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DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 22, No. 12
Almost back up and running Burnett Dairy recovering from re at Grantsburg plant By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
GRANTSBURG, Wis. – After a re the night of July 20 torched a portion of Burnett Dairy’s Grantsburg processing plant, the cooperative is making plans to get the plant back in working order. “We’re making a lot of progress,” Bill Haase said. “There have been crews (at the plant) around the clock.” Haase, who is the chairman of the cooperative’s board of directors and milks 530 cows together with his family near Osceola, said the cause of the re is still undetermined. The re at Burnett Dairy forced the cooperative to nd immediate alternatives for its producers to send their milk. “That was a major concern right up front,” Haase said. “Sometime during the night (of the re), a milk truck came to unload. Our eldman and personnel handled it and got ahold of different co-ops and milk processing plants around the area. … We did not have to dump any milk.” The plant takes in about 1 million pounds of milk every day and produces 55 million pounds of cheese each year. While a portion of milk has been diverted to the cooperative’s plant in Wilson, the rest has been taken in by other processors including Associated Milk Producers Inc., Ellsworth Cooperative Creamery, Foremost Farms, Grassland Dairy, LaGrander’s Hillside Dairy, Lake Country Dairy, Land O’Lakes, Plainview Milk Products and Saputo Inc. “We were getting calls from other creameries saying they could take milk,” Haase said. “It’s amazing how you compete, but you work together when needed.” The structure that was burned and damaged in the re was the oldest part of the creamery, and one of the original buildings that was used for Turn to BURNETT | Page 5
August 8, 2020
Returning to their roots
Wicks family restarts dairy after being out of the business many years By Jerry Nelson
jerry.n@dairystar.com
CAVOUR, S.D. – Most people would not think of starting a dairy operation as the second act of their working career. But most people are not Vaughn Wicks. “I have always enjoyed milking cows,” Vaughn said. “Dairy farming has never been far from my heart.” Vaughn’s father, Larry, started milking ve cows by hand in the early 1960s. “After we’d added a few more cows, we moved up to belly buckets and sold our milk in 10-gallon cans,” Larry said.
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
The Wicks family – (from leŌ) EllioƩ, Larry, Valerie, Vaughn, Elias Fisk, Loren Fisk, and Allison Fisk holding Isaac Fisk – dairy farm near Cavour, South Dakota. The Wicks recently started milking cows in their refurbished dairy facility, which had been used for many years as an aucƟon barn.
Turn to WICKS | Page 6
A livelihood worth creating
Skrochs named Benton County’s farm family of the year By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Mark and Pam Skroch walk through their bedded pack barn July 23 at their 118-cow dairy near Rice, Minnesota. The Skrochs are this year’s Benton County Farm Family of the Year.
RICE, Minn. – As Mark and Pam Skroch commuted back and forth from the Twin Cities area to Pam’s home farm in Rice, they knew it was not a lifestyle they wanted to last very long. They longed for the freedoms of the country and the great responsibility of raising their family on a dairy farm. “We wanted to continue farming with my family, the way of life it gave us and our kids,” Pam said. “We had the opportunity to move out here and still take advantage of the opportunities available in town, so we took it.” The Skrochs milk 118 cows, feedout about 180 steers and run 500 acres of land on their farm, Sunny Oak Farm, near Rice. For the couple’s contributions to their community and farming philosophy, they were named this year’s Benton County Farm Family of the Year. “I hope this recognition shows others that it’s possible to raise a family and expand a farm and make a living farming,” Mark said. “All of our hard work is paying off.” Mark and Pam begin their day around 4:30 a.m. Turn to SKROCHS | Page 11
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
ISSN 020355 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) 352-5647 Published by Dairy Star LLC General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake - mark.k@dairystar.com 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition Nancy Powell 320-352-6303 nancy.p@dairystar.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Editorial Staff Krista Kuzma - Editor/Wisconsin (507) 259-8159 • krista.k@dairystar.com Andrea Borgerding - Associate Editor (320) 352-6303 • andrea.b@dairystar.com Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman (608) 487-1101 danielle.n@dairystar.com Stacey Smart - Staff Writer (262) 442-6666 • stacey.s@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Advertising Sales Main Ofce: 320-352-6303 Fax: 320-352-5647 Deadline is 5 p.m. of the Friday the week before publication Sales Manager - Joyce Frericks 320-352-6303 • joyce@dairystar.com Bob Leukam (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-1248 (cell) bob.l@star-pub.com Mark Klaphake (Western MN) 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (National Advertising, SE MN) 507-250-2217 fax: 507-634-4413 laura.s@dairystar.com Jerry Nelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) 605-690-6260 jerry.n@dairystar.com Mike Schafer (Central, South Central MN) 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com Amanda Hoeer (Eastern Iowa) 320-250-2884 • amanda.h@dairystar.com Julie Barnes (SE WI and Northern IL) julie.b@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@dairystar.com Ashley Curry (Northeast WI and Upper MI) 920-539-7268 • ashley.c@dairystar.com Deadlines The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Subscriptions One year subscription $35.00, outside the U.S. $110.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Advertising Our ad takers have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute nal 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 ofces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246.
