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DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™

Volume 19, No. 12

August 12, 2017

“Production is really driven by reproduction.” – Nick Meyer

Three major pieces in production puzzle production, pregnant, fresh and dry. The high production cows are bedded with straw, while the others are on deep-bedded manure solids. Cows are milked three times a day – at 3 a.m., 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. As part of the tour, the Meyers demonstrated how they are able to maintain a rolling herd average of 30,000 pounds, with the careful management of reproduction and forages, and teamwork. “If you don’t do one right and lack quality, then the others don’t fall into place,” said Nick, who purchased the farm from his parents, Gerald and Joyce, in 2003.

Meyers focus on repro, forages, teamwork By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com

SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – From the elds to the parlor, Nick Meyer admittedly knows his farm does things well; but it is how the different aspects of the farm work together that really demonstrates the dairy’s achievements. “Reproduction is really our strong point on the dairy, and that coincides with milk production,” Nick said. On Aug. 2, Nick and his wife, Tara, and their two children – Tyler, 7, and Maddie, 5 – welcomed dairy farmers to their 240-cow dairy near Sauk Centre, Minn., as part of the University of Minnesota Extension’s Summer Dairy Field Days. At Meyer Dairy, cows are housed in four groups – high

JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR

The Meyers – Nick and Tara, and their two children, Maddie and Tyler – milk 240 cows near Sauk Centre, Minn. The family hosted a eld day Aug. 2 as part of the University of Minnesota Extension’s Summer Dairy Field Days.

Perdue visits MN on ‘Back to Our Roots’ tour

Secretary of Ag gathers input for 2018 Farm Bill By Ruth Klossner Staff Writer

GARDEN CITY, Minn. — The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue visited a farm Aug. 4 near Garden City, Minn. Perdue’s Minnesota stop was part of a vestate RV tour in the rst of two “Back to Our Roots” tours to ag-heavy states. Perdue is making the trips to gather input RUTH KLOSSNER/DAIRY STAR for the 2018 Farm Bill. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny In announcing the Perdue speaks to media Aug. 4 at the tour, Perdue stated, “It’s Paap Farm near Garden City, Minn. important to look at past practices to see what has worked and what has not Turn to PERDUE | Page 10

Double ovsynch boosts reproduction The Meyers give first credit for high milk production to their reproduction regime, emphasizing its crucial role in overall herd performance. Turn to MEYERS | Page 5

Alive to tell his farm safety message

Schmitt spends 46 days in hospital after being run over by tractor By Krista Kuzma

krista.k@dairystar.com

FORT ATKINSON, Iowa – Although he has spent over a month and a half in the hospital this summer and is now relearning how to walk, Steve Schmitt tries to keep a smile on his face and a happy attitude. “I overheard my doctors say, ‘Look at this guy. He just got run over by a tractor and he’s still smiling.’ I said, ‘I think it’s because I am alive,’” Schmitt said. On June 6, Schmitt tried to stop a runaway tractor, but instead was run over on his 130cow dairy near Fort Atkinson, Turn to SCHMITT | Page 7

KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR

Steve SchmiƩ puts a sock on his foot while in his wheel chair at his home near Fort Atkinson, Iowa. SchmiƩ was run over by a tractor, fracturing his pelvis on his 130-cow dairy.


Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

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 - Managing Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Krista Kuzma - Assistant Editor (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Ron Johnson (608) 874-4243 ron.j@dairystar.com Ruth Klossner (507) 240-0048 cowlady@centurylink.net Jennifer Coyne (320) 352-6303 jenn@dairystar.com Brittany Olson (320) 352-6303 brittany.o@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com 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 Lori Menke (Eastern Iowa, Southern WI) 563-608-6477 • lori.m@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. A glance at what’s inside

Dairy Proďƒžle brought to you by your

With so many jobs to get done on the farm during the summer, Cindi and Randy Schoenberg sometimes need to rely on their sons for help. The Schoenbergs were featured in this issue’s “Day in the life.â€? Although their sons work off the farm, they still come back to help, especially with ďƒželd work and stacking bales, which is what they did on Aug. 1. Along with putting up a 20-acre oat ďƒželd, the Schoenbergs had regular chores and a baseball meeting that night. Read more about their day on pages 18, 20-21 in second section. Farmers across the states of North and South By Mark Klaphake Dakota are experiencing a severe drought that is not only affecting forage and crop production, but also the future Editor of agriculture across the Great Plains. Gregg Klusmann, of New Salem, N.D., shares the trials his 80-cow dairy is experiencing because of the dry weather, and industry representatives explain the resources available to farmers, such as emergency grazing and a hotline to locate hay, on pages 12-13 in ďƒžrst section. As Minnesota prepares to host the Super Bowl in February, Land O’Lakes is preparing for their own football-related activity. The dairy cooperative, NFL and GENYOUth have teamed up to host the Land O’Lakes Farm Bowl Feb. 1 in Minneapolis. To promote the event, Ron Miller, of Little Falls, Minn., invited iconic football players to his farm to practice for the obstacle course and shoot a promotional video for the event. Read about Miller’s experience being part of such a high-proďƒžled farm tour on pages 3-4 in second section. This issue is the ďƒžnal one featuring four of the Princess Kay of the Milky Way ďƒžnalists, including Shelby Campbell, representing Wright County; Anna Broll, representing Carver County; Maggie Socha, representing Wright County; and Sam Traxler, representing Le Sueur County. Turn to pages 22-24 in second section to read their stories. One of the 12 ďƒžnalists will earn the crown on Aug. 23, the evening before the start of the Minnesota State Fair. Take a glance at all of their bios and ďƒžnd more information about the coronation on page 23 in ďƒžrst section. As fall harvest season slowly approaches, we decided to talk to people about how their crops have done over the summer for the “From our side of the fenceâ€? feature this issue. Read about how the growing season has been for people in the Dairy Star coverage area, along with any setbacks they have experienced. It can be found on pages 15-16 in ďƒžrst section.

Favorite quotes from this issue:

“I’m glad we took chances and embraced the changes of the industry [‌] At the time, it was a dierent way of doing things, but we were open to adapting to what the industry was learning.â€? - Kevin Belkholm (Pages

35, 37 First Section)

“Music is something we can do here on our farm and in our community, and music and farming have both taught us how to work together.� - Ann

Kormann (Pages 16-17 Second Section)

By the Numbers

number of pounds Paul 15: The Stempďƒ&#x;e observed his tank average increase by after updating his milking and housing facilities. (Pages 6-7 Second Section)

somatic cell 90,000: Current count at Shadycrest

Holsteins. (Pages 18, 20 First Section)

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Lake Henry Implement Paynesville, MN

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Jaycox Implement Worthington, MN

Noteboom Implement Corsica, SD

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Mark's Machinery Yankton, SD


Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 3

It’s all inside...

FIRST SECTION

Sauk Centre

Meyers maintain 30,000 pound herd average First Section: Pages 1, 5 - 6

Roseau

Second Section: Pages 3 - 4

First Section: Page 25

First Section: Pages 35, 37

Beltrami

Charles Mix

nso n

Miner

Lake

Moody

McCook Minnehaha

Carver Scott

Redwood

Nicollet Brown

Murray

Rock

Nobles

eu

Lyon

Dakota Goodhue

r

Sibley

sey

Hennepin McLeod

Renville

Yellow Medicine

Wright

Washinton

Meeker

Su

Brookings

Kandiyohi

Chippewa

First Section: Pages 18, 20

Rice

Wabasha

Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted Jackson

Martin

Faribault

Freeborn

Mower

Winona

Fillimore

Houston

Altura

A mini music festival in Winona County Second Section: Pages 26, 29

Ha

Da

vis

on

Sa nb

or n

Kingsbury

Isanti

Anoka

Swift

Lincoln

THIRD SECTION

Deuel

Altura

Sand big factor in high herd average at Shadycrest Holsteins

go

Hamlin

Benton

Stearns

Sherburne

Lac Qui Parle

Codington

Clark

Mille Lacs

isa

Specht farms for the birds, all of nature Pages 38 - 39 Dairy Recipes

Pine Morrison

Pope

First Section: Pages 1,10-11

Carlton

Crow Wing

Douglas

Stevens

Grant

Pages 32, 36

Aitkin

Todd Grant

Perdue visits Minn. on ‘Back to Our Roots’ tour

Ch

Roberts

Day

Big Sto Stone

Cass

Le

rse Tra ve

Marshall

Princess Kay Finalists Pages 30 - 31 Crop and weather reports

Ottertail

Wilkin

Dairy Prole: Aaron Holscher

Garden City

Wadena

Becker

Clay

Twin Brooks

en

nom

Mah

Kanabec

Norman

Itasca

Hubbard

Polk

First Section: Page 36

First Section: Page 39

St. Louis

Red Lake

Women in Jeans: Erin Sellner

Douglas

Koochiching

Clearwater

Sleepy Eye

Belkholms named Kanabec Farm Family of the Year

Family night on dairy farm draws large crowd

Lake of the Woods

Pennington

Pages 22 - 25

Pages 3, 5 Carncross named Holstein USA National Distinguished Young Breeder Pages 6, 9 Peterson leads Wisconsin State Fair milking parlor team Page 11 Schmitts clean up after storm Pages 12 - 13 Iowa State Holstein Show Pages 14 - 15 Sisters with Jerseys top Barron County junior dairy show Pages 16 - 17 Kids Corner: The Fossums Pages 19 - 20 Dairy Calendar Pages 20 - 26 Classieds

Braham

Marshall

SECOND SECTION

Pages 6 - 7 Stempes upgrade facilities for next generation Page 8 Father, daughter share love of tractor pulling Pages 10 - 11 The “Mielke” Market Weekly Page 12 Dairy markets Page 13 Area hay auction results Pages 14 - 15 Dairying Across America

New Ulm

Ra m

Kittson

Little Falls

Farmers, NFL players team up for Land O’Lakes Farm Bowl

Pipestone

Pages 1, 7 Schmitt spends 46 days in hospital after being run over by tractor Pages 8-9 Ag Insider Pages 12 - 13 Dakotas’ drought brings hardships Page 22 On the Road with Princess Kay Page 23 Princess Kay Finalists Page 26 FSA News & Notes Page 27 The Transition Pen Page 28 Finding common ground with your consumers Page 29 Recent calf projects at the U of M Southern Research and Outreach Center Page 30 Dear County Agent Guy Page 31 A Little Bit of Sunshine Page 32 Making Cents of Dairy Page 33 Dairy Good Life Page 34 Veterinary Wisdom

Hutchinson

Turner

Bon Yankton Homme

Lincoln Clay

Union

Lyon

Osceola Dickinson Emmet

Sioux

O’Brien

Clay

Palo Alto

Kossuth

FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE: What is the status of your crops? Pages 15-16

Plymouth

Zone 1

For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com

Keith Brogan

St. Charles, Minn.

Chris Feltmann

Norwood Young America, Minn.

Jeff Palubicki

Perham, Minn.

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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 5

ConƟnued from MEYERS | Page 1

JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR

Tara Meyer explains the farm’s freestall setup to dairy producers who parƟcipated in the tour Aug. 2 on their farm near Sauk Centre, Minn. “Production is really driven by reproduction,” Nick said. “It would be really tough to maintain 150-165 days in milk and a 100-pound tank average, most of the time, without reproduction.” The Meyers have always had strong reproduction, with an A.I. technician walking through the barn and tail chalking every day. However, when the herd went to 3X milking in 2015, Nick noticed a drop in reproduction. “We wondered why it had dropped then, so we started a double ovsynch program,” Nick said. “Now, we’ve seen tremendous gains.” Previously, the Meyers’ voluntary waiting period (VWP) was 55 days. After installing the synch program, they were able to push back the VWP to 80 days. “Preg rates went back up to where we like to see them, at 35 percent,” Nick said. The heifers are all bred with visual cues, with those showing strong heats bred with sexed semen at rst service. “Heifers are not a part of a shot program unless they become problem breeders,” Nick said.

Technique aids in putting up quality forages On 550 acres of tillable land, the Meyers raise corn, soybeans and alfalfa. “With the exception of the beans used as a cash crop, the crops are all fed back to the animals on our dairy,” Nick said. Producing quality forages is a goal the Meyers strive to attain every harvest season. “We have some forage benchmarks to follow,” Nick said. Alfalfa is usually produced for haylage. At the time of harvest, the Meyers aim for a Relative Feed Value of 180-200, as well as a moisture content between 50-60 percent. “That’s what we shoot for, but it can be really tough to achieve with the weather,” Nick said. “A couple years ago, it rained and we chopped wet, and that didn’t feed well. We had issues because of it.” When processing haylage, the Meyers work with a neighbor to complete the harvest. As two people are in the eld, one operates the blade and another packs the pile. For corn silage, one more person is packing. Four years ago, the Meyers began Turn to MEYERS | Page 6

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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

ConĆ&#x;nued from MEYERS | Page 5

Willmar, MN • 320.231.1470

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using BMR corn for all of their silage. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We dabbled with it seven years ago and then went away from it,â&#x20AC;? Nick said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once we stopped, we saw the beneď&#x192;&#x17E;ts it had on the herd â&#x20AC;Ś the fresh cows responded with better peak milk.â&#x20AC;? Tara agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we were going to use it, we knew it would be hard to segregate it,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For space, it was easier for 100 percent of the herd to all be fed BMR corn silage.â&#x20AC;? Much like their haylage management, the Meyers pay particular attention to moisture content of the corn silage. Ideally, the crop maintains 65 percent moisture. All piles are faced daily and feed is removed in thirds for the rations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Feed out is our biggest problem, but weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re trying this one-third thing and it seems to be working,â&#x20AC;? Tara said. By adjusting their bunker management, as well as improving their processing techniques, the Meyers hope to one day have two years worth of forages on hand.

goals and developing new ones, they put trust in their core team to make the best decisions for the dairy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Daily, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bringing up new ideas for the farm and discussing what we could do differently,â&#x20AC;? Tara said. Nick agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Before Tara and I make a decision, we talk about it, then talk again and again,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then we bring in our team and get their advice.â&#x20AC;? The Meyers consider their nutritionist, breeder, veterinarian and lender their team. In some cases, employees may also give input on a prospective decision. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to us to run our ideas by as many people as will beneď&#x192;&#x17E;t from it. Sometimes, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the big picture and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to help show us that,â&#x20AC;? Nick said. Since the time Nick and his parents transitioned the farm to now, the Meyers admit there has always been room for improvement. However, with their reproduction, forage management and communication amongst high stakeholders, it seems the Meyers are Communication amongst all team on the right track. members â&#x20AC;&#x153;If all these pieces are in place, things As the Meyers continue achieving work well,â&#x20AC;? Nick said.

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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 7

Con�nued from SCHMITT | Page 1 Iowa. The incident fractured his pelvis in several places, resulting in a 46-day hospital stay and three surgeries. The incident happened just before bringing fresh cows up to the parlor. To help create a path, Schmitt parks a piece of machinery beside the barn so the cows do not run through the opening. Although he knew the New Holland tractor’s parking brake was wearing, he thought he felt the safety feature catch and lock in place. But after he got off the tractor to walk away, the tractor started to roll backwards towards the Harvestore silo. “I used my dumb instincts … and I tried to jump on the tractor to stop it. I think I made it on the rst step. The next thing I remember is laying there and realized the tire had just gone over me. I remember thinking, that tire ran over me and I’m still alive?” Schmitt said. Schmitt’s son and farming partner, Jeff, found Schmitt very shortly after and called 911. His wife, Debby, who had been milking, came out to give him towels to use as a pillow while they waited for the emergency response team. “I knew enough not to try to move. I immediately felt my left leg go numb, but I knew I wasn’t paralyzed. It wasn’t long before the EMTs were here. I was conscious enough I was greeting them as they arrived,” Schmitt said about how he tried to keep a positive attitude. An ambulance took

KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR

Steve Schmi�, pictured with his daughter-in-law and son, Erin and Jeff, is thankful for help from family a�er breaking his pelvis from being run over by a tractor. Schmi� now uses a wheelchair to get around, but is in therapy to learn how to walk again. Schmitt to the hospital in Decorah, Iowa, before being airlifted to the hospital in La Crosse, Wis. Two days later he had his rst surgery with a second one following ve days after the rst. He had exterior rods and pins placed in his pelvis. “My doctor had to start putting Humpty Dumpty back together again,” Schmitt said. After his rst two surgeries, Schmitt went back to the Decorah hospital for awhile before this third surgery in La Crosse on July 6. He went back to Decorah on July 12 and was released from the hospital to go home on July 21. “I never imagined in my life that I would be conned

to a wheelchair for awhile,” Schmitt said. At home, Schmitt receives a lot of help from his family, and has both physical and occupational therapy twice a week. Recently, Schmitt started walking back and forth in his livingroom with the help of at least one person, a walker and a wheelchair behind him. “Everyday I know I’m progressing, but it’s still frustrating,” Schmitt said. “I never pictured it being that hard to learn how to walk again. My legs are like spaghetti.” Even things like putting food in the microwave is a challenge for Schmitt. “I never imagined what it

was like to be handicapped. I have a whole new perspective of that,” Schmitt said. His family has stepped up to help him in the house and in the barn. “Erin [Jeff’s wife] was supposed to have the summer off because she’s a teacher, but instead she’s been farming all summer,” Schmitt said. Debby feeds calves in the morning and evening, along with milking cows and working her full-time off-the-farm job. Schmitt’s other son, Sam, has also put in a lot of chore time when not at his full-time job. “It’s just put a little extra stress on everyone,” Schmitt

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said. Sam and his wife, Suzanne, have a son, Tyler, 1. Schmitt looks forward to visits from his grandson. “He’s my therapy when he comes to visit. He puts a smile on my face,” Schmitt said. There has also been great support from the community, Schmitt said. People have visited, brought food, sent cards and mailed money. “Some of it is from people who I barely know,” Schmitt said. Schmitt is also thankful for the eldwork help. A day after one of his surgeries, the Schmitt family had to cut hay to make big square bales. People from around the area showed up to bale, haul and stack. Along with saying thank you to so many people, Schmitt wants to give people a reminder to be careful around farm machinery. “It was headed toward the Harvestore that’s why I wanted to stop it,” Schmitt said. “It put a dent in the Harvestore, but that’s nothing too major compared to what it did to me.” He now has a new slogan. “Don’t be a speed bump, just let it roll,” Schmitt said. “You can replace steel, but you can’t replace a human life. I’ve seen so many times not just a tractor, but chopper boxes, rolling in the eld. It’s just dangerous. Close your eyes and don’t watch it. It’s not worth it [to try to stop it].” Schmitt is just thankful to be alive to tell his message.

