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DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 21, No. 5
April 27, 2019
The fate of a family farm
Another generation not guaranteed for sesquicentennial dairy By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Dan MaƩer looks out of his milkhouse towards his dairy farm April 18 near Delano, Minn. The past few years have been the most challenging in all of MaƩer’s years dairy farming.
DELANO, Minn. – As a third-generation dairy farmer, Dan Matter takes pride in what his ancestors established and what he has been able to carry on. But in the same breath, he does not know how much longer he can maintain the family’s farm. “I’m sorry … it’s not my fault,” said Dan, holding back tears. “My forefathers established this farm in 1856. I think about them and keep hope I can continue for them.” Dan milks 65 cows with his son, Paul Matter, in Wright County near Delano, Minn. Like many smaller dairy farmers, the Matters have faced nancial hardship in the bleak dairy economy. Without sacricing milk production, the Matters have found few ways to increase their prot margin. They raise all of their youngstock and grow crops for feed on 400 tillable acres. Dan also nishes out steers, while Paul and his wife, Aumori, harvest maple syrup. The father-son pair operates the dairy farm without additional labor. Turn to MATTERS | Page 6
Hedging milk: The A path towards price stabilization risk of futures to long term capture protability Short, solutions presented By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
WILLMAR, Minn. – Selling milk is a volatile business, but dairy farmers have the means to try to create a more stable market. “As dairy farmers, we have to capitalize on opportunity when we can and diversify to protect risk and make a prot,” Kindra Carlson said. For 19 years, Carlson and her family have sold as much as 75% of their milk using futures and options contracts. The Carlsons also lock in feed prices for their dairy farm near Willmar, Minn. Contracting milk products on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange rst became a risk management strategy in the late 1990s. As the industry evolved and continues doing so, farmers have placed a greater emphasis on this avenue of selling dairy commodities. If the farm produces 200,000 pounds of milk a month or more, they may enter into a contract with a broker to trade on the CME. These parameters are Turn to CONTRACTING | Page 5
at roadshow
By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
GREENWALD, Minn. – Two years ago, the Wisconsin Farmers Union began campaigning to rebuild a dairy industry that can support families and rural communities in a movement known as the Dairy Together coalition. The group spoke with Minnesota dairy farmers as part of their Roadshow series April 16 in Greenwald, Minn. The event, co-hosted by the Minnesota Farmers Union, presented three solutions to stabilize milk prices for dairy farmers. JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR “This isn’t a new problem. If we do nothing, the handwriting is on the Richard Levins explains the Family Dairy Farm Relief Act during the wall,” Darin Von Ruden said. “We Dairy Together Roadshow April 16 in Greenwald, Minn. The roadshow was an opportunity for dairy farmers to learn about three poTurn to ROADSHOW | Page 7 tenƟal soluƟons to stabilize milk prices.
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
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 Amanda Thooft 320-352-6303 amanda.t@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Editorial Staff Andrea Borgerding - Associate Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Krista Kuzma - Assistant Editor (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Ruth Klossner (507) 240-0048 cowlady@centurylink.net Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com Danna Sabolik - Staff Writer (320) 352-6303 • danna.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 - Jeff Weyer (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-8505 (cell) jeff.w@dairystar.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 Amos Denman (Southern WI) 563-608-6477 • amos.d@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@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.
North America dealers. From the editorial team
Dairy Proďƒžle brought to you by your
Someone is there to listen
We know dairy farming has been hard lately, which is why Dairy Star staff is making sure you have a place to vent or reach out if needed. If you are feeling overwhelmed by the stress of farming or other areas of your life, please use the resources available. Here are a few options. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture has the Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline to help you with stress, anxiety, depression, anger or if you’re just feeling stuck. The number is 833-600-2670 x1. According to MDA, it is a free, conďƒždential resource you can call 24/7. Trained staff and volunteers in Minnesota answer calls, and translators are available. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts – call. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture also has a Rural Mental Health Counselor named Ted Matthews. He works with farmers across the state. There is no cost and no paperwork – simply a call and a conversation. Call him at 320-266-2390 or look him up at www.centerofagriculture.org and search for Ted Matthews. Iowa, farmers can call the Iowa Concern Hotline at 800-447-1985. It is a 24/7, free conďƒždential call where trained specialists provide support for anyone with concerns about farm crisis, ďƒžnances, disaster response or personal health issues. In South Dakota and surrounding states, there is the Avera Farmer’s Stress Hotline at 800-691-4336. According Avera, “Even those with toughened hands and hearts need someone to talk to. Extreme weather conditions, machinery breakdowns, a volatile ag environment, long hours that prevent time with family and lowered income all cause frustration. That’s why Avera offers the Farmer’s Stress Hotline where you can talk to one of our skilled, compassionate mental health professionals and trust them to help you navigate whatever you’re experiencing.â€? It’s free, conďƒždential and available 24/7. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection has the no-cost Farm Center Helpline available. The phone number is 800-942-2474. The Wisconsin Farm Center works one-on-one with Wisconsin farmers and their families during all phases of the challenging farm life cycle. The Helpline is answered from 7:45 a.m.-4:30, M-F, and callers can leave a message afterhours. Farm Center staff members answer the calls. There are also nationwide places to call, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and conďƒždential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. The Farm Aid Hotline is also nationwide. The number is 800-327-6243. According to the hotline, “If you need to talk to someone directly, Farm Aid is here to listen. Farm Aid’s Farm Advocate, Joe Schroeder, and other Farm Aid staff answer the hotline Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST.â€? Please reach out to someone if you’re struggling. – Dairy Star Staff
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Ag Insider
Pages 8-9 First Section
Long Prairie
First Section: Pages 1, 7
First Section: Pages 6 - 7 Kittson Roseau
Page 36
Lenzen operates at no cost with seasonal calving
nso n
Moody
McCook Minnehaha
Carver Scott
Lyon
Murray
Rock
Nobles
sey
Dakota
r
Sibley Redwood Brown
Nicollet
Chateld
Hinckley sisters compete in high school weight lifting competitions
Rice
First Section: Pages 34 - 35
Goodhue
Wabasha
Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted Jackson
Faribault
Martin
Freeborn
Winona
Fillimore
Mower
Houston
Hutchinson
Turner
Bon Yankton Homme
Lincoln Clay
Union
Lyon
Osceola Dickinson Emmet
Sioux
O’Brien
Clay
Kossuth
Palo Alto
Winnebago
Worth
Hancock
Cerro Gordo
Orange City
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
Floyd
Howard
aw
as
ick
Ch
Bremer
Plymouth
Zone 1
Mitchell
From Our Side of the Fence First Section: Pages 15 - 16
Black Hawk
Fayette
Hurley, Suess combine herds during power outage
Second Section: Page 3
Clayton
n
na
ha
c Bu
Grand Meadow
Allamakee
Charles Mix
Lake
McLeod
Renville
Yellow Medicine
Anoka
Wright Hennepin
Third Section: Page 6
Winneshiek
Douglas
Miner
Brookings
Meeker
Weis’ 15-year-old cow still going
Ha
Da
vis
on
Sa
nb or
n
Kingsbury
Kandiyohi
Pine Island
Isanti
eu
Hamlin
Deuel
Sherburne
Chippewa
Lac Qui Parle
Benton
Stearns
Pope
Swift
Mille Lacs
Morrison
go
Clark
Pine
Douglas
Stevens
Grant Codington
Crow Wing
isa
Big Sto Stone
Roberts
Day
Pages 10 - 11 Second Section
Grant
Third Section: Page 8
Carlton
Su
Third Section: Pages 4 - 5
Aitkin
Todd
rse
CEO of Lely Group tours Hutterite community’s robotic dairy facilities Marshall
Cass
Washington
Wilkin
Winfred
Randolph
Ottes have a clear vision for their future in dairy
Ch
The “Mielke” Market Weekly
Otter Tail
Tra ve
Page 33 First Section
Becker
Clay
Page 32 First Section
en
nom
Mah
Kanabec
Norman
First Section: Page 39
Itasca
Ra m
Polk
First Section: Pages 18, 20
Just Thinking Out Loud
Dairy Good Life
St. Louis
Hubbard
KC Dairies boast 33% pregnancy rate
Dairy Prole: Jason and Justin Schaffer
Koochiching
Wadena
Page 31 First Section
Miesville
Clearwater
Something to Ruminate On
First Section: Pages 1, 6
Beltrami
Red Lake
Delano
Another generation not guaranteed for sesquicentennial First Section: Pages 12 - 13 First Section: Pages 10 - 11 dairy
Pennington
Elkton
Green Isle
Lake of the Woods
Marshall
Page 30 First Section
St. Joseph
Women in Dairy: Simplistic approach Dieball Dairy Nikki Andreasen keeps Schmitzes in incorporates First Section: business robotic technology
Le
Dear County Agent Guy
Lincoln
Page 26 First Section
Rose City
Short, long term solutions presented at roadshow
Pipestone
FSA News & Notes
Greenwald
are
law
De
Linn
Dubuque
Jones
Jackson
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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 5
ConƟnued from CONTRACTING | Page 1 met with herd sizes of about 100 cows, with each cow producing 70 pounds of milk per day. Smaller dairy farms have a similar opportunity but must work with their cooperative by agreeing to a smaller contract that is pooled with other cooperative members to make up the production requirements of one CME contract. “The goal is to help manage a producer’s bottom line by locking in strong prot margins when the market offers them and minimize extreme market risk to protect business equity exposure,” Joe Spader said. Spader is the president of Dairy Visor Inc. Like other agriculture commodity trading, hedging milk allows dairy farmers to establish price expectations for their dairy products. However, unlike row crops and livestock, there are multiple milk product contracts that can be used for hedging. “Corn is corn and soybeans are soybeans,” Spader said. “But with milk, it’s like you’re contracting four component products – cheese, whey, nonfat dry milk and butter.” Dairy farmers need to use the proper contracts to hedge milk successfully to protect a price for the business. “Even though these contracts are offered, you don’t want to use the wrong one and be exposed to greater trading risk,” Spader said. “For example, if you’re contracting milk with Class IV, but Class III is what you’re paid for in the Midwest, a producer may lose money on the Class IV hedge if the market goes up at the same time Class III prices are going down, leaving the producer in an extremely disappointing hedge outcome due to the use of an improper hedge contract for the producer’s FMMO.” The Carlsons started contracting when they rst expanded in 2000 and made a signicant capital investment with a new parlor and freestall system.
“Contracts allow me to keep producing milk as long as there are no massive hiccups.” BRUCE ASFELD, DAIRY FARMER
Working with a broker allowed them to protect the farm’s revenue as best as possible. The Carlsons have made choices to better their dairy operation. “We’ve worked with a couple brokers and have had various success,” Carlson said. “Our goal has always been to nd the right style of person who meets our communication and management styles.” Every year, Carlson works with their broker to develop a marketing plan that will reach certain targets the farm is aiming for based on cash ow and what the market is allowing. The family evaluates their cost of production to make those decisions. “If we have a lot of feed locked in, we might feel more comfortable locking in more milk because we have that wiggle room,” Carlson said. “It’s tough in some situations, but we always try to reach at least that breakeven level or more.” Bruce Asfeld, of Osakis, Minn., also contracts milk, but through Associated Milk Producers Inc. As a cooperative member, Asfeld
may contract half of what he produces on a monthly basis in increments of 25,000 pounds. For 2019, Asfeld has contracts for 100,000 pounds of milk per month for July and August, and then a smaller level in November and December. “I never contract milk unless I know I can cover my cost of production and lock in a prot,” said Asfeld, who has contracted milk for 10 years. “It’s been really benecial. Then, I can condently go to the bank, and they know I can afford a loan because I’m marketing milk for a prot.” While there is a $0.25 per hundredweight charge for Asfeld to contract, he has locked in a price of $16.71 per cwt. In the past, such decisions have led to $7,000 worth of additional profits in a year. The one challenge of hedging milk through a cooperative is the price ceiling, Asfeld said. If a farmer locks in a milk price lower than what the markets produce, there is no opportunity to capture the higher dollar. “Contracts allow me to keep producing milk as long as there are no massive hiccups,” Asfeld said. “One year, I had some milk locked in at $19.80 when prices went to $24. I left a little on the table, but I still had things covered.” Whether hedging milk with a broker or through a cooperative, hedging provides an opportunity for dairy farmers to gain more control over their business’ protability and manage it in the long run. However, the risk of marketing milk in this manner is vast. There is no guarantee the market will cooperate even with the best intentions, so making decisions without fully understanding the impact of such decisions could devastate a farm business. “It’s tough,” Carlson said. “Markets don’t always give you what you’re hoping for. Do you hold rm or adjust to a lower level? There’s risk in whatever you decide.” Spader agreed. “Milk markets are complicated and can be volatile,” he said. “I’ve seen a farm with a projected prot margin of $1.5 million one day and then drop to a $2 million loss because the farmer got greedy and wanted more but didn’t protect the protability that was offered to them.” Carlson has found value in gaining knowledge about trading but more importantly putting trust in people who understand more than her. “Our goal is to surround ourselves with the best people within the eld of expertise to make the best decisions for us,” she said. “We’re not afraid to work with people who know more than us, and we sleep better at night because of that.” Carlson also strives to remove any emotion in trading to alleviate the stress of the market cycles and make levelheaded decisions for the family’s dairy. In today’s industry, there are trading tools for dairy businesses, and using milk futures is one option to protect prots. “This cycle has been tough because the best contracting values offered were barely above breaking even for most farms,” Spader said. “But just as there are government programs available to help manage market volatility, producers need to educate themselves to get more comfortable with trading.”