A glance at the other side
Dairy Star likes to provide local stories, which is why we have two versions of the paper. Below are a few highlights from stories you will not nd in this paper, but you can nd online in zone 2. Find full editions on our website, www.dairystar.com, and click on the e-edition tab under the Dairy Star header. Holthauses appeal to consumers with A2 milk A desire to avail themselves of new markets led Lonnie and Rochelle Holthaus and their son Jeremy to investigate the possibilities of not only selecting for the A2A2 gene in breeding their 400-cow herd of registered Holsteins, but to go one step further and create and market a line of A2 milk products. After an extensive amount of research, Lonnie Holthaus said what he learned about the number of people unable to consume dairy products because of digestive issues astounded him, and he felt A2 milk could be the answer to reaching those consumers. Pierce strives to build cow families Striving towards reaching goals is the thing that drives Lee Pierce to stay positive during these uncertain times. Pierce keeps his attention focused on continuing to improve the performance of his 55-cow herd of registered Holsteins, breeding cows that appeal to him while growing deep cow families that he can market from. Sire selection focus is based on continually improving udders, feet and legs, and health traits that lead to longevity. Recently the farm achieved the milestone of having bred over 80 Excellent cows. Feiders nd joy, inspiration in garden Chuck and Julie Feider love owers probably just as much as they love farming. The couple’s grand garden is a project 14 years in the making lled with hundreds of owers, several waterfalls and sitting areas, walkways, a koi pond, cupola and more. When they are not busy at their 300-cow dairy where they farm with their son and daughter-inlaw near New Holstein, Wisconsin, the Feiders can be found working in their garden. Clinton Farms expansion drives efciency, growth When the Clinton family of Bear Creek, Wisconsin decided to expand, they did it with the future in mind. Their new state-of-the-art facility includes a Waikato 50-stall Centrus Composite rotary parlor – the rst of its kind in Wisconsin, a 6-row tunnel-ventilated freestall barn, holding area, ofces, conference center, breezeway to older barns and 10-million-gallon manure pit. Currently milking 560 cows three times a day, the Clintons’ new parlor has capacity to milk 2,000 cows three times daily and has saved 3.5 hours per milking shift.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Ag Insider
Pages 8-9 First Section
Bon Yankton Homme
Clay
O’Brien
son Emmet ickin
D
Clay
e Buena Vista
Ida
First Section: Pages 1, 6-7
Zone 1
Zone 2
ub Au d
Pottawattamie Cass
nt
mo
Fre
ry
ome
tg Mon
Page
Kanabec
go eba
Kossuth
n
n Win
Washington
ms ey
Worth
Mitchell Howard
Hancock Cerro Gordo
ldt
o
mb
Hu
Floyd
Greene
Bremer
Wright Franklin Butler
Guthrie
Boone
Dallas
Story
Polk
all
h ars
M
aw
as
ick
Ch
Black Hawk
Webster Hamilton Hardin Grundy
ou
lh Ca
Crawford Carroll
Mills
as
nt
ho
ca
Po
Sac
Harrison Shelby
Wicks family restarts dairy after being out of the business many years
Palo Alto
ke
ero
Ch
Monona
Cavour
Lewiston
Kids Corner: The Olsons
Houston
Tama
Jasper
e
Osceola
Sioux
Woodbury
Page 22 Second Section
Mower
Third Section: Pages 10 - 11 Lyon
Plymouth
Country Cooking
Faribault
Martin
iek
ln
co
Lin
Jackson
Winona
Fillimore
ake
Turner
Nobles
Freeborn
sh
Hutchinson
Rock
Wabasha
Cottonwood Watonwan Blue Earth Waseca Steele Dodge Olmsted
ne
McCook Minnehaha
Murray
Goodhue
Rice
am
Gregory
Charles Mix
Ha
Moody
Nicollet
Brown
All
Todd
Tripp
Douglas
ns
on
Lake
Redwood
Fayette an
e war Dubuque
an
ch
Bu
Clayton
Benton
Dela
Jones
Linn
Iowa
Clinton
Madison Warren Marion Mahaska Keokuk
Adair
Adams Taylor
Union old
gg
Rin
Clarke
Lucas
Decatur Wayne
Monroe Wapello e
oos
pan
Ap
Davis
on
ers
f Jef
Van Buren
Scott
s
hn
Jo
Jackson
on Cedar
Muscatine
n
Brule Mellette
Miner
Lyon
gto
Aurora
Sanborn
Brookings
W in
Lyman
Jerauld
Kingsbury
Dakota
Scott
Sibley
hin
Buffalo
Beadle
Hennepin Carver
Wa s
Jones
Hughes
Hand
McLeod
Renville
Yellow Medicine
Anoka
Wright
Meeker
sh iek
Stanley
Hyde
Deuel
Hamlin
Isanti
we
Sully