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Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

Backroads tour comes to southern Minnesota Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue hopped in a RV and made stops across the Midwest for his backroads tour. The USDA leader sat down with Minnesota agriculture leaders at the Kevin Paap farm south of Mankato. Perdue said the three biggest issues facing farmers today are trade, labor and regulations. During a media brieng, Perdue said this administration won’t let unfair trade practices continue. “We’re addressing that with our good friends to the north. The Canadians are just like family, but they’re doing the wrong thing on this supply/management. I told the (ag) minister, it’s your business if you want to manage supply, that’s your business, but manage it. Don’t overproduce and dump milk solids on the international market and depress our prices. That’s not fair and we will address those things.” During the roundtable discussion, Perdue said the United States has been kind of a patsy, turning the other cheek rather than enforcing trade deals in the recent past, but market

manipulation will not continue.

Perdue praised Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue’s sincerity was praised by those participating in the farm bill roundtable event in southern Minnesota. Congressman Tim Walz, who is a Democrat, was one of those complimenting Perdue. “Words are kind of cheap, but when you get in a RV and show up here in Blue Earth County and sit amongst producers and those making these kind of decisions, it speaks volumes. It is a great trip and I’m glad the Secretary is here.” Canada’s supply-management should be addressed During a House Agriculture Committee hearing, Ranking Member Collin Peterson said the biggest issue he’s had with NAFTA is Canada has been able to continue their supply management system for dairy.

The race is on With the Administration preparing to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, the House Agriculture Committee took testimony on trade issues. Former Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack now leads the U.S. Dairy Export Council and emphasized the need for the new NAFTA deal to resolve current trade issues. That would include Canada’s new pricing strategy that has shut down a signicant market for U.S. dairy farmers. Vilsack also said the European Union and other countries are working on their own trade deals. “We need to encourage bilateral discussions and modernization discussions to continue. We can’t afford to lose this race with the EU.” Minnesota Congressman Collin Peterson also questioned Vilsack about Canada’s dairy quota system. “The Canadian government manipulates this market. You can’t ask U.S. companies to invest in a processing facility if there is no expectation the market they’re counting on is going to be present six months from now. This process has to be more transparent and predictable.”

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Four recommendations for dairy policy Steve Schlangen, who farms near Albany, chairs AMPI. At the Farmfest event, Schlangen said MPP did not have the opportunity to live up to its potential as the result of changes made for CBO scoring that diluted the feed cost. Schlangen said MPP does not provide necessary protection, but the dairy industry does not want a hand-out. “I would urge USDA to take immediate action and clarify the $20 million annual cap on risk management livestock insurance programs does not apply to products of livestock, such as milk.” That could pave the way for the Risk Management Agency to provide a dairy insurance option similar to crop insurance. Schlangen also urged the administration to reduce the MPP premiums for the rst four or ve million pounds of milk production per farm to increase affordability. A monthly margin calculation, rather than the current bi-monthly formula, was recommended. “We also need to restore the original feed cost formula back to the level that was established earlier in the last farm bill debate.” NMPF seeks FDA enforcement of food standards The Food and Drug Administration has food standards in place for products ranging from milk to ketchup. National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern said the FDA isn’t enforcing those standards. “We’ve had a number of years of activity in the marketplace of non-dairy products calling themselves a milk, whether it is soy, almond or rice. There’s been an explosion of nut-based beverages using the terminology of milk. This is all happening under the FDA that is not enforcing the stanTurn to AG INSIDER | Page 9


Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 9

ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 dards designed to prevent misleading labeling in the marketplace.” Mulhern met with key FDA regulators to discuss this issue. Other countries have similar standards and Mulhern said the labeling laws are enforced. “You look at Canada. You’ll have some of the same products sold in the U.S. market, like almond beverage. The leading manufacturers of almond beverage here is called almond milk. The same package sold in Canada is called almond beverage, because they have the same standard we do, but enforce it.” Gray wolf remains on endangered list The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C., has ruled gray wolves in the Great Lakes region should remain on the endangered species list. This decision upholds a 2015 federal ruling. This case involves Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. The court released a statement, saying the removal of the wolf from the endangered species list would impact the animal’s recovery in the neighboring states of North Dakota and South Dakota. The wolf issue has been a frustration for farmers and

ranchers who have lost livestock. Fonterra predicts higher milk prices The Fonterra Cooperative Group is forecasting higher prices for its dairy farmers in the year ahead. The Australian-based Fonterra is largest dairy exporter in the world said the dairy industry is being supported by strong global demand. Fonterra ofcials also indicated dairy stocks are very low for the 2017-2018 season. Trivia challenge Approximately 3 billion pizzas are sold each year in the United States. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, let’s focus on Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. Perdue previously served as a governor. What state? 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.

CORRECTION:

In the July 22 Dairy Star, in the headline of the Repro Leaders feature on page 18, the family’s last name was incorrectly spelled. The correct spelling is Wiener.

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ConƟnued from PERDUE | Page 1 worked, so that we create a farm bill for the future that will be embraced by American agriculture in 2018.” The Secretary spent Aug. 4 and part of Aug. 5 in Wisconsin, making stops at the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, and in Franklin, Janesville, Wausau and Elk Mound before crossing the border to hear from Minnesota ag representatives. In the days following, Perdue nished the tour in Iowa, Illinois and Indiana. At the Paap Farm near Garden City, Perdue was greeted by several hundred agriculture leaders representing all phases of the industry, along with 4-H and FFA youth, and Princess Kay of the Milky Way. Minnesota Farm Bureau President Kevin Paap moderated the session. Of his “Back to Our Roots” tours, Perdue drew a chuckle from the audience when he said, “We know that not all the wisdom is in D.C. We’re listening to farmers who put their lives and livelihood on the line every year. Farmers are the original entrepreneurs, the original risk takers that made America great. We do ag better than any place in the world. We do it so well that my job is to nd places to sell it. We’re here to listen and take your concerns back when we work on the farm bill. There are also things that we can do right away.” Before inviting questions from the audience, Paap said the session was about more than just the farm bill, and that Waters of the United States (WOTUS) was also a big deal. He thanked Perdue and President Trump for repealing WOTUS and said farmers want to protect the waters that should be protected. “I also want to thank Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The President understands the role of the Corp of Engineers. The Corps, the Department of the Interior, and EPA are working in tandem for quick answers. We’re looking forward to getting it right,” Perdue said in response. Gary Wertisch, Minnesota Farmers Union President, was the rst to speak. “The upcoming farm bill should address the needs of farmers. It should be written to address the needs, not cuts. You can’t balance the budget on the back of farmers,” he said. Perdue agreed. “We need to let farmers farm for the market, not for the program. We want a safety net. The public will support that,” Perdue said. “The dairy and cotton sectors didn’t perform well in the 2014 Farm Bill. We have to tweak that, make it simple, make minor modications in a budget-friendly way. Our goal is to make the USDA the most efcient, customer-friendly agency.” Several audience members brought up concerns about developing a bank of vaccines in the event of disease outbreaks, such as foot and mouth. They said the country cannot afford to get behind the curve like what happened with the avian inuenza outbreak. Perdue agreed that the No. 1 goal of the USDA is food safety and that a vaccine bank is necessary. On the matter of trade, Perdue said it is critical to work with industry groups.

RUTH KLOSSNER/DAIRY STAR

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue addresses several hundred Minnesota ag leaders at a “Back to Our Roots” RV tour stop Aug. 4 at the Paap Farm near Garden City, Minn. “We have competition all over the world. We have to drive the markets. Mexico is increasing pork production, but they’re using Minnesota and Iowa grain to do it.” Minnesota 6th District Congressman Tom Emmer said, “The secretary makes it clear that trade is his No. 1 objective. We need to expand trade with Canada, Mexico and places like Cuba.” Regional FFA ofcer Kegan Zimmermann commented on the memorandum that the USDA had signed with FFA, but noted that a disconnect still exists between youth and opportunities in agriculture. Perdue said an international youth exchange program has been created with Mexico and one is planned with Canada to better understand trade and markets. “I will be announcing a mentorship program tomorrow … We have to continue to engage young people. How can we keep youth on the farm if they can’t connect to get the markets, and socially, without good broadband? You can’t do a lot of things without connectivity,” Perdue said. “We have to use youth to communicate the benets of ag to others. I believe people will believe you before they believe me. You’re the guys that can be the antidote to the falsehoods out there.” AMPI chairman Steve Schlangen addressed the dairy situation. “Dairy farmers are looking for a safety net. We Turn to PERDUE | Page 11

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People who aƩended the “Back to Our Roots” RV tour listen as U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue speaks.


Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 11

ConƟnued from PERDUE | Page 10 developed what we thought would be a good program [in the 2014 Farm Bill] and promoted it, but it turned out to be a tax on dairy farmers during their worst years. There are some things that can be done right away – separate milk, protect what we have with Mexico and x things with Canada.” Perdue reiterated that milk and cotton did not fare well under the 2014 Farm Bill. “There are some things we can do now, like making dairy its own commodity. We’re trying to persuade people that that is the way to go. Please give us your ideas of what will work for the Dairy Margin Protection Program. The problem is dichotomies of the dairy industry. The 10,000 to 12,000 herds are doing OK, while the small herds are hurting. How can we protect one sector without creating windfalls for others?” he said. First District Representative Tim Walz said people want certainty, want trade deals to get where they want to be, and that risk management tools have been absolutely critical. Minnesota Secretary of Agriculture Dave Frederickson echoed earlier concerns expressed about the farm bill. “If we see ourselves sliding on the farm bill, let’s continue with what we have,” Frederickson said. Perdue had a response. “We’ve fed Americans such an abundant supply of food that they don’t know what it means to go hungry like many in other parts of the world. Ag is changing rapidly; we have to change with it. And we have to tweak dairy and cotton.” Representing the turkey, chicken and egg industry, Steve Olson said trade and availability of labor are two major concerns. He also mentioned

the importance of research to handle situations such as the avian inuenza outbreak. “However, I’m concerned about the erosion of research in the last few years,” he said. “That’s what we need to deal with the next challenge we face.” Perdue said, “We’ve had good research by Extension and good collaboration. It begins in the lab and is applied in test plots. Don’t let the federal government take two steps forward and the land grants take a step back. We have to make sure that efforts continue to be put in at the land grants. Collaboration is where success comes from.” Mark Malecek, chairman of the Minnesota Beef Producers, asked for Perdue’s feeling on checkoffs. Perdue stated, “I’m a big fan of checkoffs. I’m a get-it-done kind of guy. If you have ideas on how they can be more effective, let me know. The beef checkoff is what helped get beef back in China.” Representing sugar beets, Kyle Petersen thanked Perdue for taking care of sugar negotiations and asked how matters will be dealt with if rules are not followed. “I thought it wound up being a good deal,” Perdue said. “We’ll monitor it and any other unfair marketing practices. We want free trade, but fair trade. The U.S. won’t let people get away with violations. A deal’s a deal. This Secretary of Ag will squeal real loud if the rules aren’t followed.” Paap then said, “The big question is, do you have the President’s ear? Can you get the job done? What can we do to help?” “The President understands that ag is a big part of trade, he understands that ag is part of the positive part of the

trade decit. While ag is often the tip of the spear on retaliations, we’re going to do everything we can not to hurt ag,” Perdue said. In a closing statement, Perdue said, “This is what we hoped to achieve. I’m a hold-accountable kind of guy. If you don’t like what we’re doing, let me know. I’m an open kind of guy, I’ll let you know if I agree or explain why I don’t.” In a brief press gaggle after the open session, Perdue commented on providing adequate labor for dairy. “The program was not workable for dairy. We’re doing some things to make

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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

A closer look by Jennifer Coyne

Industry news addressed with help from your neighbors

Dakotas’ drought brings hardships

Weather damaging elds, farms, future of ag

NEW SALEM, N.D. – Last winter, Gregg Klusmann was hopeful for the upcoming planting and growing seasons with moisture levels accumulating to near-record amounts. “In December, we received 60 inches of snow,” said Klusmann, who milks 80 cows near New Salem, N.D. “It was the most snowfall we could remember, and I thought if it kept up, it would be a record.” That notion quickly changed. As January arrived, the snow stopped and moisture has been minimal ever since. The onset of drought-like conditions developed in May and worsened over the course of the summer, resulting in one of the cruelest droughts in the High Plains area since 2006. “North Dakota farmers have been through many forms of drought within the last ve decades, but this is the worst,” said Doug Goehring, North Dakota Agricultural Commissioner. “We didn’t receive any rain in the spring, so the grasses remained dormant and there wasn’t enough moisture to establish vegetative growth.” Once the drought became established in North Dakota, it traveled to the south, affecting livestock and crop farmers in the northwest corner of

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Braden Klusmann stands in a dormant alfalfa eld with the only two bales the Klusmanns were able to take off the 15-acre plot near New Salem, N.D. Since spring, the Klusmanns and others in North and South Dakota have suffered a severe drought. South Dakota and on both sides of the Missouri River. Within South Dakota, 90 percent of dairy farmers along the I-29 Corridor, and in a 70-mile radius, are in a moderate drought or worse, according to South Dakota Dairy Producers Executive Director Roger Scheibe. “If you look at pictures from West River, the elds are completely brown and the grass is standing 2 inches tall,” Scheibe said.

Cow/calf producers are primarily affected by the adverse weather, being forced into herd dispersals because of the lack of grazing land. However, the drought is having a trickle-down effect on the entire agricultural industry. “What happens is that cow/calf operators need to purchase feed in order to retain their cattle, and dairy farmers still need to provide their herd with forages,” Dr. Alvaro Garcia said. “It’s been a chain of events and a perfect

storm – there’s a shortage of feed and more feed is required.” Garcia is the South Dakota State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director. Small grain crops, such as wheat and barley, as well as corn for silage and grain, and alfalfa were signicantly stunted by the dry weather conditions. Klusmann, who dairy farms with his wife, Kristie, and two children – Braden and Ivy – runs 650 acres of cropland and 350 acres of pasture. Every year, Klusmann has about 200 acres of exible cropland that he typically plants as a cash crop. With dry conditions apparent in June, Klusmann opted out of a cash crop and planted millet and Sudan grass instead, with intentions of further developing the hay elds. Of the 200 acres planted, only 50 acres germinated. “It’s only about 4 inches tall and heading, so it looks like there will not be any hay to cut on those elds,” Klusmann said. “The remaining acres did not germinate at all … There’s still seed laying in the ground.” Insignicant rain showers, coupled with high winds, have made it nearly impossible for forages to become established. Nearly 97 percent of the forages in North Dakota are stressed by the drought, said Goehring. “One farmer that I visited was only able to make a half a bale on 100 acres of grass. Another could only make 70 Turn to DROUGHT | Page 13

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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 13

ConƟnued from DROUGHT | Page 12

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Farmers from across South Dakota gather for an informaƟonal meeƟng about the drought and what resources are available through extension. bales on 1,500 acres,” Goehring said. “Granted, those are the extremes, but examples of this are all over the region.” Klusmann agreed. “At the time of rst cutting, we baled about a fourth of what we normally do,” he said. A corn silage harvest is expected to maintain adequate nutritional values, because lignication ceases and energy is retained. However, yields will suffer. “The grain corn and silage corn looks pathetic,” Klusmann said. “It’s knee-high and tasseling out already. I’m amazed it’s even alive.” As farmers secure forages for their ration, they should be aware of the potential presence of nitrates. A high concentration of nitrates results from a plant’s protective strategy, said Garcia. As the plant closes its pores to retain moisture, it also hampers its cooling system, plant heat build up reduces its metabolism, and nitrates are not incorporated into protein. Meanwhile, the plant continues to absorb nutrients, including nitrates, at a normal metabolic rate. “To avoid high concentrations, farmers should chop silage higher than usual, and always test the forages,” Garcia said. Goehring agreed. “Everyone should also look at blending the forages to eliminate the risk of poisoning,” he said. The 2017 growing season has been the fourth-driest season in North Dakota since record keeping began in 1875, according to North Dakota State University Extension Service, with accumulative rainfall reaching 4.47 inches from March 1 to July 20. Both Dakota governments have hosted several meetings to provide risk-management materials for farmers affected by the drought. National efforts have provided some relief to livestock farmers in the drought-stricken areas. United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue authorized the use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) lands for emergency grazing and haying within

150 miles of the authorized counties in North and South Dakota. This announcement opens up CRP wetlands and buffers in Iowa and Minnesota. Additionally, North Dakota established a drought hotline, where farmers needing and selling hay, as well as truckers, can advertise their services in an online interactive map. “Farmers are scrambling to nd forage 300-some miles away to purchase,” said Goehring, noting abundant hay supplies in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Klusmann does not like to purchase feed, but is now considering that option in order to maintain his herd for a while longer. “Last year, I had 150 bales that I sold to area beef farmers, and that helped with cash ow. Now, I’m wishing I had that,” Klusmann said. “Good quality hay comes from miles away and the price is reasonable, but the cost of freight adds up.” Klusmann’s current forage supply will not last into winter. “We do have some carry over from last fall that will help, and we’ll make the corn silage stretch. But, we’ll probably have to downsize our herd by 50 percent to make it work,” Klusmann said. “If milk prices were even $5 more, I could justify purchasing hay. There are a lot of tough decisions to make.” In the latest drought summary from the United States Drought Monitor, Aug. 1, drought conditions were slightly improved with scattered showers in parts of North Dakota and South Dakota. Unfortunately, a full recovery is not expected any time soon. “Right now, we’re in self-preservation mode. If people have to go through a two- to three-year drought, you’ll see the life sucked out of them,” Goehring said. “Everyone is just staying focused on what they need to do now.” Klusmann agreed. “If this continues another year, it will be really challenging,” he said. “I just keep saying a prayer it’ll start raining soon and turn around.”