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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
ConƟnued from MATTERS | Page 1
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Dan and Paul MaƩer talk about the state of the dairy industry in their milkhouse at their family dairy near Delano, Minn. Paul is the fourth generaƟon to dairy farm, but cannot jusƟfy purchasing the farm from his father. Dan sees to eldwork and feeding the livestock as Paul milks cows and makes decisions regarding herd health. “I never leave the barn, and he never comes in,” Paul said. The Matters’ farm was established in the 1800s, but did not become specialized in dairy until Dan’s grandfather took over. When Dan’s father gained purchasing power of the farm in 1977, he built the current tiestall barn and made improvements to solidify the family’s place in the dairy industry. “At the time, the barn was modern with the stalls and rubber mats …,” Dan said. “We put up bins and sheds, and we made money those rst 20 years of dairy farming.” Dan became involved in the family business as soon as he was able. He worked alongside his father until he could begin buying into the farm in 1986. “I’ve been with the cows since I was 2 years old. I hated going to school, so I was home working whenever I could,” Dan said. “I milked with Mom and Dad until Dad quit, then my wifeto-be and I milked and started doing more of the chores.” Paul grew up in a similar manner. He was always in the barn helping his father. When he started homeschool at 16, Paul began gaining more responsibility on the dairy. Now, his two sons – Ben, 6, and Alex, 4 – are following in the Matter family’s footsteps. Unlike their friends
knowing that route may not be possible as the city of Delano continues encroaching on the farm. “Houses began popping up 15 years ago,” Dan said. “It hasn’t affected our ability to farm, yet.” Additionally, Paul recognizes the burden of dairy farming right now – a weight he simply cannot carry. “It’s not that I don’t want to farm, but we can’t farm on our own. My wife and I have perfect credit, but we don’t have the equity,” he said. “If this farm would’ve been mine, we wouldn’t be here. I would’ve lost it in the last few years.” For the time being, the Matters continue on. Paul and Aumori bottled 65 gallons of syrup this year, and sell it locally to family, friends and the community. On the farm, Paul and Dan keep costs at a minimum by making repairs themselves. They have also renanced loans and changed the lactation ration by cutting back on protein supplements. “We’ve been fortunate with a good crop despite the weather changing,” Paul said. Even with their best efforts put forward, the Matters remain uncertain about their dairy’s future. At 68 years old, Dan keeps working to pay off debt and not give up his family’s rich history in the dairy industry, yet he knows it may soon be time to draw the line. In Dan’s 40 years of dairy farming, he has never seen markets as brutal as today’s. “The last few years have been the worst, and I can’t do anything to x it,” said Dan, choking on his words. “There’s too much stress. … I hate spending money on groceries. I work as late as I can. … I hate going to bed because all I do is think about how I’m going to pay the bills.” The Matters’ dairy has now been home to ve generations. It has provided an honest living and raised hardworking, respectful people. Both Dan and Paul would give anything to see it remain more than a memory for the family. “We’re stubborn,” Paul said. “I wonder why we do it, but we’re not the only ones. It’s in our blood, and, as hard as it is, I think we’re some of the happiest people.” While government aid expected this summer would provide relief, Dan and Paul remain at a crossroads in their dairying career. Both men stared blankly through each other in agreement, knowing things have to get better.
“I wonder why we do it, but we’re not the only ones. It’s in our blood, and, as hard as it is, I think we’re some of the happiest people.” PAUL MATTER, DAIRY FARMER
and neighbors who spend their spare time indoors, the boys spend their time learning about responsibilities on the farm. “A lot of this is for the kids. That’s what makes it worth it at the end of the day,” Paul said. “They’re rough and humble and dirty, and that’s because they’re growing up on a farm.” As a young dairy farmer, Paul will soon have to make the decision to take over his family’s farm or not. While he wants to carry on the family legacy, Paul is unsure of its feasibility without milking more cows and
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 7
ConƟnued from ROADSHOW | Page 1 need to pull together and nd support to make change.” Von Ruden is the president at WFU and operates an organic dairy farm near Westby, Wis. Three possible solutions were presented with each addressing the current dairy crisis in the United States. Emergency program creates level playing eld One of the factors inuencing the milk market is the rising cost of production for dairy farms of all sizes but especially for those farms with 100 cows or less. The Family Dairy Farm Relief Act would address this disparity in providing payments to dairy farmers for the difference in operating costs between farm sizes. “You call the re department when things are on re. You don’t call them for long term prevention,” Richard Levins said. “This is a short term solution. We need to put out the ames now.” Levins is a professor emeritus with the University of Minnesota. For example, a farm producing less than 65,000 pounds per month has an operating cost of $17.87 per hundredweight compared to a farm producing more than 2.6 million pounds with an operating cost of $13.66 per cwt. Thus, the cost imbalance for the smaller farm is $4.21 per cwt. If passed into law, the act would provide yearly payments of $2.8 billion made up of United States Department of Agriculture funds allocated by Congress. Farmers would receive payments based on operating cost imbalance for pounds of milk produced. “Operating costs fall off with the more cows you have,” Levins said.
“The goal of this act is to level the playing eld for production costs. We want everyone to have a seat at the table and the same chances at a slice of the pie.” A similar program has been successful in Maine, where the rate of dairy farmers exiting the industry has slowed, and there has been renewed opportunity for others to begin farming. While the act would serve as an emergency resolution to the dairy crisis, it may offer stability for rural communities whose vitality depends on small dairy farms. “The dairy industry is going through massive structural change. … There’s no opportunity for family size operations,” Levins said. “What kind of industry doesn’t have room for these wonderful people?” Two tier pricing creates opportunity for all farms The USDA has predicted there will be less than 18,000 dairy farms in the United States by 2036 if consolidation continues at its current pace. One proposal to address the loss of dairy farms would be to establish a two tier pricing system under a national Federal Milk Marketing Order with a $4 per cwt. price adjuster for up to 1 million pounds of monthly production. This would be applied to every dairy operation across the nation. Then, the remaining prots would be allocated equally amongst farms. “The key to this program is the prots per cow which will level the playing eld,” Dave Kaseno said. Kaseno is the operations director for the National Farmers Organization. Under the current pay price where every farm receives the same amount ($16.82 per cwt.), farm sizes with 120 cows have a margin per cow at -$2.53,
based on operating costs per cwt. As the herd grows, the margin positively increases, so a herd of 2,400 cows sees a margin per cow at $72.25. The proposed program would adjust the pay price so the 120-cow farm would receive $18.86 per cwt., while the 2,400-cow farm would see $15.75 per cwt. Then, the adjusted margins more accurately reect a balance in the market with the smaller herd having an adjusted margin per cow at $46.26 and the larger herd, $47.83. “This requires all areas to be under the same FMMO, but it can be done,” Kaseno said. While the program shows similarities of Canada’s pricing system, Von Ruden assured attendees it is different and urged them to closely consider the opportunities this pricing system would present for the dairy industry. “We have farms with four heifers in line to replace one cow. … We can’t consume as much as we produce,” he said. “This system would address that, but it’s not the same as Canada’s because we’re capitalists by mind. They’re system isn’t perfect, and right now we don’t have the perfect one either.” Price stabilization proposal supports dairy economy The nal proposal presented at the roadshow was the Dairy Price Stabilization Plan which incentivizes dairy farmers to remain at their current herd size or charges those who chose to expand based on the dairy markets. The plan was reviewed by dairy economists Chuck Nicholson, of Cornell University, and Mark Stephenson, of the University of Wisconsin, for today’s market conditions.
“[Nicholson and Stephenson] made projections from 2014 to 2020, which show the impacts on market price and milk price, and reduced rates of business failure,” Kara O’Connor said. “There are also substantial prots, so less dependency on current government programs.” O’Connor is the government relations director with WFU. The analysis reviewed the plan in two versions – one where it is enabled continuously and another where it goes into effect when the milk-to-feed ratio drops to a certain level. Both versions operate in a similar manner. Dairy farmers have an allowable rate of milk production growth based on market demand, and then if a farmer so chooses to expand, a market access fee is charged. Those farmers who do not expand past the allowable rate of milk production growth are compensated for matching the market demand using the fees collected. This program would be mandatory for all farms. “The Dairy Price Stabilization Plan encourages farmers to watch for economic signals and do what makes sense,” O’Connor said. All three proposals improve net farm income and encourage responsible growth across the dairy industry. “The truth is there’s more than one approach to reform the dairy industry,” Von Ruden said. “These all have similar features that aim to provide family farms with protability and give them a ghting chance.” As WFU and NFO travel across the country educating dairy farmers about these programs, they ask for support as they develop the plans to present to lawmakers.
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Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
February DMC payment announced The Dairy Margin Coverage program has the U.S. market in Mexico. National Milk Producers not been established yet, but USDA has already Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern said the announced the second payment for dairy farmers. The United States lost an average of seven dairy farms a February income over feed cost margin was $8.22 per day in 2018 and exports help reverse that trend. hundredweight. Sign-up for the new Dairy Ag Insider Spring ďƒ&#x;ush inďƒ&#x;uenced by loss of dairy Margin Coverage will begin in mid-June, farms but retroactive payments will be made. Since last year, small dairy farms Farm Service Agency Administrator have been exiting the business at a rapid Richard Fordyce describes this as an pace. USDA Dairy Market News is important safety net for dairy farmers, reporting more medium-to-large dairy “helping them weather shifting milk and farms are “calling it quits.â€? Fluid milk feed prices.â€? and processors have hinted spring ďƒ&#x;ush volumes are lower than usual this year. In ITC evaluates USMCA addition, hay shortages have been noted In the International Trade in the Upper Midwest. Commission’s analysis of the U.S.Mexico Canada Agreement, there is a Seeking long-term solutions projected 1.1% increase in exports for By Don Wick Dairy industry reform was the agricultural commodities. American Columnist theme for the Dairy Together Roadshow Farm Bureau Federation Economist discussion in Greenwald, Minn. Local Veronica Nigh said that is the equivalent of $2.2 billion. “When we renegotiated USMCA, we dairy farmers, the National Farmers Organization also had to give Canada more access to our dairy and and state Farmers Union organizations met to sugar markets. The analysis suggests U.S. food and discuss solutions for the dairy industry challenges. ag imports would increase as well to 1.3%.â€? This University of Minnesota Professor Emeritus in analysis is considered the last box the administration Economics Richard Levins told attendees there is a needs to check off before submitting legislation to price problem and a structural problem. Levins said Congress. “We’re looking forward to learning more ďƒžxing dairy prices does not solve both problems. As about when the administration would move forward a solution, Levins presented the Family Dairy Farm with that,â€? Nigh said. “Everyone would like to have Relief Act as an emergency stopgap to address the the new agreement put to bed before the fall arrives.â€? crisis. “It works through the FSA ofďƒžces. You can bring in your production statement and you’d get a payment for the difference between your operating Dairy groups support USMCA U.S. Dairy Export Council President/CEO Tom costs and the lowest for the month. It’s a very simple Vilsack said the ITC study moves the USMCA program.â€? process closer to ratiďƒžcation. “We shipped $1.4 billion in dairy products to Mexico last year, which accounts Export growth opportunities One of the brightest spots for the U.S. dairy for more than one quarter of U.S. dairy exports. Without a trade agreement with Mexico in place, the industry is exports. According to Midwest Dairy dairy industry would be hard-pressed to maintain and CEO Lucas Lentsch, last year was a record-year expand those sales.â€? Vilsack said Europe is expected high with 16% of all dairy solids exported. There is to implement a new trade deal with Mexico next market growth potential in Mexico and Asia. “About year and Congress must pass USMCA to support 1.4 billion Chinese people today are eating a pizza
once every 45 days. If you have 1.4 billion people eating pizza once each month versus once every 45 days, that’s an uptick of opportunity,â€? Lentsch said. “There’s also no question the Middle East and Africa will also be looking to get more reliable dairy nutrition into their diet.â€? Progress seen in U.S.-China trade talks Senior level Trump Administration ofďƒžcials are tentatively scheduled to be in Beijing during the week of April 29. That will be followed by similar trade meetings between the U.S. and China in Washington, D.C. during the week of May 6. That is on top of the most recent negotiations that have taken place through video conferencing. There is speculation a deal could be in place by late May or early June, but the two sides have frequently missed self-imposed deadlines. Agriculture needs a win A handful of Minnesota farmers and agribusiness professionals attended President Trump’s roundtable discussion in Burnsville, including Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap. Paap said there were no questions from the audience. The president did talk a lot about tax cuts and about the importance of trade. “Once you lose a market, it’s really hard to get it back. Let’s start with our closest neighbors, Canada and Mexico,â€? Paap said. “Let’s get the U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement taken care of and then, move onto Japan and other agreements. We need a win in agriculture.â€? Paap was a little disappointed USMCA was not mentioned. Trump did address infrastructure needs including strengthening rural broadband. This was Trump’s ďƒžrst public appearance in the Twin Cities since becoming president. Traceability projects to be funded USDAis investing $1 million to fund animal disease traceability and electronic identiďƒžcation projects in cattle. The goal is to determine the effectiveness of radio frequency identiďƒžcation tags in “high-volume, Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 9
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
The solution for low prices
DHIA: Now MORE than ever
The solution for low farm milk and grain prices is to reduce processing of milk and growing of grain. All milk production processors should immediately process only 80% of each farm’s milk to reduce manufactured products. All grain growers should grow only 80% of all grains to reduce the late summer and fall harvest. As a dairy farmer for 40 years, I have experienced failed government dairy programs. For grain farmers, increased yields have only led to low prices. Some TV and radio ads tell that one in six American children go to bed hungry. Let them buy our products at 50% of parity – milk at $26 per hundredweight. Over 25 years ago, Wisconsin farmers were told to learn to speak Spanish to communicate with our employees. Now, 60% of Wisconsin cows are milked by immigrant laborers. Small dairy farms have been forced out of business due to low milk prices. We need a milk price of at least $26 cwt. and farm labor of $20 per hundred. Multiply that times 2,000 hours worked per year and farm workers would get $40,000 per year, well above the poverty level. Then, families who love farming should be able to make a living farming. We will never export our way to higher milk and grain prices. More small dairy farms could help slow the loss of local businesses and declining enrollment in our rural schools. Kenneth Mahalko Gilman, Wis.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Dairy Star Newspaper welcomes letters to the editor. Every letter for publication must be 500 words or less, contain the author’s signature, address and telephone number. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity. Letters can be mailed to Dairy Star, Letter to Editor, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378 or e-mail: mark.k@dairystar.com.
