ fever subsided but breathing was still difcult. Roos continued his recovery in isolation for three more days.
“That whole time I was trying to keep ahead of it and be cautious with others around me.” JOSH ROOS, DAIRY FARMER
“The doctor told me I would be contagious for three days after the fever broke so even outside companies didn’t interact with the farm much,” Roos said. During this time, his family continued to visit him every day through a closed window. On Wednesday, Roos ventured
90 DAY DEFERRED PAYMENT WITH 0% OR CASH REBATES W BATES* ON SELEC SELECT KIOTI TRACTORS OR RS
TRACTORS 22-60 HP IN STOCK!! 2 UP TO 110 HP AVAILABLE TO ORDER
Each WINCO PTO generator is designed using the highest quality components and the best workmanship available.
USED GENERATORS
Honda 5500W gas generator .......... $1,100 Niagra 15 KW w/powershaft ............... $900
MOWERS
UTILITY VEHICLES S
(715) 285-5317
Ken Anibas • www.anibassilo.com N6423 Commerce Lane, Arkansaw, WI siloman@nelson-tel.net • kevinatanibassilo@yahoo.com
“Your Complete Farm Service Company” Serving You Since 1973
*Offer available April 3, 2020 – April 30, 2020. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Rebates and/or financing based on the purchase of eligible equipment defined in promotional program. Pricing and rebates in US dollars. Additional fees including, but not limited to, taxes, freight, setup and delivery charges may apply. Financing must be through DLL using one of the available financing options. Financing is subject to credit approval. Customers must take delivery prior to the end of the program period. Some customers will not qualify. Some restrictions apply. Offer available on new equipment only. Prior purchases are not eligible. Offer valid only at participating Dealers. Program not available for consumer use transactions involving Kentucky consumers. Offer subject to change without notice. See your dealer for details.
MOTOR REPAIR
We Sell and Service Generators!
WE HAVE HANSON SILO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE!
KEEP UP WITH KIOTI!
outside. He started with driving tractor alone and kept to that one tractor to avoid exposure to anyone else. Roos has been able to keep working on the farm since but feels winded when walking long distances. “That whole time I was trying to keep ahead of it and be cautious with others around me,” Roos said. “I was never scared. I just wanted answers.” Roos feels not having pre-existing conditions and having been in good health at the time may have beneted him. “I was doing the breathing exercises and kept moving around so pneumonia didn’t set in,” Roos said. “I’m also in pretty good health and was a runner, so that may have helped.” Roos said he continues to be cautious when around other people including washing his hands and not touching his face. Looking back, Roos said he has no idea where he could have picked up the virus. “I don’t wish that sickness on anyone,” Roos said.
WHICH BARN IS BEST FOR YOUR HERD?
• quick • dependable • nearly 40 years experience
Birds just love this barn. The webs in these trusses are easy nest areas for birds. They also restrict air flow which leads to poor ventilation and moisture buildup in the building.
Starwood Rafters Uses
WE STOCK FRACTIONAL TO 10 HP SINGLE AND 3-PHASE MOTORS!
Pole Sheds • Free Stalls Riding Arenas Pavilion Shelters Machinery Storage
Baldor 3 HP, 3450 rpm ............... $200 Weg 10 HP motor ....................... $600
The arched rafters create a more open barn allowing better ventilation. Also since there are no open webs in the trusses, there are no places for birds to nest.
• Spans up to 72 ft. • Up to 12’ spacing depending on the load you desire • Bird nesting control • Better ventilation & visability • No feed alley post obstruction • Additional ceiling height
Starwood Rafters Lam-Ply Truss
ANOTHER QUALITY PRODUCT FROM STARWOOD RAFTERS
STARWOOD RAFTERS, INC.
AMPS, INC.
715-985-3117
W24141 Starwood Ln. • Independence, WI 54747 Website: www.starwoodrafters.com
105 County Rd. 10, Albany, MN • 320-845-4690
888-525-5878
Nutretain Forage Inoculants 25 years of proven success and the best value for money in the industry! The proof is in the fermentation: Haylage Àeld trial: (Norfolk, NE. 2003)
(Same Àeld of alfalfa, chopped same day and ensiled in same 600 ton bag. North end of bag ensiled with bacterial inoculant, south end of bag with Nutretain Haylage™, enzyme based, inoculant)
Nutretain Haylage™
Bacterial Inoculant
Dry Matter
56.87
56.33
Crude Protein
20.72
19.76
RFV
167
157
pH
4.73
5.21
Lactic acid
7.47
2.05
Acetic acid
2.22
1.79
Iso-butyric acid
<0.01
.05
BritAm Nutritional Concepts Inc. 2300 South Main Avenue • Sioux Falls SD 57105 Contact: Mike Bettle at 615-478-7312 or Email:britamintl@earthlink.net Call, text or email for your local agent or distributor.
Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
ConĆ&#x;nued from FUNDING | Page 1
Willmar, MN • 320.231.1470
EXPANDING OR REMODELING YOUR LIVESTOCK OPERATION? LANGE AG SYSTEMS SPECIALIZES IN:
Ĺś NEW FACILITIES
_
NO JOB TOO BIG OR TOO SMALL
Ĺś RETROFITTING & REMODELING Ĺś TURNKEY PROJECTS Ĺś BARN DESIGN Ĺś INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE & REPAIRS
Ć‹ĆľĹ?ƉžĞŜƚ tÄž KÄŤÄžĆŒÍ— Íť sĞŜĆ&#x;ĹŻÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ &Ä‚ĹśĆ? Íť sĞŜĆ&#x;ĹŻÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ˝ĹśĆšĆŒĹ˝ĹŻĆ? Íť WĹ˝Ć?Ĺ?Ć&#x;ǀĞ WĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ĆľĆŒÄž dĆľÄ?ÄžĆ? Íť ĆľĆŒĆšÄ‚Ĺ?Ĺś ^LJĆ?ƚĞžĆ? Íť DÄ‚ĆŠĆŒÄžĆ?Ć?ÄžĆ? Íť tÄ‚ĆšÄžĆŒÄžĆŒĆ? Íť ^ƚĂůů Ć‹ĆľĹ?ƉžĞŜƚ Íť ,ĞĂĚůŽÄ?ĹŹĆ? Íť DĹ?Ć?Ć&#x;ĹśĹ? ^LJĆ?ƚĞžĆ?
Lange Ag Systems is proud to offer Grain Bags, Silage Bags & Bunker Covers from Up North Plastics and Feed Fresh Silage Covers & Custom Size Bunker Covers from Raven!
t ^ >> E t Θ h^ 'Íł ' Θ < >>z Zz E '' Z^
www.LangeAgSystems.com
.M. ELEC E.A Bob Meyer TRI . B
• Reline your silo w/Jetcrete • Basement and Barnwall Resurfacing w/Jetcrete • Repair Concrete Storage Vats, Bunker Silos, Buildings, etc., w/Jetcrete
E lectric Cell:
C
Master Electrician, Owner
(pnuematically applied concrete)
Barn Lighting, Sheds, Fans, Trenching, Irrigation, Homes & More!
!
We Offer the Following Agricultural Services:
“JETCRETE�
" %
Need an Electrician?
Lic. #CA03435
320-761-1042
800-866-7327
Serving Central Minnesota
USED EQUIPMENT ON HAND C
‘12 JCB 323065 Xtra Fastrac
4WD, 5262 hr.s, #19161 $68,900
E
‘13 JCB 3230-65 Xtra Fastrac 4WD,
‘15 JCB 525-60 Agri Plus TeleHandler 1405 hrs., #20303
$55,500
DAIRY ST R D
‘08 JCB 541-Agri Plus TeleHandler 6500 hrs., #20047
For features from the barn, markets, columnists, proÀles, opinions from your neighbors and timely dairy information.
" 9ÊfÎx°ääÊ ",Ê Ê£‡9 ,Ê -1 - , */ "
‘15 JCB 541-70 Agri Extra TeleHandler 4546 hrs., #22031
$51,500
"1/- Ê/ Ê1°-°Êf£Óä
$73,500
D
‘10 JCB 541-70 AGRI PLUS TeleHandler
‘13 JCB 541-70 AGRI PLUS TeleHandler
$51,500
$89,500
3388 hrs., #14658
Subscribe to the
$59,900 E
D
Are you looking for up-to-date information on the dairy industry?
2622 hrs., #20253
$71,800
C
S
we’re pretty excited about that.� Both dairy farmers are happy to see excess product will be purchased. The purchases will also be appreciated at food banks and other organizations. “As we see more and more people hit the unemployment line, I think it’s critical that dairy be part of the food bank and grocery cart,� Stapel said. Both dairy farmers know the pandemic and its impacts will change the industry. “We’ve been through a tough four years, and we lost a lot of dairy farms,� Buck said. “I think we’re going to lose more. It’s going to fundamentally change some things.� Stapel had similar thoughts. “It doesn’t matter how many cows you’re milking,� he said. “It’s going to affect everybody. I think risk management needs to be part of business as we continue to move forward.� Processors might also be in trouble, Stapel said. “I think ones that only have food service business will have to rethink whether or not they get into the retail side of things,� he said. Whatever the future holds, Stapel knows the dairy farms in business will continue to work haard to make their milk. “We’re not in business for government handouts,� he said. “We would like to run our businesses and continue to feed our citizens as well as the greater population of the world. Dairy farmers are a pretty resilient population, and we will continue to produce a safe and healthy product at a cheap price.�
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!!
‘17 JCB 525-60 Agri Plus TeleHandler
4442 hrs., #19165
D
7789 hrs., #15214
C
“This program is open to farmers and ranchers regardless of size or market outlet,â€? Perdue said. “We know the disruption in the markets and demand is signiďƒžcant, and these payments will only cover a portion of the impact on farmers and ranchers.â€? The one-time payment will be based on a two-part calculation. Producers will receive 85% of the price loss that occurred from Jan. 1 through April 15. They will also be paid 30% of the expected losses from April 15 through September. Perdue is hoping the direct payments are in the hands of farmers starting the end of May. “The payments will be a big help and will be immediate cash ďƒ&#x;ow for farmers,â€? said David Buck, Minnesota Milk Producers Association president and dairy farmer from Goodhue, Minnesota. Minnesota Milk supported a direct payment plan called the Dairy Coronavirus Recovery (CORE) program that had been sent to USDA for consideration. “We were happy to see it go this route,â€? Buck said. “It does not distort any markets.â€? Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative also asked USDA to use the CORE program along with purchasing dairy products and allowing ďƒ&#x;exibility around nutrition regulation. “As we go through these unprecedented times, anything is going to help farmers continue to move ahead and stay in business,â€? said Brody Stapel, Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative president and dairy farmer from Cedar Grove, Wisconsin. “For the most part, we got a lot of what we asked for, so
D L O
‘17 JCB 260 New Generation Skid Steer 680 hrs., #20251
$38,000
MORE LISTINGS ONLINE! www.windridgeimplements.com C Cresco (563) 547-3688 D Decorah (563) 382-3614 E Elkader (563) 245-2636
Clip & Mail With Payment To: DAIRY STAR 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. • Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Name Address City State
Zip
ĂŠ ˆvĂŒĂŠ Ă€ÂœÂ“ /Â…iĂŠ >ÂˆĂ€ĂžĂŠ-ĂŒ>Ă€ĂŠÂˆĂƒĂŠVÕÀÀiÂ˜ĂŒÂ?ĂžĂŠĂƒiÂ˜ĂŒĂŠÂœĂ•ĂŒĂŠvĂ€iiĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ>Â?Â?ĂŠĂ€i}ÂˆĂƒĂŒiĂ€i`ĂŠ`>ÂˆĂ€ĂžĂŠv>À“iĂ€ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠĂƒĂŒ>ĂŒiĂŠÂœvĂŠ ˆ˜˜iĂƒÂœĂŒ>]ĂŠÂ˜ÂœĂ€ĂŒÂ…iĂ€Â˜ĂŠ ÂœĂœ>]ĂŠi>ĂƒĂŒiĂ€Â˜ĂŠ-ÂœĂ•ĂŒÂ…ĂŠ >ÂŽÂœĂŒ>]ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠĂœiĂƒĂŒiĂ€Â˜ĂŠ7ÂˆĂƒVÂœÂ˜ĂƒÂˆÂ˜Â°
ConƟnued from PLANTS | Page 1
protective gear, such as uniforms, hairnets and gloves, in normal operations, facemasks are also available for all employees as well as implementing strict social distancing guidelines whenever possible and encouraging more frequent hand washing. “Because of the nature of our facilities, there is already a lot of social distancing,” said Dawn Raymond, vice president of human resources and communications for the plant. “Our employees who have traditionally worked closer together, have found ways to stretch themselves out when possible.” Both employees and independent contractors are also evaluated when they arrive on site. They must indicate any symptoms of an illness and are asked to not further engage in their work if they feel ill. Additionally, non-essential visitors are not allowed on site. “Our employees have an invested interest to feel safe and continue working,” Raymond said. “Everyone is taking precautions to protect the health and welfare of themselves and their families.” Huffman agreed. “As this evolves, we’re certainly learning and making changes if we see a gap,” he said. “Luckily, it’s just been further enforcing our current protocols and educating people.” The central Minnesota processing plant is not an anomaly in the industry. Facilities across the Midwest are following similar protocols in order to maintain a healthy workforce and operate at full capacity. In Wisconsin, cooperatives are
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 7
taking additional measures to monitor the welfare of all involved in processing milk. “Business continues for the industry as usual, but we’re not only focused on producing dairy products,” John Umhoefer said. “Our manufacturers are even more focused on keeping our skilled people safe in order to keep product moving John Umhoefer and milk owing to Wisconsin Cheese consumers.” Makers Umhoefer Association is the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association executive director. Throughout the state, processing plants have ensured there is an ample supply of personal protective equipment on hand for the workforce and having employees sanitize more often as well as implement social distancing strategies on the production line. For some crews, this may mean creating more skeleton shifts throughout the day. “People have split shifts or are working at different times,” Umhoefer said. “This is affecting packaging because that part of processing is typically more labor intensive. Changing the lines can make plants less efcient and productivity may be taking a back seat, but it’s all for the safety of the workers. They are our No. 1 asset.” Processing plants have procedures in place if an individual within the manufacturing of dairy products were to fall ill with COVID-19. These protocols are very similar to guidelines
if an employee were to be sick under normal circumstances. Workers who might test positive for COVID-19 are asked to remain at home and in quarantine for two weeks. Additionally, those who work nearby that individual are to carefully monitor their health for 72 hours. “If a plant or line had to close, it
“We see what is done at the plant and we’re learning from them to do what we need to do to produce milk.” MEGAN SCHRUPP, DAIRY FARMER
would be detrimental to making sure there’s a home for every farmer’s milk,” Umhoefer said. “A dairy plant will shut down and sanitize everything. Right now it’s very important that, as an industry, we’re being proactive and not just reacting to this threat.” Throughout these times, processors are keeping in close communication with their owner members and farmers to stress the mitigation efforts the plants are following and encouraging those on the farm to implement their own way of ensuring the health and safety of those who assist in harvesting milk. For dairy farmer Megan Schrupp, there are two areas of risk on her family’s dairy farm near Eden Valley – employees and vendors. “We see what is done at the plant and we’re learning from them to do what we need to do to produce milk,”
said Schrupp, whose family has been a long-time patron of First District Association. “The transparency and communication helps calm our fears and anxiety. They have things under control and know what they’re doing.” At the 850-cow farm, NexGen Dairy, Schrupp and her family have provided their employees with personal protective equipment, like facemasks, and visit with them regularly. “We have short meetings to let them know what we expect from them and address any concerns on their end,” Schrupp said. “We have employees working around the clock, but luckily they’re pretty spread out.” For vendors, the farm has asked all business to be conducted over the phone or through webinars when possible. Those, such as milk haulers or maintenance personnel, have been in verbal contact with NexGen Dairy and are aware of the expectations when they visit the farm. The mitigation efforts in place to safely harvest milk and manufacture dairy products hope to give a sense of security to dairy farmers in such unprecedented times. “These plants are the safest place from a current (Good Manufacturing Practices) standpoint, and frankly, we’re doing everything we can to stay healthy,” Huffman said. “We’re giving our member owners a reliable place to ship milk.” Umhoefer agreed. “It’s crucial people know the process (in processing plants) is in place to keep every employee safe,” he said. “Processors are doing everything they can to keep milk owing to consumers.”
USDA announces COVID-19 assistance program Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
The United States Department of Agriculture has because of our risk management efforts, it maybe defeats announced the details of a coronavirus aid package for the trends, but that doesn’t mean every single Minnesota farmers and ranchers. The Coronavirus Food Assistance dairy farm is going to be in good shape,â€? he said. Class Program includes $16 billion in direct support to farmers III milk prices were at $17.50 per hundredweight in early and ranchers and $3 billion to purchase fresh produce, January with a typical bonus of $1 to $1.50. That price is now at $11. Sjostrom said mid-sized dairies dairy and meat for food banks. Direct asAg Insider and beginning farmers are the most vulnersistance for farmers and ranchers includes able to the market losses. $9.6 billion for the livestock industry, $3.9 billion for row crop producers, $2.1 billion A decline expected for U.S. dairy exports for specialty crop producers and $500 milU.S. Dairy Export Council President lion for other crops. Farmers will receive a and CEO Tom Vilsack said the coronavisingle payment using two calculations. For rus pandemic is a gut punch for commodprice losses from Jan. 1 through April 15, ity prices across the board, especially for producers will be paid for 85% of the price the U.S. dairy industry. At the beginning loss. The second part of the payment are of 2020, there was momentum in dairy exexpected losses from April 15 through the ports. “Our February numbers showed that next two quarters, covering 30% of expectdairy was exporting at a rate better than ed losses. The payment limit is $125,000 last year, but we fully anticipate because of per commodity with an overall limit of By Don Wick the virus, there will be a decline going for$250,000 per individual or entity. To qualiColumnist ward,â€? Vilsack said. “I also want to emphafy for the program, commodities must have size the fact that we have products. Cows experienced a 5% price decrease between don’t know there’s a virus, and they’re continuing to January and April. produce milk. Farmers are continuing to work 24 hours each day, seven days a week to produce milk. There are Mid-size and beginning dairies remain vulnerable USDA will provide $16 billion in direct payments processing plants making the ingredients, cheese, milk to farmers and ranchers through the coronavirus eco- and other products. There’s no need for retailers to renomic stimulus package. From that total, dairy farmers strict the amount of milk being purchased by consumers will receive $2.9 billion. Minnesota Milk Producers As- nor is there any reason for people on the export side to sociation Executive Director Lucas Sjostrom is pleased believe any order they need can’t be ďƒžlled by the U.S. USDA is delivering a lump sum, up-front payment. dairy industry. We’re going to look for creative ways to Each farm is limited to $125,000 per commodity and an get as much U.S. product to as many people around the overall limit of $250,000 for each individual or entity. world as possible.â€? “Which is obviously a huge amount of money and more than most people make in a year, but these business own- USDA adjustments for dumped milk The Risk Management Agency will not penalize ers take millions and millions of dollars of risk. With the caps of $125,000 per commodity, I’m very concerned dairy farmers if their milk is dumped due to recent marin that mid-sized range from 400 to 2,000 cows,â€? Sjos- ket disruptions. The milk will count as actual marketings trom said. Sjostrom estimates 30% to 40% of the milk for the Dairy Revenue Production program or the Livenationwide is covered by programs like Dairy Margin stock Gross Margin for Dairy program. The closure of Coverage. Minnesota is far above that level with 60% to schools and restaurants destroyed demand for milk and 70% of its milk covered by some form of insurance. The dairy products at a time many processing plants are opMinnesota Legislature offered incentives this past year erating at full capacity. for dairy farmers to enroll in DMC. “I hope Minnesota
Federal COVID-19 resource released USDA released a COVID-19 Federal Rural Resource Guide. This ďƒžrst-of-its-kind resource for rural leaders outlines federal funding and partnership opportunities to address the pandemic. The guide is available at http://www.usda.gov/coronavrius. Temporary adjustments made to H-2A visa requirements The United States Department of Homeland Security is adjusting H-2A visa requirements during the coronavirus. A new, temporary rule will allow an H-2A petitioner with a valid labor certiďƒžcation to employ workers currently in the H-2A status. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services must receive the H-2A petition before workers are hired. The agency will also allow H-2A workers to stay in the United States beyond a three-year limit. According to the USDA, agricultural employers should use this process if they are concerned with their ability to bring in temporary workers due to travel restrictions Farmer-lender mediation extension granted by Minnesota Legislature The COVID-19 relief package passed in the Minnesota Legislature contains an extension for farmer-lender mediation by 60 days. It temporarily extends the period before which a creditor can enforce a debt or terminate a contract for deed subject to the Farmer-Lender Mediation Act from 90 days to 150 days. The extension becomes effective the day following enactment and applies to any mediation request ďƒžled before July 31.
Practicing emotional resilience during COVID-19 The current reality of the coronavirus is impacting everyone differently. Some are moving forward with business as usual and others are feeling overwhelmed. According to Monica McConkey, a rural mental health specialist with Eyes on the Horizon Consulting, emotional resilience is key right now. “We are always experiencing uncertainty, unknowns and uncontrollables. This COVID-19 time has added an aspect to that, but Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
Save $$$ and raise HEALTHIER calves with a pasteurizer!