Kandiyohi
Chippewa
Lac Qui Parle
Codington
Clark
Sherburne
First Section: Pages 37 - 38
Ra
Spink
Ziebach
Benton
Stearns
Pope
Swift
Grant
Faulk
Potter
Big Stone
Day
Stevens
Schauer turns milkhouse into oral workspace
Pine
Mille Lacs
Morrison
Douglas
Glencoe
Carlton
eu r
Edmunds
Aitkin
Crow Wing
Todd Grant
Tra ver se
Roberts
Marshall
McPherson
Cass
Su
Dewey
Bennett
Sargent
Brown Walworth
Jackson
Richland
Lincoln
Campbell
Corson
Dickey
McIntosh
Otter Tail
Wilkin
Emmons Sioux
Becker
Clay
Ransom
LaMoure
Logan
Grant
Cass
Mah
Le
Bames
Lake
Itasca
Po
Pages 8 - 9 Second Section
Stutsman
n
The “Mielke” Market Shannon Fall River Weekly
Kidder
Morton
Pennington
Custer
Burleigh
Pipestone
Oliver
Haakon
en nom
Norman
Cook
go
Page 33 First Section
Polk
Trail
Steele
St. Louis
Red Lake
isa Ch
Come Full Meade Circle
Griggs
First Section: Pages 34 -35
Koochiching
Hubbard
Foster
Beltrami
Wadena
Sheridan Mercer
Traut brothers grow, sell sweet corn
Lake of the Woods
Pennington
Grand Forks
Eddy Wells
Roseau
Marshall
Benson
McLean
Making Cents of Dairy Perkins
Kittson
Walsh
Nelson
Page 32 First Section
Lawrence
Pembina
Ramsey
McHenry
Ward
Dear County Agent Guy
Page 31 First Section Bowman Adams
Butte
Cavalier
Towner
Pierce
Stark Veterinary Wisdom Hettinger Slope
Harding
Rolette
io
Golden Valley
Bottineau
Un
Billings
Page 27 First Section Mountrail
Page Dunn 30 First Section
Section: Page
Da vi so n
McKenzie
Second Section: Pages 12 - 13
Sartell
Skrochs named Benton County’s farm family of the year
on
On the Road Renville with Princess Burke Kay
Williams
Rice
Kulzer to sculpt Princess Kay, nalists’ butterheads
Page 26 First Section
Divide
Litcheld
Clearwater
FSA News & Notes
Louisa
Henry Des
Moines
Lee
Hull
From Our Side of the Fence: Marlys Nettinga First Section: Pages 15-16
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE: What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? First Section: Pages 15 - 16
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 5
TRUST THE EXPERTS
ConƟnued from BURNETT | Page 1
At Famo Feeds, we strive to provide the best support for your operation and work to accommodate your specific needs.
From calf to cow and everything in between! PHOTO SUBMITTED
Bill Haase stands in front of the porƟon of BurneƩ Dairy CooperaƟve’s plant that burned the night of July 20 in Grantsburg, Wisconsin. Haase is the chairman of the cooperaƟve’s board of directors and a dairy farmer from Osceola, Wisconsin. storage and as a maintenance shop, not piping and recementing the intake room’s for cheese production. oor are complete, the cooperative can “The rest of the plant has had less resume production. Haase said the goal damage, and we have had to deal with is to start receiving milk by the end of ammonia leaks so we lost cooling capacity August. and electricity to other production parts “Our No. 1 goal is to get production of the plant.” up and running,” he said. “It’s going to be Within 24 hours, the cooperative a lot of work, but we’re going to be back had the coolers for its large warehouse up and running, and hopefully stronger functioning. Then its cheese store opened than before.” four days after the re. The plant was able Plans will also continue to form to start shredding and shipping cheese, about how the burned portion of the plant although it was not bringing in milk. will be used. At this time, the space is “Because of the pandemic, we slated to be a maintenance shop and an had put a lot of cheese in the freezers,” area for employees. Haase said. “Now without even having Haase said he thinks these changes production at Grantsburg, we’re able to will make the plant more efcient. Plus, pull this cheese out of the freezers and he has seen the plant employees, patrons shred it to make shredded cheese. That’s and community members come together been a blessing in disguise.” in this challenging time. Cleaning and disinfecting the “It’s been amazing to see how people production portion of the plant has been work together,” he said. “They have been happening since one week after the re. there 24 hours a day and through the Once cleaning and other projects like weekends. They all want us back up and changing electrical panels, replacing running.”