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ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 fast-paced environments.” Projects will track cattle movement and collect health information. Saputo downplays Dean Foods story The Toronto-based Globe and Mail has reported Saputo is considering a takeover of U.S. dairy processor, Dean Foods. In a conference call with investors after the story was reported, Saputo ofcials downplayed this possibility. Saputo CEO Lino Saputo did not mention Dean Foods directly, but said acquisitions in the uid milk sector is not “on our radar screen.” New dairy beef branded program The American Simmental Association and Holstein USA have launched a new branded beef program. This is the rst time beef and dairy breed organizations have established a program of this kind. The HOLSim brand is designed to provide additional
revenue for dairy farmers and offer a new marketing avenue for beef seedstock producers. To qualify for the brand, calves must come from registered Holstein dams and be bred to a qualied SimAngus bull. Trivia challenge Finland leads the world in per capita milk consumption. That answers our last trivia question. How much pizza is consumed in the U.S. each year? We’ll 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.
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Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Taking a chance on innovation Dieball Dairy incorporates robotic technology By Danna Sabolik
danna.s@dairystar.com
GREEN ISLE, Minn. – The Dieballs knew they needed a new milking system, but they were unsure of what to change on their farm. In 2011, they began to look into robotic milking units. They were able to begin milking in their new barn Nov. 27, 2018. “I’ve always liked technology,” Karl Dieball said. “But when I rst heard about robots, I thought no way is that going to work.” Karl farms with his wife, Rosemary, and their children, John and James, near Green Isle, Minn. They milk 189 cows with three Lely robots. “We went to open houses and toured barns, and thought it was interesting,” Dieball said of the milking robots. After touring more than 30 barns in Minnesota, Iowa and Pennsylvania, the Dieballs decided to install the robots. “We decided to go with [robot company] because of the service and presence in the area,” Dieball said. “With that kind of technology, you need someone around who knows how it works.” A family friend, who milks with two robots of his own, also eased the
DANNA SABOLIK/DAIRY STAR
Karl Dieball milks 189 cows with three robots and houses them in a newly built freestall barn on his family’s farm near Green Isle, Minn. Dieball and his wife, Rosemary, and son, James, nished the construcƟon project in November 2018. Dieballs into their decision. “He’s had them since 2009 and was one of the rst farmers around here to put them in,” Dieball said. The family considered putting one
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or two robots in the barn where they were milking 120 cows twice a day in a double-7 parlor. “My son, Jim, who is our herdsman, said we shouldn’t put that kind of technology into something so old, so we looked into the cost and cash ow of a new barn,” Dieball said. The Dieballs were able to grow their milking herd from within, going from 150 to 190 cows. This saved money on purchasing replacements. With the help of their farm business management instructor, the Dieballs decided the project would include a new freestall barn, manure pit, three robots and automatic feed pushers and alley scrapers. Overall, the decision was fed by a lack of help. Dieball and his wife were aging, and milking, along with daily chores, was becoming too much. “In general, it boiled down to labor,” Dieball said. “It was hard to keep good employees. They always wanted to move on to something else, and we
couldn’t justify raising salaries or affording more because of our size.” When the time came to transition, the cows adapted well. “The animals were the least of our issues,” Dieball said. “We had some struggles with permitting and the weather. It’s hard to build a barn when it’s so wet.” Their milk production was up before the switch, and they never saw a drop-off, and now the cows are producing even more. Looking back, the rainy weather was a blessing in disguise for the Dieballs, as they were able to nish their harvest before the transition. “It would have been tough to try to move the cows and get the crop out at the same time, so it really was good, even though it was frustrating earlier in the year,” Dieball said. For Dieball, one of the hardest things to get used to was the change of Turn to DIEBALLS | Page 11
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 11
ConĆ&#x;nued from DIEBALLS | Page 10 routine. “Routines would change some from time to time as our milking herd increased, but never so abrupt as this,â€? he said. “There were times I’d stand in the barn and think, ‘OK, now what should I do?’ It just takes time. Once I got used to everything it was really nice.â€? Now, his regimen looks different. “I spend a lot more time in front of the computer rather than in the barn,â€? Dieball said. “I analyze all the data and have been working on improving our breeding program.â€? The Dieballs have been
able to change their reproduction management from an ovsynch protocol to get cows in heat to now watching the activity monitors. The type of cows they look for has changed to accommodate the new technology, as well. “Now we look for more cow that will milk fast, and high production is always better,� he said. As Dieball adjusts to his new role as a dairy farmer, he is excited to continue to learn how to analyze the data the robots give him to better his family’s farm.
DANNA SABOLIK/DAIRY STAR
A cow is milked with one of three robots April 17 at Dieball Dairy in Green Isle, Minn.
DANNA SABOLIK/DAIRY STAR
Karl Dieball stands next to one of his three roboĆ&#x;c milkers. The Dieballs considered implementing roboĆ&#x;c technology for eight years before the plans came to fruiĆ&#x;on.
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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
DAIRYING IN TOUGH TIMES
Simplistic approach keeps Schmitzes in business By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
Editor’s note: In this series, “Dairying in tough times,â€? Dairy Star is catching up with dairy farmers who began milking cows in the last ďƒžve years. These farmers are sharing how they have been able to weather the market conditions and why they see promise in today’s changing industry. ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Dairy farmers are continually evaluating their farming operations and making changes to best handle the market conditions. Derek and Taylor Schmitz have realized their success lies in what they have always done and capitalizing on available resources. “We’ve never farmed with good prices,â€? Derek said. “The best ďƒžnancial decision I’ve made was marrying my wife. Taylor makes sure we keep our inputs low.â€? The Schmitz couple milks 75 Fleckvieh crossbred cows on a rented farm site near St. Joseph, Minn. Derek began dairy farming with eight cows at the farm site in 2014. As he developed his dairy career, Derek relocated to Elmdale, Minn., where he milked 50 cows. Then, last spring, he and his wife returned to the Stearns County dairy farm and expanded to their current herd size. The Schmitzes dedicate their time to the dairy while Taylor also holds a parttime job off the farm. “We both milk and Derek does all the feeding while I take care of calves,â€? Taylor said.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Taylor and Derek Schmitz milk 75 cows on a rented farm site near St. Joseph, Minn. Derek began dairying in 2014, and the couple has capitalized on their available resources to remain in the industry. The Schmitzes graze their herd on 40 acres of irrigated pasture, rotating paddocks several times in a day. They also purchase hay from the landowner and minimize the purchase of additives for the ration. “We don’t push our cows to get
money quick,� Derek said. “Keeping feed costs low and grazing more has kept our small dairy competitive in the industry.� Taylor agreed. “We’re also cautious on our spending,� she said. “Right now, we don’t
have any major investments.â€? For the ďƒžrst few years of Derek’s career, he never used machinery for farm chores. Two years ago, he purchased his ďƒžrst tractor, the only piece of equipment Turn to SCHMITZES | Page 13
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 13
ConƟnued from SCHMITZES | Page 12 he and Taylor own. While the couple is always looking for areas to minimize expenses, they never short themselves in dairy cattle genetics. “It never pays to cut in one year which could set you back ve years,” Derek said. After extensively reading about the Fleckvieh breed, the Schmitzes wanted to focus on that breed for their temperament, low maintenance and component composition. Incorporating New Zealand Jerseys was a way Derek could use the animals’ grazing capabilities. The Jersey breed carries polled genetics, too. Derek also does not sacrice how he manages his heifers. After the youngstock are breeding age, they are moved to an 80-acre pasture near Elmdale, Minn. “On rented pasture, we gure we’re feeding them for $0.30 a day,” Derek said. “With a whole herd, we’re saving a lot.” Part of the Schmitzes’ success comes from their diligence in bookwork. They have an understanding of what they can afford, where they can eliminate expenses and what investments will be best for the farm’s protability in the future. For instance, corn and small grains are fed with no added protein. Derek did not notice a great difference in milk production when protein was being used, and he has been able to save thousands of dollars without it. “I like to pencil things out,” Derek said. “Honestly, it makes more sense for us to only milk nine months out of the year.” While the Schmitzes do not anticipate making that change, they do seasonally calve in the spring and fall to optimize labor and their forage resources during the growing season. “I’ve learned the more you can farm with nature, the easier farming gets,” Derek said. They also use nanny cows to nurse the calves. This group of animals is chosen based on their milk quality and docility. “Labor is the biggest reason we do this,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t make sense for us to take the time to milk high somatic cows in a bucket and then bottlefeed calves when we have milk available.” During chores, Taylor brings the calves out to the nanny cows. Typically, she pairs two calves with one cow. Other cows in the lactating herd are culled if they show any health problems which eliminates Derek’s need to treat. While Derek knows he is facing several challenges as a young dairy farmer in today’s industry, he is also condent in the work he is doing and has never secondguessed his chosen career. He continually learns more about dairy farming through listening. “I read a lot, I attend pasture walks and meetings, and I learn from other farmers’ mistakes,” Derek said. “I’ve kept a positive attitude, and I’ve surrounded myself with good people who also have the same mindset as me.” When Derek was in sixth grade, he wrote an autobiography of where he hoped he would be when he grew up. At the time, he wanted to milk 100 Jerseys. Despite the trials the young dairy farmer faces in the industry, Derek is humbled in what he has created for him and his family. Aside from dairy farming, the couple is establishing a market for selling beef, and will be adding eggs and sheep. In the future, the Schmitzes would like to further capitalize on the direct sale market with an onfarm creamery. “And the gospel truth is if I did what I thought I’d be doing, we would’ve been broke four years ago,” Derek said. “I’m proud of what we have. We are beating the odds.”
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
The Schmitzes milk Fleckvieh crossbreds for their temperament, low maintenance and components.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 15
From Our Side Of The Fence How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming?
Keith Schelling Orange City, Iowa Sioux County 200 cows Describe your farm. I am the third generation on our farm. We farm about 400 acres along with the dairy, doing most of the work ourselves. We have not needed to hire any outside help. We keep it handled with my dad and mom, myself and my wife, and my two brothers. We feed our baby calves and raise our heifers. We raise our steer calves to 400-500 pounds and sell them. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? We make sure any nonnecessary purchases are either cash ďƒ&#x;ow positive or will help us be more efďƒžcient. We try to trim down as much as we can without sacriďƒžcing cow comfort and production, and since we are all owner operators we decided to lower our wages, as well. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I cope with the stress of dairy farming a few different ways. Playing with my kids, date nights with my wife, hanging out with friends and family, reading, and I occasionally go ďƒžshing. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? I look to my wife. She is a good listener and helps me deal with problems. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? The only hobbies or pastimes I engage in on a regular basis are the same as mentioned above. I try to maintain a positive attitude and be thankful for what I have. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? We are fortunate enough to be able to have a few weeks vacation every year. We enjoy camping as a family, and we have relatives in several states and Canada we try to visit on occasion. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farm-
Betty Soens Cloverdale, Minn. Pine County 40 cows Describe your farm. We live on my husband’s home farm where I milk 40 cows in a tiestall barn. We raise our replacements and feed out our steers. We plant 75 acres of corn and have 225 acres of alfalfa hay. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? There are no extras. We are making due with what we have. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I look around and am very proud of the farm we have built. It makes me smile. Tomorrow is another day. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? My grandchildren. They always have a smile and a hug for grandma. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? Spending time with my family, grandkids and friends. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? We do not. I have never been anyplace that I have enjoyed more than the farm. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Hang in there if you can. It can be tough, but if you enjoy your job, life is good.
ers? Don’t forget to take care of yourself and your family. The cows are important, but at the end of the day your family matters more.
Larry Stich Randall, Minn. Morrison County 400 cows Describe your farm. We milk 400 cows and run 120 beef cows. We ďƒžnish the beef feeders and raise 225 Holstein steers. For crops, we raise corn and alfalfa. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? To deal with the challenges of the current industry, we have had to manage the farm more closely in every area so there is no waste. We have had to become more efďƒžcient. I’m always thinking of ways we can cut back to save money without hurting our operation. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? The way I deal with stress is by making sure I go to church every Sunday. And, I don’t try to think of the low prices. I focus on what I need to get done each day. That keeps my mind off the bad economy. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? The ďƒžrst person I turn to in difďƒžcult times is the Lord because He is the one who will show me the right way. I also look to my wife and kids because they bring me happiness. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? To alleviate stress, I like to watch old TV shows like The Dukes of Hazzard and the original MacGyver. Or, I will take a nap. I also like to drive around to places with my wife. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? In the summer, my family and I like to spend time away from the farm by going to church bazaars. In the winter, we like to go to the movies. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Take it one day at a time. Keep focused on what you are doing. Relax and try to stay calm when things aren’t going so well. Take a step back. And, never give up.