OWN A NEW WESTWAARD 30 GAL PASTEURIZER FOR $145/MONTH compared to spending $150 for 2 bags of milk replacer
Made in USA
Control Center Assembly Pasteurizer
For larger dairies we offer 120,150, 250 or 250 gallon capacity. Call for details!
20, 30, 40, 60 and 90 gallons
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 9
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 I think we as an agricultural community are pretty darn resilient in getting through times of stress,” McConkey said. “The goal is how do we come out stronger? How do we go through it better? How do we grow? How do we maintain relationships? It’s about the process.” McConkey said you do not have to come out of this time having accomplished major goals. “Many of us are in situations right now where we are just focusing on feeding our families, taking care of them, running our farms and keeping life going. Other things in our life are on pause right now and that’s OK,” she said. “Sometimes mental resilience is getting through the day and meeting your goals for basic needs.” Schaefer named Minnesota Farm Bureau executive director Karin Schaefer will be the new executive director for the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation starting June 1. Schaefer is currently serving as the executive director of the Minnesota Beef Council. The current MFBF executive director, Chris Radatz, will retire after more than 40 years with the organization. Minnesota veterinarians recognized The Minnesota Veterinary Medical
Association named Dr. Trevor Ames its Veterinarian of the Year. Ames spent 12 years as the dean of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. Former State Veterinarian Dr. Thomas Hagerty received the MVMA President’s Award. Dr. Timothy Goldsmith received the outstanding faculty award. Dr. Jessica Fox, who is with Ralco, was honored with the Emerging Leader Award. Trivia challenge The United States produces the most milk in the world. India is ranked second for milk production. That answers our last trivia question. Up until April 1997, cheese was bought and sold on the National Cheese Exchange. For this week, where was the NCE located? 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.
ted s a o r r u o y g s Gettin i s m r a F C L K soybeans at
E L P M SI
“Bovy just makes it really easy to access.” What do you use Bovy to look up? A lot of things; Fat, protein, scc, dry dates and due dates. One thing I really like is being able to see FCM. How has using Bovy helped you and your dairy? The information was all available before, Bovy just makes it really easy to access. If If I’m in the barn and have a question on a cow, I can just look her up and see were she’s at in her lactation and how much she’s producing. A feature I really like is being able to ask bovy questions, for example, who are my highest fat producing cows, or how many cows are due dry in next 60 days. How many years have you been testing with DHIA? A little over a year. How has testing with DHIA beneÀtted your dairy? Being able to see performance of every single cow is very important to me. It makes a great management tool for Dwight Wenger keeping track of cows to Brooten, MN • 67 cows breed to dry off etc. Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association 307 Brighton Avenue South Buffalo, MN 55313 1.800.827.3442 www.mndhia.org
DHIA: Now MORE than ever
Pull in unload and reload in just 15 minutes. Every day we have a high quantity of high quality soybeans. Our soybeans have the energy, protein, amino acids and bypass protein for your cows
KLC Farms Roasting, Inc.
1-877-738-2326 Visit www.roastedbeans.com
Quality
Preferred By Bovines Everywhere
MONTHS
% 0FOR 48 OFFER EXPIRES 0 06 30 2020 06.30.2020
GRAIN STORAGE
Consistency
SKIDS & TRACKS Grain Storage modular constructed unit can be erected to meet your requirements!
ANY SIZE, ANY CONFIGURATION: Round, square, rectangular, octagonal, etc. And in 5’, 6’ , 8’6” , 10’, 12’, and 16’ heights.
Moveable: sites and sizes can be changed with ease. Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN
Lake Henry Implement YOUR STABLE WORKHORSE
Lake Henry, MN
Also Available:
x Bunker Silos x Manure Storage x Feed Bunks x Water Tanks x Cattle Guards x Foot Baths
1-800-325-8456 LIKE US ON FACEBOOK!
Visit us on the web: www.wieserconcrete.com
Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
“It’s going to be Ben’s someday so he might as well start now.” – Steve Verthein
Vertheins take transition with ease
Altura dairy explains how it passes farm on from one generation to the next By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
ALTURA, Minn. – Steve Verthein tries to go through life and transitioning the farm the same way his dad did. “You have to let a lot of things go,” Steve said. “You can’t let things be a thorn in your back because it just gets sharper. You have to be easy going. I hope I am that way.” The elder Verthein and his son, Ben, farm in partnership, milking 520 cows on their dairy near Altura. They have gone through previous farm transition processes and hope to start again for Ben to become sole owner. Steve’s dad, Kermit, bought their current farmsite when Steve was 5 years old. He got his start working on the farm in sixth grade feeding calves with payment being a 9-by-9 tent. Kermit installed a double-4 parlor in 1968. By 1975, Steve graduated after two years at a vocational technical college and made farming his career. That same year, he formed a partnership with his dad and brother, Dennis, who is 10 years older than him. While they endured some hard times, espe-
PHOTOS BY GRETA VERTHEIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Father and son, Steve (leŌ) and Ben Verthein, stand in the freestall barn on their farm, Verthein Dairy, near Altura, Minnesota. Ben transiƟoned into partnership with his dad in 2007 by purchasing his uncle’s porƟon of the dairy.
cially through the 1980s, they continued to farm, acquiring land when they could. By the early 2000s, the brothers had fully purchased their dad’s share of the farm. The next generation joined the operation in 2000 when Ben became an employee after graduating from
Ridgewater College in Hutchinson. Talks about Ben taking over Dennis’ portion of the farm began in 2005. The family reached out to a third party, Duane Hutton, who is retired from Agra Advisory. He had already worked with the two generations prior.
“A third party is a good idea,” Ben said. “It’s just another set of eyes and ears and ideas. Plus, he does our taxes and advising. He’s the one who suggested I buy out Dennis.” All three of the family members Turn to VERTHEINS | Page 11
BODENSTEINER IMPLEMENT CO. www.bodimp.com p
Beat e Spring Rush!
Support Family Dairy Farms 2013 JD 7780
KP, PRWD, Pro Drive, 2499 hrs. #49737 $185,000 (DYE)
2011 NH H8080 Windrower
w/15’5” 750HD header, 884 hrs. #44281 $75,000 (DYE)
2014 JD 204K Compact Ldr.
Cab w/AC, 1.4 yd. bkt., new tires #48301 $52,000 (WAU)
JD 698 Rotary Head
Came off 7780, 8 row, small drum #49738 $54,500 (DYE)
2013 JD 640C Windrow Head Crop roller, hyd. gauge wheels #49739 $15,000 (DYE)
2011 H&S HSM9 Hay Merger
2015 JD 569 Prem RB
2018 JD 330G Skid Steer
2010 Kuhn Knight 3130
Folding extension #41398 $15,500 (CLE)
84” bkt., EH controls, 2083 hrs. #49222 $39,500 (LIME SPRINGS)
19,500 bales #50079 $23,500 (DYE)
Feeder wagon #48609 $17,800 (WAU)
For complete info on all our used equipment log on to bodimp.com Elkader (ELK) ........563-245-2470 Clermont (CLE) ......563-423-5206 Cresco (CRE) .......... 563-547-2152 Decorah (DEC) ....... 563-382-2961 Dyersville (DYE) ..... 563-875-2724
Monticello (MON) ...319-465-3515 New Hampton (NH) 641-394-3061 Oelwein (OEL) ......... 319-283-4371 Rowley (ROW) ........ 319-938-2222 Waukon (WAU) ......563-568-3463
In the Wake of COVID-19, America’s Milk Supply Depends on Healthy Herds National Farmers program, Dairy Farm Structure Management provides a system helping keep family-sized farms in business. Most labor is supplied by family members who live on the farm. Chances for rapid spread of infection among those caring for animals is therefore low. The family-owned dairy farms will keep our milk supply dispersed across this great country. For details, go to alwaysfamilyfarms.com/dairy-policy.html
Disperse our Dairy Farms
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 11
ConƟnued from VERTHEINS | Page 10
“We are trying to make it more efcient so I can start buying out his (Steve’s) portion of the farm someday,” Ben said. Along with the communication happening in the team meetings, Ben and Steve talk to each other about plans every day. “There’s not a day we don’t see each other,” Steve said. “Ben’s got the ofce on the farm. If his truck is here, I come out and see him.” If a big farm decision needs to be made, the team will discuss it, and Steve and Ben will make the nal decision after. However, Steve is letting Ben have more control in that area. “If he has a decision he wants to do, he will mention it to me, and I’ll turn him loose on it and let him go,” Steve said. “I don’t say, ‘No, we won’t do that and this is how it’s going to be.’ I let him make the decisions after he talks to me about it.” The current state of the dairy industry has ham-
pered their plans for future transition. “We probably would have liked to have started this process already, but the funds are not there to do it,” Ben said. Until then, they plan to reach 600 cows milking and get the fullest potential from their parlor without adding much expense. Long term, they hope the farm can be protable to potentially take on another generation if they so choose, said Ben. Ben and his wife, Greta, have three kids: Kylie, 15, Tyler, 13, and Trysten, 11. Throughout the process, they will continue to use the attitude modeled by Steve’s dad many years ago. “My dad never told me there was something I couldn’t do, but he always knew about it,” Steve said. “It’s going to be Ben’s someday so he might as well start now. We have to compromise. It can’t be my way all the time.”
PHOTOS BY GRETA VERTHEIN PHOTOGRAPHY
Ben (leŌ) and Steve Verthein farm in partnership on their 520-cow dairy near Altura, Minnesota.
were at different stages in their career, which can sometimes cause a challenge. “When the older generation is looking to slow down or get out, they’re not always willing to spend extra money on things,” Ben said. “My uncle … was looking to save money. He wasn’t in growth mode. … So he didn’t want to add onto the freestall barn or spend extra money.” In 2007, the transition became ofcial with the farm name changing from Verthein Brothers to Verthein Dairy LLC. While Ben and Steve own the cows and machinery through the LLC, Steve and Dennis own the land and rent it to the dairy. “Buying him (Dennis) out allowed us to continue progressing the dairy to what it is today,” Ben said. “He wasn’t holding us back, but he needed more persuading and sometimes had a different opinion about the direction of the farm.” When Ben became a partner, his loan had a stipulation that he and the dairy had to use the as-
“In times like these you have to try to bring a prot because we can’t keep burning up equity.”
Bringing Value to Your Dairy
Farm Delivery and More! Our Route Specialists bring the products you need directly to your farm, and they do so much more for you! • An entire mini-retail store to your door, including animal health supplies, delivery-approved prescriptions, detergents and more. • Professional handling of chemicals. • Producers ask for our Leedstone branded solutions! • Cost-effective general cleaning; using an effective, yet minimal amount of chemicals. • Milking equipment assessments and preventative maintenance support.
BEN VERTHEIN, DAIRY FARMER
sistance of a farm business management instructor. Since 2007, the Vertheins have worked with Tom Anderson from Riverland Community College. “He looks at our nances and runs the numbers,” Ben said. “The farm keeps evolving. That’s when you try to better the operation and become more efcient.” It is one reason why the dairy has over 500 cows milking. “In times like these you have to try to bring a prot because we can’t keep burning up equity,” Ben said. So, the farm is milking more cows and look at milk pounds per stall rather than milk pounds per cow; while he knows that is not always advised, it is what he and his management team have deemed the best solution. “Ideally we would like to have a 1:1 stall to cow ratio, but it’s not practical for us in today’s market,” Ben said. “If we could make it on 300 cows, that would be ne with me, but it’s just not the way of the dairy industry right now.” The dairy has quarterly meetings with the father-son ownership duo along with Anderson and the dairy’s banker, veterinarian, nutritionist and breeder.
We really appreciate the monthly Leedstone route stops! They make sure we have adequate supplies for our robots, our cows and our staff!” - Lisa, MN With Leedstone Farm Delivery, you get the supplies and service you need delivered to your door—safely and efficiently.
Ask us for our route delivery areas and package programs! www.Leedstone.com • 877.608.3877 Keeping families on the farm Animal Health & Pharmacy / Equipment Supplies & Equipment / Farm Delivery Service Melrose, MN 56352 222 County Road 173 SE 877.608.3877 / 800.996.3303
Glencoe, MN 55336 2580 9th Street E 877.864.5575
Plainview, MN 55964 24260 County Road 27 800.548.2540
Menomonie, WI 54751 1720 Freitag Drive 866.467.4717
Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
How one farmer braves depression Duden waited too long to seek help, urges others to learn from his experience By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
PRINCETON, Minn. – When Thomas Duden’s doctor wanted to prescribe him a medication for his anxiety and depression during an annual physical a few years ago, Duden felt shocked at the suggestion and walked out of the room empty handed. “How could I be depressed?” Duden said about how he felt at the time. “I have every little boy’s dream. I get to farm and sell John Deere tractors. I have a smile on my face. Anyone who knows me thinks I’m a happy, fun-tobe-around kind of guy.” But the stresses of farming, especially with the depressed markets the past several years, along with trying to balance family life and an off-farm job made his usual cheery personality slowly turn melancholy and eventually depressed. Although it took years to realize his mental health needed help, Duden put stigmas aside and reached out to professionals at the beginning of 2020 for solutions to assist him in feeling good again. “I wish I would have reached out (for help) sooner,” Duden said. “I wish I could take back all the guilt and shame associated with my feelings and know that everything is perfectly OK to ask for help.” Duden farms together with his
wife, Kristin, and her parents, Richard and Margaret Reiman, on their 40-cow dairy near Princeton. The couple has two children, Madelynn, 6, and Cordell, 2, and one on the way. The stresses started nearly four years ago when dairy margins became tighter and health insurance premiums went up exponentially. Kristin took an off-farm job, and Duden continued his as an equipment salesman. On the farm, they searched for ways to bring in more income and decided on diversication. They started with making, selling and delivering small square bales of hay. When 2019 brought wet weather, their hay enterprise came to a halt. “I could hardly sell any hay, and most of the hay I did sell ended up being returned,” Duden said. So Duden looked to other avenues of nding income. He invested in equipment to plow snow in the winter and rent out to others. “We were just trying to nd another avenue to keep the farm aoat and diversify some more while not changing the structure of the farm with something that didn’t t,” he said. “It’s a more stable market using things we already could use around the farm.” Duden continues to work off the farm while Richard and Kristin farm full time and help with the equipment business. While dabbling in diversication has helped keep their farm aoat, it was drowning Duden mentally. He admits to being in a dark state of mind the past Turn to DUDEN | Page 13
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Thomas Duden, pictured with his wife, KrisƟn, and their children, Madelynn and Cordell, openly shares his struggles with depression in hopes of helping others. The Dudens milk 40 cows on their dairy near Princeton, Minnesota.
PRODUCING TOO MUCH MILK? Why not feed it to your calves?
With requests for production reduction during these challenging times, pasteurizing milk for your calves gives you the opportunity to utilize excess milk. Pasteurized milk will save you money compared to using powdered milk replacer while providing healthier, faster growing calves. From 20 gallon to 800 gallon capacity, we have an efficient, qualitybuilt calf milk pasteurizer to accommodate your dairy! In addition to preparing milk the right way to feed calves, it is important that the sanitation of milk bottles and nipples is maintained to a high standard as well. We also build efficient washing solutions tailored to your needs.
WESTWAARD FABRICATORS for DARITECH
40 Gallon Pasteurizer
WP40G
Contact us for a dealer near you! • 360-354-6900 • www.daritech.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 13
ConƟnued from DUDEN | Page 12 2.5 years. “Put your head down and work harder, and you’ll get through it was my mentality,” Duden said. “I just kept trying to do what I could do to keep moving, except my tank was empty. And I was running on fumes, and I didn’t know it.” Duden struggled to nd motivation to go to his off-farm job or to help at the farm. Known to be a talkative person, he stopped communicating to his friends and hid his feelings from his wife. At work, he felt resentment towards customers and started complaining more than he used to. “They (customers) can spend $30,000 on a toy so they can make a food plot for the deer so they can go hunting, and I struggle to pay the bill on a $6,000 piece of machinery that’s needed for my family’s livelihood,” Duden said. While he did not realize it at the time, Duden said other behaviors that indicated the state of his mental health were lashing out, putting blame on others and ignoring family. “I was running around doing everything else I could just to keep my mind off of what was right in front of me and helping everyone else but my family,” Duden said. He would often check in with other farming friends, asking how they were faring. In hindsight, Duden said he asked the question so he could see if they were feeling the same way and justify his own feelings. At one point in January 2018, Duden thought about staging a farm accident that would end his life. “I didn’t know how bad I really was until I broke down crying to my wife one day before work about a thought that went through my head,” he said. While Duden started attending couples therapy with Kristin that year, he still did not fully acknowledge the depressed state of his mental health. “When we rst started going, I was honestly just trying to appease her,” Duden said. “I was thinking to myself we were OK. Let’s hurry up and get this over with. About three months in, I came to the realization that I did have issues that I needed to work through: things stemming from my father’s passing, to a past marriage that ended, to the farm economy as a whole.” Slowly, in 2019, Duden started accepting how he felt. By December,
Duden knew he needed to contact a therapist. “The hardest part was to actually show up and allow myself to say what it was I was feeling out loud, and replay the emotions tied to it,” Duden said. Early this year, the Dudens attended a farm couples retreat put on by Minnesota Dairy Initiatives where Duden met Monica McConkey, rural mental health specialist from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, and Emily Krekelberg, who focuses on farmer mental health with the University of Minnesota Extension. Although Duden’s rst encounter with them was showing his anger about their marketing of suicide prevention, he now considers both of them friends and another network to rely on to ease his mental stress. Along with seeing a therapist and his new network of support, Duden takes medication consistently. “Don’t quit taking it because you feel good,” he said. “I’ve tested and proven this theory, and it’s not a good idea.” He also tries to spend more quality time with his family rather than rushing through to get on to his next project. “Burn out happens way too easy when your plate is already full,” he said. “Farm life and family life are so intertwined on the everyday operation. I still struggle with trying to keep a clear mind. I struggle with trying to focus on certain things.” Listening to podcasts has also been a good stress reliever for Duden. He has also started to slowly open up to others about his struggles, although there has been hesitation. “It’s taboo to talk about,” Duden said. “Opening up, I was afraid of being judged and looked down on for what I’m going through. But as my wife has told me, ‘If you don’t say something, nobody will.’” Duden encourages anyone who is struggling to seek help – talk to a friend, go to the doctor or reach out to state resources like extension or the department of agriculture. “It’s OK to ask for help,” he said. “That’s been the hardest part.” While Duden has taken many steps to help him cope with his stresses, he knows he needs to continue working on his mental health into the future. “I’m not healed yet,” he said. “But I am still working towards bettering myself.”
IS E R O T S E IN L N O R U O Y, A D A S R U O H 4 2 N OPE 7 DAYS A WmEpaEreKou.r pr!ices on nce and co Shop at your convenie e products, and more. nc fe c tri ec el er gh la al fountains, G
Stationary Vertical TMR Mixer Increase Ef¿ciency By Feeding TMR! 130-370 cu. ft. capacity Two largest models will process whole round bales Twin augers and nearly vertical sidewalls eliminate dead spots All Stainless Steel mixing chamber for extremely long life Input power options include electric motor or 540 PTO
Free Brochure!
1.800.436.5623
N10828 County Highway O | Greenwood, WI 715.267.1416 | www.greenwoodsilo.com
The Greenline unloader has a soft-start, variable speed VFD unloader control, plus a load-sensing arm advance system
“We currently own 278 acres and rent another 150 acres. We plant corn for grain and silage, alfalfa and soybeans. We chose Greenwood silo for their great service and innovative ideas on feeding cows consistently and efficiently. We would recommend Greenwood Silo for both their prompt service and innovative ideas in storing feeds in bottom unloading silos. Marvin and his staff are constantly looking at ways to improve both feed storage quality and feedout speed. We chose the Greenline unloader based on Marvin’s recommendation when we built our 3rd Harvestore a 20x90 in 2017. I would definitely recommend the Greenline unloader. We like the variable speed drive and the feed delivery it puts out. We are currently getting about 400 lbs. a minute on corn silage and 250 lbs. a minute on haylage respectively on our 3 Greenline unloaders.
- Terry Byrne
SHIP IT CARDS AND CAN ! WE ACCEPT CRED OR DO UR YO T TO YOUR ORDER RIGH
CO., INC. RURAL MFy.G81., PO Box Q 820 N US Hw Freeman, SD 57029 7135 Toll Free 1-800-477925-4174 560 Fax Ph. 605-925-7135 •
.com www.RuralMfg
Byrne Dairy Farm • Neillsville, WI
Milk 110 cows and have 100 head of youngstock
CALL TODAY
Schedule a visit to farms with Greenline Unloaders and see them in action and ask the farmers what they like about a Greenline.
Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
= M g a n n i r u p r S e H g n a i u k l n i i n h g T NEW OR USED We've got you covered! HYDRA-SPREAD
Now available for SB models
Sizes Range From 285-550 Bu.
12” Vertical Pumps and Lagoon Pumps AVAILABLE
Manufactured Man Ma M an a nu ufffa ufa ac ctttu ctu urre red ed by ed by
with Cyclone Beater
ding and Man e e ur tF s e e
h
ou Freestall Tilting Alley Scrapers
858 Cu. Ft., 88C Open Barrel Floor Chains, Guillotine Gate, 1000 RPM, Excellent Condition, Gone Thru Shop.
#2033
$41,900
Hagedorn 277 Series II HydraSpread Manure Spreader, 420 Bushel Capacity, Hydraulic PushGate & End-Gate, Good Condition.