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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 15

What is the status of your crops?

Keith Brogan Brogan Oak Heights Dairy St. Charles, Minn. Winona County 500 cows How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? We farm 1,500 acres of owned and rented land. The crops grown are corn, soybeans, alfalfa, canning peas and sweet corn. What is the status of your crops? The status of our crops is good. The corn has tasseled and is silking, and the soybeans are doing well. Our canning peas were harvested in early July and yielded well. Our sweet corn was planted in late June. What cutting of hay are you working on? How were the previous cuttings? We nished third crop hay. The yields have been very good this year. We had some rain on some of our second crop, but we were able to harvest rst and third without rain. The quality has been good. First crop was harvested about one week later than ideal due to the rainy weather in May, which slightly lowered the RFV. What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? The rainy weather has probably been the biggest challenge this year. It has made it difcult to get all the eld work done as timely as we wanted to. It especially has made it difcult cutting and harvesting the hay. We had a few acres that remained too wet to plant. What has the growing season been like in your area? The growing season has been good in our area. We receive rains at least once a week. Fortunately, our area has missed most of the torrential downpours and just received heavy showers. Our rainfall total is 27.78 inches, which is a couple inches above normal for the year. Temperatures have been moderate with no extended periods of extreme heat or cool weather. It was cool in the early spring; but since June 1, growing degree days have been very close to normal. What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? I spend most of my time working with the cattle, which I enjoy. However, I do cut the hay and help in nishing the chopping after cutting. Tell us about your farm. Brogan Oak Heights Dairy has been in our family for nearly 120 years. The current operators are my parents, Gerard and Lila Brogan, my brother, Scott, and his family, and myself. We have 500 cows. The

Jeff Palubicki Perham, Minn. Ottertail County 45 cows

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Steve Combs New London, Minn. Kandiyohi County 75 cows

How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? I run 500 acres of corn, oats, barley and alfalfa. About 100 acres are corn, 60 acres are oats and 25 are barley; the remainder is alfalfa.

How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? We farm about 1,000 acres. This year we planted 500 acres of corn, 450 acres of soybeans and have 50 acres of alfalfa. We also had about 90 acres of rye that we chopped and are doublecropping with corn silage.

How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? We have 275 acres. We planted 150 acres of corn, 50 acres of barley and we have 75 acres of alfalfa.

What is the status of your crops? Corn is starting to tassel and in the silk stage right now. I nished combining small grains and baling straw before the rain came last week. What cutting of hay are you working on? How were the previous cuttings? We’re just getting ready to start third crop. Second crop was a little short because it lacked rain, but rst crop was excellent. It came back with a 158 RFV, and I always think anything more than 140 is good to work with in the ration. We always try to get the best feed we can. What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? It has been really dry here, and less rain than normal from April to July. But, it is amazing how well things are doing without the rain. Last week, we had about 1 inch and things are looking better. Overall, it has just been a dry summer in this area. What has the growing season been like in your area? We got an early start. There has been a lot of warm weather, but nothing too hot. Most of the nights are cool and the mornings have heavy dew, which I think the plants lived on without the timely rains. We are not as hot as North Dakota or Montana, and I think we are lucky that way. What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? Raking hay, because it is the least stressful, and I enjoy getting ready to bale hay. Tell us about your farm. My wife, Deb, and I run the farm. I am the fourth generation on this farm. We have two grown children who live off the farm, but help us when they can. We milk in a tiestall barn and sell our bull calves. Of the 500 acres, we own 320 and rent another 180. We also have about 70 beef cows that are on pasture.

farm raises all of its own replacement heifers and nishes out the bull calves as steers that are sold for slaughter. We grow our own feed.

What is the status of your crops? Most of our corn is tasseling. The late-planted corn on our double-cropped ground is just starting to tassel. Our soybeans are all looking excellent. Most of the corn is looking pretty good, except for one eld where it was too wet this spring. What cutting of hay are you working on? How were the previous cuttings? We have nished putting up our third cutting of hay. We have gotten about the same amount of tonnage on all three of our alfalfa cuttings. The quality of the rst cutting was disappointing. I think it was too cold for the alfalfa earlier this spring. What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? We had a very cold and wet April and May. Some of our soybeans didn’t get planted until May 31 and that wasn’t by choice. The crops are still slightly behind but have mostly caught up. The growing conditions we have had lately have been nearly perfect. What has the growing season been like in your area? We got off to a slow start, but it has been good since. Our corn wasn’t very tall by the Fourth of July, maybe waist high. We have gotten enough heat since then for it to catch up. What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? My favorite job is to run the eld cultivator in the spring. It’s fun to see the cultivator kill the weeds. I also enjoy the fall harvest because you get to see the fruits of your labor. It’s a good feeling when the fall harvest is nished and the grain is in the bin. Tell us about your farm. I operate the dairy with our son, Jeff. Our son, Brian, operates the crop side with us. I moved here in 1971 after I got out of the service. My wife, Vicki, and I moved to town in 2003 so Jeff and his family could live on the dairy and spend more time with the cows. I will be 69 this year, but don’t have any plans to retire. I still help with milking every day, but hope to turn more of the milking duties

What is the status of your crops? I just nished combining barley on August 4 and it ran around 70 bushels an acre. That’s a little better than average. The straw was average. The corn is 7-8’ tall and has been tasseling for two weeks. What cutting of hay are you working on? We are in between third and fourth crop alfalfa. The fourth crop looks good now and at the end of August I will be doing it. We had to spray for aphids after the second crop. I had close to two tons per acre of baleage on each cutting of alfalfa. That’s a little better than average. What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? Our biggest challenge was the aphids on the alfalfa and until last Tuesday (August 1) the corn was stressed with lack of rain until we received nine tenths on Aug. 1-2. It has been almost perfect around here for small grain. What has the growing season been like in your area? It was wet in this area at the end of April but for the most part it was a cooler than average summer. We were a little dry at the end of July that stressed some varieties of corn. What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? As long as I’m outside I don’t have a favorite. My favorite eldwork is spring tillage. I like the fresh smell of soil worked up. Tell us about your farm. My wife, Amy, works part time as a church secretary then helps me on the farm the rest of the time. I’m the second generation on this farm. My dad bought it in 1963. We formed a partnership that we did for 30 years. I then bought him out and have owned it on my own for eight years. I milk in a 12-stall step-up parlor. The cows are in an open loang shed and outside with access to a dirt lot. over to Jeff and our hired man. We are gradually transitioning things over to the next generation. Turn to FENCE | Page 16


Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

ConƟnued from FENCE | Page 15

Rob Anderson Westby, Wis. Vernon County 35 registered Holsteins

Steve Mueller Brackett, Wis. Eau Claire County 60 cows

Scott Hentsch Hixton, Wis. Jackson County 150 cows

How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? This year we are running 156 acres of corn, 206 of alfalfa, and 55 of soybeans.

Chris Feltmann Norwood Young America, Minn. Carver County 250 cows

How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? We farm 1,500 acres. We planted corn, beans and then have hay ground.

How many acres of land do you farm and what crops did you plant this year? This year we planted 520 acres with 290 acres of corn, 100 acres of soybeans, 110 acres of alfalfa and 20 acres of oats.

What is the status of your crops? Corn is over 7 feet tall and tasseling. Beans have started to bud. The oats we use for cover crop have turned, but we will just cut it and bale it for bedding. What cutting of hay are you working on? How were the previous cuttings? We are almost half done with second crop, rst crop yielded very well, but the rain slowed us down quite a bit and dropped feed quality. We averaged 117 RFV.

What is the status of your crops? Everything is about two weeks behind. The corn is at a normal height of about 8-9 feet, and was well overhead before it started to tassel. The last of it tasseled the rst week of August. The beans haven’t started to turn yet.

What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? The rain patterns this year has hurt us the most, causing delays and minimal washouts.

What cutting of hay are you working on? We just nished up third crop hay. There is a lot of it. We don’t actually measure for tonnage, but it’s signicantly higher than the last two years. We’ve got a fair amount of it up dry. It’s running about 160-180 RFV.

What has the growing season been like in your area? For everyone that beat the rain in early June, crops have been looking very good. Lots of moisture and high temps have really helped.

What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? The biggest setback has been too much rain and not enough sunshine or heat. We never get a nice half-inch rain, it’s always 3 or more inches at a crack, and there is a lot of washing.

What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? Cutting hay is my favorite summer job. I have a cab with AC, and with our tractor and disc bine you can cut as fast as you are able to stay on the hills. Tell us about your farm. We are a family owned and operated dairy farm about 10 miles south of Eau Claire, Wis. Founded in 1906, my brother, Peter, and I are the fourth generation to work on our farm. Our mom, Jane, is co-owner with Peter of the farm and takes care of the nancial side of the business. Our sister, Meg, is a large animal vet at the Osseo veterinary clinic and helps out with the herd. We are milking 60 Holstein cows, with all youngstock born and raised on the farm. We keep most of our bulls and raise them as steers to sell as feeders or unnished steers. We grow alfalfa for haylage and baled hay, and corn for high moisture shelled corn and corn silage. We grow soybeans, as well, for cash crop.

What is the status of your crops? Our corn tasseled a couple weeks ago. We sprayed our silage corn with fungicide on July 30. We combined oats on July 28. It averaged 80-85 bushels per acre. The plant date of our corn and beans was a little late this year, but they have seem to have caught up with the adequate rainfall we have had all summer What cutting of hay are you working on? How were the previous cuttings? We did our third cutting of alfalfa July 22-24 with a feed value of 150 with 24 protein. Our second crop was a little better RFV but less tons. What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? The biggest setback has been too much rain right after planting. It caused for some replanting.

What has the growing season been like in your area? It has been too wet and we have not had enough heat or sun.

What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? Anything as long as the equipment and weather are cooperating.

What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? All of it. I like doing it all, and that’s why we use a variety. If I had to pick, maybe running the combine, but I really enjoy doing anything in the elds.

Tell us about your farm. I farm with my father, Dennis, older brother, Chad, and younger brother, Corey, which makes up Feltmann Dairy Farms LLC. My mother, Lynette, does the book work with the help of my wife, Heather, who also helps on the farm when working as a hairstylist. We recently rented a neighbor’s tiestall barn where we have an employee milking 40 cows. Otherwise we do all the rest of the milking on the home farm. Chad and Corey do the milking and cow chores while I do the eldwork, calf feeding, xing and cow feeding at the other site.

Tell us about your farm. Our farm is Brickstone Dairy. Along with farming our 1,500 acres, we milk 150 head of Holsteins, Red & White Holsteins, Jerseys and Brown Swiss in a parlor, and have them housed in a freestall barn. We raise a few steers and sell them for fats.

What is the status of your crops? As of Aug. 7, the corn has started tasseling and is looking good. But it is a couple of weeks behind, due to the rains this spring. Small grains are starting to come off this last week. What cutting of hay are you working on? How were the previous cuttings? We are done with third crop. The tonnage was good, as is feed quality. First and second crop had good tonnage. First crop had lower quality. Due to the wet spring, the grasses came quickly and lowered feed quality. What has been the greatest setback to your crops this year and how has it affected them? The spring was wet, which delayed corn planting and rst crop hay. What has the growing season been like in your area? We have had enough rain and heat to progress them, but with the cool temps lately, we could use more heat to nish the corn. What is your favorite thing to do in the elds during the summer? Why? I enjoy making good hay. What we do with those crops affects the protability of our farm for the next year. I also enjoy cultivating the corn. It gives me time to slow down and think a little. Tell us about your farm. My wife Kari, and I, milk 35 registered Holsteins on our certied organic dairy. We have farmed organically since 2005 and wouldn’t change that. Our kids enjoy showing cattle and we feel lucky to have our children grow up the way we did.

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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

Top Performers

Sand big factor in high herd average at Shadycrest Holsteins lage of 62 percent moisture. We use haylage at 50 to 60 percent moisture, if at all possible. The ration also includes two to three pounds of dry hay, earlage, two to three pounds of dry ground corn, cottonseed and a custom mix. This has been the same ration we’ve used for the past ve years. At that time, we netuned the amount of dry corn and dry hay. We feel we get the biggest bang for our buck with a little of each in the ration.

Shadycrest Holsteins Scott and Michelle Herber Altura, Minn. Winona County 645 cows What is your current herd average, butterfat and protein? Our current herd average is 29,200 pounds of milk with 1,129 pounds of fat and 882 pounds of protein. We have a 90,000 somatic cell count monthly average for all milk shipped. Right now, the herd is milking about 98 to 100 pounds of milk per cow, per day. How many times a day do you milk? If you don’t milk 3X a day, have you tried it in the past? Explain. We have been milking our herd three times a day for 18 years. At that time, we went up about eight pounds of milk per cow, per day. Do you use BST? If so, what is your protocol? We have not used BST for more than 12 years. Do you contract your milk? Has it been successful for you? No, we do not contract

KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR

ScoƩ Herber (leŌ), pictured with his son, Ross, 15, and employee, Ray Badillo, owns Shadycrest Holsteins with his wife, Michelle. The 645-cow herd has a rolling herd average of 29,200 pounds of milk with 1,129 pounds of fat and 882 pounds of protein. our milk. We have in the past, but it has not been protable for us after we factor in both time and contracting expense. Describe your housing and milking facility. Our freestall barn and double-12 parallel parlor were built in the spring

of 1996. We recently remodeled our other barn, which was built in the 1960s and has 120 stalls. We added an insulated ceiling and tunnel ventilation with bafes. That really seemed to help cow comfort. Our ush system operates 24/7, 365 days a year. We recycle sand from

the freestalls and recycle water from the ush system. What is the composition of your ration? What has been one of your most recent changes that has been successful for you? We are currently feeding a conventional corn si-

Through the years you’ve been farming, what change has created the biggest jump in your herd average? The change that resulted in the biggest jump in our herd average is using sand for bedding the freestalls. We rst put it in our newer barn in 2010. Before that, we had sawdust and mattresses. Production increased by about 8 pounds of milk per cow, per day. We changed the second freestall barn within the last two years. They’re lying down a lot more and are more comfortable. They used to stand a lot more. Often times, we can walk in and the majority of the cows are lying in the stalls. Turn to HERBERS | Page 20

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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 19

“… part of our quality management.” — Tio Ford

USDETC at Clover Knolls Texico, NM

The 10th annual class of the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium (USDETC) completed 6 weeks of large herd management study and daily hands-on dairy experience in West Texas and Eastern New Mexico from their base at Clovis Area Community College in June. As applicants increase, instructors select USDETC candidates. The 2017 class of 55 hail from across the U.S. and abroad, representing future herd managers, educators, researchers, veterinarians, nutritionists, consultants. Some will take the experience back to home dairies. Others come from non-ag backgrounds, or will pursue other careers and draw on this experience interacting with the non-ag public. We are pleased to be a partner-level sponsor of USDETC since 2015.

We joined the students for milk quality week at customer Tio Ford’s Clover Knolls Dairy, Texico, NM, where 3200 cows average 88 lbs with SCC 98 to 102,000. All fresh udders get 6 to 8 applications of Udder Comfort™ (3x/day for 2 to 3 days). “It’s a part of our quality management, getting edema out fast to get fresh udders primed and into milk faster, with fewer problems,” Tio reports.

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Keep the milk in the system 1.888.773.7153 1.613.652.9086 uddercomfort.com Call to locate a distributor near you. For external application to the udder only after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking.


Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

ConƟnued from HERBERS | Page 18

What role does genetics play in your production level and what is your breeding program? We use a custom sire selection program that includes bulls from all studs. I do not believe in averages in my selection process, so we use high-end bulls. Bulls must have over 50 pounds of protein, which usually brings high milk and butterfat, and a somatic cell count linear score lower than 2.8. We also focus on high health traits

and then high type. Once we choose which bulls to use, we use a mating program from one of the studs. What type of improvements would you like to make that would increase your rolling herd average even higher? I currently have a corn variety planted this year called Entogen that I have high hopes for improving our herd average. What would you say are the three most important factors for you that helped you attain your current herd average? Explain. The rst factor is employees who really care about

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KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR

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KRISTA KUZMA/DAIRY STAR

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What does your dry cow and transition program consist of? Our cows are dried off between 45 and 50 days before calving. Heifers are dried off at 60 days before calving. We use a dry cow tube and Orbeseal. Our far off dry cows are taken to a different farm and housed in sand-bedded freestall barns

with access to pasture all year. They eat a low energy diet. Then, cows and heifers come home 21 days prior to calving and are put into a prefresh pen. They are on an anionic salts diet. We use two box stalls for calving cows in as soon as they show signs of birth. All fresh cows are in one pen and are checked on a 10-day fresh cow program.