Jeremy Holst (shown with wife Jessi and daughter Adalida) Lake City, Minn. Wabasha County 100 cows Describe your farm. We calve seasonally with a mix of breeds in the spring and fall. We use our land for pasture and to raise forages and hay. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? It has increased my mental and physical stress. It is depression mode at times. There is little to no family time with my wife, Jessi, and our daughter, Adalida. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? Family, friends and neighbors are great to have during difďƒžcult times. Who are people you look to in difďƒžcult times? My dad. He was my hero, and I try to have the same work and farm ethic as him. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? Hobbies have been discontinued. There is no time available. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? We do not have a lot of time together. I try to help with bedtime and then head back to the dairy to keep working. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Sellout if your heart and mind is not capable. It is not worth the stress, anguish and heartache. If you truly want to be a dairy farmer, good luck, work hard, do not be dumb with your money and start preparing for the next downturn in dairy because it is not that many years away. Fight the good battles, keep the family farm and rural countryside alive, and do not let the industry become consolidated and corporate run. Turn to OUR SIDE | Page 16
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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Randy Roecker Loganville, Wis. Sauk County 350 cows Describe your farm. I own Roecker’s Rolling Acres LLC along with my parents, Gerald and Margaret Roecker. My daughter, Ryanne Hiner, and her husband, James, also work on our family farm. She graduated from Platteville with a degree in animal science with a dairy emphasis. James graduated from Fennimore Technical College in tractor repair and welding. My son, Ross Roecker, also helps on the farm when needed. We farm 750 acres of alfalfa and corn. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? Our farm is faced with the same challenges as all other dairy farms across the country. We have trimmed and cut back to the point where there is nothing left to cut. Stress levels are high daily and can be hard to deal with at times. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I am fortunate I have connections to a lot of people in the dairy business world who can help me. I reach out to them to bounce ideas back and forth if nothing else. Who are people you look to in difcult times? My friends throughout the industry. They have been so supportive of me when I faced the struggles of depression myself. Just being there for someone as a good listener is sometimes enough. Farmers can feel alone and isolated many times so being a good friend and listener is important. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? I like to go out to eat at new restaurants. Being a foodie can be fun. I am fortunate to attend many meetings throughout the year. While in those areas, I love to experience that region and culture. I also love going to Chicago for musicals, having seen many of the top shows. Frank Lloyd Wright’s home is a short distance from my farm, and I like reading about his life and architecture. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? Spending time away from the farm can be challenging. I get away for meetings often but my parents, daughter and her husband struggle with taking time off. This is an area we are addressing to allow them to get away. It helps to rebuild a person in more ways than one. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? We must remain positive. I struggle with this myself, but it’s all we can hold on to. Things have to get better after so many years of low prices. Just remember we are all in this together.
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Marshall Korn Atwater, Minn. Kandiyohi County 55 cows Describe your farm. I farm with my wife, Melanie, and our two sons, Samuel, 8, and Eli, 3. We are a rst-generation dairy farm. We started in the fall of 2005 and milk 55 cows – Guernsey, Jersey and Milking Shorthorn. We own our 20-acre farm site and cash rent 100, acres as well as crop share an additional 50 acres. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? Money is tight and in short supply. We try to maintain everything we have to the best of our ability whether it is machinery or buildings. None of them are new, but they work. Until prices get better, we will not upgrade anything we do not have to. We do not need any more debt than we already have. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? I enjoy talking with dairy farmers and my family. This life can be tough, especially when it seems like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. But, God made me a dairy farmer, and I love what I do. Even on the worst days, there is still nothing better than going to the barn with my family and doing what we have always done, taking care of the blessing God has given us. Who are people you look to in difcult times? My wife and I have been blessed to nd more people than I can count who have been there to support us. The Lord Jesus and my family, for without them I would be lost with no hope. My dad passed away ve years ago, so my mom and brothers are always there to talk to. I have a group of friends who also farm who are there to talk to or lend a hand. I also have a group of college friends who I can call on for support. I had the pleasure of working for two dairymen before we started our own farm. I worked for Brian and Heather Howe for seven years, and Bill and Merri Post. They are always an encouragement to me. Dan and Sarah Roerick, Zach Rada and Clint Benson have been my go-to with all my crazy ideas. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? The cows are my hobby. There is still nothing better than milking. I do like wood working and driving around the countryside with my wife looking at barns. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? My wife and I try to go away one to three times a year to Wisconsin. We also try to take the boys on a trip for a day or two in the summer or fall. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? It says in Proverbs 3: 5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” This is how I live my life. In tough times, it is even more important to lean on God. Dairy farming has never been an easy life and never will be. But, for those who are willing to sacrice some of what this world offers for the love and drive God puts in us, our reward will be great.
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Anne Jones Ridgeway, Wis. Iowa County 80 cows Describe your farm. Jones Valley Jerseys is a family operation. There are three generations in the barn on any given day. We farm with my husband’s family, milking cows, raising the youngstock and running roughly 240 acres of land. We have little outside help so everyone wears many hats. How have the challenges of the current industry affected you and your farm? We have had a difcult time doing anything extra, and truthfully it’s been hard at times to even get the necessities completed when and how they should be. Due the current state of the industry, we are stretching everything to try and get by until things turn up or at least even out. How do you cope with the stress of dairy farming? Looking at the perspective of things and how we decide to react. Finances are stressful right now. But, we try to balance the stress out with nding the pure joy in a new life born on the farm or seeing the rye turn the bottom green in the spring. Coping can be made easier if you try to keep the why of what you are doing at the center. Don’t forget why you love dairy farming in the rst place. Who are people you look to in difcult times? Evan and I often nd ourselves talking of farms that have been farming for many generations or even farmers who are towards retirement age. We try to remind ourselves of the hardships they had to go through and also that those farms weren’t built overnight. We’re running a marathon, not a sprint. What hobbies or pastimes do you have to help alleviate stress? I am a huge advocate for self-care. Read a book for 15 minutes a day, take the time to soak in a bath once a week, or I may decide to do a small sewing project and put off the dishes a smidge longer. After all, what is life without a little or a lot of fun? My husband is good at putting up with my love of hobby animals. We recently got a few goat kids. I brought home chicks on a complete whim, and we’ve raised pigs for butchering for our freezer the last few years. I think having all the animals lets us enjoy the farm beyond the cows and reminds us of all the various ways the farm does benet us. How do you and your family spend time away from the farm? The kids and I go on little day adventures to the petting farm, to the zoo, play dates, etc. When we go off the farm as a family, you might nd us at a sale or show. We also see importance in non-dairy related events as a chance to not think farming at all. Dinner and a movie can do wonders for the soul. What words of encouragement do you have for fellow dairy farmers? Check your attitude. You can’t control every situation, but we can always control our reactions to them. Try to stay positive. Look for the silver lining. Let go, embrace the crazy and try to hold on for the ride. Trust that it will work out how it is supposed to. Put your trust in God’s plan through prayer. His plan may not match our plans or wants and needs, but try and trust that everything turns out as it should.
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KC Dairies boast 33% pregnancy rate KC Dairies, LLP Elkton, S.D. Brookings County 2,000 cows
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What was your average pregnancy rate last year? Our average pregnancy rate was 33%.
What is your rst service conception rate? Our rst service conception rate is 57% on the cows and 54% for our heifers.
What is your voluntary waiting period for cows? For heifers? Our voluntary waiting
What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? We
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
The management team at KC Dairies, LLP includes (from le�) maintenance manager Craig Gulbranson, office manager Jared Gustafson, owners Clodagh and Edward Kavanagh, and herd manager Daniel Flores. Last fall, the Dairy Ca�le Reproduc�on Council gave KC Dairies a Silver Award for reproduc�ve efficiency, fer�lity and management. The dairy is located in Elkton, S.D. use a double Ovsynch on all of our cows. JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
The herd of 2,000 Holsteins at KC Dairies are milked three �mes a day in a double-28 herringbone parlor. It takes the crew nearly 7.5 hours to complete each milking.
How do you observe for heat? We paint the tail heads daily and visually observe for signs of heat. For the rst service, we
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Turn to KC DAIRIES | Page 20
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 19
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SPADGENSKE DAIRY, MENAHGA, MINNESOTA Mark and Mike Spadgenske and families 300 cows, 75 lbs 3.9F 3.2P, SCC consistently below 200,000 Mark and Kristine Spadgenske with Adam, Kate and Seth at the 2019 Central Plains Dairy Expo. Not pictured is oldest son Ryan as well as Mark’s brother Mike and son John.
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Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Con�nued from KC DAIRIES | Page 18
What is your breeding philosophy? How do you select bulls? What traits do you focus on? Does fertility play a role in bull selection? Our philosophy is that everything must be bred. We will give sick or lame animals a longer waiting period to recover before we try to breed them. We choose our sires base on net merit, components and conformation. Fertility certainly does play a role in our sire selections. We are looking at fertility more now than in the past. How are cows and heifers bred? Do you have a different philosophy for breeding both? On heifers, we consider the size, weight and the age of the animals. With cows, we
are looking at sires that will improve milk production and overall health. What do you do to settle hard breeders? We don’t have many hard breeders, but we will use a CIDR when we need to. We use sexed semen for the rst two services, then switch to beef bulls for the third service and beyond. We have gotten more aggressive with culling hard breeders. How many times do you try to breed a cow before you sell her? It depends on the cow. If she’s a good producer, we may let her go anywhere from 200 to 300 days in milk before we give up. We also look at her past lactations to see if we want her back. JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
Daniel Flores, herd manager at KC Dairies, keeps tabs on the herd’s reproduc�ve status with a computer. A�er working as a milker for several years, Flores was promoted to herd manager two years ago.
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
Cows are chalked with paint for heat detec�on at KC Dairies. Different paint colors are used in different pens in case two groups of cows become mixed together.