#1994
$15,900
l
ut
so wwave a w.da barn, we have y.com airylandsuppl
Powerful PTO Pumps & Agitators To Handle Liquid Manure
Artex SBX800 Manure Spreader
Protwin® Side-Discharge Spreader
ion .
If y
LIQUID MANURE TANKS, PUMPS AND AGITATORS
Minnesota’s
Excellent maneuverability and control on all types of terrain.
ing Dealer
Steerable Series Spreaders
nd l Ha
La rg
Great for Poultry litter!
SAUK CENTRE, OFF I-94 ON THE CORNER OF HWY. 28 & 71 SOUTH
Artex SBX800 Manure Spreader Kuhn Knight 1159 Pro Spread 858 Cu. Ft.,, 88C Open Barrel Floor Manure Spreader ,590 Bu., Dual Chains, Guillotine Gate, 1000 RPM, Very Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop.
#2012
$42,900
New Idea 3739 Manure Spreader, 390 Bushel Capacity,
Upper Beater, 540 RPM, Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Field Ready.
#1988
$7,500
NEW MODEL!
Apron Floor Chain, Dual Horizontal Rear Beater Discharge, Good Condition.
#1973
$18,900
Kuhn Knight PS160 Manure Spreader, 570 Cu. Ft. Capacity, 667X
Dual Floor Chain, 1000 RPM, Excellent Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go
#2025 $31,900
The new KUHN Knight PS 235 and nd d 242 ProSpread P S d® apron box spreaders are non-commercial spreaders that provide an affordable option for producers without sacriÀcing quality.
Hagedorn 277 Hydra-Spread Spreader, 420 Bu. Capacity,
New Holland 195 Manure Spreader, 391 Cu. Ft.,, 540 RPM,
Kuhn Knight 2044 Pro Push Manure Spreader, 440 Cu. Ft.,
#2025 $15,900
#2028 $13,900
Kuhn Knight 8114 Pro Twin Slinger Spreader, 1,400 Gallon
Kuhn Knight 8141 Slinger Manure Spreader, 4,064 Gallon
Gehl MS1410 Manure Spreader,
#1926 $34,900
#2024 $12,900
Hydraulic Push-Gate & End-Gate, Upper Beater, 425 Truck Tires, Very Good Hyd. Push-Gate & End Gate, 1000 RPM, Upper Beater, 540 RPM, Good Condition Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go. Very Good Condition, going thru shop
Capacity, LH Side Hammer Discharge, Very Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop
#1989
$13,900
Capacity, LH Side Hammer Discharge, Very Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop.
#2032
$23,900
391 Cu. Ft., Upper Beater, 1000 RPM, 385/65R22.5 Tires, Good Condition, Gone Thru Shop, Ready To Go.
From Our Side Of The Fence
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 15
High school seniors: What are you plans after graduation?
Samuel Seffrood 18 years old Twin Brooks, South Dakota Grant County Milbank High School What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? I was involved in football, basketball, track, band, choir and youth group. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? I don’t mind it. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? I have missed participating in track, band and choir. What is the most difďƒžcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? The most difďƒžcult part has been missing my senior track season. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? I go to work at my uncle’s vineyard most mornings. After work, I do my PE workout and complete my homework for the day. Once I am done with my school work, I play online video games with my friends. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? I am able to play video games with my friends and stay connected that way. I also work at my uncle’s vineyard with one of my friends. What are your plans after high school? I plan to attend Montana State University at Bozeman, Montana, and study electrical engineering. Tell us about your farm. My parents, John and Annelies Seffrood, operate NorSwiss Dairy at Summit, South Dakota. We milk 1,000 cows. Most of them are Holsteins, but we also have a few Brown Swiss. We raise our replacement heifers up to weaning. We farm 1,500 acres and grow all of our forages. Our milk is shipped to Valley Queen Cheese Factory in Milbank, South Dakota. I have two sisters, Sophia, 20, and Elsie, 15.
Blake Haub 18 years old Ogden, Iowa Boone County Ogden High School What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? Wrestling, 4-H and FFA. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? I haven’t thought about it much. It just gives me more time to work and ďƒžsh. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? Prom and the senior trip. What is the most difďƒžcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? Not much is difďƒžcult; mainly not being able to hang with my friends. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? I am doing farm work and chores, working some other places for money, and then ďƒžshing at night. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? I Snapchat a lot of my friends, and I still hang with some of them but am social distancing. What are your plans after high school? I will go to Ellsworth Community College and get a degree in ag precision. Tell us about your farm. We are a smaller dairy farm located near Boone, Iowa. We are currently milking 60 cows, milked by my dad and my uncle, Matt. I mainly do whatever is asked of me, whether it is chores or moving bales or other farm things. My parents are Jeremiah and Angie. I have a sister, Sophia, who is 12. We sell our milk to Picket Fence Creamery which has the best chocolate milk.
Sam Sakry 17 years old Melrose, Minnesota Stearns County Melrose Area High School What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? Basketball. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? It’s been very interesting and strange not seeing my friends every day. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? Basketball. Our season ended the day of our section ďƒžnal game, and we never got to play it. What is the most difďƒžcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? Not being able to see all my friends and the new type of schooling. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? I usually wake up and do chores then come inside and try to get my school work done before noon. Then, whatever needs to be done we get done in the afternoon. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? Through texting and video calls. What are your plans after high school? Attend the University of Minnesota-Duluth for a major in teaching social studies. Tell us about your farm. My parents are Ben and Jean Sakry. We milk around 60 cows. It is interesting because there is always something that needs to be done. Still to this day, my 80-year-old Grandpa comes to help every day.
Gavin Smith 18 years old Rushford, Minnesota Winona County Lewiston-Altura High School What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? I was a part of our concert choir and a member of the varsity golf team. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? It has its good and bad parts. I miss seeing my friends and having practice after school. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? For choir, a couple events were canceled and golf is suspended until further notice. What is the most difďƒžcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? Knowing I might not be able to walk the hallways as a student again or walk across the stage to receive my diploma. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? I wake up around 7 a.m. and do all my schoolwork until I am done, unless my dad needs help in the morning, then I get my schoolwork done around 1 p.m. Then, I work until 6 p.m., eat supper and go to our shop to work on projects I like to do. These include making signs or presents for my family. After that, I go to the house around 9:30 p.m. to shower and go to bed. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? I see a majority of my family every week, otherwise I call them. What are your plans after high school? I plan on working here at the farm until winter. After that, I will go to Arizona with my grandpa to go gold mining. When I come back, I will either work on the farm or work on a different farm. Tell us about your farm. My parents are Lacey Burt and Dean Smith. My mom lives in Lewiston and is not a part of the farm. On our farm, we milk at two sites. At the home farm, we milk around 300 cows, and on the other farm, we milk about 850 cows, so about 1,150 total milking cows total. My uncles, Greg and Randy Smith, farm 7,000 acres of land consisting of traditional corn, soybean and alfalfa, and they raise about 80,000 pigs a year.
Trusted People. Trusted Feed. Star Blends has been helping Midwest farm families by providing, high-quality feed, dairy nutrition, and commodity contracting for more than 20 years. Our state of the art mill can accurately blend anything from a custom SUH PL[ WR FRPSOHWH IHHG VSHFL¿F WR \RXU IDUPœV QHHGV 2XU H[SHULHQFHG VWDႇ DUH UHDG\ WR GHOLYHU WKH KLJKHVW TXDOLW\ IHHG at an economical price, assist in balancing diets, or work with your private nutritionist or dairy consultant. Contact Star Blends at: 800-462-4125 or StarBlends.com
Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Alexis Williams 18 years old Mabel, Minnesota Fillmore County Mabel Canton High School What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? I am involved in FFA. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? It sucks not seeing my classmates every day. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? The senior class raises money for our class trip with an event called the Turkey Dinner. It is an annual event and everyone comes to it. We also missed out on going on our class trip to Washington, D.C. Prom and graduation will probably be canceled, too, but we are still waiting to hear the nal decision. What is the most difcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? Not being able to have the same experiences other classes have been able to have. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? My dad owns the farm, and I usually stay at my mom’s house during the school year, so I have not done much farm work recently. I typically get up and do chores around the house such as laundry and the dishes. Then, I work on homework for about three hours. When I get sick of school work, I go for a walk or play outdoor games. I have noticed myself being on the phone a lot more, too. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? I text, call or video chat my friends and family. What are your plans after high school? I will be attending Wartburg College to pursue biology and teaching. Tell us about your farm. Down-N-Dirty Cattle company is owned and operated by my dad, Fred Williams, and his ancé, Jodi Thoreson, along with my grandparents, Rollis and Bev Williams. We are milking about 40 cows. We own every breed besides Brown Swiss. Guernsey makes up most of the herd. Most of the cows are show cows.
I E LD SE RVICES, I NC. D&H FDarrin Herickhoff 320-760-0848
• Liquid Manure Handling • Solid Manure Handling • Trucking • Pushing & Packing
www.dhfieldservices.com
877-394-1186 • All Poly & Wooden Conveyors • Taper Board Feeders • All Poly Conversions for bottom unloader Priced better than steel • Shuttle Feeder Replacements • Replacement Chains Central Minn.
DAIRYLAND SUPPLY 800-338-6455
www.panningbrothers.com
Used Parts • Replacement Parts
FREE NATIONWIDE PARTS LOCATING We Buy Salvage Tractors 25060 651 Ave., Gibbon, MN Toll Free: 1-800-635-0993
Christopher Borash 18 years old Bowlus, Minnesota Morrison County Royalton High School What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? I was involved in extracurriculars throughout high school. I have been a three-sport athlete since seventh grade and have always enjoyed my time in cross-country, wrestling, and track and eld. I was a three-time state participant in cross-country, and once in both wrestling and track. Another area I was involved in were the arts. Since entering sixth grade, I have been in both band and choir every year, as well as a capella choir, jazz band and marching band. I have participated in multiple school play productions, as well as been on the knowledge bowl team every year. Other extracurriculars I am in include 4-H, FFA, Y.E.S. Club, Minnesota Honor Society and student council. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? I am sad to be missing the nal stages of my senior year. Having prepared and anticipated my time as a senior since entering high school, it is upsetting to have that go away and quite possibly miss the nal chapter of high school. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? Since switching to distance learning, I have missed many events including the spring musical, FFA competitions, 4-H meetings and, perhaps most saddening for me, track. Another thing I nd really unfortunate is that there is no Sunday Mass to go to. The Catholic faith is a major part of me and not being able to physically go to the church is hitting me hard. What is the most difcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? The most difcult part of being a senior during the COVID-19 pandemic is the lost time. Before going into senior year, it seems you always want time to move faster, to grow up. Once it hits, though, time ies by too fast to keep track. Already passing by in a blur, to have the nal portion of my time as a senior taken away and missing my friends and teachers in our last few months together is depressing. I enjoy school for the most part and take great joy in talking with my teachers and classmates, and so I very much miss that connection. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? My typical COVID-19 day now looks like this: chores in the morning with milking starting at 6, followed by breakfast at around 9. After that, I normally work on homework until noon and eat lunch. After lunch, I return to work for the remainder of the day and help my dad outside, whether it be eldwork, caring for the animals or anything else he may need. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? Fortunately, I have two brothers and a sister still living at home, so there is still the connection and fun with them despite these unusual conditions. As for my other three brothers and sister, I see them a couple times a week when they get milk from us or stop in to borrow something, so I am grateful for those small interactions. I miss my friends, however, as it is difcult to keep in contact without being able to go do stuff together. What are your plans after high school? I am attending Saint Mary’s University in Winona, where I will run cross-country and track, and pursue a degree in environmental biology. Tell us about your farm. I live on a small family dairy farm where we milk roughly 60 cows yearround, as well as keep a variety of other animals. I own a ock of over 30 sheep which I raise and sell every year. We also have multiple horses, chickens, ducks, geese, beef cattle, and the occasional turkey or pig roaming the farm as well. I am the second youngest of eight children, six boys and two girls. My parents are Ron and Ann Borash, and they have milked here for over 30 years, taking over for my grandpa.
Alex Pausma 18 years old Fox Lake, Wisconsin Dodge County Central Wisconsin Christian school What extracurricular activities were you involved in at your high school? Ag club and trap shooting. What are your thoughts about not being in school these past few weeks? I have kind of been pulled in all directions about how I feel about this. I am happy I can be at home and work with my dad and earn extra money, but I am also sad I cannot see my friends and teachers every day. What events or activities have you missed so far during this time of distance learning? I am missing out on ag club trips that would usually be happening this time of year, and I am quite sad I am missing out on trap shooting this year as I look forward to that all year. I also am missing construction and small engines class at school. What is the most difcult part of being a senior during this time of COVID-19? A lot of people have told me that high school is the best time of their lives, and I never believed them until now. Now that I can’t go, I can clearly see all the fun times I am missing. There are a lot of people at school who I will never have the chance to talk to or get to know, and I will likely never see them again. What is a typical day for you now that the pandemic has closed school? School work has been difcult because I have a hard time staying connected, and I never really know what I am supposed to be doing without a teacher telling me face to face what is expected. Farm work has been great. I feed calves morning and night, and my mornings are mostly taken up by feeding haylage in the barn. I also work about 10 hours a week at a local excavating contractor which gives me a little extra cash for school and tools, and keeps me extremely busy. What are you doing to stay connected to friends and family? I am quite blessed I can see and work with most of my family members every day which makes it easy to stay connected with them. I don’t see many of my friends anymore, but I do sometimes invite them to come help me with chores. Other than that, I connect with them through social media. What are your plans after high school? I am planning to attend Fox Valley Technical College and train to become a diesel technician. I also plan to help on the farm quite a bit as I cannot picture a reality where my family’s farm does not exist. Tell us about your farm. My parents are Jeff and Melissa Pausma. We live on a dairy farm where we milk 65 cows and we rotationally graze. My brother, Clay, is a big help on the farm and an inspiration to me. Even though Clay has a job off the farm and works upwards of 60 hours a week, he comes to the farm to help every day. My dad is also an extremely hard worker, and he truly cares about the cows and is dedicated to taking the utmost care of them and doing the job to the best of his ability. He also cares about the environment and all the creatures God has blessed us with. I am amazed at his perseverance and how he does it every day. I hope I can be as dedicated to a job as he is. I am proud we graze our cows during the summer. It is so rewarding as they go out to the pasture for the rst time in the spring, and I am eagerly awaiting that this year. The pastures are the reason our farm is still in business. I hope to implement pastures and grazing more in the future to help our farm and animals thrive. I have a lot of pet cows. One of my favorites is my pet Jersey, Prim. She is named after a character in one of my favorite books, “The Hunger Games.” I took her to Dodge County Fair as a calf, and we have been best of friends ever since. I think it was the summer after fourth grade when we went to the fair and now I am a senior in high school. She is milking and even has a milking daughter.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 17
NEW EQUIPMENT
#013918 LX Anderson IFX720 Bale Wrapper Call For Price
#012028 LX Kuhn VB3160 Round Baler Call For Price
#009293 LX Kuhn VB3190 Round Baler Call For Price
#002544 EY NH 330P Large Square Baler MUST GO - $89,000!!
#008532
#012201 LX Anderson 800HS Bale Wrapper Call For Price
#013651 LX Fendt 942 Vario Gen6 Call for Price
#014024 LX CIH Magnum 340 NEW! Call For Price
#010400 LX CIH Magnum 280 Tractor Call For Price
#014212
#010396 LX CIH 150 Maxxum Tractor Priced to Move
#012727
#012294 LX CIH 110C Tractor w/Loader Call For Price
#012301 LX CIH 100C Tractor w/Loader Priced To Move!
#009547 EY Kubota M7-151 Tractor w/Loader Call For Price
#006503 EY NH T7.210 Tractor NOW $115,000!
#005648 EY NEW KUBOTA RTV-X900WL-A $11,900
#007698 LX Segue SEG6T TMR BLOWOUT PRICED!!
#007652 LX New ‘17 CIH 875ET Disk Ripper $49,995
#008025 LX CIH 2500 Ripper 5 Shank Call For Price
# 014349 EY GREAT PLAINS 2400TM TURBO MAX Call for Price
#006754 NW Kuhn Krause 8005-20 20’ Excelerator Call For Price
#009895 LX Kuhn Krause 8005-25 25’ Excelerator Call For Price
#013342 LX KuhnKrause 8005-14 14’ Excelerator Call For Price
#012480 EY Kubota R630 Wheel Loader Call For Price
#012334 LX Meyer SX1720T Spreader Call For Price
#012333 NW Meyer 7500 V Force Spreader Call For Price
#008545 LX New Holland 195 Spreader Call For Price
#011439 NW Bobcat T650 Track Loader Call For Price
#013461 NW Bobcat E85 Mini Excavator Call For Price
#015031 LX NH L228 Skid Loader Closeout Priced!
LX NH 560 Round Baler Call For Price
#006320 EY Kuhn GMD 240 3 PT Disc Mower $9,950 Blowout Priced!
#014356 LX MF 2250 Big Square Call For Price
#014037
#012728 LX CIH 125 Maxxum Call for Price
DOUBLE ROLLS!
RC CIH Maxxum 125 Demo Priced!
LX CIH Magnum 250 Call For Price
LX CIH Magnum 200 Call For Price
USED EQUIPMENT REDUCED PRICE!
#015984 LX 2018 Fendt 1042 Vario Fresh Trade $289,000
#015816 LX 2018 Fendt 720 Vario Front 3PT, PTO, FRESH TRADE $169,000
#015738 LX 2011 CIH Magnum 315 $119,985
#012727 RC 2019 CIH Maxxum 125 Call For Price
#015745 LX 2015 CIH Maxxum 115 $64,985
#015685 LX Case 2390 Only 2,500 Original Hours $18,900
#2993R2 EY 2012 NH T8.360, Front Sus $129,900
0% FINANCING
#012732 NW ‘18 Bobcat 5600 ToolCat $47,900
#008687 RC 2014 CIH Magnum 210 Tractor REDUCED $112,985
#015294 LX ‘02 CIH MX220 Tractor w/ Duals $59,985
#013510 EY ‘12 NH T7.200 Tractor $89,900
#008468 LX 2011 MF 8660 Tractor NOW $94,985
#013739 NW ‘00 JD CX20 Rotary Cutter $6,500
#014493 LX ‘16 JD CX15 Rotary Cutter $16,985
NICE!!
REDUCED PRICE!
#006674 EY 2012 MF 8670 Tractor REDUCED! $109,985
#015743 LX 2013 CIH Magnum 290 ONLY 1,780 Hours $114,985
ONLY 500 HOURS!
REDUCED PRICE!
#008883 LX 2014 CIH Magnum 190 REDUCED $104,985
#015737 LX 2016 CIH Magnum 340 50KPH, Guidance $174,985
#014471 LX ‘12 CIH 5130 HILLCO COMBINE $179,000
#009442 RC ‘14 CIH 5130 Combine REDUCED $149,985
CLEAN!
#014720 LX ‘95 CIH 2166 COMBINE $39,900
NEW BLADES!
#014969 LX 2016 NH H7230 $19,000
#015288 LX ‘14 NH DB313R Discbine $23,900
#015287 LX ‘15 Kuhn SLC 132 Spreader $34,900
#015767 ‘02 Kinze 3000 6R30 Planter $18,500
#015936 LX ‘15 CIH 1255, 16R30, SUPER CLEAN! $79,985
#014427 RC 2009 CIH 1220 6RN Planter $24,900
#015322 RC CIH 5300 Soybean Special 2X13 Press, Grass, Marker Wheels $7,950
#012578 LX ‘12 Great Plains 3000TT REDUCED $25,000
#015321 RC ‘89 CIH 4800 Field Cult 26’, Walking Tandems $5,750
#011449 EY 2014 Kubota RTV-X1120DWL $10,900
#014912 EY 2018 Kubota SVL75-2HWC Track Loader $48,900
#008064 EY ‘17 Kubota SSV75 Skid Loader $35,900
#015291 RC ‘13 Case SR250 Skid Loader $17,950
#015524 LX 2018 NH L228 Skid Loader $35,985
#014502
#015739 LX JD 260 Skid Loader $15,000
EY ‘17 Cat 226D Skid Loader $31,900
WWW.STJOSEPHEQUIPMENT.COM
Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
Repro Leaders
Holmesville Dairy LLC records 39% pregnancy rate Holmesville Dairy LLC Argyle, Wisconsin Lafayette County 415 cows What was your average pregnancy rate last year? 39% What is your voluntary waiting period for cows? For heifers? 88 days in milk for cows, 14 months old for heifers. What is your rst service conception rate? 54% What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? Pre-sync and vetsync. How do you observe for heat? Tail paint. How do you conrm pregnant or open cows? Ultrasound at 30 days, recheck at 60 days. What is your breeding philosophy? How do you select bulls? What traits do you focus on? Does fertility play a role in bull selection? Virgin
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Members of the Holmesville Dairy LLC team include (front, from leŌ) Tim Heiring, Cody James, Maureen Thompson, Riley Holmes, Claire Holmes, Hunter Holmes, Stephanie Holmes and Tim Holmes; Mike Van Schyndle, John Wienkes, BJ Jones and Travis Holmes. Holmesville Dairy LLC is home to 415 head of milking cows near Argyle, Wisconsin.
Turn to HOLMESVILLE | Page 20
Stall Bedder Specialists Straw Bedders Rear Discharge
Stall Bedders Rear Unload
Sand Bedders And much more!