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What is your herd health program? Our herd health program includes a weekly herd check and an activity program. We talk to our vet about reproduction, vaccination protocols, calf care, fresh cow health and farm management ideas. We use a double ovsynch program on our milking 2 year olds. We will potentially be switching the whole herd to the rst breeding being a double ovsynch. Cow health and protocol follow through are very important to the success of the farm.


Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 21

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Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com ARTICULATED 4WD TRACTORS 11 Versatile 1156, 1988, 6000 hrs., #139641 ............................$51,900 10 JD 8430, 1975, 1893 hrs., #138881 ............................$15,500 7 JD 8640, 1987, 10435 hrs., #137151 ............................$20,350 2 JD 8770, 1996, 7970 hrs., #138494 ............................$32,900 7 JD 8870, 1995, 4370 hrs., #138377 ............................$60,900 8 JD 8960, 1992, 7694 hrs., #137900 ............................$45,000 6 JD 9200, 1994, 6844 hrs., #138865 ............................$67,500 3 JD 9330, 2010, 1260 hrs., #140493 ..........................$185,000 8 JD 9400, 1996, 6173 hrs., #134367 ............................$79,000 7 JD 9620, 2006, 6120 hrs., #138706 ..........................$114,490 7 JD 9360R, 2013, 1289 hrs., #139202 ..........................$195,900 3 JD 9470R, 2015, 214 hrs., #139203 ..........................$269,000 1 JD 9560R, 2013, 2344 hrs., #127914 ..........................$219,000 7 JD 9560R, 2012, 1681 hrs., #133796 ..........................$239,000 5 JD 9620R, 2015, 454 hrs., #137678 ..........................$365,000 4 JD 9620R, 2015, 514 hrs., #125913 ..........................$365,000 CHISEL PLOWS 10 Summers 32’, 2014, #132426 ............................$64,900 7 Summers 9DC2412H, 2012, #138554 ............................$34,880 COMBINE PLATFORMS 8 JD 615P, 2016, #133555 ...$26,000 8 JD 630F, 2010, #134812 ...$25,900 4 JD 630F, 2011, #113753 ...$25,900 7 JD 630F, 2012, #126623 ...$27,900 8 JD 630F, 2013, #136713 ...$29,900 6 JD 635F, 2007, #135115 ...$18,500 1 JD 635F, 2006, #135753 ...$19,900 5 JD 635F, 2009, #131606 ...$24,500

227,900

4 3 4 5

10 6 12 5 2 2 5 9 7 6 10 7 7 8 4 3 6 8 4 9 9

JD 9550, 2001, $ 3340 hrs., #134900

JD 635F, 2008, #132156 ...$25,000 JD 635F, 2011, #134729 ...$29,800 JD 635F, 2012, #118150 ...$33,900 JD 640FD, 2014, #139826 ............................$69,500 COMBINE PLATFORMS Case IH 8010, 2006, 2125 hrs., 1506 sep., #132086 ..........$99,000 JD 9500, 1995, 5104 hrs., 3524 sep., #140342 ..........$25,900 JD 9500, 1989, 4400 hrs., 3300 sep., #132034 ..........$27,900 JD 9500, 1992, 5306 hrs., 3502 sep., #140474 ..........$35,900 JD 9550, 2001, 3340 hrs., 2338 sep., #134900 ..........$71,900 JD 9600, 1995, 5000 hrs., 190 sep., #133728 ............$34,900 JD 9610, 1997, 4224 hrs., 2856 sep., #138424 ..........$47,000 JD 9570 STS, 2008, 1563 hrs., 1084 sep., #115868 ........$139,500 JD 9570 STS, 2010, 910 hrs., 682 sep., #122037 ..........$169,500 JD 9760 STS, 2004, 2642 hrs., 1763 sep., #107702 ..........$98,900 JD 9760 STS, 2004, 2354 hrs., 1558 sep., #132810 ........$118,000 JD 9770 STS, 2008, 2845 hrs., 2021 sep., #139325 ........$119,840 JD 9770 STS, 2009, 2597 hrs., 1919 sep., #124372 ........$127,900 JD 9770 STS, 2010, 2427 hrs., 1776 sep., #135046 ........$132,900 JD 9770 STS, 2009, 1861 hrs., 1289 sep., #117362 ........$162,900 JD 9870 STS, 2009, 3239 hrs., #134942 ..........................$139,000 JD S550, 2012, 1105 hrs., 720 sep., #134811 .........................$210,000 JD S660, 2012, 1765 hrs.,1385 sep., #133738 .........................$175,000 JD S660, 2013, 1546 hrs.,1027 sep., #135180 .........................$196,000 JD S660, 2014, 545 hrs., 420 sep., #132631 ..........................$260,000 JD S660, 2014, 418 hrs., 253 sep., #116531 ..........................$265,000

71,900

7 JD S660, 2015, 583 hrs., 384 sep., #117457 ..........................$269,000 2 JD S660, 2015, 386 hrs., 245 sep., #125946 ..........................$295,000 1 JD S670, 2012, 2333 hrs., 1711 sep., #128689 .........................$159,500 4 JD S670, 2013, 847 hrs., #134914 ..........................$227,900 5 JD S670, 2014, 662 hrs., 488 sep., #133494 ..........................$285,000 8 JD S670, 2015, 419 hrs., 308 sep., #124831 ..........................$299,500 8 JD S670, 2016, 334 hrs., 258 sep., #138933 ..........................$315,000 8 JD S670, 2015, 290 hrs., 168 sep., #125750 ..........................$325,000 9 JD S680, 2012, 1910 hrs., 1275 sep., #134377 .........................$224,000 5 JD S680, 2013, 1864 hrs.,1318 sep., #134536 .........................$224,900 3 JD S680, 2014, 743 hrs., 553 sep., #135928 ..........................$315,000 3 JD S680, 2015, 500 hrs., 380 sep., #134530 ..........................$359,000 7 JD S690, 2013, 1255 hrs., 855 sep., #119306 .........................$259,500 CORN AND ROW CROP HEADERS 10 JD 643, #124401 ...............$14,900 2 JD 693, #138426 ...............$14,650 10 JD 893, 1998, #138934.....$16,500 10 JD 893, 1999, #140414.....$18,500 4 JD 893, 1996, #134171.....$19,000 6 JD 893, 1998, #133187.....$20,000 5 JD 893, 2004, #134018.....$20,900 1 JD 893, 2005, #134909.....$22,900 6 JD 1293, 2005, #116503...$21,900 7 Geringhoff 1622, 2007 #132675 ............................$47,900 6 Drago 1230, 2008, #139217 ............................$29,500 1 Harvestec 4308C, 2006, #133685 ............................$22,500 4 JD 606C, 2013, #116470 ..$53,900 1 JD 608C, 2010, #135328 ..$43,500 7 JD 608C, 2014, #134969 ..$67,500 6 JD 608C, 2015, #140472 ..$69,900

Case IH 8010, 2006, $ 2125 hrs., #132086

99,000

6 7 2 7 2 8 8 8 7 1

7 10 10 10 4 1 6 11

5 1 5 6 4 7 9 2 2 1

JD 612C, 2008, #127007 ..$49,500 JD 612C, 2009, #126839 ..$52,900 JD 612C, 2010, #135623 ..$57,500 JD 612C, 2012, #106737 ..$74,900 JD 612C, 2014, #134078 ..$85,000 JD 612C, 2014, #126047 ..$95,900 JD 612C, 2015, #126164 ..$99,500 JD 612C, 2016, #134111 ..$109,000 Fantini 6R30, 2010, #133739 ............................$25,900 Geringhoff RD830B, 2004, #132061 ............................$18,900 DISKS Case IH 370, 2014, #137899 ............................$37,900 JD 2620, 2013, #139728...$49,000 JD 2623, 2013, #126300...$36,900 JD 2623, 2012, #135075...$46,900 JD 2623, 2015, #134716...$53,900 Krause 8200, 2013 #131061 ............................$34,900 Wishek 824NT-24, 2009, #139775 ............................$29,900 Summers 9K4727, 2015 #129015 ............................$79,500 TRACK TRACTORS Case IH 540 QUADTRAC, 2015, 937 hrs., #140245 ...........$309,500 Case IH 600 QUAD TRACK, 2012, 1210 hrs., #135208 .........$279,900 Case IH 600 QUADTRAC, 2013, 2467 hrs., #140246 .........$229,500 JD 8310T, 2001, 2295 hrs., #126238 ............................$85,000 JD 9460RT, 2012, 1130 hrs., #125925 ..........................$249,000 JD 9530T, 2009, 3369 hrs., #135766 ..........................$149,000 Caterpillar MT765C, 2012, 1779 hrs., #136810 ..........................$163,000 Challenger MT865, 2003, 5250 hrs., #138939 ..........................$120,000 Case IH QUADTRAC 550, 2013, 1199 hrs., #138936 .........$250,000 Case STX425, 2002, 3168 hrs., #136012 ..........................$126,900

JD 9570 STS, $ 2010, 910 hrs., #122037

169,500


Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

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WISCONSIN Advanced Dairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713 Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Professional Dairy Services Waunakee, WI 608-849-5043

Mondovi Dairy Systems Inc. Mondovi, WI 715-926-5777 West Salem, WI 608-769-2113 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470 MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466

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It’s a bittersweet feeling

It’s that time of year again. The corn has started to tassel. Crickets are chirping at night. Back to school advertisements have ooded the newspapers with the best deals. I’m craving pork chops on a stick, Sweet Martha’s cookies, a glass of milk from the All-YouCan-Drink milk stand, and a strawberry-rhubarb malt from the Dairy Goodness Bar. There is no denying it is August and the “Great On the Road with Minnesota Get Together” is fast approaching. Princess Kay But, let’s not wish away the remainder of summer. I’d rst like to share what happened in July and early August. In July I was able to cheer on the Rochester Honkers baseball team with local county dairy princesses from southeast Minnesota. It was dairy night at the ballpark, By Haley Hinrichs complete with cows on 63rd Princess Kay of the the baseball eld. The Milky Way next day, I drove to St. Paul, accompanied by my dad, and we had a very fun day exploring the St. Paul Farmers Market. Serving ice cream and cheese, and talking to the shoppers at the market, gave me an opportunity to answer a lot of questions. So far, August has sent me to the Benton County Fair for the 165th Anniversary of their Ag Society, the Washington County Fair to support the little farmers in the pedal tractor pull where I rewarded the participants with cheese sticks, dairy goodie bags and cow hats. Soon I will be heading off to the Mille Lacs, Dakota and Goodhue County Fairs. In addition to this, I will be helping three days with Farm Camp Minnesota teaching 3rd-6th graders about dairy and agriculture. Whew! But wait, there’s more. Earlier this month, I had the unique opportunity to meet with the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Perdue. He was a very authentic and down to earth guy who shared the same passion for agriculture as I do. There were many leaders in agriculture in attendance, all with interesting questions and opinions to share with Secretary Perdue. August has been lled with the nal events of my year-long reign as Princess Kay and the question of, “Are you ready for the state fair?” This question has been asked more than I can keep track of. I struggle with answering this question, though. As I go to my nal events and prepare to give up my crown, I am lled with a wide array of emotions. It’s bittersweet feelings. On one hand, I am able to reect on this past year. I think of all of the amazing people I have met. I am thankful for all of the unique opportunities I have been able to be a part of. I am surprised at how many things I have learned this past year about myself, consumers, the dairy community and the agricultural community as a whole. I can see the growth I have experienced this past year and can also see how my leadership skills have developed. But on the other hand, I am excited for the next young woman to have an entire year of opportunities and memories. I am excited for her to experience the rush of adrenaline when she is crowned the 64th Princess Kay. I’m anxious to see the looks on her friends’ faces when she tells them she has had her likeness sculpted from 90 pounds of butter. I will smile when I hear of the jealousy from her friends and family when she tells them she met many Minnesota Vikings football players. I can’t wait for her to feel the anxiousness before addressing 800 agriculture leaders at a banquet. I’m eager for her to see the look of awe on school children’s faces as she teaches them about milk. I’ll reminisce when she goes to a breakfast on a farm and eats three ice cream sandwiches at 7:30 in the morning just because she can. I look forward to the excitement and support that her family and community has for her as she embarks on a journey of a lifetime. Thank you, Minnesota dairy farmers, for being the best group of people to represent. Thank you for all of your kind words and encouragement throughout the year. Thank you for always treating me like a rockstar at events. Thank you for making my year as your 63rd Princess Kay one of the best years of my life.


Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 23

64th Princess Kay of the Milky Way AUG. 23, 2017 • 8 P.M. CORONATION OF 64TH PRINCESS KAY MINNESOTA STATE FAIR BAND SHELL • FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Who will be the next Princess Kay?

Princess Kay of the Milky Way is the official goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy industry. Throughout her yearlong reign, she participates in numerous public appearances, promotional events and media interviews. Twelve county dairy princesses are vying for the title of Princess Kay after

being selected as finalists during a statewide competition held in May. They will be judged on their communication skills, general knowledge of the dairy industry, personality and enthusiasm for dairy promotion. One young woman will receive the coveted Princess Kay title and begin her immediate duties on opening day of the

fair by having her likeness carved in a 90-pound block of butter. The other candidates will also have their likenesses carved in butter during the remaining days of the fair. The Princess Kay contest is funded by dairy farmers through the dairy checkoff, to help increase demand for dairy.

Haley Hinrichs

63rd Princess Kay of the Milky Way

Meet the candidates

Emily Annexstad, 19 St. Peter, Nicollet County

Anna Broll, 20 Chaska, Carver County

Shelby Campbell, 19 Maple Lake, Wright County

Gina Holdvogt, 18

Daughter of Rolf and Jean Annexstad. Emily will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota in the fall studying animal science and agricultural communications and marketing. She enjoys reading, playing and watching sports and showing cattle.

Daughter of Dan and Kathie Broll. Anna will start her junior year at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls this fall where she is studying biomedical sciences and hopes to become an oncologist. Her hobbies include swing dancing, writing stories and help care for calves on her family’s farm.

Daughter of LeRoy Campbell and Donna Decker. She is an employee at Krause Holsteins in Buffalo. Shelby will be a sophomore at Ridgewater Community College where she’s studying agbusiness. Her hobbies include reading, horseback riding, spending time with family and being outside.

Daughter of Alvin and Bernie Holdvogt. Gina is studying math education at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where she will be a sophomore this fall. She enjoys running, baking and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Abby Hopp, 19 Chateld, Fillmore County

Madelin Lindahl, 21 Lindstrom, Chisago County

Quinci Scherber, 23 Rogers, Hennepin County

Rebecca Schubert, 19 Rice, Benton County

Daughter of Doug and Heather Hopp. She will be a sophomore at South Dakota State University pursuing degrees in dairy production and agricultural communications. At college, she is active in SDSU Dairy Club, dairy judging, band and Collegiate Farm Bureau.

Daughter of Kevin and Tara Lindahl. Madelin will be a junior at the University of Minnesota, studying animal science. She’s a member of Gopher Dairy Club and likes to hike, camp, sew, cook, read and play the trumpet.

Daughter of John and Staci Scherber. Quinci attends the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she’s studying dairy science. At school, she’s involved in dairy club and works on the campus dairy farm. She enjoys volunteering with many dairy organizations, learning guitar and going to the lake.

Daughter of Jerome and Natalie Schubert. Rebecca will be a sophomore this fall at North Dakota State University studying agricultural economics. She’s involved in 4-H and enjoys snowboarding, snowmobiling, hanging out with friends and family, exploring and fishing.

Margaret Socha, 18, Corcoran, Wright County

Samantha Traxler, 19 Cleveland, LeSueur County

Ashley Warren, 19 Watkins, Meeker County

Blomkest, Kandiyohi County

Daughter of Michael and Donna Socha. She works on Green Waves Dairy in St. Michael. Margaret will be attending South Dakota State University in the fall with a major in dairy science. She enjoys making homemade cheese, reading, being outdoors and scrapbooking.

Daughter of Brian and Patty Pettis, and Brian and Heather Traxler. She works on Blue Sky Dairy in Cleveland. Samantha will be a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she’s studying animal science. In her free time, she likes to show cows and mentor 4-H youth.

Daughter of John and Carol Warren. Ashley will be a sophomore at the University of Minnesota where she’s studying agricultural communications and marketing. At school, she’s involved in ag ed club, dairy club and her sorority. Ashley likes to fish, shop, dance and spend time with friends.

Daughter of Jan and Jolene Zuidema. Jessaca will be attending South Dakota State University with a major in human biology and plans to continue her education in the medical field. In addition to cows, her family also milks goats on their farm. She enjoys cooking, baking, running and drawing in her free time.