Is there anything you have done or changed that brought about a signicant improvement in your reproductive program? The most important change was increasing our attention to details. We also changed our transition facility from outside lots to indoor housing. We have increased our voluntary waiting period from 50 to 70 days and plan to increase it further to 80 days. We are lengthening the dry period from 45 days to 60 days. Our breeding program became much more successful when
we went off BST three years ago. And, we are constantly working on improving cow comfort. Tell us about your farm. This dairy was built in 1996. It is not a thing of beauty on the outside, but we are getting good performance on the inside. Last fall, we received a silver award from the Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council for reproductive efciency, fertility and management. In 2018, our herd averaged 89 pounds per head per day of fat-corrected
milk. Our SCC ranges between 130,000 and 160,000, and we are averaging 155 days in milk. We started raising our own heifers two years ago. We bring our heifers into the dairy barn at 22 months of age and weighing 1,400 pounds. None of these achievements would be possible without the great crew of people we have here. We all work together and care for each other.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 21
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ARTICULATED 4WD TRACTORS 4 JD 8760, 1991, Duals, 5600 hrs., # 158144 ................................. $36,900 2 Case IH STX440, 2001, Power Shift, Duals, 5949 hrs., #156666 ...................................................................................... $89,500 17 JD 9370R, 2015, Power Shift, Duals, Guidance-ready, 950 hrs., #154699 .................................................................................... $219,500 7 JD 9520R, 2015, Power Shift, Duals, PTO, Guidance-ready, Heavy Duty Gudgeon, 922 hrs., #158096................................... $289,500 1 JD 9410R, 2014, Power Shift, Duals, 1561 hrs., #146677.......... $219,500 5 JD 9510R, 2014, Power Shift, Duals, Guidance-ready, 891 hrs., #157912 .................................................................................... $239,000 5 JD 9470R, 2016, Power Shift, Duals, Guidance-ready, Heavy Duty Gudgeon, 847 hrs., #158093................................... $259,500 8 JD 9570R, 2017, Power Shift, Duals, 748 hrs., #150670............ $355,900 14 JD 9630, 2009, Power Shift, Triples, Guidance-ready, 3918 hrs., #151999 .................................................................................... $154,900 BOX DRILLS 5 JD 455, 1999, Width: 30, Spacing: 10”, #150258 ......................... $18,900 11 JD 455, 2018, Configuration: Folding, Width: 30, Spacing: 7.5”, #143110 ...................................................................................... $63,900 14 Great Plains 2000-3275, 2015, #157104 ................................. $22,000 DISKS 10 Kewanee 1177, Size: 25 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #157880 .........................................................................................$5,900 10 JD 110, #155401............................................................................$2,000 1 JD 2623, 2013, Size: 33 ft, #149511............................................ $39,500 1 Wishek 862-LNT, 2013, #155304 .............................................. $52,900 9 Sunflower 1434, 2002, Size: 35 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #157886 ...................................................................................... $22,000 16 Wishek 862NT, 2012, Size: 30 ft, #144471 ................................ $49,500 16 JD 2625, 2013, Size: 42 ft, Spacing: 11”, #151841....................... $38,500 14 JD 2625, 2012, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Spacing: 11”, #144464 . $32,900 14 EZEE-ON 8700, 2010, Size: 42 ft, #145714 ................................. $32,900 FIELD CULTIVATORS 4 JD 960, 1994, Size: 36 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #148486 .........................................................................................$7,500 2 JD 980, 2004, Size: 44 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157566 ..................................................................................... $19,900 10 JD 1010, Size: 25.5 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #151724 .........................................................................................$3,495 10 JD 1010, Size: 31 ft, #150876 ........................................................$2,825 10 JD 960, 1994, Size: 26 ft, #148845.................................................$5,500 10 JD 960, 1989, Size: 27 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157465 .........................................................................................$5,900 7 JD 960, 1988, Size: 44 ft, Standards: C-Shank, #150157 ................$7,215 1 Case IH 200, 2011, Size: 50.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #158088 ..................................................... $34,900 1 Glencoe 3500, Size: 25 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, #157470 ........$4,900 1 JD 2210, 2011, #155650............................................................. $29,900 1 Case IH 690, 2014, #155651 ...................................................... $18,900 12 JD 1000, 1978, #156035................................................................$3,950 15 JD 2210, 2013, Size: 55.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157827 ..................................................................................... $57,900
58,500
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15 DMI TIGERMATE II, Size: 54 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157729 ....................................................................... $12,900 9 JD 960, 1992, Size: 38 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #157887 ........................................................................................$5,500 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, #155901................. $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154509 ..................................................... $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154511 ..................................................... $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154510 ..................................................... $59,400 16 Case IH TIGERMATE 200, 2014, Size: 60 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154507 ..................................................... $59,400 8 JD 2210, 2009, Size: 53 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154393 ..................................................................................... $48,000 8 JD 2210, 2014, Size: 55.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154394 ...................................................................................... $58,500 8 JD 2210, 2009, Size: 50.5 ft, Kind: 5-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #154537 ...................................................................................... $43,500 14 JD 980, 1997, Size: 26 ft, Kind: 3-Section Folding, Standards: C-Shank, #153320 ........................................................$9,900 14 JD 980, 1998, #156455 ............................................................... $14,430 PLANTERS: DRAWN 4 JD 1775NT, 2018, 16R30, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #150736 ............$169,000 4 JD 1760, 2013, #156200............................................................. $52,500 10 JD 1770NT, 2014, #156928 ........................................................ $89,900 17 JD 1765, 2015, #155243............................................................. $54,500 7 White 6322, #156848................................................................ $18,900 6 Great Plains YP2425, 2007, 24R30, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, #152236 $65,000 15 JD DB66, 2008, #155284 .......................................................... $139,900 9 JD 1770, 2001, 16R30, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 1.6 Bushel, #157770 ...................................................... $34,000 9 JD DB60, 2014, #156907 .......................................................... $159,000 16 JD DB66, 2008, #156834 .......................................................... $132,500 11 JD 1775NT, 2018, 16R30, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #140328 .............. $149,500 11 JD 1750, 1997, 6R30, Frame: Rigid, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 3.0 Bushel, Row Command: No, #157881..........................$4,000 8 JD DB44, 2018, Rows: 24, Row Spacing: 22 in, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: Central Fill System, Row Command, #150773 .................................................................................... $179,500 8 JD DB44, 24R22, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 1.6 Bushel, Row Command: No, #157752....................... $21,900 14 JD DB44, 2006, 24R22, Frame: Flex Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 3.0 Bushel, #157732 ...................................................... $52,000 14 JD 1780, 1999, #155446............................................................. $33,500 PLANTERS: INTEGRAL 17 JD 7300, 1990, 12R30, Frame: Wing Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 3.0 Bushel, #157581 .........................................................$8,500 7 White 5100, #155511...................................................................$6,700 16 White 6722, 16R22, Frame: Wing Fold, Metering System: Vacuum, Hopper: 1.6 Bushel, Row Command: No, #157535....................... $11,900
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Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
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The 60 second prime-time radio stories can be heard on all of RRFN’s 20 stations throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota starting the week of April 8. In addition, the in-depth podcasts can be found at www.rrfn.com/transfarmation. TransFARMation is supported by a grant from the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, and by AgCountry Farm Credit Services, Minnesota Corn Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, North Dakota Corn Growers Association, North Dakota Farmers Union, North Dakota Soybean Council, North Dakota Wheat Commission, and Prairie St. John’s. Broadcasts are solely the responsibility of the creators and do not necessarily represent the ofcial views of the CDC, NIOSH, or the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems, the free and condential Minnesota Farm & Rural Helpline is available 24 hours, seven days a week at 833-6002670.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 23
Tiestall barn adopts parlor style milking Plymouth farmer’s design makes chore easier on knees By Stacey Smart Contributing Writer
PLYMOUTH, Wis. – When the physical demands of milking in a tiestall barn became too much for Bob Huibregtse of Plymouth, Wis., he invented a new way to milk cows in a traditional facility. “My knees were getting bad, and I knew I had to do something different if I wanted to continue milking cows,” Huibregtse said. Huibregtse had no desire to build a parlor, and, with houses encroaching on the farm from nearly all sides, expansion was not an option for this family farm located on the outskirts of town. To alleviate his aches and pains, Huibregtse introduced the concept of parlor style milking into a tiestall barn he built in 2008. The stalls are raised approximately 20 inches off the ground in the 58-stall barn, bringing cows up to a higher position that requires minimal bending and no squatting. The pipeline is located above the cows at the rear, and a cable is strung near the
pipeline on which to hang the milking units. Cows’ teats are cleaned from the back, and the milkers are attached from behind. Huibregtse’s idea made it possible for him to keep milking cows on a daily basis. Without the new design, which eliminates the repetitive bending and squatting that can damage a person’s knees over time, milking cows every day would not have been an option for Huibregtse. “I dreamed up the idea while working construction,” said Huibregtse, who in addition to farming, also worked for C.D. Smith, a commercial construction company out of Fond du Lac, Wis. “I was going to build a regular tiestall barn at rst then thought, why not this?” But, his concept received criticism. “Everyone said it wouldn’t work,” Huibregtse said. “But, that’s what happens whenever you do anything different. I was told that no one had ever done this before. People said cows would kick if you came at them from behind, and the units would get dirty.” Even the guys who in-
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Alex Huibregtse a�aches the milking machine from behind at his family’s dairy farm near Plymouth, Wis. Like his father, he prefers this milking setup over tradi�onal �estall milking because it is easier, requires less bending, and results in fewer kicked-off milkers. stalled the pipeline had their doubts and told Huibregtse they would have to come back and move it in two weeks. But, they never did. Huibregtse’s design worked without a hitch. Ten years later, he nds no drawbacks to the system. And since modifying his milking technique, the pain in Huibregtse’s knees has disappeared.
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“It’s easier, and you can milk faster,” Huibregtse said. “You don’t have to go in by the cows because everything is done from behind. Units are rarely kicked off or get dirty, nor do we ever really get kicked. It’s not for everyone though. Your cows have to be pretty calm to make this work.” The slick design is one that both Huibregtse and his cows
seem to love. He said the cows are relaxed and content, not at all ustered by being milked from the back rather than from the side. And despite the higher elevation, cows have no problem entering their stalls. “They walked right in the rst time,” Huibregtse said. Turn to HUIBREGTSES | Page 25
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Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 25
ConƟnued from HUIBREGTSES | Page 23 “They didn’t even hesitate.” Clean cows are a must for Huibregtse who beds with a combination of sand and sawdust and keeps his somatic cell count at 50,000 or less. Cows are milked twice a day and average 80 pounds of milk per cow per day. From 2002-08, cows averaged over 100 pounds per day when the Huibregtses milked three times daily. Butterfat ranges from 3.75% to 4% and protein is around 3.2%. The mostly registered herd is predominantly black and white Holstein with some red and whites mixed in. Huibregtse farms with his wife, Debby, and their two sons, Adam and Alex. They milk 150 cows and farm 270 acres, raising mostly corn silage. The couple also has three married daughters – Amy and Mike Lewis, Abby and Dan Bauer, and Ashley and Scott Andre. In 2008, Ashley was named Alice in Dairyland. Adam, a graduate of the University of WisconsinMadison Short Course, and Alex, who graduated from University of Wisconsin-River Falls, returned after college and hope to take the farm over some day. The Huibregtses have four grandchildren as well – Michael, 3 1/2, Delaney, 2 1/2, Claire, 21 months and Joseph, 9 months – and another one on the way.
“I like milking cows. To me, it’s the fundamental part of being a dairy farmer.” BOB HUIBREGTSE, DAIRY FARMER
“The kids all grew up working on the farm through college,” Huibregtse said. “They did a lot around here and helped make this farm what it is today.” The Huibregtses also milk 92 head in an adjoining tiestall barn equipped with a traditional milking setup. However, Huibregtse only milks in the newer barn. Alex helps him while Debby and Adam milk in the original barn. Alex helps his mom and brother nish up when he and his dad are done milking while Huibregtse starts feeding. “I really enjoy milking in the rear milking barn,” Alex said. “In fact, I prefer it over the traditional barn because of the ease of milking. There is less bending,
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Cows are milked from behind in the 58-stall Ɵestall barn that was specially designed by Bob Huibregtse to make milking easier on his knees. The unique design requires minimal bending and no squaƫng. fewer kicked off milkers, and most cows seem to milk out more consistently. Like any setup, there are pros and cons, but I’m honestly still amazed at how good it works every day. You really have to see it to believe it.” The Huibregtses shufe cows between barns and stall types to maximize production and t the needs of incoming fresh cows. Almost all of their rst lactation animals start in the newer barn. The Huibregtses like milking fresh heifers in the newer barn because it is harder for the cows to kick off the machine, and most stand well within a few days. “It’s nothing special,” Huibregtse said of his sim-
plistic design. “I didn’t do anything that anyone else couldn’t do. It’s kind of like a big, at-barn parlor. If I was younger, I would do the other barn this way, too.” But right now, this is working for the Huibregtse family. “I believe that family farms should’ve stayed the way they were where the farmer and his family milked the majority of the cows, just like my family and I do,” Huibregtse said. “I like milking cows. To me, it’s the fundamental part of being a dairy farmer. That’s why building a barn I could continue milking in was so important.”
Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
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Higher limits now available on USDA farm loans Higher limits are now available for borrowers interested in United States Department of Agriculture farm loans, which help agricultural producers purchase farms or cover operating expenses. The 2018 farm bill increased the amount that producers can FSA News & Notes borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available through the USDA Farm Service Agency and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans. “As natural disasters, trade disruptions and persistent pressure on comBy Ryan Brunn modity prices continue to Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. impact agricultural operations, farm loans become increasingly important to farmers and ranchers,” said Richard Fordyce, FSA administrator. “The 2018 farm bill provides increased loan limits and more exibility to farm loans, which gives producers more access to credit when they need it most.” Key changes include: - The direct operating loan limit increased from $300,000 to $400,000, and the guaranteed operating loan limit increased from $ 1.429 million to $1.75 million. Operating loans help producers pay for normal operating expenses, including machinery and equipment, seed, livestock feed and more. - The direct farm ownership loan limit increased from $300,000 to $600,000, and the guaranteed farm ownership loan limit increased from $1.429 million to $1.75 million. Farm ownership loans help producers become owner-operators of family farms as well as improve and expand current operations. - Producers can now receive both a $50,000 farm ownership microloan and a $50,000 operating microloan. Previously, microloans were limited to a combined $50,000. Microloans provide exible access to credit for small, beginning, niche and non-traditional farm operations. - Producers who previously received debt forgiveness as part of an approved FSA restructuring plan are now eligible to apply for emergency loans. Previously, these producers were ineligible. - Beginning and socially disadvantaged producers can now receive up to a 95% guarantee against the loss of principal and interest on a loan, up from 90%. Direct farm loans, which include microloans and emergency loans, are nanced and serviced by FSA, while guaranteed farm loans are nanced and serviced by commercial lenders. For guaranteed loans, FSA provides a guarantee against possible nancial loss of principal and interest. For more information on FSA farm loans, visit https://www.fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA service center. 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.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 27
Moving forward by thinking differently Earlier this month, I had the privilege to gather with dairy farmer leaders from across our region for Midwest Dairy’s annual meeting. Despite challenging times, the positive energy was palpable, and the dairy farmers who attended were eager to share ideas and network. In my opening remarks, I challenged the group to stretch themselves and think creatively about innovative ideas to bring dairy to life with industry partners and thought leaders. Simply put, I told By Lucas Lentsch them, “What got us here, CEO, Midwest Dairy won’t get us there.” If the industry wants to move forward, it is imperative we consider approaches to building consumer trust and driving demand for dairy. The landscape around us is changing, and we must change with it. It is no different than the approach dairy farmers are taking to keep their farms sustainable into the future. Fueled by this spirit of innovation, I also highlighted the important lesson of focusing on what we can control, such as building relationships and broadcasting dairy’s positive nutrition and sustainability story. In the same vein, I emphasized the importance of letting issues that we cannot control – dairy economics, trade policy and even weather – fall to the wayside so they do not distract our industry from achieving its goals. With these thoughts in mind, Midwest Dairy is driving innovation and new approaches throughout our region. We are building on the success of our school foodservice relationships, encouraging partners to make a wider variety of dairy products available to students at times throughout the day. We also continue to provide insights and expertise to our retail partners to help them stay relevant with their customers and maximize dairy sales in their stores. Focusing on dairy provides a signicant opportunity for retailers because statistics show that while only 3% of store shelf space is allocated to refrigerated dairy, the category contributes to 10% of store
D i aisle Dairy i l reinvention i i iis one tactic that has proven to fuel increased sales.
erman, CEO of Dairy Alliance. All three leaders embody innovation and creativity, particularly when it comes to implementing the national marketing plan while tailoring it to meet the local needs of their states and regions. Dairy West represents Utah and Idaho, two high-producing states with a lot of resources; Wisconsin yields a high volume of cheese; and Dairy Alliance, which covers the southeast, is rich in foodservice partnerships. While offering unique dairy industry perspectives from around the nation, the panelists discussed strategies that unite dairy promotion and the foundation for collaboration that is being built to maximize dairy farmers’ investment in activities that build consumer trust and increase sales in dairy.