Truck-mounted units available
Your Headquarters for Volvo Loaders!
FRONT UNLOAD OR REAR UNLOAD
with bidirectional belt fills all stalls on dead-end alleys!
Models up to 30 yard capacity
Check out our inventory at www.transourceusa.com
Visit our website for more pictures, options and specifications.
360.354.3094
800-289-6225
405 Birch Bay-Lynden Road, Lynden, WA 98264 info@whatcommfg.com “Custom Built Equipment, Built to Last”
www.whatcommfg.com
Sioux Falls, SD • Rapid City, SD • Aberdeen, SD
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 19
www. DairyRealty .com Find your next dairy farm here, or list your farm. The Air King M-30 series are extremely versatile and can be used individually in smaller spaces or in multiples for larger areas to establish positive airflow patterns that will enhance the effectiveness of the units. The T-style configuration of these units has inlets on both ends and exhausts the filtered air from the center of this unit.
FARM LISTINGS WANTED! Call today to list yours.
FEATURES & BENEFITS • Disposable filters • Self-contained • Easy installation & maintenance • Four way louvers
Russ Pierson
SALES & SERVICE
• 16 gauge powder coated construction • Filter change indicator (optional) • Multiple filter configuration available • Easily relocated
MUELLER SALES & SERVICE Glencoe, MN • 320-864-3556 OR 888-205-0974
CHECK OUT THESE LISTINGS:
320 acres crop land - Wood County, WI Organic Dairy Farms from 20 to 100 cows with land to support the dairies 115 acre farm - Jackson county, WI 160 acre farm - Rusk county, WI 160 acre feedlot for 1,200 head - Langlade county, WI
Terry Estes, realtor 715 827-0882 Joe Bradley, broker 608 882-3700
She’s doing her part. We’re committed to doing ours.
Commit to 10 to 12 applications pre- and/or post-fresh and find out what these customers already know: Only the best will do! “Udder Comfort™ does an awesome job of softening udders and is gentle to the skin at the same time. That sets it apart from everything else on the market. We use it on every fresh animal.” – Joe and Matt Engel, Luck-E Holsteins 150 cows, Hampshire, Illinois “Udder Comfort is the best product for edema reduction, so fresh cows milk better, faster, easier, with quality milk in the tank sooner, and fewer cows coming back to the hospital.” – Jake Benson, owner of a 12,000-cow West Texas dairy “SCC has never been lower. Udder irritation is gone. Production has come up. And what really impressed me was zero mastitis in groups getting it pre-fresh, I’m sold on Udder Comfort.” – Bob Keefer, Hard Earned Acres 700 cows, Shippensburg, Pennsylvania
Quality Udders Make Quality Milk To locate a dealer, call 1.888.773.7153 Visit our new website at uddercomfort.com @uddercomfort For external application to the udder only, after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking.
Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
ConƟnued from HOLMESVILLE | Page 18
heifers are bred two times to sexed semen then to beef. First lactation cows are bred two times with conventional semen and then beef. Second lactation and higher are bred to beef. Bulls are selected based on net merit, CFP, DWP index and DPR. Focus is more on future daughter fertility rather than the bulls. How are cows and heifers bred? Do you have a different philosophy for breeding both? All are bred using A.I. What do you do to settle hard breeders? Make DNB at 210 DIM for cows and after ve times for heifers. How many times do you try to breed a cow before you sell her? Five times. Is there anything you have done or changed that brought about a signicant improvement in your reproductive program? Moved the voluntary waiting period longer. Tell us about your farm. We are a third-generation dairy farm located in Argyle, Wisconsin. The farm was established in 1958 by C. F. Holmes, milking nine cows and grew to 57 cows. His son, Tim, and wife, Penny, bought the farm in 1980 and went to 80 cows. In 1998, Tim grew to 150 cows. In 2000, he expanded building a double-8 parallel parlor and new freestall barn and milked 300 cows. In 2007, when Travis came back from college, they expanded to 400 cows.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Integral members of the Holmes’ reproducƟon team include (from leŌ) – herdsman Jim Holmes, Tim Heiring with Genex, farm owner Travis Holmes and veterinarian BJ Jones. The team at Holmesville Dairy LLC has achieved an average pregnancy rate of 39% during the last year, with a 54% concepƟon rate on the rst service.
Travis and his wife, Stephanie, along with Tim and Penny created Holmesville Dairy LLC in 2013. We are milking 415 cows and run 1,400 acres of crop land. We have won multiple
DCRC awards through Hoards Dairyman for our reproductive stats. We continue daily to look for new ways to improve our herd and reproductive numbers. We work with BJ Jones at
CenterHill Vet, Tim Heiring for genetics, and our herdsman Jim Holmes (Tim’s brother).
Hydraulic Doors
By the most trusted name in the industry Best Warranty in the Industry Zero Headroom Loss
Lighting products to answer all your needs 82, Irwin Street, Local #3 Granby (Qc) Canada J2J 2P1 Tel.: 1-888-966-3431 or 1-450-777-2848 Fax: 1-450-777-4872 Email: info@cbmlighting.com / Website: www.cbmlighting.com Eric Haugen Home Farm AG Sales, Milan Mn. 320-226-2504 Haugen02@hotmail.com
MORE CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS Somewhere around the world there are always cows being milked with CoPulsation™. Consider the following recent email comments from another European customer: “Your pulsation will help get a much better milking on a milking robot. My parents are milking with CoPulsation™ in Switzerland.... and they are very happy. I think we should have a look at my robots when you are in Europe.” Discover for yourself why customers across the US, Canada, throughout Europe, in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and beyond, are all happy milking their cows with our product.
CALL US TO TRY OUR DEMO UNIT ON YOUR DAIRY. 855.368.9595
CoPulsation™ Milking System 607-849-3880
Twitter @CoPulsation
www.CoPulsation.com www.Facebook.com/CoPulsation www.Youtube.com/CoPulsation
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 21
0.9% Financing for up to 60 Months on QualiÀed Planters & Spring Tillage Financing subject to pre-approval through JD Financial. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details.
JD 2200, 2002, 47’, 1161487 614487 87 # 16
25,400
$
JD 2623 Disk, 2013, 20’ 9” #168622
30,400
$
JD 8320R, 2014, 3198 hrs. $ #155355
149,500
DB66 Planter, 2012, 36R22” $ #1 166629 296 96 #166296
44,900
JD DB66, 2005, 6R22” #166985
199,900
WARRANTY JD 6120M, 2018, 169 hrs., #141903
92,900
$
JD 6175R, 2015, 5043 hrs., $ #156490
78,900
JD 1765, 2015, 12R30” #155243
$
128,400
$
Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com 10 1 3 5 7 4 10 11 10 11 4 10 5 5 14 14 14 10 11 15 14 1 5 6 15 15 9 9 10 5 7 8 8 8 4 17 16 4 7 1 1 3 4 16 7 14 8 15
BOX DRILLS Melroe 202 1985, 12’, 6” spacing, #161328 .........................................................................$1,700 JD 455 1996, no till, 35’, 10” spacing, #168762................................................................... $19,900 JD 455 1996, folding, 30’, 10” spacing, #166982 ...................................................................$8,800 Case IH 6200 end wheel, 20’, 6” spacing, #168591..............................................................$4,900 DISKS JD 637 2011, 45’, 5-section folding, 9” spacing, #166177 .................................................. $42,000 JD 637 2005, 32’, 3-section folding, #168729..................................................................... $23,400 Sunflower 1435 2010, 33’, 3-section folding, 9” spacing, #168764 ............................... $27,900 Sunflower 1830 2012, 30’, 3-section folding, 11” spacing, #161784 ............................. $29,400 JD 2620 2016, 26’, 3-section folding, 9” spacing, #165298................................................ $38,500 JD 2623 2013, 20’, 3-section folding, 9” spacing, #168622................................................ $30,400 JD 2623 2013, 33’, #149511 ................................................................................................ $39,500 JD 2623 2013, 23’, 3-section folding, 9” spacing, #167883................................................ $23,900 JD 2625 2013, 42’, 11” spacing, #151841 ........................................................................... $38,500 Kuhn Krause 8300 2014, 28’, 3-section folding, #167353 ............................................. $29,500 Summers 36FTDC 2015, 35’, 3-section folding, #167985 ............................................... $52,400 Lemken Rubin 12 2017, 23’, 3-section folding, 11” spacing, #165159 .......................... $64,900 FIELD CULTIVATORS JD 960 1989, 42’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #165959 ........................................................$9,900 JD 960 1998, 27’, 3-section folding, C-shank, #159473 ........................................................$6,900 JD 960 1989, 32’, 3-section folding, C-shank, #168424 ........................................................$5,900 JD 980 2000, 41’, 3-section folding, C-shank, #168036 ..................................................... $13,500 JD 2200 2002, 47’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #161487................................................... $25,400 JD 2200 2002, 48’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #168467................................................... $22,500 JD 2210 2012, 55.5’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #162453................................................ $51,900 JD 2210 2011, 60’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #168037................................................... $49,400 JD 2210 2008, 65’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #166479................................................... $45,900 JD 2210 2007, 65’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #166478................................................... $43,900 JD 2210 2005, 54’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #167743................................................... $30,900 JD 2230fh 2018, 60.5’, 5-section folding, C-shank, #166421 ........................................... $89,900 MOWER CONDITIONERS JD 635 2017, #166698 ........................................................................................................ $23,500 JD 835 2012, #164224 ......................................................................................................... $18,900 Hesston 3312 2007, #167802 ........................................................................................... $15,500 JD F350R 2019, #166686 .................................................................................................... $27,000 NH H7550 2014, #167351 .................................................................................................. $20,500 JD R990R 2019, #166685.................................................................................................... $65,300 PLANTERS JD 1760 2013, 12R30”, flex fold, vacuum, 3.0 bu. hopper, #156200 $52,500 JD 1765 2015, 12R30”, flex fold, vacuum, 1.6 bu. hopper, Row Command, #155243 ........ $44,900 JD 1780 1999, 12R30”, flex fold, vacuum, 3.0 bu. hopper, #167974 ................................. $18,500 JD 1780 2002, 24R20”, flex fold, vacuum, 3.0 bu. hopper.................................................. $30,000 JD 7000 6R30”, rigid, finger pickup, 1.6 bu. hopper, #168324 .............................................$6,500 JD 7200 1989, 12R30”, flex fold, finger pickup, 1.6 bu. hopper, #168737 ......................... $10,000 JD 7200 1993, 12R30”, wing fold, vacuum, 1.6 bu. hopper, #166682............................... $13,900 JD 1770NT CCS 2012, 24R30”, wing fold, vacuum, central fill system, Row Command, #167881 ....................................................................................................$118,500 JD 1775NT 2018, 16R30”, flex fold, vacuum, central fill system, Row Command, #150736 $169,000 JD 1775NT 2017, 24R30”, wing fold, Exact Emerge, central fill system, #160204 ..........$262,900 JD DB66 2018, 36R22”, flex fold, Exact Emerge, central fill system, Row Command, elect. drive, #161533 ................................................................................$315,400 JD DB66 2012, 36R22”, flex fold, vacuum, central fill system, Row Command, #166296 .$199,900 JD DB66 2005, 36R22”, flex fold, vacuum, central fill system, Row Command, #166985 .$128,400 JD 1710 24R22”, wing fold, vacuum, 3.0 bu. hopper, #168140 ......................................... $19,900
(1) = GLENCOE 4561 Hwy. 212
10 8 6 4 1 2 17 10 4 10 5 11 6 11 6 17 3 6 10 10 14 2 10 4 4 5
SPRAYERS Fast 973PT 2012, #148479 ................................................................................................ $48,500 Blum 750 1979, #158936 ......................................................................................................$4,900 Hardi 4000 2011, #166560 ................................................................................................ $19,500 Hardi NAV1100 #168670 .....................................................................................................$7,500 Hardi NP1100 #168425..................................................................................................... $12,750 Hardi RANGER 2000 2014, #155294............................................................................... $20,500 Hardi RANGER 2000 2014, #163524 .............................................................................. $17,900 Top Air TA1200 2008, #155358......................................................................................... $16,650 Top Air TA1200 2005, #168204........................................................................................ $16,500 ROUND BALERS JD 375 1990, reg. pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 5’ bale width, #161836 ......................$6,200 JD 430 1984, reg. pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 4’ bale width, #16738 ........................$3,195 JD 458 2007, mega wide pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 4’ bale width, 9500 bales, #168847.............................................................................................................. $12,400 JD 469 2017, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 4’ bale width, 2600 bales, #167879 ..................................................................... $37,400 JD 535 1989, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 540 PTO, 5’ bale width, #151310................$8,325 JD 558 2010, mega wide pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 5’ bale width, 1153 bales, #163653.............................................................................................................. $19,900 JD 567 2001, mega tooth pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 5’ bale width, 16500 bales, #161325............................................................................................................ $10,900 JD 854 2011, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 4’ bale width, precut knives, 8170 bales, #160884.............................................. $29,500 JD 854 2010, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 5’ bale width, precut knives, 11400 bales, #159849............................................ $20,900 JD 450M 2018, mega wide pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 4’ bale width, 690 bales, #163947 ................................................................................................................ $33,500 JD 460M 2018, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 4’ bale width, precut knives, 5985 bales, #164359.............................................. $49,900 NH 460RB 2014, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 4’ bale width, 7500 bales, #165910 ..................................................................... $24,900 JD 469 Silage Special 2015, mega wide pickup, surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 4’ bale width, 9500 bales, #166199 ..................................................................... $24,900 Vermeer 555XL 2005, reg. pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 5’ bale width, #160364 ..........$9,900 JD 560M 2019, mega wide pickup, surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 5’ bale width, 5500 bales, #166321 ..................................................................... $43,900 JD 560M 2018, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 5’ bale width, precut knives, 3311 bales, #165961.............................................. $57,900 Vermeer 605F reg. pickup, twine wrapping, 1000 PTO, 5’ bale width, #168368 ..............$3,250 JD 854 Silage Special 2016, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 540 PTO, 4’ bale width, precut knives, 6000 bales, #151149 .............................. $31,300 NH BR7060 2012, reg. pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 4’ bale width, 2900 bales, #166079 ................................................................................................................................. $18,500 NH BR7090 2009, mega wide pickup, twine wrapping, 540 PTO, 5’ bale width, 6484 bales, #167794.............................................................................................................. $14,500 NH BR780A 2007, mega wide pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 5’ bale width, 15900 bales, #167206 .................................................................................... $11,900 Case IH RBX561 2002, reg. pickup, twine & surface wrap wrapping, 1000 PTO, 5’ bale width, 9000 bales, #160144..........................................................................................$9,900 UTILITY TRACTORS JD 5065E 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 37 hrs., #140790 ................................ $33,900 JD 6110M 2018, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 450 hrs., #149248 . $89,500 JD 6130M 2019, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 150 hrs., #152367 . $99,500 JD 6135E 2018, 477 hrs., #143698 ..................................................................................... $84,900
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
3 10 1 15 16 2 15 5 5
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.
10 JD 6110M 2018, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, narrow tires, 221 hrs., #149246 .................................................................................................................. $94,900 10 JD 5055E 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 98 hrs., #140787 .............................. $32,900 12 JD 6120R 2019, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, loader, 147 hrs., #153295 ....................................................................................................$119,500 11 JD 6125M 2014, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 1907 hrs., #167778 ................................................................................................................ $67,900 10 JD 2840 1979, partial p. shift, 2WD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 5128 hrs., #168454 ...........$9,900 17 JD 3020 Syncro, 2WD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, #167795 ..................................................$5,900 7 JD 6110M 2018, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, loader, 146 hrs., #149250 .................................................................................................................. $89,500 7 Massey Ferguson 5613 Deluxe 2014, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, loader, 945 hrs., #167436 ...................................................................................... $75,900 4 JD 6110M 2017, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, loader, 178 hrs., #145468 ...................................................................................................... $97,900 8 JD 6130R 2018, narrow, cab, p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, wide tires, 180 hrs., #167684 ...............................................................................................................................$112,000 17 JD 6130R 2017, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, loader, 401 hrs., #147778 $109,500 13 JD 5075E 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 9 hrs., #140875 ................................ $36,900 6 JD 6130R 2017, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, wide tires, 315 hrs., #144503 .................................................................................................................. $99,500 9 Ford 8N Syncro, 2WD, 540 PTO, #165474 ............................................................................$1,700 9 JD 5075E 2018, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 116 hrs., #147838 ............... $41,900 14 JD 5055E 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 7 hrs., #140896 ................................ $32,900 12 JD 5065E 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 16 hrs., #147837 .............................. $33,900 11 Case IH 585 1985, Syncro, 2WD, 540 PTO, wide tires, loader, 3515 hrs., #162344 ......... $12,995 4 JD 6105E 2018, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 101 hrs., #168523......... $59,500 4 JD 5115M 2018, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, loader, 1100 hrs., #143690........ $69,500 6 JD 6120E 2018, 482 hrs., #143694 $79,500 4 JD 6135E 2019, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, narrow tires, loader, 154 hrs., #152152 ................................................................................................................................. $82,900 6 JD 6130R 2016, cab partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 426 hrs., #142596. $99,500 6 JD 5090R 2018, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 15 hrs., #147006 ....... $71,900 4 JD 5075M 2018, p. reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 257 hrs., #163843 .......... $42,900 1 JD 6110R 2016, cab, IVT, MFWD, 524 hrs., #144500 ......................................................... $95,900 12 JD 5090E/540M Loader 2019, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 102 hrs., #153019 ................................................................................................................................. $61,900 4 JD 6105E 2019, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 44 hrs., #151983 ........ $71,900 10 JD 6110R 2017, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, wide tires, 197 hrs., #145477 ................................................................................................................................. $98,900 6 JD 6135E 2016, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, wide tires, 399 hrs., #142599 ...................... $71,900 3 JD 6430 2008, cab, p. reverser, 2WD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 1061 hrs., #161657 ................. $49,500 3 JD 6430 2008, cab, p. reverser, 2WD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 1061 hrs., #161657 ................. $49,500 15 JD 6105M 2015, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, 983 hrs., #168001 ............. $66,900 4 JD 5045E 2018, Syncro, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 68 hrs., #163844 .............................. $23,900 11 JD 6120M 2018, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, 170 hrs., #141903 . $92,900 12 JD 5090E/540M Loader 2019, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, 107 hrs., #153273 .................................................................................................................. $61,900 16 JD 6120E 2018, cab, p. reverser, MFWD, 540 PTO, mid tires, loader, 233 hrs., #143692 ......... $79,500 12 JD 6110M 2019, cab, partial p. shift, MFWD, 540/1000 PTO, mid tires, loader, 107 hrs., #153313 ................................................................................................................$109,500 WINDROWER 8 JD W260 2018, platform size: 16, 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, April 25, 2020
DeLaval Parlor P500 milking system
96
Ways DMI, USDEC are using farmer funds to move product
”
max ceiling height requirement for DeLaval SynchroArc™
By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
Up to
56
%
reduction in exit cycle time with DeLaval SynchroSweep™
3
cow flow control options
ZERO
obstructions at cow exit
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
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 West Salem, WI 608-769-2113
WISCONSIN
Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 608-635-0267
Advanced Dairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201
Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579
Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713
What is checkoff doing during the pandemic?