New Munich, Stearns County

Jessaca Zuidema, 18


Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

Fullers Milker Center - Lancaster, WI Advanced Dairy Solutions - Richland Center, WI J Gile Dairy Equipment - Cuba City, WI Coulee Ridge Robotics - Sparta, WI Tri-County Dairy Supply - Janesville, WI United Suckow Dairy - Postville, IA, West Union, IA Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems - Epworth, IA Koehn Inc (Monroe Westfalia Surge) - Monroe, WI S&S Dairy Systems - St. Charles, MN

Ederer’s Dairy Supply - Plain, WI Blanchardville, WI, Dodgeville, WI Professional Dairy Services - Madison, WI Midwest Livestock Systems - Pine Island, MN, Owen, WI, Menomonie, WI, Sioux Falls, SD, Beatrice, NE Sioux Dairy Equipment - Rock Valley, IA, Colton, SD Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment - Pipestone, MN Glencoe Co-Op Assn. - Glencoe, MN Centre Dairy Equipment - Sauk Centre, MN Leedstone - Melrose, MN, Glencoe, MN


Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 25

Family night on dairy farm draws large crowd By Ruth Klossner Staff Writer

NEW ULM, Minn. – From little kids to senior citizens, people of all ages ocked to Steve and Kerry Hoffman’s farm south of New Ulm, Minn., for Family Night on the Dairy Farm July 27. An estimated 800 people attended on a beautiful evening. Visitors came to tour the farm, go on wagon rides, meet agriculture representatives, feed a calf, and – of course – enjoy dairy treats. They had three hours from 5 to 8 p.m. to come and go, taking part in as many activities as they wanted. The Hoffmans hosted the every-other-year event for the sixth time. They partner with the New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club to put together a fun and educational evening. The Hoffmans provided the location and the Hub Club provided set-up and clean-up assistance, workers, and promotion. The cooperative event also involves many others – area agribusinesses, dairy princesses, FFA members and neighbors and more. This year’s event featured an expanded format, branching out from the previous focus. Among the new additions were a milk hauler, a hoof trimmer, two agronomists, a representative from Pheasants Forever, who explained that the farm includes CRP acres that are good

for wildlife, two beekeepers, who have hives in that CRP acreage, the Minnesota 4-H Poultry Princess, and a goat. Princess Kay nalists Emily Annexstad, of St. Peter, Minn., and Sam Traxler, of Cleveland, Minn., along with Nicollet and Brown County dairy royalty, led children’s activities and served dairy products. The Minnesota Poultry Princess, Molly Lindgren of Staples, Minn., visited with children and adults. New Ulm FFA members provided their face-painting skills and other FFA members parked cars. Visitors were encouraged to take a walking tour of the farm, with one of the Hoffmans or another guide, ask questions of them and their employees, and to visit with ag experts who were on hand. They included the farm’s veterinarian, Dr. Rich Schmitz of the New Ulm Vet Clinic; milk hauler Tommy Woratschka; hoof trimmer Glenn Beranek; nutritionist John Schmidt, of Farmers Co-op of Hanska; agronomists Russell Hoffman; and Ken Reckard; beekeepers David Tauer and Jonathan Gardner; and Pheasants Forever representative Dusty VanThuyne. The most popular guys”of the evening were the tractor drivers who pulled specially

RUTH KLOSSNER/DAIRY STAR

Zach Novey holds a cow named Ambrosia while visitors pet her. Pe�ng farm animals was part of Family Night on the Farm event July 27 at Steve and Kerry Hoffman’s dairy farm near New Ulm, Minn. designed wagons for a trip down the road to see the elds, CRP land and beehives. All ages were anxious to get on the wagon for a trip around the farm – and nearly 600 took advantage of the rides. Dairy treats were another favorite of the evening. Compeer Financial provided ice cream bars; AMPI, string cheese; Bank Midwest, GoGurt; and the Nicollet and Brown County ADAs, milk. Hub Club members were kept busy serving root beer oats

furnished by the club. Old time music was provided by Johnny Helget and his grandson, Nick Stadick. COW Bingo cards were provided. Those who completed each item and turned in their card were entered into a drawing for four $25 gift cards. Winners will be named soon. About New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club The New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club was organized in

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1974 by a group of agribusiness people who realized the need for community promotion of agriculture and better public relations between city and rural business people. Like most service clubs, the FarmCity Hub Club is a group of like-minded people, joined by a love for agriculture. Unlike other popular service clubs, the Farm-City Hub Club is a local, grass-roots venture, rather than part of a larger, national organization.


Youth loan opportunities

Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

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With all of the excitement of county fairs and the state fair coming soon, it’s an exciting time for our young farmers to share the animals and projects that they have been working diligently on this past year. At FSA, we are excited to assist in these ea- FSA News & Notes ger farmers’ dreams. FSA makes loans to youth to establish and operate agricultural income-producing projects in connection with 4-H clubs, FFA and other agricultural groups. Projects must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufBy Ryan Brunn cient income to repay Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. the loan and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience. The maximum amount of the loan is $5,000. To be eligible for a youth loan the applicant must be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien, must be 10 years to 20 years of age, comply with FSA’s general eligibility requirements, be unable to get a loan from other sources, conduct a modest income-producing project in a supervised program of work as outlined above, and demonstrate capability of planning, managing and operating the project under guidance and assistance from a project advisor. The project supervisor must recommend the youth loan applicant, along with providing adequate supervision. With the excitement from the county fairs, state fair, and the upcoming school year this may be a good time for our youth to think about this option to get the money needed to start a project for themselves. Please contact your local FSA ofce for more details. Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) deadlines Do you plant a commodity that you are unable to insure through federal crop insurance? If so, at FSA we have NAP coverage for losses from natural disasters on crops for which no permanent federal crop insurance program is available. These include perennial grass forage and grazing crops, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, oriculture, ornamental nursery, aquaculture, turf grass, ginseng, honey, syrup, bioenergy, and industrial crops. The following crops have an NAP application deadline of Sept. 1, 2017: rye, aquaculture, Christmas trees, ginseng, turf grass, oriculture, mushrooms. The following crops have an NAP application deadline of Sept. 30, 2017: perennial forage crops, wild rice, asparagus, rhubarb, strawberries. The following crops have an NAP application deadline of Nov. 20, 2017: apples, blueberries, caneberries, cranberries, sage. NAP basic coverage is available at 55 percent of the average market price for crop losses that exceed 50 percent of expected production. Higher levels of coverage are available, up to 65 percent of their expected production at 100 percent of the average market price available, including coverage for organics and crops marketed directly to consumers. Crops intended for grazing are not eligible for additional NAP coverage. For more information on NAP, service fees, premiums and sales deadlines, contact your local FSA ofce. 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.


Is dairy farming a business? for specic purposes, and setting goals is a real art, which develops discipline. Whether its saying a percent of that rst dollar or entire paycheck, it all adds up. Often, there is a true satisfaction of having worked for something over a long period of time. Occasionally, you realize that what you wanted so desperately yesterday, is no longer important today. The character-building spoke is compassion, helping your neighbor in need. Dropping your plans when high winds destroy your son-in-law’s grove offer real life lessons in putting others rst. Taking your kids and gator to pick rock for an uncle with terminal cancer denes priorities. Lessons learned from these situations are never found on a smart phone; they are lived in real life, with real people. The nal spoke I am going to mention has to do with celebrating what we have been blessed with. Taking the time to celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, an

but the fact that we cared enough to share in another’s happiness, or pain, promotes their feelings of selfworth. Just a few hours of milking with Patty or the children has solved, or at least softened, many of the challenges that we have undergone. Organizational skills is another spoke necessary to keep the hub balanced. Getting the third cutting of hay made in a timely manner is the easy one; trying to make one trip to town for multiple kids with differing events, on differing elds, really challenges organizational skills. Football games on Friday nights require expert planning when you have one kid a cheerleader, one a football player, and help on the farm who all want to get to the same game on time. Budgeting is another spoke. This is especially important in the business aspect of farm life. Discerning between wants and needs is more effective when learned, and the younger it is learned, the better. The materialistic world in which we live has become our biggest distraction. Learning to budget, save money

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Absolutely. The real question is what kind of a business is it? That’s where the true beauty of dairy farming lies. It can be whatever we want it to be. See, dairying is much broader than just pounds of milk, income over feed cost, and pregnancy rates. For many of us, the business of dairying is the hub for our way of life. One of the important spokes of this wheel is teamwork, which does not just happen. Carefully spending time properly training your children and employees pays huge dividends when one is not around to actually be present. Giving positive comments motivates people to want to ascend to a higher standard. Staying positive in not-so-positive situations rubs off on those who work for you, as well as on the animals. Listening is another very signicant spoke. We all have ideas, notions and heavy burdens that we want to share with others. We should expect that those who work with us have these same feelings – and need to be listened to also. Not that we have all the answers,

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By Laura Scholtz & John Rosenhammer Father/Daughter Farming Duo

open house or a wedding. Taking a break from the daily grind and routine to smile and celebrate. This includes making Sunday special, and giving God his due. After all, life is short. Laura really caught me by surprise on her wedding day – she requested the song “Angels Among Us” by Alabama as the song for our father-daughter dance. That song had been a favorite of mine as the kids were growing up. It had gotten played over and over on our trips to and from town. Needless to say, my eyes were in tears instantly. In that sense, the spokes had all come together, full circle, around the business for which Patty and I set out to achieve. John Rosenhammer farms with his daughter, Laura, and brother, Greg, on Roseview Dairy near Sleepy Eye, Minn. They milk 200 Holsteins and run 580 acres of cropland.

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The Transition Pen

Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 27

. Co m p a


Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

Betty Berning bberning@umn.edu 320-203-6104 Rafael Bisinotto rbisinot@umn.edu 612-625-3130 Hugh Chester-Jones chest001@umn.edu (507) 835-3622 Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184 Marcia Endres miendres@umn.edu (612) 624-5391 Sandra Godden godde002@umn.edu 612-625-8177 Les Hansen hanse009@umn.edu 612-624-2277 Brad Heins hein0106@umn.edu (320) 589-1711 Kevin Janni kjanni@umn.edu (612) 625-3108 Karen Johnson ande9495@umn.edu 320-484-4334 Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu (320) 732-4435 Kota Minegishi kota@umn.edu 612-624-7455 Randy Pepin pepin019@umn.edu (320) 333-1369 Erin Royster royster@umn.edu Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu (320) 203-6093 M. Scott Wells mswells@umn.edu 612-625-3747 Emily Wilmes krek0033@umn.edu (320) 255-6169

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Finding common ground with consumers

Local, non-GMO, organic, gluten-free. These are some of the words you might see if you look at a package of food at the grocery store. Some of it might make you chuckle. What exactly is non-GMO soda, anyway? And wasn’t oatmeal always gluten-free? Why are food companies using these words? The answer is simple. Consumers are asking for it. According to the Center for Food Integrity, a non-prot organization whose members and partners range from farmers to food companies, today’s consumer is different from the consumer of the past. Their research indicates that the consumer of the past valued price, taste By Betty Berning and convenience, while today’s consumer U of M Extension is looking for more. Health and wellness, safety, social impact, experience, and the overarching theme of transparency are values of younger consumers. This explains why there are more organic and natural offerings at the grocery store. It also explains the boom in agritourism (berry-picking, pumpkin patches, wine tasting, etc.). Consumers want to feel connected to their food and feel like they are buying from a trusted friend. For traditional and conventional farmers, these trends can be maddening. Farmers work hard to provide a high-quality product. They are very proud of their product – and rightly so. Farmers consume their product and are happy to serve it to friends and family. One can understand why farmers might feel frustrated when consumers do not seem to trust the product they have worked so hard to create. Like it or not, consumers buy your products. They need you and you need them. Before I worked in Extension, I worked for a food company. The consumer’s voice is greatly valued at food companies. Our goal was to sell a product that consumers wanted to buy. We did not just make a product and expect consumers to buy it. Our products were created based on consumer research. We listened to our consumer, asked questions, and then we re-

sponded. Our response was to launch a product and market it. Marketing did not mean telling consumers all the facts about why a product was good for them. Marketing meant highlighting how the product met the needs and values that the consumer had previously expressed to us. We related to our consumers through our advertisements, social media engagement, and customer service. We wanted consumers to feel like they were buying a product from a trusted friend. I spoke with Natasha Mortenson, Public Relations Director at Riverview, LLP, about the topic of consumer engagement. She and I have engaged with consumers, but in very different ways. As we talked, we quickly discovered that regardless of how you are engaging with consumers (as a farmer, processor, food company, etc.), the strategy is similar. Natasha’s process was simple: 1.) Listen, 2.) Ask questions, 3.) Relate and express where you have common ground, and 4.) If you can, come up with an analogy to explain why you do what you do. Think about common values that you have with most people. You are most likely a member of a local community and farm with your family. Like most Americans, you are probably trying to provide for your family. Your farm could be considered a small business, as opposed to a corporation. You care about your cows’ health and well-being. Consumers value these principles, just like you do. Sharing these common values help consumers feel connected to you and provide a sense of transparency. I would encourage each of you to connect with consumers, which is as easy as talking to your non-farming family and neighbors. Understand their needs and preferences by listening, even if you don’t agree. Ask for clarication or more information if you don’t understand or disagree. Talk to them about your needs and share your farm’s story (not just facts). Finally, try to identify common values. Facts are important, but people are more inclined to trust facts once they trust you. Remember, quite often we have more in common with others than we might realize. We often want the same things, whether it is safe food, clean water or healthy animals. Listen, ask questions and then highlight your common values. Be patient and good luck.


Recent calf projects at the U of M Southern Research and Outreach Center explained

Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 29

The program focus for the University of Minnesota Southern Research and Outreach Center (SROC) Calf and Heifer Research and Extension Facility during the last 14 years has been contract-raising commercial dairy heifer calves from three dairies, totaling more than 2,000 dairy cows. Calves are picked-up twice weekly at 2 to 5 days of age and contract-raised until 6 months of age. All calves receive three feedings of colostrum on the farm by 24 hours of age. Nursery calves are housed in wellbedded individual pens in naturally-ventilated curtain-sided calf barns. A minimum of 100 calves are used for each project. Fresh water is offered daily. Nursery studies are typically 56 days, with weaning at 42 days (twice daily milk for 35 days and once daily from day 36 to 42). Calves are moved from the nursery into one of two post-weaning barns until they reach 6 months of age when they will be picked up by the dairies. By Hugh ChesterJones Efcacy of using alternatives to antibiotics in milk U of M Extension replacers (MR) in response to FDA regulations Neomycin and Oxytetracycline (NT) at 48.4 mg/lb body weight (BW) has been used with MR at SROC since 2010 for the rst 14 days after arrival. A number of projects have evaluated alternative options in comparison to non-medicated MR or MR with limited NT supplementation. Example 1 (March to May 2016): a) All-milk protein, non-medicated (NM) milk replacer MR 24 percent CP:20 percent, Fat fed at 0.75 lb in 5.2 lb of water twice daily from day 1 to 35 and once daily from day 36 to weaning at day 42. b) MR as supplemented with NT at a rate of 48.4 mg/lb BW for 14 days. c) MR as supplemented with 6 g of dried colostrum powder providing 3 g of IgG per feeding for 14 days. d) MR as supplemented with a blend of animal plasma, Bio-Mos®, microalgae (All-GRich) Schizochytrium limacinum, essential oils (Apex) and multiple DFM strains, including lactobacillus and bacillus from day 1 to day 42. Calf starter (18 percent CP) with decoquinate and water were offered free choice. Bottom line: No growth or health differences across calf groups. Average gain was 1.43 lb per day over 56 days. Economics will be a key for choosing options. Example 2 (May to September 2016): Calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments: a) All-milk protein, NMMR 20 percent CP:20 percent, Fat fed at 0.625 lb in 4.4 lb of water twice daily from day 1 to day 35 and once daily from day 36 to weaning at day 42. b) MR as supplemented with NT at a rate of 48.4 mg/lb BW for 14 days. c) MR as supplemented with 5 g of DFM containing a Bacillus subtilis strain (1x109 cfu) per feeding for 42 days. d) MR as supplemented with 5 g of DFM containing a different combination of Bacillis subtilis strains (1x109 cfu) per feeding for 42 days. e) MR as supplemented with 5 g DFM as in d) plus Lactobacillus plantarum (5x108 cfu) per feeding for 42 days. Calf starter (CS; 18 percent CP; formulated to contain 22.7 mg/lb decoquinate) and water were offered free choice from days 1 to 56. Bottom line: Calves fed c) and d) performed as well as b). Calves fed e) were out performed by those fed b) and c). Calves fed the DFM did not improve health parameters vs. calves fed NT. Calf starters Example 1 – texturized CS vs. complete pelleted CS with varying starch levels (August to September 2016): All treatment diets included an all milk protein 20 percent CP:20 percent, Fat NMMR fed at 0.625 lb in 4.4 lb of water twice daily from days 1 to 35 and once daily from day 36 to weaning at day 42. MR was supplemented daily with NT at 48.4 mg/lb BW for 14 days. Calf starter (CS) treatments were as follows: a) Texturized CS starter (TS), 18 percent CP as fed, formulated for 30 percent starch on DM basis. b) Complete pelleted starter (CPS) 18 percent CP as fed formulated for 18 percent starch on DM basis. c) CPS 18 percent CP as fed formulated for 24 percent starch on DM basis. d) CPS 18 percent CP as fed formulated for 30 percent starch on DM basis. Calf starter (formulated to contain 22.7 mg/lb decoquinate) and water were offered free choice from days 1 to 56. Bottom line: Under conditions of this study, calves fed a TS had better calf growth and more CS intake than calves fed a CPS, regardless of starch level. With health costs and fecal scores being similar, cost per gain may be useful in evaluating the best starter feeding program from an economic perspective. Complete meta-analysis: How does calf performance in the nursery affect subsequent rst lactation production? The objective of this study was to determine the effect of birth season on early life starter intake, growth, and on rst lactation performance of Holstein cows. Data were collected from birth year of 2004 to 2012 for 2,880 Holstein cattle. Calves were enrolled in 37 different calf research trials at SROC from 3 to 195 days. Upon trial completion, calves were returned to their respective farms. Milk replacer options included varying protein level and amounts fed, but in the majority of studies, calves were fed a 20 percent CP: 20 percent fat MR at 1.25 lb per calf daily. Most calves (93 percent) were weaned at 6 weeks of age. Table 1 indicates the effect of birth season on milk production and components.