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sales and 20% of store prots. By working with about 25 key partners from across the retail industry, including grocery chains, independent retailers, fuel and convenience stores as well as e-commerce outlets, Midwest Dairy aims to help retailers bring dairy to life, particularly in the dairy aisle where most consumers rst experience dairy. Dairy aisle reinvention is one tactic that has proven to fuel increased sales. Where it has been implemented, there have been sales gains of 5% to 13%. During the annual meeting, I also moderated a panel discussion with three fellow checkoff leaders: Karianne Fallow, CEO of Dairy West, Chad Vincent, CEO of Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin and Doug Ack-
The three also agreed on the need to understand and focus on consumers to continue to build dairy demand in an ever-changing marketplace. They discussed how maximizing the dairy experience of consumers builds trust in dairy products and builds the brand of the industry. A win for our industry is when a consumer buys our product, and this only happens when a consumer values the product enough to buy it with his or her hard earned money. It was rewarding to gather at the annual meeting with so many leaders focused on building demand and trust in dairy and to listen as dairy farmers embraced the idea of thinking differently. I look forward to building on the momentum we generated and helping the industry continue its path from here to there.
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www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130
Be a mentor, lease a calf
Hugh Chester-Jones chest001@umn.edu 507-835-3622 Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184
One of the greatest rewards in life is to be able make a difference in someone else’s life. Show season is just around the corner, and you can play an inuential role in a youth’s learning experience by leasing out a few calves. The two more prominent youth organizations in Minnesota are the 4-H and FFA programs. To be involved in 4-H, a youth must be in kindergarten and can participate until one year past high school. For FFA, in order to show at the Minnesota State Fair FFA Show, a student must either be an incoming ninth grade student or have completed a course in a grade 9-12 agriculture education program for the current year and can be active until 21 years of age. Both 4-H and FFA have lease programs for youth inBy Brenda Miller terested in showing livestock. The Minnesota 4-H program recognizUniversity of MN es the educational value of participating in animal science projects. Minnesota 4-H allows the leasing of animal science projects to encourage a greater number of members to have the opportunity to experience the showing of livestock projects. This program is designed to make it possible for a 4-H member to have a non-owned 4-H project that can be exhibited at county fairs, Minnesota State Fair 4-H Show, and other youth or open exhibitions. The 4-H member will gain hands on experience in managing and showing the 4-H animal science projects through the cooperation and mentorship of local animal owners. Animals must be identied by May 15. Market animals are not eligible for the lease program because they are a terminal project. In order to show in the Minnesota State Fair FFA Show as a participant of the Minnesota FFA lease program, there is a form that needs to be lled out by the member and livestock owner, and signed by the member’s ag teacher/advisor. As the owner of the animal, it is important to set rules, responsibilities and expectations for the youth. The youth is responsible for completing the identication process for the animal through the 4-H or FFA program by the ID deadline. You will need to work with them to provide information on the animal: birthdate, ofcial ID number, sire, dam, registered/grade, etc. Some rules and expectations of the youth may include, but are not limited to: learning to care, groom, train, feed and overall management practices of the animal. They should be at your farm multiple times to learn these things, not only show up on May 15 and then again the day before the fair. You may have expectations that they will need to work a few hours each week to learn more about the workings of a dairy farm and how that impacts them. When it comes to showing and grooming supplies, you will have to discuss who purchases what (if you do not already have it) and how to properly maintain equipment such as clippers, blowers, fans and washing/grooming equipment. There are so many youth who are eager to learn something new but maybe do not have the overall knowledge of a particular
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
PHOTO SUBMITTED
AJ Neil, Molly (Neil) Kappers, Doug Petzel and Brenda (Nelson) Miller parƟcipate in the 2006 MN State Fair FFA Ayrshire Show in St. Paul, Minn. AJ and Molly parƟcipated in both the 4-H and FFA lease programs for many years. species or physical facilities to house a large animal. Or, maybe they want to be involved but their parents recently sold the cows, and they are now looking to lease some animals from an area farmer. Maybe you have a neighbor kid who needs to do something other than playing video games all summer long or another who could use a constant, stable and supportive environment in their life. You may be that outlet for those kids. My parents leased calves to many kids who t some of these molds, and being at the farm with my parents as mentors completely changed and enhanced their lives for the better. One summer, my parents leased a calf to a high school 4-H student who had no farm experience other than visiting our farm. She ended up leasing calves for two summers to show at the county fair. To this day, every time I see her, it somehow comes up in conversation. She always says it was the absolute best experience of her life, how much she learned and how it has positively impacted her even now as an adult. Others have come to our farm who needed a stable environment to be in and ended up with great mentors, learned responsibility by taking care of their fair calf and helping around the farm, and were able to experience life lessons along the way. If a youth approaches you about the possibility of leasing a calf to show for the summer, do not say no. Or, if you know a kid who could benet from the life lessons of caring for a calf, say so. Be their mentor. You can make a difference in their life. If you are new to the show ring and need some guidance on procedures, you can contact me, your Extension ofce, FFA instructor/advisor or the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association, and we can point you in the right direction. Best wishes this show season.
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Spring pasture prep It is ofcially spring after a long winter, a challenging March and one nasty April snowstorm. As we see the last of the snow melt away, it is time for dairy farmers who graze their cows to start thinking about their pastures. With everything else that may be happening in the spring, it is still important to give some attention to pastures and make sure you are ready for another grazing season. Here are some of my top tips for pasture preparation: - Take some time to consider past grazing seasons. Some By Emily Wilmes questions you may want to ask University of MN include: What has worked? What has not worked? How has the weather affected your grazing? Are there paddocks that have needed extra attention? Were there any goals you made at the end of last season for this season? Was there something new you wanted to try? Thinking about the past can help you plan for the future and ensure good productivity in the coming grazing season. Take the time to sit down with everyone who works on the pasture to brainstorm ideas. - Make repairs. Before letting cows out, walk the fence line of your pastures. Make note of weak or broken areas and what you will need to strengthen or repair them. Then, gather the supplies you need and repair the spots you noted. Also, if you use an electric fence, make sure it is working properly to avoid any unnecessary risks. Call your electric co-op if you have questions or concerns. Do a nal walk of the fence line to make sure you did not miss anything. Good fences not only make good neighbors, but they also make good pasture management by keeping cows in and large wildlife out. - Clean up your pastures. Walk the pastures in search of anything that should not be there. Trash, debris, rocks and fallen tree limbs should all be cleaned up to prevent any hazards to the cows. This is a step that may take some time, especially after all of the storms and high winds we dealt with over winter. However, it is a step that should not be skipped as it is crucial to not only animal health but overall pasture health as well. - Work on establishment of new seedings. You may have seeded down some pastures last fall or done some early frost seeding. Get out to those seedings as soon as you can to check their progress and to see if the fall seedings have fared well through the winter. Remember that new seedings cannot take the same stress as older stands. As you get into the grazing season, work the new stands in gradually and monitor them for progress and make adjustments as necessary. Taking good care of the new stands now ensures they will be high producing stands in future seasons. - Think water. If you have water lines in your paddocks, check them for damage and make any needed repairs. Also, consider how water is set up. In your reection from last season, you may have realized waterers need to be moved. In particular, think about moving tanks that have been in an area that gets muddy easily. You should try to prevent animals from standing in mud as much as possible, so moving water lines and tanks is a good way to reduce that risk. If you are planning new water lines, consider how water tanks are laid out among paddocks and if there is a way to put them near each other to reduce the number of separate lines you need. - Survey your current pasture situation. Are your pastures extra muddy from the snowmelt? You may need to create a sacrice area to hold cattle to prevent them from ripping up the entire pasture. Are your paddocks accessible? Make sure the layout of your pasture makes sense and allows for ease movement of cattle and managing the land. Also think about paddock size in relation to your herd and how often cows will be rotated. It goes without saying that spring is a busy time of year. However, do not ignore your cow pastures. Planning and preparing your pastures will ensure they are productive all season long.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 29
Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Training days I always enjoy adventure, so it is only tting that will demonstrate there are times when a guy would when it came to choosing a mate I settled on the ulti- have been better off to keep his big mouth shut. mate dairy farmer challenge: I married a city girl. Take what happened one spring day some years This adventure proved to be much more trying ago. My wife was doing laundry when I saw her toss than I could have ever imagwhat appeared to be a tatined. Over the decades, I tered old grease rag into the My wife if was d doing i llaundry d have learned that having a M trash. city girl on the farm means “What are you doone must remain constantly when I saw her toss what ing?” I exclaimed as I began vigilant and be prepared to appeared to be a tattered old to dig frantically through swiftly correct any numthe contents of the garbage ber of bad habits. Training grease rag into the trash. can. might be a good word to “I was just throwing describe this process except away that tattered old grease that a certain someone might read this, and I would rag is all,” she replied blithely. have to spend the rest of my life existing on cold SpaI retrieved my prize from the depths of the garghettiOs. bage can and shook off the coffee grounds and egg Occasionally, that harsh teacher called experience shell fragments.
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“Humph. I’ll have you know that this is none other than my lucky underwear,” I replied. “Oh, I see,” said my wife. “Is this the same lucky underwear you had on that time you were tossed over the corral Dear County Agent Guy fence by the bull?” “No. I had to incinerate that pair, remember? Now, look closely at this underwear and maybe you can learn something. See this fossilized coffee stain?” “Yeah,” replied my wife, pretending that she was stiing her gag reex. By Jerry Nelson She often does that Columnist sort of thing when I am trying to teach her something. She must think it is funny. “That’s from the time when I was at the sale barn and spilled hot coffee on myself. After all my jumping and ailing was over, I learned that I’d bought a load of feeder pigs real cheap.” “But, didn’t half of them kick the bucket as soon as you got them home?” “Well, yeah. But, I like to remember the part about how I got them for half price. See how the waistband is all stretched out? That’s from the time when I nearly struck it rich.” My wife rolled her eyes with such force that they nearly popped out of her head. She seemed somewhat dubious about my claim. “This I have to hear,” she said, crossing her arms. “One day during corn planting, I’d gotten my 4020 tractor stuck out in the middle of Heppler’s slough. My brother came over with his tractor to pull me out. We hooked all of our chains together, but we were still about a foot short so I ….” “Good grief. Do you really expect me to believe that load of hooey? So, tell me. How did you miss out on this supposed untold wealth?” “I was just getting to that part. After we got my tractor to spring out of the mud, I told my brother that I bet it would be loads of fun to string a bunch of underwear together and tie them to a guy’s ankles and jump off a tall bridge. But, some city guy beat me to it and named it bungee jumping. I have to admit, though, that has a much nicer ring to it than underwear jumping. Now, look at this grease stain. That’s from the time I overhauled the tractor engine all by myself.” “But, didn’t the engine y apart the rst time you started it? And a chunk of cast iron punched a hole in the wall of your shop?” “Yep. And, that would have been my head if I hadn’t stooped to cinch up my underwear.” My wife threw up her hands in disgust. “I just don’t understand you farmers. Why is that you insist on hanging onto things that are so obviously worn out and obsolete?” Fortunately, the wedgie my wife gave me seconds later (right after I made an ill-considered quip that I do not care to repeat) was easily removed once I made it to the emergency room. No major surgery was required, and I was able to walk normally again in about a week. I am just glad I was not wearing my lucky underwear. Jerry is a recovering dairy farmer from Volga, S.D. 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.
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Rejoicing amongst the tribulations The dairy industry has had plenty to dwell on. A long winter and late spring are adding to the challenging milk market. The value of cull cows and replacements has provided Something to Ruminate On little relief. If we look beyond the barn, we see a political environment that seems to be in disillusion and has forgotten its purpose. But as we celebrate the season of Easter, we are reminded of the gifts bestowed upon us with the resurrection of our Savior. I hope you will inBy Barry Visser dulge me as I veer from Nutritionist the normal theme of my column and share some of my childhood reminders from this past week. It is the morning before Easter, and I am walking through our family tiestall barn built in 1976. Its main purpose today is miscellaneous storage as it has not housed a cow in 20 years. The bulk tank and pipeline still remain just in case someone was to milk cows there again. I pull the light bulbs out from the ceiling as the roof is starting to sag from the stress of winter. My three girls are by my side as we lay the bulbs in stalls that used to be occupied by Peaches, Lucy and other memorable 4-H cows. I walk behind the barn to see the two blue Harvestore silos built in the late 1970s. Later in the day, we laugh with my mother as we recall the words that echoed two of the most stressful events on the farm: the cows are out, and the tractor is stuck. I have the utmost respect for anyone who dairy farmed in the 1980s. I do not need to remind those of you who milked cows during these challenging times. I am quite certain my parent paid for those blue twin towers twice through the ‘80s with 18% interest. Today’s market dynamics are different from those of the ‘80s. Fewer cows are milked in tiestall barns and more blue silos may sit empty than are in use. But, we can still draw parallels between yesterday and today. Crisis hotlines and support systems were and are in place to deal with the stress of the times. The dairy industry is still lled with folks with the same drive and passion that my folks had 30 years ago. The economy and market pressures changed, and we worked through the harsh ‘80s and into better times for our farms. Though battered and torn, the
F Forecasts and d projections j i for our industry have been plentiful; some more optimistic than others. dairy industry persevered. Reecting on those experiences gives us condence that better times also lie ahead of our current challenges. We have come through a few months inundated with meetings and conferences presenting numerous opportunities of management improvements for your farm. Forecasts and projections for our industry have been plentiful; some more optimistic than others. It is my hope you were able to get away from the farm for a few hours or days to take part in some of these educational events. It is also my hope you took some opportunity to relax and reect on the riches of your life. Perhaps some of these treasures were rekindled in your home this Easter season as they were mine. God bless the hardworking men and women of the dairy industry. Barry Visser is a nutritionist for Vita Plus.
Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 31
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Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Track and eld season It felt so good to be back out in the elds again. (This sounds like a country music lyric). The southern breeze added to the sun’s heat as temperatures pushed everyone outside in T-shirts on Saturday. Spring was claiming victory over winter once again. While the neighbors started harvesting their winter crop of rocks, we were trying to nish up last year’s project. Austin was chopping stalks in elds that were too wet to do last fall. Mark and I were cleaning up manure piles. I was driving the spreader around to piles while Mark scooped them up with the skidsteer to spread them evenly across missed spots in the eld. Piles marked where the end gate was raised too quickly or where loads were quickly dumped to escape sinking deeper in a soft spot of the eld. We are chomping at the bit to get going, but we have to wait for the call to the starting line of this year’s big race.
There is something about the rhythm of a track and eld meet and farming which are so similar. Both are dependent upon preparation, patience, endurance, strength and weather. You compete mostly as individuals but work together in relays. You get out of it what you put into it. There are obstacles to overcome, and you have no control over some things. Both have a harmonious rhythm. Wait. You wait for the ground to support the equipment. You wait for your event or race. You wait for conditions to be just right to start planting. You wait for the starter’s gun. Then both begin the mad dash to make your mark. In the 100-meter dash, you have around 12 seconds. In farming, you have a limited number of days to get the seed in the ground for the best yields. Mark was a cross-country and distance runner. He would run home from school as practice. Then after
chores and milking were done, he would hit the dirt roads once again. He enjoyed running. He liked the challenge of pushing himself to the next power pole. He has the endurance to go the long haul. I like the sprints. Get me in the starting blocks and I will Just Thinking Out Loud reach the nish line as quickly as possible. Give me a job and get out of my way. I really hated to run, especially warm up laps on a windy day. I dreaded coming around the curve, slamming head long into the wind. The next turn seemed so far away, yet you pushed By Natalie Schmitt your legs to keep moving, the wind resisting Columnist your forward movement until you nally reach the nal turn and put the wind to work for you on the back stretch toward the nish line. I never ran more than one lap around the track. I battled with the wind on one stretch. Why would I want to do it three more times? I beat it once so I quit while I was ahead. The only obstacle I enjoyed was skimming over 10 hurdles in 100 meters. I think it was the Greeks who created the track and eld events through the Olympics based on specic skills, many of which came from working the land. Heaving rocks and putting shot. Jumping over puddles and creeks to long jumping. Chasing lost cattle over rugged terrain like a steeplechase. Vaulting over higher expectations by nancial loan ofcers. (OK, maybe that one is a more modern day variation). You get the idea. You can connect farming skills to many events in a track and eld meet, but I think farming is most like a marathon. There will be moments when you need to break away from the pack with a burst of speed, but it is all about pacing and preparing for the obstacles ahead. There will be moments of doubt and struggle. There will be a wall to climb when your muscles are screaming to stop, but you push through to keep moving. Then, as you see the nish line, relief and joy remove the burden you have been carrying as the race comes to an end, and you once again harvested another crop. When you think you have seen it all, you turn your head and there it is. Something you never could have imagined. It was such a beautiful Easter evening. No one wanted to come in to the house right away. It was one of those warm spring nights when you want to savor the warmth of the moment and the sounds of spring oating in the air as birds sing their evening song. Mark noticed a heifer by the water fountain that seemed to be acting like she might be in heat. Not a good thing. She was supposed to be bred and was getting out there in age. He watched, waiting to see if any of the other heifers would ride her. He moved closer to see what her tag number was. What a relief. It was not the one he suspected. It was one who had not been bred yet. Since he was already out in the heifer lot, he wandered over to check the mineral supply box. It was OK. As he started to glance around, he spotted it. Mark had never seen anything like it before, nor does he want to see it again. A heifer was caught in a precarious situation. He does not know how she did it, but she was stuck in the feed bunk with her head and neck opped over the edge. Her legs were splayed out behind her, and she could not nd any traction or enough leverage to correct herself. Because her neck and head were hanging over the edge of the bunk, she was choking herself. Mark helped to right the heifer, and she escaped her precarious predicament. If he had not lingered and took time to check the heifer lot, it could have been a rough start to a new week. Instead, you take a moment to give thanks and wonder what kind of race path she is on. 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
Blue ribbon chickens There comes a time in the career of every modern mother-writer when her offspring discover the fruits of her pen (or, in this case, keyboard). To be honest, I thought I had a few more years before that time came for me. But, you know, kids these days. A couple nights ago, Dan typed my name into the Google search bar and found my blog, which includes a listing of every newspaper column or blog post I have ever written. He read every story that mentioned his name. Dairy Good Life There were tears and laughs. And, then there were questions. “Mom, why haven’t you written about my chickens?” I didn’t have a good answer for Dan, and I’m always open to suggestions for column topics, so … about those chickens. Two years ago, Dan started showing chickens at our county fair. I’ve mentioned before that our children can choose another livestock species to show besides dairy. Our only requirement is that the species t inside a cage. Exhibiting dairy cattle is a monBy Sadie Frericks umental amount of work. A second species needs to Columnist be easy to care for at the fair. The cage provision also makes housing them easier on the farm. The only two animals that t in cages are poultry and rabbits. Anyway, Dan learned a lot that rst year showing chickens. So did his parents. His rst poultry exhibit was a breeding pen of silkie chickens. If you’re not familiar with them, silkies are an ornamental chicken bred purely for, well, because they look cool. They’re a bantam breed so their eggs aren’t big enough to bother cracking, and they really aren’t big enough for the stew pot. After the show, I casually suggested that maybe next year he consider showing market chickens. First, we could actually eat market chickens. Second, there were hardly any entries in the market chicken class compared to dozens in the bantam breeding pen class. So, last year, Dan showed up at our county fair with two snow-white CornishRock cross market chickens. Clearly, several other 4-Hers had the same idea because there were pens of meat birds, as well. The weeks prior to the fair had been spent perfecting the process of chicken pampering. Market chickens, Dan learned, need just enough feed, but not too much, a lot of fresh water, and a clean, cool environment. Dan earned a blue ribbon and then a grand champion ribbon with his plump, pampered birds. Following the fair, we had an old-fashioned, three-generation work day and put the chickens in the freezer. Glen’s dad and mom came over to help with the plucking and processing. Admittedly, it was a hard day for Dan. He was OK for the most part, but really wanted to keep one pair of chickens so he wouldn’t have to say goodbye to all of them. The year before, Dan’s silkies had simply been released to free-range with the rest of our chickens. I consoled him with the offer that perhaps in the future he could show laying hens or another breeding pen. Well, Dan didn’t forget my offer. He moved his rst order of fair chickens from the brooder to the superhutch-turned-chicken coop. This rst order has chicks for a brown egg layer pen, white egg layer pen and a breeding pen. His broiler chicks will come early this summer. In other words, the chicken business is getting pretty serious around here. You could also say that we have one pretty excited 4-Her here. Dan joined the 4-H Poultry Project Bowl this spring with the goal of learning more about chickens so he could do better in poultry showmanship. His team did well, and he made some great new friends. I have a feeling the county fair poultry show is going to be even more fun this year for Dan with his expanded knowledge and expanded group of friends. P.S. I’ve found that blue ribbon chickens are best prepared in an air fryer. After roasting several birds in the oven, I decided to try cooking one in our air fryer. It was one of my best decisions ever. We now feast on the most delicious chicken with juicy meat and crispy skin. Sadie and her husband, Glen, milk 100 cows near Melrose, Minn. 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
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 33
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Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Hinckley sisters compete in high school weight lifting competitions By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
CHATFIELD, Minn. – Working on their family’s dairy farm during the summer is not the only reason the Hinckley sisters are strong. Abi, 16, and Lexi, 13, Hinckley, daughters of Matt and Alicia Hinckley, compete in local, regional and
Strong dairy girls
national Olympic weight lifting competitions. When not at a competition or practicing one of their sports during the summer, they can be found helping with calf chores on their family’s 400cow dairy, Hinckley Holsteins, near Chateld, Minn. Abi started competitive lifting about three years ago after encouragement from a family friend, Margo Touhy, co-owner of the Studio 223, where she and Lexi attend for strength training for other sports. Lexi was not far behind. “I wasn’t old enough at the time. I watched Abi the rst year, and then I ended up doing it, too,” Lexi said. Since they already used lifting for strength training, the Hinckleys did not have a hard time transitioning to
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Abi (leŌ) and Lexi Hinckley compete in Olympic-style weight liŌing compeƟƟons. The two are the daughters of MaƩ and Alicia Hinckley and help feed calves during the summer on their family’s 400-cow dairy near Chaƞield, Minn.
KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR
Abi Hinckley works on a liŌ during pracƟce earlier this season at Studio 223 in Chaƞield, Minn.
the competition side. Although they incorporate a lot of lifting techniques and movements like squatting for training, their competition is in Olympic weight lifting, which includes two lifts: the snatch, and the clean and jerk. For the snatch, a person lifts the bar from the ground to over his or her head in one continuous motion. The clean and jerk consists of two motions. The rst, also called the clean, is when the bar is lifted from the ground to
shoulder level, followed by the second move, also called the jerk, where the bar is then lift into the air with arms extended. “The snatch is the harder lift. You have to be right on with your technique,” Abi said. Lexi agreed. Turn to HINCKLEYS | Page 35
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Lexi Hinckley pracƟces a liŌ during a workout at Studio 223 in Chaƞield, Minn. “With the snatch you have to be fast and get under the bar. It takes a lot of practice to get it just right,” she said. Although Lexi said the snatch is more difcult, it is also the lift she favors. “The snatch was not my favorite for awhile, and I had to gure out why it was not working. I did bar work with other positions and now it’s my favorite,” she said. During the season throughout the winter, the sisters train four days each week, taking in valuable information from their coaches. “They make sure we’re doing the right thing before going into a competition. If they see us doing it wrong they’ll x it,” Lexi said. “Every practice we work on something different, and then we have to put it all together.” Their coach, Julie O’Brien, said they have been easy to teach.
“And, when I’m feeding the calves hay it’s denitely easier as I get stronger.” ABI HINCKLEY, DAIRY FARMER
“These are a couple strong farm girls,” O’Brien said. “I got lucky because they had a really good strength base already. They come from a really good athletic, wholesome family. From that it was just teaching them technique, and they pick up on it really well so it’s just been a lot of hard work since then.” For the Hinckleys, sports like softball and volleyball take precedent during the off season; however, the sisters still t in time for lifting when they are able. “It has helped make us stronger. I notice in volleyball when I was serving I don’t have to hit the ball as hard,” Abi said. Lifting also helps Abi when she is doing calf chores with her grandma, Marlys.
“And, when I’m feeding the calves hay it’s denitely easier as I get stronger,” Abi said. The Hinckleys’ team, Studio 223, participated in ve high school competitions this season. The sisters also traveled to youth and junior national competitions. Not many of their friends from school are involved in the sport. “But, they think it’s cool and say congrats or ask about it,” Abi said. At one of their last events, Abi lifted 146 pounds in the snatch while Lexi lifted 117 pounds. For the clean and jerk, Abi lifted 160 pounds and Lexi lifted 143 pounds. Each of these lifts was a personal record for the Hinckleys. “When you make a lift in competitions, … it’s one of the best feelings ever. There aren’t many meets so you put all the time in and when you nally get the lift you want to make it feel good,” Abi said. But, the mental game of it can be difcult, Abi said. “You have to be really condent in yourself. You have to believe you can do it and make the lifts,” she said. “It’s hard when you have hard training days because part of me wants to give up but then the other part wants to keep going.” Overcoming the mental game has shown them how to deal with adversity and to never give up, Abi said. “It’s taught us to work hard and that it takes hard work to get where you are,” she said. Lexi added more. “You learn to take care of yourself and your body will help you lift,” she said. The sisters are done with most competitions for the season, but will continue to lift into the summer. Even if the Hinckleys don’t continue competing in lifting competitions beyond high school, each one of them said they would like to keep going with the sport as a form of exercise. It helps keep these dairy girls strong.
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Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Women In Dairy Nikki Andreasen Long Prairie, Minn. Todd County 170 cows Family members: I farm with my parents Brenda and Ron Hengemuhle, and brothers Danny and Matt. My husband, Matt, works off the farm, and we have two kids, Riley, 8 and Breezy, 4. Tell us about your farm. I’m the fourth generation of my family’s farm. We’ve been dairy farming here since the 1940s. We added the freestall barn and parlor in 2014 and 2015, and have been milking 170 cows since. What is the busiest time of day for you? Mornings. I have milking, and usually I vaccinate along with taking care of kids and making breakfast. My afternoons usually settle down. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? I like to do things with my husband. He works off the farm. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. I like to cut hay, and back when I was learning how my dad told me I had to come off the eld and let him nish up. Well I didn’t listen and nished up myself because I liked it so much. I was pretty proud of myself because I was only 10 years old. It was memorable.
What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I like milking cows and taking care of them when they’re sick. I like nursing sick cows back to health. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? Cell phones. I have a relative not too far from here, and we talk back and forth. We also do breakfasts on the farm so we can be connected that way, and I attend various meetings. I’ll go to a DHIA meeting or something the county puts on. Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? My grandma, Gerry Hengemuhle. She took over the farm in 1942. Her husband told her not to buy the acreage across the road. He went on vacation, and she grabbed her inheritance and went and purchased it. I guess I’m a lot like her. My dad’s whole side of the family has been inuential on what I do and what I like doing. What is the best vacation you have ever taken? We went to San Diego and Las Vegas. We went for a wedding in San Diego and took the kids and my brother-in-law. We had a really good time.