The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466 East Central Dairy Supply Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Watertown, SD 605-886-7401 Sioux Falls, SD 800-284-0015 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
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. All facts and figures are the result of data collected on test farms and pilot farms. Data compared to DeLaval Champion. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. www.delaval.com
During a conference call April 10, dairy checkoff leaders, Tom Gallagher, Dairy Management Inc. chief executive ofcer; Barb O’Brien, DMI president; and Tom Vilsack, United States Dairy Export Council CEO and president, talked about what dairy farmer funds are doing to help the industry during the pandemic. “In more normal times, farmers really by-inlarge understand the value of USDEC or the value of the partnership with food service and pizza companies. … But I’d like to make sure farmers understand and see some hope of where things could go and understand what we’re doing today,” Gallagher said. Because of the upheaval the pandemic has done to the dairy supply chain, Gallagher said DMI has needed to redirect efforts to get dairy products into the hands of people immediately. “There’s a dire need,” Gallagher said. O’Brien said to do this, DMI has created four emergency action teams. The rst focuses on schools, the second on hunger, the third on food service partners and the fourth on retail. Schools represent 7% of the uid milk supply, O’Brien said. To ensure students are still provided a nutritious meal that includes milk and dairy, GENYOUth has created a COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Funding Grant for schools up to $3,000 to supply the resources needed for meal distribution, including equipment, packaging, transportation and cold storage. “It will enable milk in those sites,” O’Brien said. DMI is also working with food service partners to help keep the school meal supply chain consistent. Dominos is already assisting with providing graband-go meals, and Pizza Hut and Taco Bell are preparing to do the same. For the hunger emergency action team, DMI has been working to make connections where it is needed. “It’s about match making,” O’Brien said. Processors and retailers have been donating milk and other dairy to people in need. “And we know there’s more happening at the local level,” O’Brien said. With restaurants and food service mostly closed, dairy product usage from that sector goes down. Gallagher said about 60% of butter and 50% of cheese consumed in the United States is consumed in food service outside the home. “Overnight, food service was disconnected and then schools are struggling to maintain the supply chain,” Gallagher said. “Our challenge … is where can we connect those disconnected supply chains to new supply chains. That’s one of the key roles of the checkoff – to be the connectors.” So far, Gallagher said there has been good progress. “It’s been slower than anyone would like, but you just have to stay at it and be patient with it,” he said. After the start of the pandemic, DMI has been working with large pizza chains to encourage using an additional 2 ounces of cheese on pizzas. One of the main three pizza chains has implemented this cheesy addition. This is similar to what DMI did when milk prices were low in 2009. “This isn’t a time to push the dairy products in a way that looks like you’re trying to take advantage of a situation,” Gallagher said. “We believe it’s a time to take that disconnected consumer who is all of a sudden interested in the value chain, back to the farmer, connect that farmer, and then as this Turn to CHECKOFF | Page 23
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 23
ConƟnued from CHECKOFF | Page 22 crisis passes, the residual desire of the consumer to be connected to the farmer, will put us in solid shape.” Retail has seen pinches in the supply chain as well. “There are a lot of instances, whether that’s happening in warehousing, retail warehousing or in workforce challenges, that grocers are facing of getting products out of the warehouse and into the store,” O’Brien said. DMI is also working together with the Milk Processor Education Program to keep open lines of communication with grocers. “We want to look at what more we can be doing as we understand consumer behavior and what more we can be doing to encourage dairy products as an ongoing staple in family lives,” O’Brien said. Vilsack gave insight about exports. “The pandemic has been a gut punch to commodity prices across the board for American agriculture but probably most signicant for dairy industry and dairy farmers,” he said. Going into 2020, Vilsack said U.S. dairy exports were gaining momentum with record levels of volume and value. February exports were at 16%, a better rate than the previous year; however, the novel coronavirus changed that. Many countries around the world have reacted in the same way; schools are closed, restaurants and businesses are shut down, and events and gatherings are prohibited. “Milk produced and consumed domestically now has to nd a different home, which means it is put in competition with exports,” Vilsack said. “It has made it difcult on the export side in the same way it has made it difcult here in the U.S.” USDEC continues to work with
China to implement Phase I of its trade agreement. It has also been working to avoid problems in Mexico. “There were concerns their health department had decided because they were having staff issues that they would not be able to issue import certicates that would have stopped product at the border,” Vilsack said. By working with the Mexican government and dairy industry, along with the U.S. government, USDEC was able to help secure a solution through regional ofces. “We’re committed to continuing to look for creative ways to reimagine and redene what we do so we are in a position to take and make the most of a difcult situation today and build an effort that will be even stronger in the future,” Vilsack said. Work in southeast Asian markets will continue, but in a socially distant way. “The hope is by maintaining these contacts, by having this information available by continuing to promote, even virtually, we continue to make sure U.S. dairy products are top of mind as restaurants begin to open, as tourism begins to pick up,” Vilsack said. The checkoff funds to continue this work are crucial, Vilsack said. “If we were to turn off that program for a couple months, we would have a very signicant decline in exports now and in the future because we would essentially seed to the competition in New Zealand and Europe,” Vilsack said. “If we were essentially to leave the playing eld for a couple months, it would be very difcult for us to regain the momentum we had with higher volumes and higher values. And it would be a long period of time before we regained it.”
Spring cleaning: Vet cupboard edition
Spring is here. That gets me thinking about everybody’s favorite task – spring cleaning. Have you considered giving your vet cupboard a spring cleaning? It’s important to keep veterinary supplies clean, organized, and up to date; and going through the cupboard now can save time when the busiest part of the spring season rolls around. First, look at vaccines and syringes. Toss out vaccines that are expired, have illegible labels, or bottles with compromised stoppers. If a stopper is damaged from overuse or something else, there is a possibility the vaccine could be contaminated. When cleaning syringes, avoid soaps and disinfectants as they inactivate modied live vaccines. The best method for cleaning is lling the syringes with boiling water. After they are dry, store them in a ziplock bag and keep them in a safe place. Also consider laBy Emily beling your syringes for use to avoid cross-contamination Krekelberg between killed and modied live vaccines. U of M Extension Next, consider additional medications to have on hand. You may want to have epinephrine in case an animal has a reaction to a vaccine. Antibiotics should also be on hand. As always, consult with your veterinarian about your herd’s medications. In addition to cleaning your syringes, think about cleaning other equipment. Clean ear taggers, dehorners, calving equipment, and other tools. Also take the time to organize and inventory these items, and group them by use, such as calving and weaning. Look at items you are storing, such as pour-ons, dewormers, and disinfectants, for their storage requirements. Consider if any of these products have been exposed to harsh light or temperatures, and how long you’ve had them for. While your mind is on veterinary care, take some time to review your herd health plan. Look at your current plan and whether you see any needs that aren’t being met. Consult with your veterinarian about possible changes. Also, make sure you are maintaining a vet log of vaccines, vet care, calvings, and other health events. Lastly, take a look at the fridge. The vet fridge is typically an old one that was in the kitchen before moving to the barn. Sometimes, as they age, fridges can have trouble maintaining temperature so it’s important to check that to ensure medicines are being stored at the temperature on their labels. Keeping veterinary supplies clean, organized, and up to date can save time and even money in the future, so it’s important to take some time before busy season to get on top of it.
Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
NOTICE:
The 20th Annual
Central Minnesota Credit Union And The Dairy Star
ROCK PICKERS FOR A DAY Postponed until 2021
Watch the Dairy Star in Spring of 2021 for your next chance to register.
You needed smart Ànancial solutions for your farm. So we made that our focus.
CMCU is still open to help provide Ànancial solutions for all your agricultural needs. Access your accounts online or through the mobile app. Our Ag specialists can help you with any Ànancial needs for you and your farm. Albany | Avon | Belgrade Cold Spring | Freeport | Glenwood Grey Eagle | Holdingford | Little Falls Long Prairie | Melrose New York Mills | Paynesville Perham | Saint Joseph Sauk Centre | Spicer | Wadena
888.330.8482 | myCMCU.org Equal Opportunity Employer
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 25
Why heifer maturity at calving matters danielle.n@dairystar.com
A common theme is that the earlier a dairy heifer joins the milking herd, the sooner she begins to pay her own way, becoming a protable member of the herd. Dr. Gavin Staley cautioned those joining in on his presentation, “Why Maturity Matters,” as part of the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Virtual Conference April 8 to be aware of the difference in age and maturity. “I could have also called this the Peter Pan problem, referring to the children’s storybook character that never grows up,” Staley said. “They say that the end justies the means, but I’m going to take a slightly different angle on this.” Staley said often times, most thought and discussion is placed on the beginning of a heifer calf’s life, but he chooses to look at it from the end point. “The end product of all heifer raising is the lactating heifer,” Staley said. “I’m going to focus on outcomes, and then we can look back and see how that was inuenced.” Staley said the trend to breed heifers earlier has exposed the impact immaturity has on the animal’s entire life. “So why breed virgin heifers earlier? There are a lot of good reasons, such as economics, to reduce heifer inventory and feed costs,” Staley said. “But if we lower the age at rst breeding, what is the cost if these animals are immature?” Staley said a fresh heifer should be
at 85% of her mature bodyweight immediately post-calving and should be at 95% just prior to calving. He said a mature heifer will possess the phenotypic characteristics of frame and weight that will allow her the ability to express her full genetic potential through her milk production. “We know that age at calving impacts milk production,” Staley said, noting studies have shown that heifers calving in between 23 and 26 months will typically make the most milk in their rst lactation. “But what about weight at calving? There are studies that milk production is also related to post-calving bodyweight. Holstein heifers that weighed 1,200 to 1,300 pounds post-calving had the highest milk production. So we have a time factor and a physical outcome. What joins those two together? It’s the average daily gain.” Staley said average daily gain is critical in helping a heifer reach her mature size quickly enough to expedite her entry into the milking herd and set her up to be a productive milk cow. He said if the adult mature body weight of a Holstein cow is 1,520 pounds, then a close-up springer should weigh in at 1,444 pounds, or 95% of that mature weight. If that heifer’s own birth weight is 85 pounds, she needs to gain 1,359 pounds from birth until she enters the close-up pen. “If we have an average daily gain of 2.05 pounds, we can bring that heifer in at 21 months. We would need 1.98 pounds to calve at 22 months; 1.9 pounds to calve in at 23 months and
so forth,” Staley said. “This of course includes the calf and the placenta and uids in the gain, it’s hard to remove them in the weight.” Staley said he sees average daily rates of gain mostly in the area of 1.75 to 1.8 pounds, which means these animals are reaching maturing at 24 and 25 months of age. However, many herds are calving their heifers in at 21-22 months. “So, the question is, should we
“Holstein heifers that weighed 1,200 to 1,300 pounds post-calving had the highest milk production.” DR. GAVIN STALEY
grow these heifers to achieve maturity at 24 months and manage them to calve at 21 months? We certainly can, but should we? What are the impacts?” Staley said. Average annual milk production for an entire herd can be predicted based on the maturity of heifers at calving, Staley said. “First lactation milk production sets the ceiling for the whole herd,” Staley said. “You cannot out-perform the production level set by the rst lactation. For example, the herd with a 75-pound, rst lactation peak will not be capable
0 48 % FOR FO OR
of reaching 85 pounds. You can’t cull your way there, you can’t repro you way there, and you can’t feed your way there. The limitation is the heifers.” Second and third lactation production in the rst ve weeks is tightly linked to the rst lactation, according to Staley. He said at ve weeks of lactation, the difference between the rst and second lactation is 30 pounds for Holsteins. At ve weeks into the third lactation, the difference from the second lactation is only 8 to 10 pounds. “If you look at records and you see that your difference is not 30 pounds, that it is 25 pounds, that is a good thing,” Staley said. “That means your heifers have improved relative to the rest of the herd, and next year they should go up 5 pounds. If it goes the other way, to 35 pounds, they are going to come down next year.” Staley said this correlation between lactations has been independent of the level of milk production or the milking frequency of the herds he has studied. The impact of heifer maturity on production can extend into the third lactation. Staley said his studies indicate cows never catch up from being immature at calving, and the impact of the rst lactation is compounded by a lower average number of lactations. “If we can push those heifers up, the focus we put on raising healthy heifers will ultimately push everything up,” Staley said. “The old cows do not drag the heifers up behind them; the heifers push the old cows ultimately. All ships rise on the rising tide.”
MONTHS
By Danielle Nauman
SKIDS & TRACKS Finance offer expires 06.30.20
PLUS! AN INCLUDED
MINNESOTA • A&C Farm Service Inc. Paynesville, MN
• Mid-Central Equipment Henning, MN
• Northland Farm Systems Inc. Owatonna, MN
IOWA • Baumler Implement
West Union, IA
• Reiser Implement Waukon, IA
• Van’s Implement Hull, IA
SOUTH DAKOTA • Westside Implement, Inc. Clark, SD
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GEHL DEALER TO GET ET STARTED TODAY!
WISCONSIN • Lindstrom Equipment Mondovi & Menomonie,WI
SOLID DESIGN www.gehl.com
• Luxemburg Motor Company Luxemburg, WI
Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
FEED BUNKS
J-Bunks & H-Bunks available for large and small animals
Super High Capacity Fence Line Bunk
H- Feed Bunk
• 38” wide, 34-1/2” high on back side Fence Line Feed Bunk • 24” high on front side • Fence line feed bunk with • 20” deep feed trough slanted back • 6” feed saver lip • 15” feed trough depth
Pictured with optional guard rail post mounted on the inside of the bunk or can also be placed outside.
AL’S
• 24” high front side (Also available in 18-1/2” height for smaller cattle)
• Deep Feeding Capacity • Long Service Life & Cattle Safe • Available in 12”, 14” and 16” depths
ALSO AVAILABLE: • Cattle Slats • Holding Tanks • Cattle Guards • Bunker Silo
CONCRETE PRODUCTS 1-800-982-9263
Serving Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin Since 1965
www.alsconcreteproducts.com
Feeding Flexibility & Durability in One Mixer 9 Different Sizes to choose from 175 cu. ft. - 1,300 cu. ft.
STAINLESS STEEL CONVEYORS
Go to www.cloverdaletmr.com for more information.
5 YR. OR 5,000 LOAD WARRANTY ON MIXING TUBS, AUGER,, FLOOR AND FRAME.
Tell the advertisers you saw their ad in the Dairy Star!
Contact your local dealer to learn more! Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment of MN, Inc. Pipestone, MN 507-825-3271
Isaacson Sales & Service, Inc. Lafayette, MN 507-228-8270 888-228-8270
Ross Equipment Co., Inc. Lonsdale, MN 800-645-7677 507-744-2525
Hartung Sales & Service, Inc. Freeport, MN 320-836-2697
“We traded our old vertical for a Cloverdale 550 twin screw. The mixing time is much shorter, and our fat and protein numbers went up. It’s bigger and lower than our old mixer.” - Mitch and Hilary Thompson of Thompson Family Dairy, Lewiston, MN, with Dylan, Cullen and Sophia
Brynsaas Sales & Service, Inc.
Decorah, IA www.brynsaas.com 563-382-4484
Anibas Silo & Equipment
Arkansaw, WI 715-285-5317 DEALERS STOCK REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR OTHER BRAND MIXERS
Loan maturity for Marketing Assistance Loans extended By Ryan Brunn, Stearns County FSA Executive Director & Shannon Olson, county operations trainee The United States Department of Agriculture service centers are encouraging visitors to take precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus. County USDA centers will continue to be open for business by phone appointment only and eld work will continue with appropriate social distancing. While our program delivery staff will continue to come into the ofce, they will be working with our producers by phone and using online tools whenever possible. All visitors wishing to conduct business with the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other service center agency are required to call to schedule a phone appointment. For the most current updates on available services and service center status, visit http://www.farmers.gov/ coronavirus. On April 9, USDA announced that agricultural producers have more time to repay Marketing Assistance Loans as part of the USDA’s implementation of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act of 2020. The loans now mature at 12 months rather than nine, and this exibility is available for most commodities. “Spring is the season when most producers have the biggest need for capital, and many may have or are considering putting commodities under loan. Extending the commodity loan maturity affords farmers more time to market their commodity and repay their loan at a later time,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue. “We are extremely pleased that USDA can offer these marketing exibilities at this critical time for the agriculture industry and the nation.” Effective immediately, producers of eligible commodities now have up to 12 months to repay their commodity loans. The maturity extension applies to nonrecourse loans for crop years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Eligible open loans must be in good standing with a maturity date of March 31 or later, or new crop year (2019 or 2020) loans requested by Sept. 30. All new loans requested by Sept. 30 will have a maturity date 12 months following the date of approval. The maturity extension for current, active loans will be automatically extended an additional three months. Loans that matured March 31 have already been automatically extended by the FSA. Producers who prefer a nine-month loan will need to contact their FSA county ofce. Loans requested after Sept. 30 will have a term of nine months. Eligible commodities include barley, chickpea (small and large), corn, cotton (upland and extra-long staple), dry pea, grain sorghum, honey, lentil, mohair, oat, peanut, rice (long and medium grain), soybean, unshorn pelt, wheat, wool (graded and nongraded); and other oilseeds, including canola, crambe, axseed, mustard seed, rapeseed, safower, sunower seed and sesame seed. Seed cotton and sugar are not eligible. To learn more about the FSA Farm Storage Facility Loan, visit http://www.fsa.usda.gov/pricesupport or contact a FSA county ofce. To nd your local FSA county ofce, visit http://ofces. usda.gov. 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.
PTO GENERATORS STANDARD FEATURES: 15KW to • 100% Copper Windings 150KW • Helical Gears for Smooth Operation • Full Power Receptacle • Square D Mainline Circuit Breakers • Large 3” Voltage Meter • Full Power Plug Included www.wincogen.com • Powder Coat Paint • Rodent Screens Model 50PTOC-3, 50 kw, 208 amps, • Lifting Eyes 1800 RPM, 540 input speed, 100 input hp
Midwest Dairy mobilizes during COVID-19
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 27
Our communities are experiencing unprecedented times during this pandemic. Nearly every aspect of daily life for many has been upended from school to church to errands to family gatherings. However, two things have not changed – dairy farmers’ commitment to producing high quality milk while caring for their cows and the land, and Midwest Dairy’s commitment to dairy farmers to generate a return on their checkoff investment. Dairy farmers are working as hard as ever in very stressful circumstances to produce a nutritious, safe product, and Midwest Dairy is committed By Molly Pelzer CEO, Midwest Dairy to working on farmers’ behalf to ensure that consumers – particularly the food insecure during this challenging time – continue to have access to dairy products. Given the current situation, Midwest Dairy has quickly rened work plans for the coming weeks, months and beyond to nimbly adapt to the needs of partners and communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past few weeks, Midwest Dairy’s priority has been assisting schools and food bank partners to provide dairy products to students and families in need. Details about these efforts are below. Midwest Dairy will keep working in this area and is ready to expand the focus of programming as needs throughout the region continue to change. – Providing coolers to schools in need: Midwest Dairy funded and placed more than 1,500 softsided milk crate cooler bags and 100 barrel coolers for school nutrition departments across the 10-state region to help provide cold milk through curbside or bus delivered alternative feeding methods. – NutriStudents K-12 partnership offers free emergency school menus: This online resource (https://www.midwestdairy.com/wp-content/uploads/ COVID-19-Emergency-Menus.pdf) supplies hot and cold menu options that comply with all United States Department of Agriculture guidelines to ensure schools that use it will be eligible for federal reimbursement as they shift to distributing meals to children in need via pick-up and/or delivery options. Many meals feature dairy products such as cheese and yogurt, and all meals include milk servings. As of early April, nearly 7,500 school nutrition directors from across the country have visited the website. – Refrigeration grant programs help meet food pantries’ dairy demand: Working in partnership with Feeding America, Midwest Dairy contributed 20 commercial refrigerators to food pantries in rural communities across the 10-state region, allowing safe and increased distribution of dairy foods. In addition, Midwest Dairy is modifying the Undeniably Dairy Grant program to include Community Relief Grants. These new grants provide additional refrigeration to food pantries to help meet the increased demand for dairy in Midwestern communities. – GENYOUth offering emergency grants to help deliver meals to students: GENYOUth Foundation, a partnership between the nation’s dairy farmers and the NFL, has established a COVID-19 Emergency School Nutrition Fund, available to all schools, to award up to $3,000 per school to purchase a variety of resources needed for meal distribution and delivery. Midwest Dairy has committed some previously
approved youth wellness funds to assist schools in assets about dairy’s on-farm story, helping parents the region, and in decit areas across the country, looking for resources while schools are closed and ensuring all children can benet from this program, students are participating in online learning. regardless of where they live. The grants help provide Dairy farmers throughout the Midwest are crucial nutrition to the providing an essential nearly 55 million children service, working day in and Midwest D Dairy i ... will ill k keep affected by school closures, Mid day out to feed the world 30 million of which depend working to drive dairy demand during this challenging on school meal programs time. Midwest Dairy staff for a substantial portion of while helping those in need. are honored to collaborate their daily nutrition. on this crucial work on – MidwestDairy.com behalf of dairy farmers to resources: As news related bring dairy foods to hungry to the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, the home page neighbors and hopes each dairy farmer and their loved of MidwestDairy.com will continue to be updated ones are staying healthy and managing through these with expanded resources for farmers, partners and uncertain times. Midwest Dairy is proud to support consumers. The centralized resource, offering a these efforts and will keep working to drive dairy variety of online learning tools, highlights interactive demand while helping those in need.
Search and sort bulls industrywide with the GENEX Dairy Bull Search app!
Multiple search options
Les Kuehl
Filter bulls by traits and indexes
Repair Service
Create favorites lists for easy reference
30+ Years Experience
YOUR CENTRAL MINNESOTA GOLIATH REPAIR SERVICE! • Sealed silo parts & service • All parts needed to service your • Best chains on the market Goliath Unloaders • Used and rebuilt unloaders Not afÀliated with the Harvestore brand • Stainless steel roofs • Stainless steel conveyor chains Call for early maintenance specials
320-760-2909
Eve. 320-762-1827 No Emergency Charges--Ever!
Download the Bull Search app today!
888.333.1783 // www.genex.coop
tfn
© 2020 Genex Cooperative. All rights reserved. A-22314-20 App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. App available for download on Windows 10 devices.
Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 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 Claire LaCanne lacanne@umn.edu 507-332-6109 Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu 320-732-4435 Kota Minegishi kota@umn.edu 612-624-7455 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 Emily Wilmes krek0033@umn.edu 320-255-6169
www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
Ventilation adjustments amid changing seasons Spring is a highly variable season because the temperature variation from the daily low to the daily high can be quite large. Based on the Minnesota Environment calendar published by the Freshwater Society, the temperature difference on March 1 between the normal minimum and maximum is 16 degrees Fahrenheit (maximum 34 degrees and minimum 18 degrees). By April 1, the difference is up to 19 degrees (maximum 50 degrees and minimum 31 degrees). By May 1, the difference is 21 degrees (maximum 65 degrees and the minimum 44 degrees). Between June 1 and July 30, the daily temperature difBy Kevin Janni ference between the normal maximum and University of MN minimum temperatures is 20 degrees. But, average weather temperatures are not what you use to adjust your ventilating system. You adjust based on current weather conditions and expected weather over the next few hours. In the Upper Midwest, weather can change drastically in a few hours. One spring day can be unseasonably warm with calm winds while the next day can bring a snow storm with high winds followed by unseasonably cold weather. How can you maintain good barn conditions while riding a roller coaster of changing weather conditions? Experienced barn managers understand how their barns respond to changing weather. They know how to make ventilating system adjustments to maintain the best environmental conditions in the barn. They know: – What conditions they want in the barn. – What ventilating equipment adjustments they can make. – Current and expected weather conditions. – How their barn and cows respond to ventilating system adjustments. Good barn managers know that high producing lactating cows are more productive at temperatures between 41 and 68 degrees. At higher temperatures, high producing cows begin to use energy to rid themselves of heat generated by digestion and metabolism; energy that could be used to produce milk or grow a calf, if pregnant. Good managers also know that cows can easily tolerate some heat stress producing conditions for a few hours. Production losses are observed when heat stress conditions are maintained for 16 to 17 hours in a day without any respite.