Table 1. Effect of birth season on rst-lactation 305-d milk, fat, and protein yield. Birth season P-value

Item

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

24,519

23,925

305-d milk (lb)

0.0206

24,233

305-d fat (lb)

0.0508

882ab

900a

882ab

873b

305-d protein (lb)

0.0343

739ab

748a

733ab

732b

ab

a

b

23,899b

Values in the same row with different superscripts are different (P < 0.05)

ab

Bottom line: Calves born in summer produced more 305-day milk during their rst lactation than those born in the fall and winter. It is important to note that these improvements were modest and variation was high, suggesting additional factors not accounted for in this analysis impact rst lactation performance. Table 2 shows the effects of 6-week BW and average daily gain (ADG) on milk production and components. Table 2. Effect of 6-week BW and ADG on rst-lactation pounds of 305-d milk, fat, and protein yield (n=2,880). Item

Variable

Estimate (lb)

305-d milk

6 wk BW

9.14

< 0.001

6 wk ADG

247.14

0.029

6 wk BW

0.38

< 0.001

305-d fat 305-d protein

P-value

6 wk ADG

9.56

0.026

6 wk BW

0.32

< 0.001

6 wk ADG

10.45

< 0.001

Bottom line: Greater BW and ADG at 6 weeks of age resulted in increased rst lactation milk and milk component yields. However, these improvements were modest and variation was high, suggesting additional factors not accounted for in this analysis impact rst lactation performance. There was no interaction between birth season and 8-week ADG on rst lactation performance. Data not shown in the same analysis indicated CS intake at 8 weeks also had a positive relationship with rst lactation milk yield and milk components. Further summaries will be available later this year.

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The Stillwater scene Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

The city of Stillwater, Minn., perches on creamcolored limestone bluffs that overlook the coffee-hued St. Croix River. Majestic old houses dot the hillside, sprawling Victorian homes that have sweeping front porches to catch cool breezes, although air conditioning units out behind the houses have made their porches mostly decorative. My wife and I recently motored to Stillwater to relax and enjoy the scenery. After a hectic day of driving and some hotel hassles, we were ready to rest our bones and simply sit a spell. One of the best places for R&R, we were told, is the river walk located in a park that runs along the banks of the St. Croix. We found a spot to park our car and soon found a bench to park our heinies. My wife and I soaked up the sumptuous summertime twilight as we looked out at the river. A steady stream of vehicles thrummed across the nearby Historic Lift Bridge, importing

people and goods from Wisconsin into Minnesota and vice versa. People watching is one of our favorite sports and the river walk offered ample opportunities to indulge in this pastime. My observations led me to conclude that the required uniform for male tourists nowadays is knee-length shorts and a T-shirt, along with a pair of Ray-Bans propped atop the skull. We espied a trio of teenage girls standing together in the grass, their gazes xed on their smart phones. Their social media obsession rendered them insensible to this perfect summer evening in this perfectly manicured park. One of the pedestrians who strolled past was a young guy who sported a man bun. Seeing that particular hairdo always gives us a chuckle. It’s like suddenly catching sight of an overstuffed clown car weaving crazily down the street.

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All manner of watercraft plied the river, from kayaks that were approximately the size of a ip-op to a cruise ship that looked like a oating city. Hyper-aggressive speed boats roared across Dear County Agent Guy the water, their owners leaning mightily into the slipstream, their need to blow off steam trumping the no wake rules. Houseboats plodded passively along, riding so low that it appeared as if their front doors were mere inches above the waterline. It’s a By Jerry Nelson good thing Minnesota doesn’t get hurricanes. Columnist The next morning we visited Stillwater’s historic downtown district. Almost everything in Stillwater is historic, including the trafc jam that ensnared us as we wended our way into town. There are more cute little shops along Stillwater’s main drag than quills on a porcupine. Mountains of lumber harvested from the North Woods was once a mainstay of the city’s economy; today, it’s harvesting money from hordes of tourists, including us. We strolled the main avenue, passing one adorable little shop after another. An antique store sang its melodious siren song. Unable to resist, we went inside. I am of two minds regarding antique stores. On one hand, it’s fun to see all those old items on display. On the other, it’s a bit unsettling to see things that you used as a child classied as antique. Following a grueling morning of shopping, we stopped at a riverside restaurant to refuel and rehydrate. We lounged on the restaurant’s outdoor patio as boats of every description – including an Italian gondola – glided to and fro on the St. Croix. The song “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay” began to play in my brain. We spent the afternoon motoring slowly around Stillwater’s historic residential district. My wife enjoys looking at houses, especially those that are elegant and historic. Every few moments, her hand would shoot across my eld of vision as she said, “Ooh, look at that one.” We opted to splurge on a sunset dinner cruise aboard a chartered riverboat that was the size of a supertanker. The bill of fare included prime rib and walleye. Perhaps the sh portion of the meal could be made self-sustaining if the boat’s operators allowed its passengers to do a little trolling during the cruise. The ship moved down the river at a pace that could best be described as stately. A mother duck and her brood passed us without breaking a sweat. There were many wonders to behold as we oated along the placid St. Croix. These included the treestudded bluffs that rose up from the river, sandy beaches where sun worshippers practiced their religion and a riverside power plant that featured a concrete smokestack that reached high up into the sky. It was sad to see Stillwater recede in the rearview mirror the next morning. But my wife, sensing my mood, murmured those sweet little words that always make me smile. “Man bun,” she said. 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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First-time showing

County fair time has already come and gone here in Olmsted County. My family still shows a few animals, but I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t put on my show whites for quite some time. This year, I was back in the ring, but not to the capacity I have in the past. Despite only being 2 years old, my daughter, Eleanor, showed her ď&#x192;&#x17E;rst calf in the District 1 Holstein Show at the Olmsted County Fair. A similar scene happened in that exact same show ring 29 years prior when I showed my ď&#x192;&#x17E;rst calf, Yana. A Little Bit of Sunshine Wearing my white show shorts and my number hat (see photo), I was ready to go. I remember when the show announcer (most likely Dave Kjome) called the novice class to the staging area. I thought I needed to be there immediately, but my mom insisted Yana have a drink of water before making our way over to the ring entrance. I became nervous, thinking I might miss my class if Yana slurped up the water in tiny sips any slower from the 5-gallon pail. The next snippet I remember of that night is being in the ring, waiting to talk to the judge. My parents had By Krista Kuzma helped me practice saying Yanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday, so I knew it Assistant Editor was coming. But I froze when the judge got to me. All I could do was stare up at Mom. She had to help me out and thankfully the judge just gave me a big smile. I took home a ribbon that night and was so excited after my showing debut. It helped deepen my love for dairy and sparked my love for showing in 4-H, especially showmanship. It was fun picking out animals and training them for the fair each year. Since my husband and I live in town, I know Eleanor wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same experience I had growing up on a farm. But I still want her to love and appreciate the dairy industry like I do. Eleanor has loved watching Papa milk cows and helping Grandma feed calves during times we have been out at the farm this summer. One of her favorite jobs is pulling the lever to pour milk from the pasteurizer into the bottles and carrying those bottles to the calves. When fair time came around, I did not think Eleanor was going to show. She is still a little young. But when my mom told me she signed up all her grandkids for showing at the fair, just in case, I thought we might as well give it a try. Eleanorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calf would be Pi, named that way because her birthday is March 14. Pi is a little older and bigger than I would have liked for Eleanor, but she led well and Leah, my cousinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, would be the main leadsperson in the ring. Eleanor just needed to hold on to the end. Our practice â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yes, singular since we only had one â&#x20AC;&#x201C; mainly consisted of Eleanor warming up to Pi. After one circle, Eleanor became disinterested in holding the rope or what we were doing with this calf. The day of the show, Eleanor would proudly tell people her calfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name when asked. And she seemed excited to see her mostly white with black speckles calf. Waiting for her class went well, and as we walked into the ring, Eleanor held the end of the halter walking beside Leah and I. But as the judge stopped the ď&#x192;&#x;ow of the class to talk to each participant, Eleanorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interest waned. Although I had to hold her for the rest of the class, I set her down towards the end to receive her ribbon from the dairy princesses. That put a smile on her face. Since that ď&#x192;&#x17E;rst show day, Eleanor mentions Pi every time we say anything about the farm. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever want to push her into anything she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to do, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited her ď&#x192;&#x17E;rst time showing was a positive one and one that continues to foster a fondness for dairy.

Dairy Star â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, August 12, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 31

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Final costs on addition

Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

A few months ago I alluded that our freestall old barn. This is not your grandpa’s lean-to that he barn addition was going to cost about $5,000 per slapped up on the side of a corn crib so he could stall. After examining all the numbers, we are clos- park two are boxes inside. This is a factory engier to $4,200 per stall on 700 added stalls. Don’t neered wood frame building measuring 160 feet by worry, we spent that extra $800 per stall, but I have 584 feet. to charge those dollars off to the remodeling of our The original barn received all new headlocks, 16-year-old freestall barn. new waterers, new gates, Before this last addition, D rebuilt wooden posts with Debt b on a modern d ffacility ili iis our dairy consisted of a steel reinforcing, and new 4-row, 440-stall naturally- not a bad thing, it sure is lighting. The freestalls in vented barn built in 2000 better than broken gates... the original barn were reon one side of the parlor, placed several years ago. and an 8-row, 1,000-stall One of the larger expenses cross-vent barn built in was changing it over from stages on the other side. The double-24 parallel a naturally-vented barn to all automated tunnel venparlor in the middle has been expanded several tilation. That, in turn, required removing the sidetimes. The new addition is a 6-row, 700-stall lean- wall curtains and putting protective netting and seeto on the south side of the original 4-row 16-year- through plastic on the sidewalks. The west end wall

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is all fans, and the east end wall is all automated curtains. We also had three “while-the-constructioncrew-is-here” projects. The easiest one was repouring the oor in the 12-cow at fresh cow Making Cents of Dairy parlor so we could re hose it clean without having any puddles. The second extra project also dealt with at concrete in the crosswalk behind the holding area. We tore it all out and re-poured it so cows would never walk through dirty puddles again. The third project By Dave Vander Kooi turned into a big one, Columnist remodeling the holding area itself. The crew’s next job wasn’t shovel ready yet and they told us they could do it immediately, or might not be back for two years. So order material quick, draw a plan on the back of an envelope, and borrow an extra $100,000. The rational behind widening the holding area was three fold. One, we could bring up super pens of 240 cows each and they would t in the holding area versus our 120-cow groups now. Second, we could install concrete return alley foot baths on each side of the holding area. Third, we had room to put two long water fountains on each side of the return alleys. We haven’t used the super pen part yet, but the cows denitely take a short drink of water in the return alleys. The design of the concrete foot baths makes each cow drench each foot ve times walking through it. On our old plastic foot baths, the cows would try skipping through them and maybe getting three of four feet wet once. We pulled the breakers on our original crowd gate about 14 years ago and haven’t used one since. Besides being hard on cows it was always out of time, cables tangled, and a general pain in the butt. With the new posts in the holding area designed for a new and improved crowd gate, we are contemplating another try at one. We think we could use one less person per shift, so the payback would be swift. I’m leery about it though, so email or call me with opinions please. We borrowed 70 percent of the money for the addition and recent updates. Our debt per cow space before was $1,447 per stall, and our new debt is $2,172 per stall. The barn is not completely full so that adds $700 debt per cow. Obviously we need to ll the barn with good cows, and not rush to ll it with just cows. Our heifer pens are full, which will help. Debt on a modern facility is not a bad thing, it sure is better than broken gates, wore out freestalls, and a can’t do attitude. Dave Vander Kooi operates a 1,200-cow, 3,000 acre farm with his son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Rita, near Worthington, Minn. Send him feedback at davevkooi@icloud.com. Follow him on Instagram, @davevanderkooi.

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Fixing the Margin Protection Program

“I urge you to nd a solution that will provide security for dairy farmers of all sizes.” That was part of the statement I made to 11 congressmen during a farm bill listening session held by the United States House AgriculDairy Good Life ture Committee at Farmfest last week. Several other dairy farmers shared concerns regarding the farm bill, as well. Many mentioned, like I did, the importance of xing the Margin Protection Program (MPP). The MPP is supposed to be a voluntary risk management tool for dairy farmers, designed to provide insurance against compressed margins – either due to low milk prices or high feed prices or both. But, after giving the MPP a good test drive during the dismal margins of 2015 and 2016, it’s clear that it isn’t working. Before passage of the last farm bill, Congress tweaked the feed price formula in MPP to By Sadie Frericks make the program more budget-friendly. The resulting feed price formula undervalues the real cost of producColumnist ing 100 pounds of milk, which makes the calculated margin higher than what farmers are actually experienced. For example, when dairy farmers are actually experiencing a $4 margin, the MPP formula would calculate a $5 margin. Congress also stripped out the supply management provisions that were included in the rst versions of the MPP. I nd it interesting that, since then, a number of dairy cooperatives have now implemented growth management programs of their own. It’s probably better that cooperatives are managing their milk supplies themselves, rather than relying on the government to do so, but it certainly makes me wonder where we’d be with the original MPP. Perhaps our national dairy herd wouldn’t have surpassed 9.4 million cows ... Perhaps we’d be able to process all of our milk instead of dumping it down the drain ... Perhaps we wouldn’t be just one failed export agreement away from a complete milk price collapse ... Glen and I were at the National Milk Producers Federation board meeting in 2010 when the NMPF board passed the motion to approve Foundation for the Future, the policy package that was the precursor to the MPP. There was so much excitement, anticipation and hope that this new program would lead to the market stability so many farmers wish for. It’s disappointing, to say the least, that those hopes haven’t been realized. Our experience with the Margin Protection Program When MPP sign-up started, we sat down with our farm business management instructor for some serious number crunching. We looked at our milk revenue, feed costs and other expenses, and determined that we need an $8 margin. But when we looked at the premium required for buying $8 protection, we decided it wasn’t a good investment. Instead, we enrolled at the $6.50 level; that premium was a considerably smaller investment, but still offered decent protection. In the end, though, despite poor margins, the indemnity we received barely equaled the premium we paid. Keeping that $8 margin in mind, we decided to self-insure the difference between $6.50 and $8. We took the money that we would have spent to buy up to the $8 level and started putting it away in a money market account. Contributions to this account are set up on assignment, so most of the time we forget about this fund. I’m always surprised by how nicely this emergency insurance fund is growing, but I’m afraid it wouldn’t last very long in the event of another 2009-style market collapse. Plus, like I told the House Ag Committee members, since our farm was built from scratch, we don’t have generations of equity to fall back on. I’m guessing even farms that have been in business for generations have burned through a lot of equity to stay in business. We’ve already restructured the loans we took out to start our farm. I can still remember how concerned our FBM instructor was. I was eight months pregnant with Monika when we ran our cash ow projections for 2009. Glen had gone outside to start chores. Our instructor and I sat in our kitchen together crunching numbers. Our instructor later admitted that he didn’t even show me the rst projection – the one before restructuring our loan payments. He was scared the distressed numbers would put me in labor. Long story short, I don’t want to think about restructuring our loans again. We don’t need an MILC-style price support handout. We need a revenue insurance program that allows us to mitigate price risk. We’re more than willing to invest in such a program if it provides an indemnity when it’s supposed to. If you have thoughts about the Margin Protection Program or other provisions in the farm bill, now is the time to share them. The House Agriculture Committee is asking for input via email; send your message to houseaglistens@mail.house.gov. Additional opportunities for political advocacy will surely come up as the farm bill moves forward. Federal farm policy doesn’t work without farmers’ input. Sadie and her husband, Glen, milk 75 cows near Melrose, Minn. They have three children – Dan, 10, Monika, 7, and Daphne, 4. Sadie also writes a blog at www.dairygoodlife.com. She can be reached at sadiefrericks@gmail.com.

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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 33

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Got BST?

Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

As everyone knows, just about every herd us- milk production for most U.S. dairy farms. However, ing BST in our region will need to cease BST use by it can have a large impact on net herd replacement Jan. 1, 2017. There are lots of anecdotes about herds cost, which has a substantial effect on net farm prot. Herds that had only 0.5 freestalls per cow averquitting BST and not seeing drops in production, but science would suggest that most producers will ex- aged about 22 pounds less milk than herds with 1.6 perience a signicant drop in production, Veterinary Wisdom stalls per cow, although there was no stafeed efciency, and net prot. The best tistical difference when only herds with estimate for reduction in prot comes more than one stall per cow were includfrom a very large study, going back to ed in the analysis, which may mean that 1994, that suggested the net prot averoverstocking can have signicant negaaged $1.20 per cwt for all years, with a tive consequences, while understocking greater prot in high milk price years and may not have signicant positive effects a lower prot in low milk price years. on milk yield. Stall maintenance was also The good news is that milk production is important, explaining 38 percent of the a complex process, and there are almost difference in average milk production. always methods individual farms could Herds that fed to ensure refusals averuse to regain at least some of that lost aged about 4 pounds more milk per cow milk, and hopefully, prot. per day. Slightly more than one half of By Jim Bennett Three studies published in the Jourthe herds had refusals. Herds that pushed Columnist nal of Dairy Science offer some insights. up feed produced about 9 pounds more In 2008, Bach, et. al. (JDS 91:3259milk, on average. On average, herds that 3257) looked at milk production in 47 Spanish dairy pushed up feed did it 2.7 times per day. herds that, remarkably, fed exactly the same ration. Drissler (JDS 88:2381-2387) looked at effects of This was possible because the entire ration was mixed freestall maintenance on lying behavior and found that at and delivered by a local co-op every day. The ge- daily lying time in deep bedded, sand stalls was 2.33 netic base for the 47 herds was also very similar. Milk hours less in stalls with low levels of sand than stalls production ranged between 45 and 74 lbs. per cow for with adequate levels. For every 1 cm (0.393 inches) of the 47 herds. So, the 29 pounds of variation in milk average distance below the curb to the level of sand, production had to be from something other than the lying time decreased 11 minutes per day. Leveling diet. Over 50 percent of this variation was determined the bedding in stalls with sand below the curb did not to be due to four factors: age at rst calving (higher result in increased lying times. Mean duration of lymeant less milk), presence or absence of feed refus- ing bouts was shorter in stalls with less sand. While als (absence meant less milk), number of freestalls it is hard to draw a straight line between increased per lactating cow (lower number meant less milk) lying time and milk production, other studies have and whether feed was pushed up in the feed bunk (no shown increases in rumination with increases in lying meant less milk). time, and increased rumination leads to better rumen Age at rst calving was 27.7 months, which is health. Less time lying may also lead to poorer claw very high by today’s standards. Based on other re- health, increases in stress hormones, and decreases in search, it is likely that differences between 22 and 26 circulating levels of growth hormone. Shorter lying months of age would show a lesser effect on produc- bouts likely reect discomfort while recumbent. tion, so the strategy of reducing age at rst calving Sova, et. al., (JDS 96:4759-4770) looked at aswill not likely result in signicant increases in herd sociations between herd level feeding management

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practices, feed sorting and milk production in freestall herds. They concluded that feeding twice daily versus once daily resulted in an increase of 4.4 pounds of milk per day and less sorting of particles. For every 2 percentage point decrease in sorting, production increased 2.2 pounds per day. For every 4-inch increase in feed bunk space, group somatic cell count dropped by 13 percent, and butterfat percent slightly increased. Feeding for lower refusals resulted in less sorting. Milk yield increased by 1.7 pounds per day for every 0.8” increase in water trough space. The range in water trough space was 1.5 to 3.9 inches per cow. Increasing water trough space by 0.8” also was associated with a 3 percent reduction in MUN, which is a measure of efciency of digestion of proteins and starch. Milking three times a day compared with two times a day was associated with an 11.6 increase in feed efciency. Farms with headlocks had on average, a 43 percent decrease in group average somatic cell count, which has a substantial effect on milk production and protability. Increased feed bunk space also was associated with lower somatic cell count. To summarize from these studies: calve heifers younger, feed for refusals, but not too much, reduce crowding, keep stalls level with the curb or above, or if you have solid surface stalls, keep deeply bedded, keep bedding dry, push up feed, feed twice daily, increase feed bunk space, minimize sorting, increase water trough space, milk three times a day, and use headlocks or other vertical barriers. There are, of course, many other strategies than these. There are things every dairy can do to improve performance and protability. It is going to be hard to nd another syringe with $1.20/cwt inside, but cows can milk well without BST. Jim Bennett is a dairy veterinarian at Northern Valley Dairy Production Medicine Center in Plainview, Minn. He and his wife, Pam, have four children. Jim can be reached at bennettnvac@gmail.com with comments or questions.

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Belkholms named Kanabec Farm Family of the Year

Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 35

JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR

Tammy and Kevin Belkholm milk 300 cows near Braham, Minn. They were recently named this year’s Kanabec County Farm Family of the Year. By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com

BRAHAM, Minn. – With onfarm advancements, as well as their unique way of retaining labor, the Belkholm family has become an icon for agriculture in Minnesota. Kevin and Tammy Belkholm are not only dairy farmers, but also mentors and volunteers within the community of Braham, Minn. It is because of their service to others and their upstanding personalities that the Belkholms were recently named Kanabec County’s 2017 Farm Family of the Year at the annual recognition ceremony held Aug. 3, during Farmfest in Redwood Falls, Minn. “We were surprised and honored,” said Tammy, of accepting the award. “We’re just one of many good farmers out there.” The Belkholms milk 300 cows in a double-8 parallel parlor with the help of eight employees and their youngest daughter, BreAnna, 18. Kevin and Tammy have three grown children, who are no longer involved on the farm – Erica and her husband, Kenny, and their daughter, Cora, 4; Mike; and Ross. While Kevin oversees the dairy and employees, as well as the farm’s 900 acres of cropland, Tammy is responsible for bookkeeping and records on the farm. Additionally, Kevin’s mother runs to town for equipment parts and delivers

meals to the elds. “It’s nice when we can work together as a family,” Tammy said. Kevin agreed. “At one point, we had Dad packing corn silage, Tammy running the chopper, and Mike, Ross and myself chopping silage. Mom and BreAnna came out and brought lunch to all of us,” he said. Kevin purchased the farm from his parents, Chester and Violet, in 1991. Previously, the family worked in a partnership where they milked upwards of 110 cows in a 60-stall tiestall barn. “At that point, we were toying with the idea of a new barn, but we had to have the cattle,” Kevin said. Tammy agreed. “Once Chester retired, we made all of the nancial and business decisions,” she said. In 1996, once Kevin and Tammy knew the direction they wanted to take the farm, they built a 300-stall freestall barn and double-8 parlor, with room to expand to a double-12, a short distance from the home farm. “We toured many barns, and the closest one was by Foley; but we were one of the rst farms in our area to build a freestall barn,” Kevin said. As construction of the facilities was underway, the Belkholms increased their herd. By January 1997, cows were moved to the new location. Turn to BELKHOLMS | Page 37

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Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

Women In Jeans Erin Sellner Sleepy Eye, Minn. Brown County 135 cows

Family: My husband, Christopher, and I have two kids. Samantha, 3, and Lucas, 1. Tell us about your farm. Christopher and I own Autumn Breeze Dairy with his parents, Madonna and David, as a partnership. At Autumn Breeze Dairy, we milk cows in a parlor twice a day and raise our own replacement heifers. With milking 135 cows, we built a new sand-bedded freestall barn in 2011 to help with cow comfort and cleanliness. In February 2016, we started to milk in a double-8 parlor. That has helped us to have more time to do other work and take care of ours cows better. Our crops consist of corn, alfalfa and grass hay raised on the 300 acres we own. We do have two part-time employees to feed calves in the evenings. What’s the busiest time of day for you? Everyday is busy and different. When the kids are at daycare, I feed calves, help with scraping and help with various tasks for the day. After daycare, the kids and I feed calves two times a week. When that is nished, we head home to get supper ready. I also do all the nancial book work for Autumn Breeze Dairy when time allows. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? I try to get caught up on house work and spend time as a family. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. There are many memorable experiences on the farm. When I was younger, I would always be outside with my dad helping him with feeding calves and cows, riding in the tractor, and going for dinner every day in town.

What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I enjoy watching our kids learn and experience new things on the farm, such as riding in tractors and the skid loader, milking cows and feeding calves. How do you stay connected with others in the industry? I stay connected by using social media, reading dairy magazines, and talking with other dairy farmers about everyday tasks. In your opinion, what’s the importance of women in today’s dairy industry and how have you seen that change over the years? Ever since I started working part time on the farm, I see and hear more women helping out with chores and other elds in the dairy industry. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be and why? I don’t have anyone specic, but we would love to have visitors anytime for tours and talk about what happens around our farm each day. What is the best vacation you’ve ever taken? To tell the truth, we have not been able to take a vacation since we were married, which was almost eight years ago. Occasionally, we will go visit my parents for the weekend in Sobieski, Minn., where I grew up on a dairy farm. Also, I always love going to the Clay County Fair in Iowa to see what new equipment that can be used in everyday work.

FARM INFORMATION STATION Joe Gill • Farm Director

What are some words you like to live by? Take one day at a time and always have God with you in making decisions.

SERVING CENTRAL MINNESOTA FOR OVER 50 YEARS Catch the Dairy Star’s Mark Klaphake with Joe Gill at 6:45 a.m. the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month on KASM!

PO Box 160, Albany, MN • (320) 845-2184 • Fax (320) 845-2187

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A SPREADER FOR EVERY OPERATION

EQUIPMENT ON HAND

TRACTORS

‘06 Massey Ferguson 8460,MFWD, CVT, 2025 Hrs .............................................. $92,500 ‘14 Massey Ferguson 6615 MFWD, New Demo unit .................................... $82,500 ‘96 White 6124 MFWD, 32 spd, 8400 Hrs .............................................. $27,500 ‘94 White 6175 2WD, 5300 Hrs ............. $39,750 ‘16 New Holland Boomer 47, MFWD, Cab, Hydro, 75 Hrs ...................................... $30,500 ‘12 Challenger MT545B, MFWD, CVT, Duals, 4350 Hrs ................................... $59,500 ‘53 Farmall M ..................................... $2,165.00 ‘80 MF 2745, 2WD, 4563 Hrs ................ $11,500

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2013 Mustang 2054, Dsl, 3200 Hrs ........$18,500 2013 Gehl V400, Cab & heat, 2910 Hrs ..$29,500 66” Midsota Bucket, Mustang single pin..... $390

CHOPPERS

Gehl 3038 2row 30” corn head ................... $950 Alloway 20’ stalk chopper ........................ $3,950 ‘07 JD 3955 Chopper, 2RN, 7’ HH ......... $13,995 H&S 860 Blower ...................................... $4,335 ‘09 Hiniker 5610 15’ shredder windrower $12,500 Miller Pro 1160 II Blower ......................... $3,890

FORAGE BOXES & WAGONS

‘05 H&S 7+4 HD 18’ forager box, 14 ton tandem...................................... $11,650 SPREADERS H&S 9X16 bale rack w/ tandem wagon .... $1,500 ‘11 Kuhn Knight 8118 pro twin spreader, H&S 9X16 bale rack w/ 8 ton wagon........ $1,650 1800 Gal .............................................. $17,500 Dakon 150 Gravity box, 6 ton wagon ....... $1,250 ‘13 Kuhn Knight 8141 pro twin, 4100 gal ............................................... $39,500 Swather trailer............................................. $750 Meyer 3516 16’ forage box, 12 ton tandem. $5,275 ‘07 Kuhn Knight 2054 hyd push spreader, 540 Bu. ................................................ $21,750 TILLAGE ‘11 H&S 560 Spreader ........................... $21,750 John Deere 980 15’, 3 bar CT harrow ........ $6,900 ‘02 Leon 425 hyd push spreader, 1981 JD 235 25’ disc, ............................... $6,500 double beater ....................................... $12,500 DMI Tiger Mate II, 54’ field cultivator, ..... $15,000 SKID STEERS Case IH MRX 690 disc ripper 5 shank...... $19,500 ‘95 Mustang 2060, dsl, B, 5770 hrs. ..... $11,665 Wilrich 2900 5X18 Plow .......................... $1,750 ‘12 Mustang 2044, Dsl, T-bar, B, 2175 Hrs $17,775 IH 710 5X18 Plow .................................... $1,650


Dairy Star â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, August 12, 2017 â&#x20AC;˘ Page 37

ConĆ&#x;nued from BELKHOLMS | Page 35 â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a lot of snow that year. With snow piled up along the road, it was perfect to walk the cattle down the road,â&#x20AC;? Kevin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The state patrol closed the road, and we chased the cows over to the new barn. It couldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve easily been a zoo, but it all went smoothly.â&#x20AC;? Over the last two decades, the Belkholms have made improvements to their facilities â&#x20AC;&#x201C; adding a bedded pack to the end of the freestall barn for pre-fresh and special needs cows, and also remodeling the original tiestall barn into a calf facility equipped with an automatic calf feeder, among other advancements. With every improvement to the dairy, the Belkholms made the best decision for themselves and the future of the farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dairy farming is a

lifestyle, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re always looking for ways to make it better,â&#x20AC;? Kevin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad we took chances and embraced the changes of the industry, like how we milk and feed cows. At the time, it was a different way of doing things, but we were open to adapting to what the industry was learning.â&#x20AC;? However, as the farm has grown, so has the need for reliable labor. Aside from a few adults working as full-time hired help, the Belkholms have looked towards high school and foreign exchange students to aid in the responsibilities of the farm. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We started looking for help through exchange programs when Ross was 8 months old,â&#x20AC;? Tammy said. For the past 26 years, the Belkholms have welcomed

JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR

The Belkholms milk in a double-8 parlor that was built in 1996. Space at the end of the parlor allows the Belkholms to expand to a double-12, if necessary.

JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR

Kevin Belkholm helps foreign exchange student Caio, of Brazil, give a heifer calf medicaĆ&#x;on. The Belkholms currently have two students from Brazil working on their farm. students from Brazil, the Czech Republic, Japan, France, Denmark, Poland and Estonia â&#x20AC;&#x201C; all of whom have participated in an educational exchange program. Currently, Marcos and Caio, both of Brazil, are working for the Belkholms. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Marcos and Caio come from the cities and had little farming experience before coming to work with us,â&#x20AC;? Kevin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Most of the students we work with want to get into agribusiness, and this is their chance to learn about the dairy industry. They work hard, but we try to make it fun, too.â&#x20AC;?

Tammy agreed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They want to do it all â&#x20AC;&#x201C; learn everything they possibly can about the industry, and our country and culture,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;After a year, they take all the hands-on experiences with them.â&#x20AC;? The Belkholms have hosted 19 international exchange students, including Marcos and Caio, through two programs â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MAST International with the University of Minnesota and International Farmers Aid Association, based in California. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always been a fun and interesting cultural experience

having them on the farm with us,â&#x20AC;? Tammy said. When the Belkholms reď&#x192;&#x;ect on their dairy farming career, they are humbled â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the opportunity they were given to purchase the farm to the support they received as they made critical management decisions to being honored to represent their agricultural community as this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s farm family. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we tried ď&#x192;&#x17E;guring it out on our own, we wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be here in this position,â&#x20AC;? Kevin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Assortments of people have helped us.â&#x20AC;?

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8600, ..... # ''' $375,000

'' 2015, +0! 549 Hrs, $% RWA,

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$$ )/##### 8600, 2016, 154 Hrs, RWA, Warranty ..... $439,000

'' +0!' ! $%

$$ )/##### # ''' 8600, ..... # ''' $435,000

'' 2016, +0!' 148 ! Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/##### 8100, ..... $ '' $259,000

'' 2016, +0!' 250 + 0 Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/#### 7780, ..... $ ''' $259,000 ' 2013, +0!* 963 '* Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/##### 7780, ..... #$ ''' $309,500 ' 2014, +0! 510 0 Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/##### ' 2014, +0! 1048 !0 Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/### 7780, ... $ ''' $279,500 ' 2013, +0!* 1174 !!+' Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/### 7780, ... $ ''' $279,500 ' 2013, +0!* 610 '!0 Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/##### 7580, ..... $ ''' $274,900 ' 2015, +0! 333 *** Hrs, $% RWA,

Warranty

$$ )/##### 7180, ..... $ ''' $245,000 ' 2012, +0!+ 694 ' Hrs, $% RWA,....................

$$ )/##### $ ''' 7950, $274,900 ' 2008, +00 1600 !'00 Hrs, $% RWA,..................

$$ )/### $ ' ''' 7850, $179,500 ' 2012, +0!+ 1019 !0! Hrs, $% RWA,..................

$$ )/### $ ''' 7750, $229,500 ' 2012, +0!+ 1328 ! + Hrs, $% RWA...................

################### $' ''' 7750, $197,000 ' +0!+ !+* $%

################### ''' 7550, 2012, 1825 Hrs, RWA................... $205,000 ' +0!0 !* $%

################## $#' ''' 7550, 2010, 1344 Hrs, RWA................... $209,500 ' +00 !* $%

################## $ ''' 7550, 2008, 1359 Hrs, RWA .................. $189,500 ' +00 ! 0 $%

################## ''' 7450, 2009, 1550 Hrs, RWA .................. $189,500 # ' +0!0 !!00 $%

################## ''' 7350, 2010, 1100 Hrs, RWA .................. $199,000 $ ' +0!+ )ST

############### 7250, 2012, 423 Hrs, RWA .................... $195,000 '' +00& ! $%

################## ''' 7800, 2007, 1885 Hrs, RWA .................. $159,500 '' +00& ! &0 $%

################## ''' 7700, 2007, 1570 Hrs, RWA .................. $169,500 '' 2005, +00 2423 + +* Hrs, $% RWA

.................. ################# # ''' 7500, $135,000 '' 2004, +00 2918 + ! Hrs, $% RWA

.................. ################## # ''' 7400, $124,900 ' ! +*+ $%

#################### 6950, 1999, 2328 Hrs, RWA ....................#

''' $89,000

6850, .................... $79,500

' 1999, ! 3120 *!+0 Hrs, $% RWA

#####################

''' 6850, 1998, 3100 Hrs, 2WD .................... $74,500

''

' ! *!00 $% + ##################### 6710, .................... $68,500 ' 1995, ! 2908 + 0 Hrs, $% RWA

#####################

'' 5830, #' 1991, ! ! 3700 *&00Hrs, $% RWA

.................... ####################$39,900

# '' 5830, #' 1991, ! ! 4167 !'&Hrs, $% RWA

.................... ####################$37,500

# '' 5370, # ' 1986, ! ' 4980 0Hrs, $% RWA

.................... ####################$35,900

# '' 970, ' 2008, +00 3000 *000 Hrs, $% RWA

###########

''' Claas .......... $199,000 900, ' 2005, +0!* 2848 !*!+ Hrs.................... $%

###########$115,000

$ ''' Claas 890,

' 2002, +00+ 2290 ++ 0 Hrs, $% RWA

###########

# ''' Claas ......... $129,000 All hours listed are â&#x20AC;&#x153;cutter hoursâ&#x20AC;?

$195,000

2012, 7250, 375HP, 4WD, KP, 423 Cutter Hours, AutoLube, Greenstar Ready

" & % " " " & "


Page 38 â&#x20AC;˘ Dairy Star â&#x20AC;˘ Saturday, August 12, 2017

DENSITY WHERE IT COUNTS

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PUSHING THE LIMITS OF AGRIBUSINESS PERFORMANCE Ready to work, Mustang Compact Equipment comes standard with the right power needed to tackle the biggest tasks. Building its first skid-steer in 1965, Mustang loaders have pushed the limits of durability, setting new industry standards.