FARM INFORMATION STATION Joe Gill • Farm Director
SERVING CENTRAL MINNESOTA FOR OVER 50 YEARS
What are some words you like to live by? “Do or die.” Or, “It is what it is.” We can’t change what’s going to happen. It’s already written. It’s what it’s going to be, and we have to live with it.
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
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 37
Making their state a better place Gross, Post serve in South Dakota Legislature By Danna Sabolik
danna.s@dairystar.com
PIERRE, S.D. – For dairy farmers Randy E. Gross and Doug Post, this winter was busier than usual. In January, the men began their ďƒžrst term serving in the South Dakota State House of Representatives. “I’ve never run for public ofďƒžce before, but I’ve always been involved as a state committee man or involved in my party and various political activities no matter where I’ve lived,â€? Gross said. Randy Gross Gross is the SD District 8 fourth generation Representative of his family to serve in the South Dakota Legislature, going back to the 1890s. “From what I can tell, that’s a record here in South Dakota, and we’re all from Moody County,â€? he said. Gross milks 1,050 cows with his son, Randy K. Gross, near Elkton, S.D. “I’m very fortunate my son runs the farm on a day-to-day basis,â€? Gross said. “He’s more capable than I am and a great manager.â€? Gross represents District 8, which includes Moody, Lake, Miner and Sanborn counties. Post milks 36 cows with his wife, Ginger, and three children, Stephanie, Zachary and Jacob, near Volga, S.D. Post represents District 7, which surrounds the city of Brookings, S.D., and is a mostly urban section of Brookings County. Like Gross, Post is thankful his family can step in when he is busy with legislative responsibilities. “My wife was the main workforce while I was gone, but I also have three teenagers, and that helps a lot,â€? Post said. “There’s nothing better for them than to learn that responsibility, and the more responsibility I give them, they seem to do better.â€? This election was Post’s second run for a public ofďƒžce. In 2016, he ran in the primary election for a senate seat. Last year, he decided to run for representative because the current legislator was retiring. Both dairymen served on the appropriations committee in South Dakota’s 10-week legislative session, which ran from January through March. Their main job was to produce a budget for the year. “We’ve had a balanced budget for the past 130 years consecutively,â€? Gross said. “That’s something we take a lot of pride in as a legislature. We don’t use any gimmicks or play ďƒžnancial games to balance the budget.â€? This year, the legislature was able to give a 10% increase in Medicaid reimbursements for nursing homes. “We still have a ways to go, but that
was a substantial increase and major effort by the legislature,â€? Gross said. “It was a team effort.â€? Post is also proud of this accomplishment. “South Dakota has a good history of balancing our budget,â€? he said. “Especially in today’s environment of government spending, that’s impressive.â€? During legDoug Post islative sessions, SD District 7 meetings begin inRepresentative formally at 7 a.m., followed by an appropriations committee meeting from 8 a.m. to noon. After a lunch break, a party caucus begins at 1 p.m. followed by a ďƒ&#x;oor session where the legislators act on bills and resolutions and conduct more of the formal business. “In South Dakota, we have a great citizen legislature,â€? Gross said. “There are not a lot of bureaucrats. We all want to help each other out and get the job done. We also have good leadership in the speaker of the house and the folks who lead things day-to-day.â€? While both men experienced learning curves of the legislative life, they are happy to serve in the legislature. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s been an interesting and enjoyable challenge,â€? Gross said. “The ďƒžrst few days you feel like you’re not drinking from the garden hose, but the ďƒžre hydrant, but you develop routines and ďƒžgure it out.â€? Post agreed. “It was more stressful than I thought it would be,â€? he said. “Just being away from my family and farm. It was comforting to know it was left in good hands. My kids did a stellar job.â€? Gross said his focus while campaigning was on the need to introduce more value-added agricultural incentives. “South Dakota is an agricultural state, and as much as we like to see growth, we don’t want to forget that,â€? he said. “I would like to see initiatives and efforts going forward to enhance value-added agriculture to put more dollars in the pockets of farmers and ranchers. My district is primarily ag reliant. Even the businesses rely on ag and support it, so we want to continue to grow ag in our state on a value-added basis.â€? Post agreed. “I think we need to put more efforts into developing more animal agriculture,â€? he said. “Every time South Dakota sends corn over the border we lose the opportunity to feed that corn to our pigs or cattle.â€? Post expressed disappointment in a recent proposed dairy in his area that was chased away. “We need to eliminate the red tape in the way of growing animal agriculture,â€? he said. “There’s a misunderstanding on just what amount of economic activity surrounds a project and business like that.â€? The men will serve for two years in their respective positions, both working to make their state a better place.
tĂ?Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„ÂłĂ?cĂ&#x;Ăœt Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lä §cÄ„Ä„Ä„  „Ă?Ä„cĂ&#x;ÂłÂ§ĂœtcĂ&#x;„ „êĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lÂłĂ?c ĄĄ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™ lÂłĂŞĂœcÄ„Ä„Ä„ ,Ă’Â?ZÂ?¤„ tĂ?Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄ³ cĂ&#x;täĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: cĂ&#x;:AÔÔAŒâÞĂ&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lê§ĄcÄ„Ä„Ä„ ›AAĂ˜Ă&#x;Â§ĂœÄ„cĂ&#x;ĂŞÄ„Ä„tcĂ&#x;³§„tĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™
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ĂœÂ Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄĄäcĂ&#x;ä³ĄĄĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l§tcÄ„Ä„Ä„ /Ă mm™Ă? m@™ ,Ă’Â?ZÂ?¤„
ĂœĂ¤Ä„Ä„cĂ&#x;êĄĄäcĂ&#x;äĂ?Ă¤ĂœĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lĂ?tcÄ„Ä„Ä„ Ă?ĂœÂłÄ„cĂ&#x;³§§äcĂ&#x;„ĄĄĂ?Ă&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;/: Ă&#x;Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ l „cÄ„Ä„Ä„  tĂŞÄ„cĂ&#x;³§tĂŞcĂ&#x;Â„Ä„Ă¤ĂœĂ&#x; Ă”Ă˜cĂ&#x;ĂŞ: Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚Ă‚ lê„c ĄĄ
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@™™Ă?à Šd@ĂžĂ?{ŠÒĂ?dmĂ @Â?™ÖĂ?Š¤Ă?ŠÍÒĂ? @Ă–ĂžÂ? m@Ă–mĂ?|¤@¤ZÂ?¤„y $âÂ?oĂ”Ă&#x;ÂĄA\Â?Â’ÂŚoĂ˜Ă&#x;AĂťA’›AR›oĂ&#x;}ÂŤĂ”Ă&#x;›oAĂ˜oĂ&#x;AÂ›Ă˜ÂŤĂ‚Ă&#x;0ĂR™o\âĂ&#x;âĂ&#x;\Ă”of’âĂ&#x;AŸŸÔÝA›ÂĂ&#x; A››Ă&#x;}ÂŤĂ”Ă&#x;foâAÂ’Â›Ă˜Ă‚ / Â?ĂœÂƒÂŚÂ€Ă›Â€Â?²
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DAIRY ST R
Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019
Act now on damaged stands
Combs presents solutions for winter kill By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
With temperatures rising and snow melting, now is the time for dairy farmers to evaluate their alfalfa elds for winter kill and determine a plan of action to handle the damaged stands. There are multiple ways in which farmers can address crop loss, according to Dr. David Combs, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “Dealing with winter kill is a card game. You have to know when to hold and when to fold ‘em,” Combs said. “Know the damage on your stands and the impacts it has on your elds and feed availability.” Combs presented, “Impacts of Winter Kill” in a Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin’s World Class Webinar April 17. The extreme temperatures and minimal snow coverage caused by the 2019 polar vortex, accompanied by the warm up in February and other weather occurrences, exposed alfalfa stands to the risk of winter kill this year. If stands are assessed and show browning and dehydration under the crown, the alfalfa plants were severely damaged this winter. “The tap root is probably dead and will not produce well,” Combs said. Farmers should evaluate about four plants per square foot, with plants being 4-6 inches tall, to get an accurate assessment of damage. In the eld, plants and stems per square foot is a good indication of yield potential, with ve to six plants per square foot being an optimal yield production. If the population is less than that with 40 stems per square foot, dairy farmers will see about 25% yield reduction and should consider replacing the stand.
“If you’re over 40 stems, you could leave the stand alone and take a slight yield reduction rather than investing in alternative forage,” Combs said. Once farmers assess their elds, they may purchase hay to compensate for the loss in the eld. However, Combs suggested rst taking inventory in storage and yield potential, then act with another forage. “If [inventory is low], look at options to get forage crops to feed to dairy cattle, dry cows and heifers, as soon as possible,” Combs said. “We can also thicken stands.” One option is to replace the damaged stands with corn silage or sorghum sudangrass. This will produce a high yield per acre and make up forage loss quickly. However, these forages are the most expensive. “If you can, look to add inventory later on. There are a number of options going forward,” Combs said. “After winter wheat or sweet corn harvest, think about adding oats, winter rye or triticale.” Dairy farmers may also consider direct seeding alfalfa into corn or soybean stands, but must be cautious of residual effects of previous herbicide applications that inhibit the establishment of alfalfa. Thickening stands with grass is another option to salvage an alfalfa eld, although not readily recommended. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t increase yield,” Combs said. If a dairy farmer would like to thicken the stand with grasses, Combs suggested ryegrass because of its quick growth, unlike orchardgrass or tall fescue. To thicken the stand and see signicant yields, farmers should consider oatlage or barely silage planted immediately and harvested in the boot stage. Peas also add quality to the stands. Regardless of how dairy farmers choose to address winter kill, rations will most likely have to be reformulated to account for the quality of forages used. “Test forages as it’s brought in,” Combs said. “We’re not feeding pound for pound, and depending
E R S V I D CES, I NC L E I F H & . D Darrin Herickhoff
DAIRY STAR FILE PHOTO
Two alfalfa taproots are assessed for winter kill. Browning and dehydraƟon under the crown are indicaƟons of damage.
on the [forage] alternative and quality, if the ration is balanced, you might see higher intakes.” For lactating rations, corn silage in place of alfalfa will increase starch load and crude protein, but also decrease calcium values. Small grain silages with or without peas will make for a suitable heifer and dry cow feed. As spring planting is right around the corner, dairy farmers should assess their alfalfa stands and develop a plan to address winter kill, taking into consideration how alternative forages will thrive in the growing conditions and impact the ration of both lactating and non-lactating animals in the herd.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, April 27, 2019 • Page 39
with Justin and Jason Schaffer, Miesville, Minn.
Justin and Jason Schaffer Miesville, Minn. Dakota County 140 cows
to 10 months. It makes chores simple and efcient. We can group and feed them accordingly. The health and growth rate of our heifers has been much better.
How did you get into farming? Jason: I never left. After I graduated from high school in 2007, I stayed home with my dad and uncle to farm. Justin: I was born and raised here. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I went to college and then worked for a neighboring dairy farmer for 1.5 years before returning to the family farm in January 2017. We farm together with our brother, Jeff, dad, Al, and uncle, George.
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? Jason: To keep the farm going with my dad and uncle. Justin: Going to college and working for other people. I rst went through the dairy herd management program at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Rice Lake, Wis. Then, I studied dairy science and ag nance at Northeast Iowa Community College in Calmar, Iowa.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? Jason: I hope the price goes up. Justin: I’m concerned the market won’t be enough. I think milk and beef price will be up 10-15% in the next year, but commodity prices will be at.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? Hopefully we will be able to stay in the industry. We are looking at robots. We have talked about it for the past two years; however, there are a lot of factors that make it tough – the milk price, interest rates and the price of the robots. All this makes building a new facility with robots hard to cashow. I (Justin) am open to other options like a parlor. Right now, we have a double-5 herringbone parlor built in 1971.
What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? We put auto steer into two of our tractors. We are able to do variable rate seeding and fertilizer spreading. It also allows us to do yield mapping and map our liquid manure. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? Jason: Jeff and I took over the responsibility of feeding the herd. We added more baleage and earlage. We have also done more sampling in order to get more consistency along with scheduling more meetings with our nutritionist. What cost saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? We watch our treatments a lot more closely.
We are not treating high somatic cell count cows. A lot of them just run their course. We feed pasteurized waste milk to our calves, so we pull out the high somatic cell count milk to feed to the calves. How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? We have one employee, who has been here for eight years. We try to be fair and easy to work with. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. Jason: I get along well with others. Justin: I have surrounded myself with a lot of different people in the industry to learn from and ask for help when needed. What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Jason: It’s like going to school. I learn and teach myself something everyday.
Justin: You get to see the results of what you put into it. What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Jason: Grandpa told me to always make sure to wear a watch. Now with three kids, I have to make sure I get places on time. Justin: Don’t farm with blinders on. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Ask questions, and don’t be afraid to stand out. What has been the best purchase you’ve ever made on your farm? Jason: Seven years ago, we got a pasteurizer for the milk we feed our calves. We also started using calf jackets three years ago. Two years ago, we bought a calf warmer. Before that we used a wooden box with straw and a heat lamp. Overall, the calves are healthier, and they get a better start with all these things. Justin: We built a heifer barn in August 2018 for 100 calves between the ages of weaning
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? Jason: I like to spend time with my family – my wife, Jessie, and our sons, Triston, 6, Owen, 3, and Mason, 2. In the winter, I am in a snowmobile club and like to help groom trails. Justin: I always have family around to spend time with, especially my nieces and nephews. My friends also like to show up during chores to hang out. I have also been a part of the Miesville volunteer re department for the past three years.
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