(507) 534-3855 WWW.KBSCOMPANIES.COM
Temperature is only one factor considered by good managers. They know that ventilation is used to manage relative humidity, air quality and ammonia levels, and drafts. In spring, during rapid weather changes, some reduction in ventilation that causes an increase in relative humidity and ammonia levels may be acceptable if the ventilating system is adjusted as soon as possible after the inclement weather passes. Regular environmental monitoring and ventilating system adjustment is important for maintaining the target conditions. Spring weather can vary from dry to humid and impact barn relative humidity levels, too. The ventilating equipment adjustment that can be made will depend on whether your barns are naturally ventilated or mechanically ventilated, and whether you have thermostatic controls. If your barn is naturally ventilated, your adjustments will depend on the type and number of curtains you have, the expected wind conditions and the barn’s exposure to the wind. If your barn is mechanically ventilated, you can adjust the thermostat and the number of fans you have running. Inlet settings play an extremely important role in mechanically ventilated barns. Inlets distribute fresh air, and if not set right, they can create drafts. As more fans are used as the weather warms, it is important to check, lubricate and clean fans so they run efciently. Dirty and poorly maintained fans and louvers can reduce their airow rates by as much as 60%. Running dirty fans with sticky louvers is an expensive waste of energy. Good barn managers need to anticipate changing weather conditions when setting the ventilating system and leaving it for several hours. Barns can heat up if under ventilated or cool down if over ventilated. Dairy cows can tolerate some temperature variation fairly well and remain healthy and productive. Dairy barns vary from one to another depending on many factors. Tunnel ventilated barns, cross-ventilated barns, mechanically ventilated stall barns with ceiling inlets and naturally ventilated barns respond differently. Good managers learn over time how their barns respond. A manager learns how their barn behaves by walking throughout the barn among the cows and assessing the environmental conditions and the cows. If the conditions and cows are good, that is great. If the barn is drafty, stuffy, smelly, humid, too hot or too cold, the manager needs to make an adjustment. Make an adjustment, observe the results and make another assessment, and if necessary, make more adjustments and assessments until you get the conditions you want for your cows.
Managing stress via goal setting
Before you read any further, nd two pieces of paper and something to write with. This is a fun exercise so get your thinking cap on, loosen up and read on. We all have stress in our lives. Splitting time between family, farming, extracurricular activities, and taking care of our mental and physical health can be a lot to manage sometimes. Some behavioral signs of stress may include (but not limited to): worrying about things you did not worry about before, loss of interest in things you used to enjoy, poor concentration, confusion and forgetfulness, relationship problems, feeling anxious or sad, change in personality, irritability, and increased smoking or drinking. Physical signs may include: poor or disturbed sleep, weight loss or gain, changes in appetite, stomach or gastrointestinal problems, clenching or grinding teeth, chest pain or poor hygiene. On the rst piece of paper, write down some things that cause you stress. Maybe it is a broken waterer, not being able to get a stain out of a shirt, your kids not listening, paying bills or having the u. When you have those things written down, take your paper and with both hands crumple it up By Brenda Miller into a ball and throw it over your shoulder. You are probably University of MN smiling right now because it felt good to do and maybe it got rid of a bit of stress, too. Sometimes writing things down on a sheet of paper or in a journal helps to free the mind. So, how does that relate to goal setting? Well, it is important to dream and work towards a vision or goal. Dreams do come true, but they usually require a great deal of hard work. And that is OK. However, it is even more important to write those dreams and goals down and post them somewhere you will see them frequently. Goals need to be specic, measurable, achievable, realistic and rewarding, and timely. In other words, they need to have a time limit, be able to be measured, be realistically achievable within that timeframe, rewarding or have a sense of accomplishment, and be the right t for you and your farm at the present time. Short term goals should take a year or less to complete and long term goals would be your ve-, 10- and 20-year visions. With that in mind, take your second piece of paper, write your name on the top and then write the numbers 1-10 starting at the top and go down the left side. Beside each number write your answer for each of these categories: - Short term goal: personal or family - Long term goal: personal or family - Short term goal: farm - Long term goal: farm - Miscellaneous goal: can be personal, family or farm - Favorite non-farming thing to do - Favorite food or treat - Someone you do not see or talk to very often but would like to - Something you would like to do or place to go. Money is not an issue. - If you could build or buy something for your farm, what would it be? Money is not an issue. I realize you may be saying these are not all goals, but I assure you they are intentional and important. For No. 1 and No. 2, it is essential to do and look forward to something for you. Maybe that is a quick weekend getaway for you and your spouse with or without children. Maybe it is a weeklong trip to Hawaii that will take a couple of years to save up and plan for. No. 3 and No. 4 are crucial to the future of your farm. What do you envision your farm looking like next month or ve years from now? You can have more than one answer for No. 5 if you would like. No. 6 represents things like hobbies; something you are passionate about that gets you off the farm either mentally or physically. Maybe you like snowmobiling, sewing, tractor pulls, gardening, showing cows, shing or woodworking. Get a hobby and purposefully set aside time to partake in it every week. No. 7 is just for fun, but it is also important to take yourself out for an ice cream treat once in a while if that is what you like. No. 8 is spending quality time with someone in your life even if it is only a few minutes or an hour at a time. Once a person is gone, you will appreciate the cherished time you were able to spend with them. The last two represent big dreams you have that can be attainable with a little planning and a bit of elbow grease. The next step is to pick one of those numbers, turn your paper over and make a plan of attack. What steps do you need to take in order to accomplish that particular goal? Write it down. The nal step is to take that list and hang it somewhere you will see it often. Having something to look forward to and work towards can reduce stress because you see a reward at the nish line. A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams reality. Do not be afraid to dream big.
Blue Hilltop, Inc. Your Mixer, Spreader, Hay Processor Headquarters
Repair vs. Replace
Electronic Dairy Board Repair Service
Dana Berreau
Specializing in: WestfaliaSurge, BouMatic, & DeLaval pulsators & Takeoffs, circuit boards, Mueller milk tank circuit boards.
Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151
www.circuitÀxer.wixsite.com/ boumaticboardrepair
We carry:
www.rotomix.com
LLC
507-879-3593 / 800-821-7092
Call: (c) 406-590-7764
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 29
Powerful PTO Pumps To Handle Liquid Manure
608-437-5561
FIELD’S Your Material Handling Source Trusted sales and service since 1966
Mt. Horeb, WI
Tanks Spread All Types Of Liquid Manure
WARM MILK? Bulk tank problems? Compressor running too long? Utility bills too high? MUELLER AND CENTRE DAIRY CAN SOLVE YOUR MILK COOLING PROBLEMS.
Contact Chris, our Refrigeration Tech!
Call Centre Dairy about your options. Jon Stein 320-352-5762 • 1-800-342-2697 Henning Area 218-849-0211
DAIRY EQUIPMENT CENTRE AND SUPPLY INC.
40625 State Hwy. 28 • Just West of Hwy. 71 • Sauk Centre, MN
A lucky learning experience Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
It is easy to recall the good times, happy occa- rushing through morning chores in order to keep a sions such as weddings, the birth of a child, and that date with my wife and our two young sons. We were joyous day when you thought you had won the Pow- to meet at the Brookings Folk Arts Festival, an annual erball. happening held at a local park. As the name implies, It is also human nathis event consists of numerture to try to forget the bad ous artists displaying their This summer will ill mark k the h days, those times when dis- Thi wares in a sprawling openagreeable events happen. 32nd anniversary of a air market. Being a typiWe strive to disremember cal guy, my feelings about things like ďƒ&#x;at tires, getting particularly bad day for me. this shopping fest could be your biggest tractor stuck in summed up with one word: the mud, and the sad realMeh. ization you had actually matched only two Powerball It was no real surprise to my wife when I failed numbers. to show up at the appointed time. Angered that I had This summer will mark the 32nd anniversary of a chosen to work on our dairy instead of spending time particularly bad day for me. An unlucky day I cannot with our family, my wife gathered our kids and drove fully recall yet will never forget. to a grocery store. A volunteer ďƒžreman caught up with July 10, 1988, was a hot summer Sunday. I was my wife in the parking lot and said, “Get to the hospi-
We have the right hut to fit your needs from the Mini Dome to the Mega Hut.
M INI D OME for smaller breeds or goats
W ARM C LIMATE H UT super ventilated
C ONVERTIBLE H UT for indoor or outdoor use
H IGH D OOR P OLY D OME for use with fence panels
O NE -P IECE H UNTING B LIND a completely customizable do-it-yourself blind
P OLY D OME the Nursery that ingnited an industry
M EGA H UT Expandable for large animals
P OLY S QUARE has multiple feeder options
All PolyDome shelters are made from high-impact UV stabilized polyethylene making them light enough to move easily, yet sturdy enough to withstand the elements.
& 91-03" t% 0.& the aordable backyard observatory
Now you can sit inside a true observatory sheltered from the wind and annoying neighbor's porch lights. Made from virtually indestructible, UV stabilized polethylene.
"TL GPS PVS DPNQMFUF DBUBMPHT GPS "HSJDVMUVSBM 1SPEVDUT "RVBDVMUVSF &YQMPSBt%PNF PS )VOUJOH #MJOET
Many other farm products available. Visit www.polydome.com for more.
1-800-328-7659 • AG VENTURE FEED & SEED Watkins, MN • 320-764-9910 • LINDELL SALES & SERVICE Cannon Falls, MN • 651-258-4311 • MCINTOSH DAIRY McIntosh, MN • 218-563-3740 • ADKINS EQUIPMENT Detroit Lakes, MN • 218-847-2079 • GALEN FICK Boyden, IA • 712-439-1359 • INWOOD HATCHERY Inwood, IA • 712-753-4736
• DAIRYLAND SUPPLY Sauk Centre, MN • 1-800-338-6455 • STEARNS VETERINARY OUTLET Melrose, MN • 1-800-996-3303 • FLOODWOOD FARM & FEED Floodwood, MN • 218-476-2233 • GERTKEN’S SALES Richmond, MN • 320-597-2207 • TESKE FARM SERVICE Avon, MN • 320-356-7211 • BJERGA FEED Motley, MN • 218-352-6383 or 6379
www.polydome.com • FARMERS CO-OP OF LAFAYETTE Lafayette, MN • 507-228-8224 • SIOUX NATION VET SUPPLY Marshall, MN • 507-532-3716 • FEDERATED CO-OPS Princeton, MN • 763-389-1567 • NEW ULM FEED STORE New Ulm, MN • 507-359-7500 • PIERZ CO-OP Pierz, MN • 320-468-6655 (Randy) • MICHAEL MACK Watertown, SD • 605-881-0365
• GORTER’S CLAY & DAIRY EQUIPMENT, INC. Pipestone, MN • 507-825-3271 • STEVE’S FEED Sleepy Eye, MN • 507-794-3831 • ROBERT FAUST Strawberry Point, IA • 563-933-6561 • SE MN SILO EQUIPMENT St. Charles, MN • 507-932-4560 • SHELDON FARMERS MARKET Sheldon, IA • 712-324-3721
tal! Jerry’s still breathing!â€? I had been overcome by hydrogen sulďƒžde gas that morning when I entered a manure pit to work on a balky manure pump. My father discovered me ďƒ&#x;oating, unconscious, in the manure. It would have Dear County Agent Guy been so much better had I let the pump wait and went to that silly arts festival. There had been zero time to react when I inhaled the hydrogen sulďƒžde. I felt woozy for a second, then everything abruptly faded to black. Some while later, I slowly began to realize By Jerry Nelson I was in a hospital bed. Columnist A ventilator was pushing oxygen into my lungs through a tracheotomy tube that had been surgically implanted at the base of my neck. I was lying in a tangle of catheters and IV lines, and my wife was telling me an unbelievable fable about how I had been there for three weeks. The short story is that I emerged from the ordeal in much better shape than anyone could have hoped. After almost ďƒžve weeks in the hospital, I walked out with only a small amount of brain damage that cost me my peripheral vision. And I did not exactly have any gray matter to spare. I do not recall encountering a tunnel or a light or departed ancestors. Neither did I ďƒžnd myself on the banks of the river Styx with Charon, the boatman of Hades, waiting to ferry me across. Nor did the accident transform me into some sort of New Age spiritualist. But if I were somehow infused with oracular insight – if I became a Buddha of the dairy barn – I would pass along the following lessons. Do not be afraid to trust your doctor even if he looks too young to shave let alone practice medicine. The people in physical therapy are not really sadists. It just seems that way. Getting around in a wheelchair is not a minor inconvenience; it totally sucks. I have deep empathy for those who are obliged to rely on those cumbersome contraptions to move about. The next time I see an able-bodied person take a handicapped parking space, I will hire a muscle-bound goon to rearrange their kneecaps. Time is money, but you can always get more money. The same is not true of time. There are few pleasures greater than being able to take a shower and dress yourself without assistance. All of our nurses are incredible people, but those who choose to serve in the intensive care unit are especially exceptional. One of the best investments a small town can make is to ensure that its volunteer ďƒžreďƒžghters are thoroughly trained as ďƒžrst responders. Finally, you should always bear in mind that you never know when you pull on your socks in the morning how the day might end. And any day you can feel the warm sunshine on your face is a good day. It has been said that every undertaking is either a success or a learning experience. One could argue that my encounter with hydrogen sulďƒžde on that hot summer morning was a huge learning experience. And I would add that it was a very fortunate learning experience indeed. Jerry is a recovering dairy farmer from Volga, South Dakota. 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.
WE’RE GROOVIN’ FOR YOUR COWS’ SAFETY Barn alleys, freestalls, barn yards, holding areas specializing in diamond pattern and diagonal grooves
Midwest Grooving
M G
DAVE VANDEN BOSCH
Owner/Operator • Kaukauna, WI
920-450-7246
midwestgrooving.com midwestgrooving@gmail.com PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENT
Corn distiller grain shortage
A multitude of factors are impacting our current dairy situation. I want to focus on one aspect that has forced a lot of recent changes in livestock feeding strategies: a shortage of corn dry distillers grain. Approximately 40% of the corn raised in the United States runs through an ethanol plant. This forecasts expectSomething to Ruminate On year’s ed tremendous ethanol production and corn sales before a trade war between Saudi Arabia and Russia turned oil prices lower in early 2020. Then the novel coronavirus caused signicantly reduced travel volume. In the course of four weeks, gasoline has declined 48%. As a reBy Barry Visser sult, ethanol demand has Nutritionist declined 43%. DDG is a byproduct of the ethanol industry, resulting from the fermentation of grains to alcohol. DDG is a major ingredient in livestock diets with more than 40 million tons of DDG produced in the United States this past year. In markets near ethanol plants, wet and modied distillers can provide additional value and occasionally additional challenges. DDG is a lower-priced protein alternative. It is, however, signicantly lower in overall protein compared to other protein ingredients such as soybean meal, canola meal, bypass soybean products and bloodmeal. DDG is a corn-based protein which renders it to be lower in essential amino acids, primarily lysine. DDG is also higher in phosphorus and fat. Its phosphorus content is often viewed as a positive from a mineral fortication standpoint. Fat provides energy which can be a positive or a negative depending the group of cattle being fed. The fat or oil in DDG is rapidly available and largely unsaturated. This can lead to milk fat depression in lactating cows where a substantial amount of corn or vegetable oil is available in the diet. Like most nutrients in DDG, fat content can signicantly vary from one ethanol plant to another. DDG availability has become very scarce. Several feed mills in the Midwest have either asked nutritionists to dramatically reduce usage or remove it altogether. Where it is still available, DDG has increased about 50% in price or $70 to $80 per ton. With less DDG on the market, other proteins must ll the void. Soybean meal is the most common option. SBM prices spiked quickly with the reduction of DDG but have since softened closer to previous levels. In addition to SBM, other plant- and animal-based proteins can be used to replace the protein contribution of distillers. The energy or fat contribution depends somewhat on the value placed on the fat. The fatty acid prole of the oil in distillers is nearly identical to corn oil. The ethanol production process does not change this. Some folks may choose to bring in alternative byproducts higher in oil such as cottonseed or simply supplement liquid fat. You may try to improve the fatty acid blend with a costlier option of rumen inert fat. DDG also provides approximately 30% neutral detergent ber on a dry matter basis. While this will increase a ration NDF concentration, it is important to note that the ber in DDG does not provide much physically effective ber or stimulate chewing activity. Some nutritionists may look at replacing a portion of DDG with brous byproducts such as soy hulls, beet pulp or corn gluten feed. It is difcult to tell when distillers supplies will return to normal. When travel restrictions are eased, how quickly will gasoline and ethanol demand increase? We are also at the mercy of the global crude oil market. As we go through this time of turmoil in our dairy markets, work closely with your nutritionist to evaluate your best options in the protein market. Barry Visser is a nutritionist for Vita Plus.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 31
Back order delivery
Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
The other day, our neighbor on the hill of pros- livery of more time has arrived? I have pulled out perity sent me a text asking if I had ordered the April long lost projects and rediscovered why I put them on snow. No, I said, but it might be a back-order delivery the back burner. My biggest project was to go through all the pictures and sort them out for each of the kids. from Christmas time. So much for on time delivery. I have been doing this off With that in mind, who and on over the years, but I put in an order for time to So now what h d do we d do when h forgot how many pictures I slow down? Who asked to S took when they were little. get off the hamster wheel our back-order delivery of Today, the kids take millions of life? Who wanted to stay of pictures with their phones home and not have to go to more time has arrived? but never print them off. town again? Who wanted to just hide away at home and There is something about not have to worry about changing out of their paja- ipping through a photo album or a stack of pictures. mas for the day? Who wanted the kids to be home a It is as if you are holding time in your hands as your little bit longer? We have all put in those requests and mind races back to that captured moment on lm. You prayers over the years, and I guess it was time to make see the images through younger eyes yet with a wiser the delivery. heart. A smile reaches across your face as you feel the So now what do we do when our back-order de- warmth of the moment. Your heart cannot help but
Parts Dept.
3DUWV 'HSW RIIHUV KXQGUHGV RI JUHDW SURGXFWV \RX ZLOO ¿QG LQ RXU latest FREE catalog. Website: www.PartsDeptOnline.com Genuine Thomsen Milk Pumps #4 Pump Only (2HP) $1299 #5 Pump Only (3HP) $1349 #6 Pump Only (5HP) $1499 #8 Pump Only (7.5HP) $2299
Genuine BECO Milk Pump Pump Only (1HP) $599 With 1HP stainless motor $1108 With 1.5HP stainless motor $1158 Copy Bou-Matic Milk Pump Pump Only $749 With 1HP stainless motor $1324 Genuine Anderson Milk Pump Pump Only (1HP) $595 With 1HP stainless motor $1104 With 1.5HP stainless motor $1154 Copy Surge Parts BackPlate $159 Seal (Old Style) $29 Seal (New Style) $39
Copy DeLaval Milk Pump Pump Only (1HP) $775 With 1HP stainless motor $1284 Pump Only (1.5HP) $795 With 1.5HP stainless motor $1354
Variable Speed Kits Complete Drive 2HP $1250 Complete Probe Set $299
sing as tears of joy ll the corner of your eyes. You long for the younger days but rejoice in having the memories stored in your soul. As I was going through these piles of memories, I discovered I had clipped articles of friends Just Thinking Out Loud and neighbors to send but never did until now. A back-order delivery of a special moment in their lives to revisit. I grabbed my Bonnie Mohr cards and started writing a short note to go along with the memories I was sending. Some of the clippings were over 10 years ago, but I think By Natalie Schmitt they would appreciate Columnist the thought of knowing we were still thinking of them. I felt I needed to reconnect with these friends. I was talking with my college roommate last night, and we both agreed the best part of having this extra time was the chance to reach out and touch someone (with our voices because we have to keep 6 feet apart). Every couple of months, the Eight Maids a Milking, a group of dairy farm wives, get together in town for lunch to connect, share, laugh and support one another on our life journey. April was our next scheduled event. JoAnn is our coordinator and instigator of this wonderful group of women. She reached out to us and asked for a conversation of highs and lows of this quarantine because we could not get together for lunch as planned. All of us are celebrating having family home working together to keep things moving forward. We cherish the closeness of our family, friends and communities. We all love the fact that we do not have to rush to walk in late for church on Sunday mornings. We are even sitting in the front row. The only low was spending so much time in the kitchen that our pants seem a little bit tighter, and I do not think it is because we tumbled dried them in the drier. I have been baking six to eight loaves of bread a week. Mark is loving it, but my jeans are reaching their stretch limit. It is a good thing rock picking season is just around the corner, and I can work off my extra winter layers. I enjoy connecting with this group of ladies. While we could have only seen the lows of these times, we all choose to focus on the positives – the growth of our faith, family and friends. The memories created by reaching out to others. Denise put it best. This shut down has given us a chance to hit the pause button and then the reset button. While we have been given the chance to get off the hamster wheel for a while and the dust around our busy lives starts to settle, we can take a moment to see what is important and direction we need to take. Bernie passed on a text her sister sent about the current shut down. There are some interesting ideas to think about. Our lockdown started March 25 and is scheduled to end May 3, exactly 40 days. The Latin root word of quarantine is forty. There is something biblical about this number. The ood lasted 40 days. Moses wandered in the wilderness for 40 years (but that is because he would not stop and ask for directions). Jesus fasted for 40 days. Lent is 40 days. A group of theologians think the number 40 represents change. It is a time of preparing a person or people to make a fundamental change in action, heart or mind. Notice how mental is in the word fundamental? We are in the year 2020 and 20 + 20 = 40. Lastly, 2020 is perfect vision. Have you noticed that during this quarantine, rivers are cleaning up, vegetation is growing, the air is becoming cleaner because of less pollution, there is less theft and murder? Healing is happening. The Earth is at rest for the rst time in many years and hearts are truly transforming. May these days of quarantine bring spiritual liberation to our souls, our nation and our world. The best is yet to come with a back-order delivery that was right on time. Natalie, Mark and his brother Al, farm together near Rice, Minn. They milk 100 registered Holsteins under the RALMA prex. 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.