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USED SKIDSTEERS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Gehl RT250, JS ctrls, D, 2500 lift cap., C/H/A, 2 spd., full warranty 2 yrs or 2000 hrs., 75 hrs .......................... $54,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 gehl R220, dual T-bar ctrls, D, 2500 lift cap., C/H, 2 spd., 2560 hrs . $27,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Gehl R220, dual T-bar ctrls, D, 2500 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd, 1475 hrs ............... $29,700 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Gehl R220, T-bar ctrls, D, 2500 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd., 2515 hrs ...................... $26,800 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Gehl R220, T-bar, H ctrls, D, 2200 lift, C&H, 2 spd., 1230 hrs. ..................... $30,400 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Gehl R220, H ctrls, D, 2400 lift cap, C/H/A, 2 spd, 1230 hrs................................... $32,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Gehl R190, T-bar ctrls, D, 2150 lift cap, SS, 2100 hrs ..................................... $24,950 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Gehl R190, dual T-bar self leveling ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd., 2300 hrs ........................................... $24,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Gehl R190, dual T-bar ctrls, D, 1900 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd., 1865 hrs. ............. $26,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Gehl R190, T-bar ctrls, D, C&H, 2 spd., 2110 lift cap, 700 hrs. ........... $30,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Gehl R190, hand ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap, C&H, radio, 2 spd, 2190 hrs ...... $26,250 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Gehl R190, pilot ctrls, D, C&H, 2 spd, 2103 hrs................................. $28,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Gehl R190, JS, D, 2150 lift cap., 2 spd., C&H, 1300 hrs ...................... $33,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 Gehl 7810, JS ctrls, D, 3800 lift cap, C/H, 2 spd, 958 hrs .................... Call for price â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04 Gehl 7810, t-bar ctrls, D, C&H, 2 spd., 3800 lift cap., 3597 hrs ..................... $21,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Gehl 6640E, t-bar ctrls, D, C&H, 2 spd, 2600 lift cap., 2682 hrs .......... $19,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 Gehl 5640E, T-bar H-ctrls, D, 2200 lift cap., SS, 2600 hrs .............. $20,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04 Gehl 5640, T-bar ctrls, D, 2200 lift cap., SS, 3905 hrs ..................................... $16,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 Gehl 5640, T-bar ctrls, D, 2200 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd., 1370 hrs ...................... $27,300 Gehl 5625SX, H ctrls, D, 1700 lift cap., C&H, 3832 hrs .................................. $12,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 Gehl 5240 P2, T-bar ctrls, D, 1900 lift cap, C&H, 2 spd., 850 hrs. ................ $27,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 Gehl 5240 P2, T-bar ctrls, SS, 1900 lift cap., wt. kit, 2526 hrs .................. $20,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Gehl 5240E P2, T-bar ctrls., D, 2100 lift cap., counter wts., SS, 2050 hrs .. $25,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;99 Gehl 4835SXT, H crtls., D, C&H, 1700 lift cap., 2900 hrs ..................... $12,300 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;89 Gehl 3310, T-bar ctrls, gas, 750 lift cap w/pallet forks & bkt, 1435 hrs............. $5,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;87 Gehl 3310, T-bar ctrls, 750 lift cap., manure & dirt bkt., 2980 hrs............... $5,700

USED SKIDSTEERS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Mustang 2600R, H&F ctrls., D, C&H, 2 spd., 2600 lift cap., 850 hrs ........... $35,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Mustang 2100RT, switchable ctrls, D, 17â&#x20AC;? tracks, C/H, 2 spd, 1897 hrs .. $37,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 Mustang 2100RT, pilot ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap., C/H/A, 400 hrs ............ $43,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Mustang 2076, D, 2400 lift cap., C/H/A, SS, 912 hrs., dual JS ctrls ................ $29,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Mustang 2066, dual lever/ft ctrls, D, 2000 lift cap., C/H, 1174 hrs......... $21,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Mustang 2066, ISO pilot ctrls/H ctrls, D, 2000 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd., 1864 hrs ........................................... $18,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 Mustang 2056, dual L&F ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap, C&H, 2 spd., 988 hrs ............ $24,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04 Mustang 2054, Case Ctrls, D, 1650 lift cap, heat, 2700 hrs ............. $14,600 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Mustang 2054, H/F ctrls, D, 1650 lift cap., C&H, 3450 hrs............ $17,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Mustang 2054, D, SS, H, 1750 lift cap, 6200 hrs. ..................... $10,300 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Mustang 2054, T-bar ctrls, D, 1650 lift cap., C&H, 2348 hrs.......................... $18,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;99 Mustang 2050, T-bar ctrls, D, 1550 lift cap, SS, 1890 hrs ............... $11,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;99 Mustang 2050, T-bar ctrls, 1650 lift cap., D, 4623 hrs., C&H, SS.............. $11,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 Mustang 2044, t-bar ctrls, D, 1550 lift cap., C/H, 1515 hrs ...................... $18,700 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Mustang 2041, H/F ctrls, 1350 lift cap, D, 4025 hrs ....................................... $13,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Mustang 1900R, H/pilot ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap., C/H, 2 spd., 2150 hrs .......... $26,550 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Mustang 1900R, H&F ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap, C&H, 2 spd., 54 hrs ................... $34,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Mustang 1900R, H/F ctrls, D, 1900 lift cap, C&H, 2 spd., 1928 hrs ............... $28,300 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Mustang 1350R, H/F ctrls, D, C&H, 1450 lift cap., C&H, 1070 hrs............ $27,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 JD 318E, L/F ctrls, D, 2100 lift cap., C/H/A, 2 spd., 2615 hrs..................... $25,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;00 JD 260, Dual lever/ft ctrls, D, 2400 lift cap, 2 spd, 2120 hrs ......................... $14,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07 Case 435, H-ctrls., D, 2300 lift cap., C/H, SS, 2750 hrs ............................. $18,850 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;85 NH L785, H/FT ctrls., D, 2050 lift cap., C, SS, 6935 hrs. .................................. $8,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Bobcat S630, H/F ctrls, D, 2180 lift cap., C&H, 2 spd., 495 hrs. ....................... $31,900

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â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;45 International H, 26 hp, 540 pto....$1,995 Ford 4000 w/ldr, Gas, 4100 hrs ..........$5,200

USED TMRS/MIXERS

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Penta 8020HD, 1-3/4, 1000 pto $45,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;10 Penta 3020 SD, 540 pto, 320 cu. ft., 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; RH front/side conveyor, 9â&#x20AC;? rubber ext., scale ....................... $19,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04 Penta 5600, 600 cu. ft., EZ 2000V scale, corner door .......................... $16,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;05 Penta 4110, 400 cu. ft. .............. $14,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Penta 5620HD, 600 cu. ft., 8â&#x20AC;? rubber ext., right corner door .................... $23,500 Knight 3300, 540 PTO, 900X20 tires, new relined ...................................... $7,950 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 Kuhn Knight VTC 1100, LH slide tray, rear commodity door, 2 remote scales, mounted to 2012 Peterbuilt 367 w/40,619 miles, 66,000 GVW, 10 spd., transmission, front mount hyd. drive, 1100 cu. ft.................................... $134,000 Kuhn Knight 3130, 2â&#x20AC;&#x2122; auger discharge, Haymax ............................................. $9,750 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;99 Supreme 500, LH dog leg conv . $13,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;07 Patz V500, 1-3/8 1000 pto, 500 cu ft., left side ďŹ&#x201A;at front discharge ............. $9,500

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TELEHANDLERS â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;05 Gehl RS6-42, JD dsl., 6600 lift cap., 4WD, 2884 hrs................................$35,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;06 Mustang 6-34, 6000 lift cap., 2650 hrs .........................................$34,300 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;00 Genie S-60, 60â&#x20AC;&#x2122; lift height, 6500 hrs .........................................$23,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Gehl RS8-44, Tri Function JS Ctrls, D, 8000 lift cap, 4750 hrs ....................$29,900

MANURE HANDLING â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 Kuhn Knight 8150, 1-3/8, 1000 pto, 668 cu. ft., 5000 gal ........................ $47,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 Kuhn Knight 8141, 4100 gal, hyd. lid ............................................ $42,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;99 Knight Mfg. 8024, 500 bu. ......... $12,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Kuhn Knight 8132, 3200 gal., 435 cu. ft......................................... $27,900 Kuhn-Knight 8132, 3200 gal ............. $18,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Kuhn Knight 8132, frt. & rear splash guards ................................. $22,500

MANURE HANDLING

HAY & FORAGE

Kuhn Knight 8124, 2400 gal ............. $16,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;09 Kuhn Knight 8124, 325 cu. ft., 2400 gal. ......................................... $17,400 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;05 Kuhn Knight 8118, 1800 gal., 400 bu., auger ďŹ&#x201A;ighting good cond. .............. $14,900 Kuhn Knight 8118, 1800 gal. ............ $12,000 Kuhn Knight 8118, 1800 gal., 400 bu............................................. $10,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;89 New Idea 3739, 540 pto, 390 bu., end gate ............................................ $6,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 NH 195, upper beater, hyd. drive $16,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 NH 195, 410 bu., upper beater, hyd. drive ........................................ $12,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;13 H&S 5126 ................................... $14,900 H&S 270, end gate, low use, 2 spd., apron ................................................ $7,950 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;83 Badger BN326, 2300 gal .............. $4,500

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Kuhn VB2190, up to 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bales, OptiCut 14 Silage Bales, Endless Belts, Auto chain lube, Bale Kicker, Second Drive Roll Kit, 6454 Bale Count.............................$28,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;H&S Super 7+4, 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box ................... $6,300 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;11 H&S M9, 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; pickup, hyd. drive ... $16,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;98 H&S XL59, 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, 12T tandem gear .............................. $6,400 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;03 H&S BF12HC, 12 wheel high cap rake ........................................... $7,950 H&S CR10, 10 wheel rake ................. $3,100 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90 Meyer 500TSS, 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, 12 ton tandem, bunk ext., pintle chain ...................... $6,250 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;89 Meyer 600, 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, MN 13 ton gear, 20â&#x20AC;? unload ext.................................. $3,750 (3) Meyer 8126RT, running gear XT2200XL, 26â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, rear unload .............................. Call â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;98 Meyer 4118, 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, rear unload..................................... $10,400 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;98 Meyer 4118, 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, rear unload..................................... $10,400 Gehl 800 chopper w/hay head ........... $2,995 Anderson TRB2000, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;12, 20 bale cap., elec/ hyd ctrls, self-loading & unloading $29,950 Buhler BM2400, â&#x20AC;&#x2122;13, Transports 12-4â&#x20AC;&#x2122; or 8-6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; wide Bales............................... $21,000 Flat Rack/Hay Rack, 7-2/2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x11-1/2â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 6 bolt rims .......................................... $695 Tonutti RCS8 8 whl. rake ................... $2,400 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 Haybuster 2564, full size round bales, self loading, blower w/spout, screen included .............................. $16,900 Bush Hog HM2408, 6 disc, 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10â&#x20AC;? cut . $4,100 Dewwze Roto-Slicer, up to 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; round bales, self loading ............................ $4,950 MN Bale Wagon 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 18â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bed, 8 Ton MN gear ................................. $1,550

HAY & FORAGE Gehl 980, 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; w/12 ton tandem gear, H&S 6-12 running gear .................... $6,950 Gehl 980 bu., 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, 12 ton tandem, vari-speed drive ................................ $5,500 Gehl 970, 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122; box, tandem running gear.................................................. $4,300 NH 144 std. conveyor, no ext., ground driven .................................. $3,900 NH 144, ground driven ...................... $2,900 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;04 NH BR780, 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bales, twine/net wrap ................................................. $9,900 NH BR780, 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122; x 6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bales, net wrap/knife kit, extra wide pickup ............................ .$9,900 CIH 600, 60â&#x20AC;? blower .......................... $5,300 Badger BN2054, 54â&#x20AC;? forage blower ...... $895 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;84 Badger 950, 16â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, tandem, 12T MN running gear ........................ $4,150 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;08 JD 568, up to 5â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bales, Mega Wide pick up, cover edge net wrap and twine, 15,536 bales .................................. $18,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;09 JD 468SS, 4â&#x20AC;&#x2122;x6â&#x20AC;&#x2122; bales, net wrap and twine, Mega Wide plus P.U., silage special, 14,000 bales ..................... $20,500 JD 265, 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;10â&#x20AC;? cut, outside swath roller, tarp, good cond................................. $7,200 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;12 Kuhn GA300GM, 7â&#x20AC;&#x2122;3â&#x20AC;? raking width, 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? with windrow, 3 pt. rotary rake$5,000 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 Kuhn GF222T, 2 rotor, pull-type, 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? working width ........................... $3,150 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Kuhn GF222T, 8â&#x20AC;&#x2122;6â&#x20AC;? working width .$2,900

MISCELLANEOUS Berlon BSC, lifts full rd. bales ..............$450 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;14 Everst 5700 84â&#x20AC;?, 3 blades, 7 gu. deck, 1-1/2â&#x20AC;? to 4-1/2â&#x20AC;? cutting height ........$1,985 Agrimetal 525, 25 bu., Honda 160CC motor .......................$2,500 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;15 JD JD84H, 84â&#x20AC;? high ďŹ&#x201A;ow, hyd. spout rotation, hyd. deďŹ&#x201A;ector ....................$6,200 Bunker Facer, 84â&#x20AC;?.............................$2,700 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;16 Erskine hyd. drive 60â&#x20AC;? brush mower, univ. skid ldr. attach ..........................$3,900 Erskine Grapple, 72â&#x20AC;? Brush Grapple $2,300


Dairy prole

Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017 • Page 39

sponsored by

Aaron Holscher Twin Brooks, S.D. Grant County 150 cows How did you get into farming? My wife, Betsy, and I were both raised on dairy farms. My dad, Loren, purchased this farm in 1977 and I grew up here. After high school, I attended Lake Area Technical Institute and got a degree in ag production. I came back home in 2002 and started farming with Dad. In 2013, Betsy and I bought out Dad’s share of the dairy herd and his share of the farm. We milk in a 76-cow tiestall barn that Dad built in the early 1990s. What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? My biggest concern is the milk price. Despite our low commodity prices, input costs don’t seem to be coming down. We sell all of our bull calves as babies and it’s been hard to nd a market for them lately. Being able to make it in today’s farm economy is hard work. You have to take it day by day.

Tell us about a skill that makes dairy farming easier for you. I am dedicated, persistent and consistent. I have learned that the more attention you pay to your cows, What is the latest technology you the more they will reward you. implemented on your farm and what is the purpose for it? Our What do you enjoy most about milk pasteurizer. We feed the milk dairy farming? Being my own from our sick cows to our baby boss and working at home. A dairy calves and the pasteurizer kills all farm is the best place to raise kids. the pathogens. It has been work- I like that we can take time off to ing really well. Our calves are spend with our family whenever healthier and are gaining weight we want. faster. What has been the best purchase What is a management practice you’ve ever made on your farm? you have changed in the past year Our vertical TMR mixer wagon. It that has beneted you? We have makes a very consistent ration for been trying to put up higher qual- our cows and cuts down on feed ity forages. You have to get the waste. most that you can out of your feed and limit supplement purchases. What has been your biggest acWe also recently began using complishment while dairy farmsexed semen. ing? Carrying on our family’s dairy farming tradition. I have four sibHow do you retain a good work- lings and I was the only one in our ing relationship with your em- family who wanted to dairy farm. ployees? Betsy and I do most of the work ourselves. On the occa- What are your plans for your sions when we have hired help, dairy in the next year and the next we do our best to treat our em- ve years? It would be nice to put ployees the same way that we up a freestall barn and a milking would like to be treated.

parlor at some time in the future to save on labor and make us more efcient. In the shorter term, we would like to install headlocks in our heifer lot.

chores? At the end of each day, we like to spend as much time as possible with our daughters, Allie, 3, and Charlotte, 2. We enjoy playing with them and simply spending time together as a family. It’s How do you or your family like to been a while, but I also like to go spend time when you’re not doing for rides on my Harley.

Star Blends is a full service feed manufacturing facility. We provide custom complete feeds, supplements and minerals. We utilize modern technology to produce your needed products on demand with the highest quality feeds at the best cost. We also offer a wide selection of commodities, ingredients and additives. We are focused on dairy, efficiently delivering to farms in Western Wisconsin. Give us a call, we’d be happy to discuss our commodities or custom products and services with you and your nutritionist.

1919 Riley Road Sparta, WI 54656 | 800.462.4125


Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 12, 2017

LED light improves teat visibility

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Your Local GEA Milking Equipment Dealer: Advanced Dairy Solutions Richland Center, WI 608-647-4488 • 800-772-4770 Centre Dairy Equipment Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-5762 • 800-342-2697 Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems Epworth, IA • 563-876-3087 Fitzgerald, Inc. Elkader, IA • 563-245-2560 Fuller’s Milker Center, Inc. Lancaster, WI • 800-887-4634

Hobert Sales, Inc. Cokato, MN • 320-286-6284

Monroe WestfaliaSurge Monroe, WI • 608-325-2772

Leedstone, Inc. Melrose, MN 320-256-3303 • 800-996-3303 Glencoe, MN 320-864-5575 • 877-864-5575

Preston Dairy Equipment, Inc. Sparta, WI • 608-269-3830 • 888-863-0227

Midwest Livestock Systems Menomonie, WI • 715-235-5144 Owen, WI • 715-229-4740 Pine Island, MN • 800-233-8937 Sioux Falls, MN • 800-705-1447 Beatrice, NE • 800-742-5748

Sioux Dairy Equipment, Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-5608 • 800-962-4346 Colton, SD Service 800-944-1217 Edgerton, MN Chemical Sales 507-920-8626


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