Cottage cheese revival
I use cooking and baking for everything: mitigating stress, procrastinating, expressing love, etc. Turns out this tendency of mine is actually benecial. Science shows that working with your hands and following step-by-step directions, especially while cooking and baking, helps the human brain self-regulate, much the same way that mindfulness meditation does. If there was ever a time for meditiation, it’s now. This pandemic-induced cycle of threat-fear-anxiety is exhausting. Meditation – or baking – helps reset that cycle. What this looks like in my kitchDairy Good Life en: the longer I remain teacher’s aide and the lower milk futures drop, the more my oven runs. A couple days ago, Dan said to me, “Mom, you’re baking again? You should start a bakery.” Thank goodness I have a family who loves to eat home cooked meals and homemade goodies. And thank goodness they’re all home – all the time – to eat everything I bake. Interestingly, much like spring is the season of revival, my pandemic baking therapy has revived several longlost or forgotten recipes – favorites that somehow fell out of rotation. This recipe revival includes quesadillas (how has it been years?), buttery bars, monkey bread, ovenBy Sadie Frericks roasted asparagus with bell peppers and sweet onions, and Columnist homemade bread, to name a few. There’s been a revival of some ingredients, as well. The most notable of these is the cottage cheese revival. I used to keep cottage cheese in the refrigerator all of the time. We all enjoyed it as a quick, nutritious snack. Then, somehow, it fell out of favor. Our cottage cheese revival actually began kindling last fall at brunch following my goddaughter’s baptism. The egg bake served that morning was so delicious, I had to ask for the recipe. I’ve since made this egg bake multiple times and tweaked the recipe a bit – because very few recipes go un-tweaked in my kitchen. The secret ingredient in this egg bake is cottage cheese. There are no hashbrowns or bread cubes in this recipe for ller; instead, the cottage cheese magically gives the dish great body and texture. Since this egg bake is now a regular in the recipe rotation, I always have cottage cheese on hand again. The return of cottage cheese has led to a return of all the wonderful baked goods in which cottage cheese is used as a magical enhancement. I don’t use the word magical lightly here. In many of these recipes, the cottage cheese is clearly visible during mixing, but after baking the cottage cheese is undetectable. It disappears. Or, more accurately, transforms. Transformation is a popular phenomenon around here right now because we’re currently watching the entire “Harry Potter” series on movie night. Non-lovers of cottage cheese (because I know they exist) won’t know there’s cottage cheese in the dish unless you tell them. Next up, I’m sure, since we’re going through a ton of it and have an abundant supply of fresh milk, will be making homemade cottage cheese. I remember making cottage cheese long ago for a 4-H demonstration. I’ll have to see if I can nd the recipe. Here are some ideas – and a recipe – for a cottage cheese revival in your kitchen: – Make cottage cheese pancakes. (Email me for the recipe or ask Google.) – Pureé cottage cheese in a food processor and use in place of ricotta cheese in lasagna. – Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to your favorite homemade bread recipe for a tender crust and amazing, English-mufn-like texture. If you haven’t tried the Artisan Bread in Five method for making homemade bread, I highly recommend it: https://artisanbreadinve.com. – Make this incredible cheesy egg bake: Cheesy Egg Bake Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 9- by 13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Mix together 1 pound of ground pork, 1 teaspoon dried sage, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Brown pork mixture and set aside. (Alternatively, you can use one pound of pre-seasoned breakfast sausage.) In a large bowl, lightly beat 12 eggs. Stir in 16 ounces of cottage cheese (2 cups), 8 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups), 8 ounces shredded co-jack cheese (2 cups), 1 teaspoon ground mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined. Fold in browned pork. (A digital scale makes measuring the cheese super easy.) Pour egg mixture into prepared baking dish and smooth top. Bake for 35 minutes or until lightly browned and center of egg bake is puffed. Notes: If your family likes vegetables, this egg bake is even more delicious with the addition of one or two cups of sautéed vegetables. I like sweet onions and bell peppers, but I imagine that mushrooms or spinach would work, as well. You can also swap out the co-jack cheese for pepper jack, cheddar, or any other semi-hard cheese. Don’t make any substitutions for the mozzarella, though; it’s crucial for the texture of the nished egg bake. While writing this, I thought of another cottage cheese recipe I haven’t tasted in a very, very long time. Next spring, for Easter dinner, I’m going to revive my grandmother’s lime jello with cottage cheese. No childhood is complete without at least trying it. Who knows where else this cottage cheese revival will take us. Sadie and her husband, Glen, milk 100 cows near Melrose, Minnesota. 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.
FOR SALE:
200 good quality Holstein heifers, 6-8 months bred, for sale at all times, We buy direct - No Commission!
MILLER CATTLE 612-201-1613
JUST IN - Great Plains 18’
Turbo-Max Vertical Till
Great Plains 10’ No Till Drill
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 33
USED SKID STEERS & TRACTORS
‘12 T650, 593 hrs., cab, heat, AC, ISO crtls, sus. tracks, air seat, radio, PT - $45,000
‘00 Bobcat 773, 4500 hrs, 73 hrs. on reman eng. @ turbo, new tires & rims, new ctrlr., radiator, bkt., cab/heat, Powertach - $18,900
‘15 Bobcat A770, 3550 hrs., cab, heater, SJC, high Àow, no bkt $36,000 ‘15 Bobcat S650, cab, heat, A/C, std. ctrls .................................$32,900 ‘15 Bobcat S590, 8077 hrs., cab, heat, A/C, std. ctrls, no bkt ....$16,000 ‘16 Bobcat T630, 2762 hrs., A71 pkg., std. ctrls. ........................$32,900 ‘10 Bobcat Toolcat, cab, heat, AC, turf tires, 1700 hrs ..............$31,900 ‘19 Bobcat T650, 308 hrs., cab, heat, AC, std. ctrls, radio, PT, 2 spd., sus. tracks ...............................................................$52,000 ‘15 Bobcat T550, 583 hrs., cab, heat, std. ctrls, low hrs., good cond., no bkt .....................................................................$37,900 ‘16 Kubota SVL75, 3100 hrs., cab, heat. S spd, wide track .......$33,900 ‘13 Kubota SVL75, 1694 hrs., cab, heat, 2 spd., wide tracks, bkt., radio, clean ....................................................$39,000 ‘18 Bobcat S590, 325 hrs., cab, heat, std. ctrls, like new w/warranty .................................................................................$37,500 ‘14 Bobcat T590, 1451 hrs., cab, heat, AC, high Àow hyd., SS, std. ctrls, dlx. pnl., radio ......................................................$34,900 ‘16 Kubota SSV75, 1577 hrs., cab, heat, AC, std. ctrls, PT, 2 spd., new tires ........................................................................$34,900 ‘11 Bobcat MT-52, 1459 hrs., bkt., aux. hyd., Kubota dsl., clean ..$8,900 ‘16 Kubota SVL95-2, cab, heat, 2 spd., wide tracks, radio .........$55,000 ‘18 Kubota SVL95-2, 270 hrs., cab, heat, 2 spd., wide tracks, radio $58,500
Alex Power Equipment 111 50th Ave. West • Alexandria, MN 56308
(320) 763-4994 • www.alexpowerequipment.com
Who do you call? You’re Àlling your silo and you blow up your distributor or Àll pipe.
Who do you call?
You’re running feed out and your gear box fails.
Are you going to fork the feed out?
It’s chore time, you throw the power switch and nothing happens.
Who do you call?
An electrician will not climb up there or be out in a timely manner.
Osakis Silo will answer the call and handle these problems year round! We will get you up and running anytime and under any conditions.
HAYLAGE SEASON IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER!
SCHEDULE YOUR SPRING REPLASTERING NOW! WE DO SILO & BUNKER REPLASTERING! “I won’t have r o SilCALL IF YOU HAVE US TODAY! BunAkePROBLEM anybody else do
g Replasterin
Replastering
my work. He’s very prompt, he’s good at what he does and he stands behind it.” - Little Rock, MN Farmer
WE REPLACE: Augers • Gear boxes • Blowers • Collector rings • Electric motors WE PROVIDE GREAT SERVICE AT REASONABLE COST!
The Best Service Crews, The Best Replacement Parts, The Best Service... That’s The Osakis Silo Advantage To You!!! Call for Pricing!
PRICE EQUIPMENT SALES, INC.
Bloomington, WI • 608-994-2401 www.priceequipmentsales.com
Call Anytime
320-808-3936 300 E Main St., Osakis, MN • 320-859-5340
24 Hours 7 Days A Week
Visit us online at www.osakissilo.com
Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
Brown County ADA launches Virtual Dairy Days Promotion targets daycares, senior living facilities By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
SLEEPY EYE, Minn. – In the wake of the novel coronavirus, with schools and many community activities halting normal operations, the Brown County American Dairy Association has found an alternative way to promote dairy. The group is hosting Virtual Dairy Days, which began April 15 and will run through May 15. “In the springtime, we usually donate to track and eld teams, grandparent’s days and host tours for schools, but not this year. And, who knows what June will bring,” Angela Tauer said. “While we’re in a time where everything is a disaster, we wanted to do something fun.” Tauer and her family dairy farm in Brown County near Sleepy Eye. The event is targeted towards home daycares, daycare centers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Participants are encouraged to host an ice cream social, provide smoothie treats during a meal or nd another way to incorporate dairy throughout the day.
Participants are asked to provide receipts of their food purchases, and the county dairy association will reimburse all dairy purchases up to a certain amount, depending on the structure of the facility. “This is such a simple event, and it’s wide open for participants to choose how they want to incorporate dairy in whatever way makes their dairy heart happy,” Tauer said. In addition to submitting receipts for reimbursement, Tauer is asking participants to provide photos of the event. “We’re super excited about this. It’s something new and fresh,” Tauer said. “And we’re really looking forward to how people are going to put their own spin on this.” Throughout the duration of the event, the county dairy princesses will manage the organization’s social media accounts, and provide the public with facts and additional fun activities related to dairy. “Life is bad enough right now,” Tauer said. “We’re just looking for something that’s fun and people can engage in.” The purpose of the event was not only to create a fun avenue for activities at care centers but also to move dairy
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Dairy products are sorted to be used at Julie Sellner’s daycare. Sellner purchased dairy products to incorporate into her children’s meals as part of Brown County American Dairy AssociaƟon’s Virtual Dairy Days April 15 to May 15. products. “We always talk about moving uid milk, but there are a million other products that we can move and people can try at home,” Tauer said. “Cheese is a great food that makes people feel good. It’s a simple, household staple. We want to remind people and
their families that these are options that farmers work hard to produce, and it’s a stable, safe food choice.” Singling out the daycare and eldercare facilities was deliberate in an effort to show appreciation and bring joy to these groups of people who are maybe more secluded than oth-
CIH 7140 Magnum 2WD, sharp -
35,000
$
ers during these unprecedented times. “We felt these groups have it the worst,” Tauer said. “They are in so much of a lockdown. The rest of us can still go to Turn to BROWN COUNTY | Page 35
New Midsota Rock Wagons
USED TRACTORS
CIH 8910, FWA, 1600 hrs. ..............Coming In CIH 8930, FWA, low hours ..............Coming In CIH 7140, FWA, 3400 hrs. ................. $62,000 CIH 7120, 2WD .................................. $42,000 CIH 3230, 2WD .................................. $16,000 CIH 685 w/loader ............................... $16,500 CIH 7220, FWA, 3600 hrs .................. $69,000 IH 1086, 3800 hrs., Sharp! ................ $24,000 IH 1086, 5800 hrs., 20-38, nice ......... $21,500 IH 1466 w/cab, sharp ......................... $21,500 IH 1466, restored ............................... $20,000 IH 966 ................................................ $11,000 IH 666 w/loader, sharp, gas ...................... Call
TILLAGE
CIH Tigermate II, 30’ .......................... $21,000 CIH 530C ripper w/lead ...................... $23,500 CIH 7500, 6-bottom plow..................... $7,500 CIH 7500, 4-bottom plow..................... $5,000 CIH 4300 field cultivator w/mulcher ..... $9,500 DMI 2500 ............................................. $6,500 IH 480 disc, 19’.................................... $3,200 JD 2810 6-bottom plow ....................... $5,500
NEW MANDAKO LAND ROLLERS IN STOCK
ON HAND
HAYING & FORAGE EQUIP.
Sitrex QR12 rake ...................................... New Many sizes of rakes available
GRAVITY BOXES
VARIOUS SIZES OF GRAVITY BOXES ON HAND Demco 450 .......................................... $7,000 Unverferth 430 ..................................... $7,000 Parker 310 ........................................... $3,500 All sizes of used Demco gravity boxes avail.
MISCELLANEOUS
Midsota 5510 & F610 rock trailers.... In Stock Midsota F8216 rock trailer ........................ Call Badger Roller Mill ..................................... Call All Sizes of Sitrex Rakes.....................On Hand Mandako 42’ land roller ..................... $28,000
Twine & Net Wrap Available!
We have a large selection of Red Devil snowblowers in stock! FARM OYL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177
WWW.GREENWALDFARMCENTER.COM
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 35
ConƟnued from BROWN COUNTY | Page 34
the grocery store, get outside. We don’t want these workers to be forgotten about. We wanted to draw attention to all they’re doing.” On the day the program launched, Tauer conrmed four participants – three daycares and one senior center. “We know daycares in particular are stretched with projects and even money to buy extra food, and these nursing homes are made up of a lot of retired farmers, so they’ll love this stuff,” Tauer said. When the risk of COVID-19 subsides, the county dairy association plans to apply for a grant which will help provide each Virtual Dairy Days participant with a grab bag. Children daycares will likely receive farm toys while the elderly care centers will likely be gifted puzzles, said Tauer. The idea of such an event came to the dairy farmer a few weekends ago. “I knew we had money in our checkbook. We previously talked about donating to the food shelves and schools, but that changed when schools closed,” Tauer said. “So, I approached the board with this idea to use our funds
“There are so many ways we as dairy farmers can work with our communities ...” ANGELA TAUER, DAIRY FARMER
in a different way.” Once the county association approved the project, it did not take long for word to spread. Because of the ease of planning and
Elmdale Mutual
FARM INSURANCE Wadena
New York Mills
Verndalee F Ripley Fort
Motley y R Randall
Long Prairiee
Swanville
S k exandria Sauk Alexandria Centre Brandon
Melrose Melro l se Brooten
U Upsala Freeport F p Freep St. Cloud Albany Alban ny y Monticello Mon Annandale nnandal
Willmar Will
Serving Minnesota Producers for 120 years
Excellent rates superior service full service agencies.
Advantage 1 Insurance Agency
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Julie Sellner creates a menu for her daycare using dairy products she purchased as part of the Virtual Dairy Days in Brown County.
Long Prairie 320-732-6611 • 1-800-224-6671 Sauk Centre 320-352-6200 • 1-800-224-6671 St. Cloud • 320-252-6650
Billmark’s Lakes Area Insurance, Inc. Alexandria • 320-763-9022
Bohmer Agency, Inc.
implementing such an event, Tauer encourages others to nd their own ways to promote dairy consumption. “These projects don’t have to be hard and it doesn’t have to take six months to plan,” Tauer said. “There are so many ways we as dairy farmers can work with our communities and let them know we’re still here; we’re still here for them and we’re doing good things.”
Steer Feeder
Brooten • 320-346-2214
Lake Country Insurance, Inc.
Motley • 218-352-6622 New York Mills • 218-385-3989 Verndale • 218-445-5153
Lakes Area Insurance Brandon • 320-524-2525
Nelson Insurance Agency & Financial Services Inc. Upsala & Fort Ripley 320-573-2151
North Risk Partners
Albany • Melrose Wadena www.northriskpartners.com
Randall State Insurance
Randall 320-749-2060 • 888-344-4658
Swanville Insurance
Swanville 320-547-2333 • 320-547-2365
HOME OFFICE
Elmdale Farmers Mutual Ins. Inc. 104 Main St. • Upsala, MN 250-573-2151 • 888-ELMDALE www.elmdalemutual.com
SUPERIOR LOOK, BUILD & PERFORMANCE
$3,199
Spanier Welding and Metal Fabrication Paynesville, MN • 320-243-7552
THE NO COMPROMISE FABRIC STRUCTURE DAIRY, MACHINERY & HAY STORAGE
Commercial Agri Buildings
WE ALSO SELL REPLACEMENT TARPS!
Single and Truss Arch available from 20’-120’ wide Flo-Coat® Galvanized Steel Tubing Supplied by Allied Tube & Conduit Heaviest gauge steel in the industry Pre-engineered truss buildings
NELSON’S AGRI STRUCTURES
Dean Nelson • Central and Northern Minnesota • Grove City, MN • 320-857-2633, Cell 320-699-3297
RIVERSIDE HOOP BARNS, INC.
US Hwy. 75 At IA/MN Stateline • Steen, MN • 507-392-2870 • Fred A. Tilstra & Sons
LANGE CONSTRUCTION & CONCRETE
Duke Lange • Swanville, MN • 320-290-0859
LAKESIDE HOOP STRUCTURES, LLC
Eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin • Harris, MN • 651-248-6302 • Craig Moline
ASK US ABOUT GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR HAY STORAGE
The KUHN Knight PS 250 & 260 ProSpread® apron box manure spreaders are high-capacity, non-commercial spreaders designed for feeder, cow/calf, and dairy operations that process a wide array of semi-solid and solid materials. The KUHN Knight PS 250 & 260 ProSpread® apron box manure spreaders are high-capacity, non-commercial spreader designed for feeder, cow/ calf, and dairy operations that process a wide array of semi-solid and solid materials. A 10-degree sidewall flare provides greater capacity while still maintaining ease of loading and unit maneuverability. A heavy-duty guillotine gate delivers greater metering capability and material flow management. Improved beater location provides an enhanced spreading pattern by streamlining material flow from the apron to the beaters.
Blue Hilltop, Inc. 507-879-3593 – 800-821-7092
Box Box 116, 116, Lake Lake Wilson, Wilson, MN MN 56151 56151 –– www.bluehilltop.com www.bluehilltop.com
Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
Women In Dairy Elizabeth Steiner Monroe, Wisconsin Green County 90 cows Family: My husband, Josh Steiner, and I have a son, Jonathon, 22, and two daughters, Natalie, 14, and Breann, 13. Natalie has a twin sister, Nicole, who passed away before they were born. We named the farm for her. Tell us about your farm. Heaven View Dairy is a small farm with big ideas. We own the farm and pasture and rent 160 acres for crops. We purchased our little piece of heaven two years ago, but we have been on this farm since March 2004. Josh and I are making improvements all the time to make it more efcient. Last year, we put in 15 sand stalls in our 72 stanchion/tiestall barn. We made those stalls bigger which took six stalls out so now we switch cows. This year, we will be making sand free stalls for our switch cows. They are housed at the left side of the barn. We took out the old bunk for the cows and use half of it for the dry cows. Last year, we also made a little bedding shed for our calf huts and put in headlocks with a cover for the feed for our south side of the grainery to house calves ages 4-6 months. We have 98 head of young stock from calves to bred heifers. We are in the process of tearing down old, outdated, little buildings to make room for a heifer shed and garage on the house and improve the bag lot. With the help of Josh’s younger brother and our girls, the projects are material cost and our time only. What is the busiest time of day for you? All day is busy really. I wake up at 4:30 a.m. and milk cows and do chores morning and night. I also help with projects around the farm and do eld work in addition to cooking, cleaning and bookkeeping. When you get a spare moment what do you do? I enjoy baking, reading, cross stitch and most of all, spending time with my family. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. When our children were young, it was a blessing every day to watch them grow and learn. Now, with COVID-19 closing schools, our girls are home. They come out every morning to help us with all the chores, and I thank God every day to have them with us. It is truly a blessing for us to spend all of our time together.
FARM INFORMATION STATION Joe Gill • Farm Director
SERVING CENTRAL MINNESOTA FOR OVER 50 YEARS Catch the Dairy Star’s Mark Klaphake with Joe Gill at 6:45 a.m. the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month on KASM!
PO Box 160, Albany, MN • (320) 845-2184 • Fax (320) 845-2187
tfn
What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? Being with my children and husband every day is the best blessing. Of course, the cows are my second enjoyment on the farm and our dog, Buster. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? Through a Facebook group called Dairy Moms and Milking under 250 Cows group. Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? My husband of course. He is the reason we farm and the reason I love it so much. I grew up in Monroe as a city slicker. Farming was not something I even considered. We make a great team. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be? I love talking to people about dairy farming and teaching them how important family farms are for the future of the land, animals and people. I want someone to come here who will listen to me – really listen to how dairy farming works and will use their platform as an advocate for small farming. If more people understand how farming is in every aspect of their daily lives whether they know it or not, they might be more prone to helping us little guys exist more instead of less. The door is slowly shutting on a much-needed way of life. I am not sure if there is one prominent female out there who would fall into this category. What is the best vacation you have ever taken? As a dairy farmer, vacations are a rarity and so are days off. In my life, I have been on three vacations. My favorite was my last vacation. In 2018, Josh and I were married for 15 years, so we took three days, two nights to Sundara Spa in Wisconsin Dells. Great food, beautiful room, swimming pools, massages, tranquil and complete relaxation. Worth every penny. We will denitely go back sometime. What are some words you like to live by? No matter how angry you may be, always be nice and smile. “Kill them with kindness,” is a quote by my mom when I worked at Dick’s Supermarket. She was referring to negative customers. “It is what it is,” is a quote by my grandma meaning you can’t change the outcome, so focus on your reaction.
THE NEXT STEPS YOU TAKE IN DAIRY
get
or 24 12 months 0% NO INTEREST*
Parlor Automation Upgrades Perfect Milking in any Parlor
Just in time for SPRING weather kid bibs now available in PURPLE! 888.438.8683
SHOP ONLINE: uddertechinc.com
Improved milking performance, information and processes, increase pro²tability. In any market conditions, your operation needs to be profitable. Aging equipment, maintenance costs, inadequate and inconsistent milking directly impact herd health and your bottom-line. Our finance program allows you to get the benefit of upgrading now. Our solutions are compatable with any parlor type or model. *LONGER TEARMS AVAILABLE. DETAILS AT AICWAIKATO.COM/USA/PRMOS
Norman N Borntrager, Owner
Cell: 319-330-2084
Tri-County Refrigeration
Contact your authorized dealer today!
Keep it Cold!
~Ice Machines ~Walk-ins~ Dairy Route Supplies~
641-737-2396
Commercial Refrigeration ~Milking Equipment Repair ~ Bulk Milk Coolers ~Sales ~Installation ~Service
4351 March Ave. • Osage, IA
Fax: 641-737-2380
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 37
The show will carry on
6$8. &(175( 01 3KRQH
ZZZ PPFMG FRP
Picowsa of Dairy Fest art contest is going virtual By Jerry Nelson
jerry.n@dairystar.com
BROOKINGS, S.D. – The 2020 Dairy Fest has been canceled due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past ďƒžve years, the family-friendly dairy festival has taken place during the ďƒžrst weekend of June at the Swiftel Center in Brookings. But one part of the Dairy Fest will still take place, albeit in an altered form. The Picowsa of Dairy Fest art contest will have all of the paintings submitted via email. The results of the judging will be announced on Facebook each Friday during June. “We have decided that it was best for everyone concerned to make the Picowsa art contest virtual,â€? said Suzanne Souza, Extension educator 4-H youth development for Big Stone County of Minnesota. Souza has played a large role in the Picowsa art contest since its inception a few years ago. While many of the past contest participants were farm kids or members of a 4-H club or an FFA chapter, Souza stressed the art contest is open to all youth throughout the Midwest. “We want youth from our rural areas, our cities and our towns to participate,â€? Souza said. “With tele-learning becoming so prevalent, this art contest would be a great ďƒžt for teachers or parents who are looking for new projects for their students. It’s an opportunity for any young person who would like to show off their artistic talents.â€? The art contest will have four age categories. They include elementary (grades third, fourth and ďƒžfth), junior high (grades sixth, seventh and eighth), high school and college. There will be three awards given out for each category. First place will receive a $100 gift card; second place will receive a $75 gift card; and third place will be awarded a $50 gift card. The gift cards can be only used to purchase art supplies. Artists who enter their work into the contest will be given the option to sell their creations through a silent auction. “Several of our art contest entrants
“We want youth from our rural areas, our cities and our towns to participate.� SUZANNE SOUZA, DAIRY FEST
sold their paintings last year,â€? Souza said. “The funds were donated to their 4-H club or their FFA or to their school’s art department.â€? Participants can choose between two canvas sizes for their paintings. Canvases must measure either 16 inches by 20 inches, or 18 inches by 24 inches. A digital photo of the ďƒžnished painting should be emailed to Souza at souza004@umn.edu. The deadline for submitting artwork is May 25. Thanks to ďƒžnancial support from across the dairy industry, there is no entry fee for participating in this contest.
2018, 612 Hrs, RWA, Duals, 12 Row Spout Extension, Guidance and Harvest Lab Ready, Leather, Tier 2 Cummins Engine
$
PHOTO SUBMITTED
This painĆ&#x;ng of a milk can adorned with a bouquet of ďƒ&#x;owers won ďƒžrst place in the college division in last year’s Picowsa of Dairy Fest art contest. This year, the event will take place virtually. Those who are interested in making donations to purchase artwork should also contact Souza. “We plan to announce the winners via a live Facebook feed on each Friday throughout June Dairy Month,â€? Souza said. “We hope that this will help raise awareness of the contest and will make it possible for more people to see the results of the judging.â€? Participants are encouraged to stretch their imaginations. “Try not to just think of a cow or a calf,â€? Souza said. “We would like to see anything that’s associated with the dairy industry, such as ice cream or cheese. We want our artists to paint pictures of what they envision when they think of the dairy industry. We encourage them to really put their creativeness to work.â€? Each exhibit will be evaluated on its own merit as an original piece of ďƒžne art. Judges will look at how well each artist used the creative process and employed design elements and principles. Artwork will be judged based on technical skill, interpretation of the theme and originality. “One of the more creative submissions last year was a painting of a milk can that had a bouquet of ďƒ&#x;owers in it,â€? Souza said. “Another imaginative student painted a picture of Garďƒželd the cat holding a glass of milk with the words ‘Got Milk?’ at the top of the painting.â€? With many families sheltering at home this spring, participating in an art contest can be a welcome diversion and way to nurture budding artistic abilities. “The Picowsa of Dairy Fest is a great opportunity for youth from all across the Midwest to ďƒ&#x;ex their artistic muscles,â€? Souza said. “We are encouraging anyone who is interested in participating in the contest to get in touch with us. We also welcome folks to share info about this contest on social media.â€? For more information, contact Souza at 605-237-2199 or Larissa Neugebauer at 605-770-8233 or via email at sddairyfest@gmail.com. The Dairy Fest Facebook page can be found at https://www.facebook.com/ sddairyfest.
408,900
8800, 2018, 612 Hrs, RWA .............................. $408,900 8700, 2016, 680 Hrs, RWA .............................. $393,900 8700, 2016, 890 Hrs, RWA .............................. $367,900 8600, 2016, 785 Hrs, RWA .............................. $359,000 8600, 2015, 1197 Hrs, RWA ............................ $262,500 8500, 2017, 103 Hrs, RWA .............................. $429,000 8500, 2016, 665 Hrs, RWA .............................. $329,000 8500, 2016, 588 Hrs, RWA ............................. $315,000 8400, 2015, 1110 Hrs, RWA ............................ $257,400 8300, 2017, 350 Hrs, RWA .............................. $336,400 7780, 2014, 1301 Hrs, RWA ............................ $239,000 7500, 2007, 1777 Hrs, RWA .............................. $98,500 7700, 2007, 1570 Hrs, RWA ............................ $129,500 6810, 1996, 4925 Hrs, 2WD .............................. $29,500 Claas 860, 2000, 4870 Hrs, RWA ..................... $59,500 NH FR9090, 2008,1998 Hrs ........................... $139,000 All hours listed are “cutter hours�.
Call today for details on our Easy-Lease financing!
Other machines available for lease also. Subject to credit approval. Call for details.
Flex-Pen System
Geyer & Hosaja Mats and Rolled Mats
Starter Pen
Calf Hutches
Poly Group Hutch
Single-Chain Elevator
Ventilation
Vinyl-Strip Door
MFG Co.
P.O. Box 40 Loyal, WI 54446
FREE 92-Page Printed Catalog FREE 80-Page Printed Catalog
1-800-472-2341 1-800-472-2341 E-mail: info@loyal-roth.com www.loyal-roth.com
Rugged Equipment... Priced Right... Since 1956!
Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
Feeding for reduced production By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
Conversations of the new normal have been oating around due in part to the COVID-19 pandemic that has swept across the globe. Unfortunately for dairy farmers, the new normal they are facing seems dismal and includes rapidly tumbling milk prices, and milk cooperatives and processing plants calling for immediate and drastic cuts in production and the dumping of milk. In order to help mitigate their losses, many dairy farmers are working to decrease herd production through their rations, killing two birds with one stone: reducing feed costs and reducing production. While it sounds simple enough in theory, precautions need to be taken to ensure the health of the herd and to protect peak milk so as not to cause future losses. Working with customers to help them navigate these questions has been keeping dairy nutritionist Laurie Winkelman, Ph.D., busy. Winkelman works with the technical services team at VitaPlus, working primarily in northeast Wisconsin. “There are a lot of new discussions I am having with customers, regarding reducing milk output and the possibilities of feeding milk to lactating cows,” Winkelman said. “But I am also still carrying out my farm and herd walkthroughs, evaluating cow health along with production records and forages.”
The new normal
Several farms that Winkelman works with have been requested to reduce milk production. She tries to be the voice of reason for her customers, helping them keep a level head despite the economic and emotional stresses they are facing. Winkelman said processor requests for reduced milk output brings more questions than answers for dairy farmers. “How long are we going to be asked to reduce production? Will the farm be compensated for dumped milk? If so, when and by whom? These questions make the solutions more difcult to come by,” Winkelman said. One place to start when looking at reducing milk output would be for farms that milk three times per day to decrease to twice-a-day milkings. “That could reduce milk production across the herd roughly 10%, but that reduction does not happen overnight,” Winkelman said. Helping keep feed costs in check to reect the decreased income on dairy farms is a concern for Winkelman. “Feed costs are always important, but this crisis is making it even more prudent to evaluate everything in the diet,” Winkelman said. “We need to optimize diets for the best cost and performance based on the farmer’s needs. My customers are in this for the long haul, and the decisions made under duress still need to set them up for success in the long game.” Winkelman said existing forage inventories are going to be a key factor in what cows can be fed to reduce milk production. “It would be rather easy to slow milk volume by feeding more forage and reducing purchased feeds,” Win-
Premium animal bedding with reliable delivery and exceptional customer service. Our premium bedding is made 100% from pine and other soft woods, making our bedding suitable for organic producers. It is comfortable, provides a dry cushioned place to rest, encouraging the overall productivity of your animals.
Try our bedding and see how well it serves your efforts to provide a quality environment for all of your livestock.
kelman said. “However many farms production throughout the cow’s entire have tight forage inventories because of lactation and is not something that can alfalfa winterkill and a really wet 2019 be recovered. growing season. So drastically increas“Generally for every pound of peak ing forage in the diet may not be fea- lost, you lose 100 to 200 total pounds sible across the whole herd.” in the lactation,” Winkelman said. “If In addition to short forage invento- broad strategies are enlisted to reduce ries, dairy farmers are feeling the brunt total milk production, with the idea that of the crisis in terms of other feedstuffs it is short term, it would be ideal to keep they may use. fresh cows healthy and peaking well.” “With the crash in fuel prices, Winkelman is also concerned about many ethanol plants have shuttered drastic ration changes in later lactation their doors, making distillers grains un- cows. available for dairy and beef customers “Late lactation or low-production to use,” Winkelman said. “I don’t tend diets can be self-fullling prophecies,” to use much distillers grain in lactat- Winkelman said. “A cow moves to a ing cow diets, but the shortage of one new group, which is a social disruption protein byproduct puts supply pressure for her, and then we put a lower-energy, and increased demand on other commonly used feeds, such as corn gluten, increasing their cost. Thankfully, corn has come back down in price from the fall highs, and soybean meal and canola are still relatively affordable.” Redirecting milk back LAURIE WINKELMAN, NUTRITIONIST to lactating dairy cows is an option that Winkelman higher-forage diet in front of her, not said exists for dairy farmers but is not surprisingly her production will dewithout risks and complications. crease. But it is important not to have “It has seemed to work well so far late lactation or pregnant cow diets that for farms using this option,” Winkel- do not drastically increase body condiman said. “There are a few resources tion, leaving you with fat cows.” out there with recommendations for Drying off cows early is a strategy feeding raw, unpasteurized milk to many dairy farmers are looking at to cows in a TMR mix.” help solve some of their issues, but it Winkelman said the benets of is something Winkelman is reluctant to feeding milk to cows are an immediate advocate wholeheartedly. reduction in ow of milk to the proces“First, these potential early drysor and reduced feed costs. off cows are not likely contributing a “This option also keeps cows milk- lot of milk to the farm’s total output,” ing at their potential, so there is no lag Winkelman said. “Second, cows dry in production when that milk can go longer than 70 days tend to have more back to the processing plant,” Winkel- transition cow issues and metabolic man said. problems. If cows are dried off early, Winkelman also said if the farm is producers need to ensure they are not feeding pasteurized milk to their calves, overfeeding energy to these cows. We more milk could be directed to the don’t want cows to gain weight while calves. they are dry.” “It would account for a small In the end Winkelman said dairy amount of the total milk needing to be farmers and nutritionists need to be diverted away from the processor, but vigilant in keeping their herd healthy calves could be fed larger quantities of and viable for the long term. milk or kept on milk longer,” Winkel“There are lots of options to evaluman said. ate in reducing the amount of milk sold If the duration of milk reduction is by a farm,” Winkelman said. “It will be short, Winkelman said that focus must a combination of strategies implementbe placed on early-lactation cows. ed that will help farms stay aoat during “We need to keep those cows go- this difcult time. There are questions ing and healthy so that when the brakes about how the processor-farm relationcome off we can resume lling the milk ship will change moving forward, and pipeline,” Winkelman said. it is possible that managing and feedWhile the loss of peak milk produc- ing the dairy herd will demand more tion would result in a signicant drop efciency per cow rather than milking in a farm’s output, Winkelman cautions more and more cows.” that the loss of that peak will decrease
“Feed costs are always important, but this crisis is making it even more prudent to evaluate everything in the diet.”
Our bedding reduces ammonia volatilization, improving the air quality in the housing facility
All loads are hauled on 53’ walking floor trailers, holding approximately 150 cubic yards. We are here to keep your operation on schedule. We will earn your repeat business by being effortless to work with.
Contact us today to learn how we can assist you with your animal bedding needs! Heidi Gandsey, Sales Cell: (320) 297-0603 • (218)-825-8824 10545 Business 371 • Brainerd, MN
fletchertruckinginc.com
FARIBAULT 1-800-491-3724 LEWISTON 1-507-429-6731
www.storysalesandservice.com
MANY NEW & USED MIXERS AVAILABLE YOUR AUTHORIZED AREA PATZ DEALER
G COMIN SOON ‘14 Patz V420 CALL FOR A DEMO!
Patz 500
Patz 615 Financing Available
Dairy prole
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020 • Page 39
sponsored by
Daryn McGowan Hayeld, Minnesota Dodge County 76 cows
make or break a business. Especially with grazing, it is not just open a gate and let them go. There is a lot of management.
How did you get into farming? My parents bought this farm in 1971. They were hog farmers but sold the hogs in the 1980s and started working off the farm. At the age of 13, I started milking cows for neighbors. That is how I became interested in dairy. In 1990, I rented a farm a couple miles away and started milking my own herd. That is also when I gained interest in grazing but did not have the land base. So, after 4.5 years, I sold the herd and bought a milk hauling route in 1995. During that time, I bought open heifers and grazed them on my parents’ farm. Two and a half years later, I sold the milk hauling route and looked for dairy farms again. In 1999, the people who rented my parents’ hog barn moved on so I was able to start milking here. I gutted the farrowing building for a parlor and built a hoop barn for housing. In March 2000, I milked cows for the rst time here. I bought a rotationally grazed and seasonally bred Holstein herd and bred them to Jerseys. Now I have an all Jersey herd. Until 2009, I calved twice a year. Then I sold the fall calving group so I only had a spring calving season. In the spring of 2016, I hurt my back, and in January 2018, I had back surgery so that year I sold the cows and rented out the farm until May 1, 2019. I could not think of anything else I wanted to do, so instead of the renters selling the herd when they were going to leave, I bought them back and started dairy farming again.
What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? I like being more in tune with nature and seeing the cows on pasture. I also like milking. It gives me more time to think. It is also how I get to see what kind of job I am doing with the herd.
year? I am concerned about price. I wonder if the demand will come back after all this, especially the exports. I am also concerned about more consolidation of processors which leaves fewer options for the farmers.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next
What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price?
What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Focus on the things you can control. Also, be careful cutting costs. Do not spend a dime to save a nickel.
What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? I do not use much technology. I try to keep it simple. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? I no longer have a radio playing in the parlor, and the cows are much calmer and come in better. Last year, I also put the bull in with the cows two weeks later than I normally do. This put my calving season later in March which has been better weather.
I have not changed a lot. From 2000 to 2009, I had a calving season in the spring and fall; however, in 2009, I sold the fall calving group so I would only have one calving season. I also sold machinery at the time. I did this to keep everything simple and to get my debt load down. It was one of the best things I did. How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? I do most of it on my own, but I do have a neighbor who helps me part time and a few retired people who help with haying season. I never ask them to do something I would not do myself. I also do not get excited about something breaking or going wrong. I try to stay calm and work through it. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I like observing cows and crops, and picking up on the little things. They can
What has been the best purchase you have ever made on your farm? The wheel loader. It has over 21,000 hours and keeps on going. The no-till drill I bought ve years ago was also a good purchase. It saves me a lot of time. What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? Being able to keep doing what I enjoy for as long as I have. What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? This year I plan to survive. In ve years, I have no big plans to change. I will rent and own the right amount of land for the number of cows I have. How do you like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I like visiting with family and friends, and I like to read. I also like to fabricate in my shop. I have made a feed pusher, turned a manure spreader to a hydraulic drive, and a three-point snow blower to hydraulic drive, too.
Haul More Milk Away with High Energy & High Protein Alfalfa! Offering conventional alfalfa & high yielding, traffic tested, genuity roundup ready alfalfa
• Can be planted under variety • Very leafy of conditions & soil types • Fine stemmed • Great for baling hay • Good fall dormancy & winter hardiness
Mt. Hope, WI
608-988-4568 www.ksc@tds.net
A floor that works as hard as you do!
Warmer days ahead! Keep your barn cool with
NCF 52” Panel Fans
EASY TO CLEAN!
• Durable and innovative 6-blade design • Heavy-duty galvanized frame • Unique and flexible mounting systems
IMPERVIOUS TO MILK AND WATER!
Heavy-duty, Extremely EfÄcient Fan for Quiet Dairy Barn Ventilation 320-836-2284 1-888-276-1751
29033 Co. Rd. 17, Freeport, MN In St. Rosa www.arnzenconstructioninc.com
WE ALL KNOW T THE CONCRETE IS BAD!!
WE CAN REFURBISH IT! PARLORS, FEED BUNKS, MILKING AREAS, VET AREAS, NEW OR OLD FACILITIES
Book now to receive winter discounts. JOHN BECKNER
320-808-3284 johnbrww@runestone.net
Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 25, 2020
Used JD 4650 $36,900
Used Kuhn 4270, #4767 - $26,900
New Valmetal 5600, #4699 - Call
Used Kuhn Knight 8114, #4705 - $14,500
Used Kuhn Knight 8124 #4740 - $26,900
Used Cloverdale 500T, #4240 - $19,900
Used Jaylor 3650, #3754 - $19,900
Used Kuhn Knight VLS142, #4451 - $19,900
Used Kuhn Knight VT180 ,#4096 - $35,900
Used Luck/Now 2350, #4413 - $15,900
#4791 -
Used NDE 704, $19,900
Used Patz 500, #2633 - $27,900
#3356 -
Used Patz 615, $27,900
Used Patz V350, #4712 - $16,900
Used Patz V420, #4725 - $25,900
Used Patz V420, #4286 - $25,900
Used Patz V420, #4657 - $25,800
Used Patz V500, #3346 - $25,900
Used Patz V500, #4582 - $29,900
Used Patz V615, #3054 - $26,900
Used Patz V615, #4470 - $23,900
Used Patz V615, #4445 - $26,900
Used Patz V615, #4155 - $22,900
Used Patz V620, #2941 - $28,900
Used Patz V950, #4735 - $46,900
Used Patz V950, #4773 - $38,900
Used Penta 3010, #4382 - $15,800
Used Penta 6720, #4116 - $22,900
Used Trioliet SM-7, #4424 - $13,400
Used ValMetal V-Mix 575, #3750 - $16,900
Salesmen: Shawn Martin (608) 778-4554 or Joe Ryan (608) 778-2900
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI
Office: (608) 348-9401 or Toll Free: 1(888) BUY-Patz www.steinhartsfarmservice.com
4116 Hwy. 80 S. Platteville, WI