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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
ConƟnued from WICKS | Page 1
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The Wicks family milks in a used stainless steel milking parlor they purchased from the Rosedale HuƩerite Colony near Mitchell, South Dakota. The parlor had been built in place, so the moving process involved cuƫng it apart and then reassembling it. “It was a big deal when we nally put in a pipeline.” In 1979, Larry built a freestall barn and milking parlor facility. When milk prices took a steep plunge in 1983, Larry sold his herd and converted his dairy facility into an auction barn. “Dad would sell anything and everything,” Vaughn said. “Household items, tools, knickknacks, appliances. If you can imagine it, Dad sold it.” Vaughn and his brother, Blaine, left the farm in 1984. Vaughn then worked at several dairies in Wisconsin. “I was the feed manager at one of the dairies,” Vaughn said. “We had a cow there that peaked at 160 pounds of milk per day.” Vaughn moved to Milwaukee and started a hardwood ooring business.
He and his wife, Valerie, and their children, Elliott and Allison, eventually settled in the St. Louis area. “Our hardwood ooring business grew to the point where we had 15 employees,” Vaughn said. “I always liked the idea of being my own boss.” Throughout the years, dairy farming and milking cows remained at the front of Vaughn’s mind. “When we lived in Missouri, I rented some pasture and kept a herd of about 40 stock cows,” Vaughn said. “I would buy a dairy calf once in a while just because I like dairy cattle. Every few years, I would go to World Dairy Expo and watch the dairy shows. Breeding dairy cattle has fascinated Turn to WICKS | Page 7
USED EQUIPMENT ON HAND D
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 7
ConƟnued from WICKS | Page 6 me ever since I was a kid. It’s why I learned to do A.I. when I was 16 years old. My favorite pastime was studying the sire catalogues.” By 2012, Vaughn and his family had enough of the urban life, so they moved back to South Dakota. “I really enjoy the rural lifestyle,” Allison said. “I went from being in a class of 200 high school students in Missouri to being one of 20 students at Willow Lake High School. I like the idea of raising our children out here on the farm where they can learn the value of hard work and responsibility.” Allison and her husband, Loren Fisk, have two sons, Elias, 3, and Isaac, 6 months. Vaughn and his family transplanted their ooring business to South Dakota. Most jobs were modest, but sometimes they would land a huge project such as installing a new hardwood oor in the school gym at Rugby, North Dakota. “A few years ago, I bought a pair of outstanding Black Angus heifers from my cousin Scott Wicks,” Vaughn said. “We needed recipients for their embryos, so we purchased some Holstein heifers with the idea that we could sell the Holsteins for a good price after they had their calves.” Things did not quite work out as Vaughn had hoped. “We were almost giving the Holstein heifers away,” he said. “So I thought, why not
milk them instead?” Last November, Vaughn began to milk his heifers one at a time in a squeeze chute. “The herd grew to the point where I was milking 84 head twice a day in the squeeze chute,” Vaughn said. “Milking was taking 12.5 hours per day. My wife would bring me sandwiches so that I could keep on going. We weren’t licensed to sell milk, so we fed the milk to our calves and put the remainder in the feeder wagon.” It quickly became apparent this system was unsustainable. “One morning at 4:01, I texted Rusty Hartke at Gorter’s Clay and Dairy and told him that we needed to do something different. I gured that Rusty would reply later that day. He texted me back at 4:02 a.m. to say that he would be here tomorrow.” The Wicks family entertained the idea of building a new dairy facility that would feature robotic milkers. Economic realities dictated otherwise. “You have to crawl before you can walk and you have to walk before you can run,” Vaughn said. “So, we decided to rehabilitate Dad’s old dairy barn.” Vaughn purchased a used stainless-steel double-6 milking parlor from Rosedale Hutterite Colony. The parlor had been built in place, so we had to cut it up to get it out,” Vaughn said. “It was too tall for the room where Dad’s old parlor had been, so
JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR
Vaughn Wicks uses 12 milking units to milk his herd of 84 cow at the family’s farm near Cavour, South Dakota. Previously, Wicks was milking each cow individually in a squeeze chute. we had to raise the ceiling by 3 feet. We also had to raise the ceiling of the milk room by a foot to accommodate the new milk tank.” The Wicks family received welcome help during the dairy barn remodeling process. “My brother, Blaine, and his son, Elijah, are in the construction business at La Crosse, Wisconsin,” Vaughn said. “They drove out here and did a lot of work. We also got help from friends, neighbors and members of our church.” The Wicks family also received encouragement from numerous sources. “Deb Wehde from Agropur was very helpful,” Vaughn
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said. “She put us in contact with the state milk inspectors. They were very encouraging even though we were starting what is considered a small dairy by today’s standards.” After several arduous months of work, the Wicks’ dairy facility was nally ready. “We milked for the rst time on June 2 and shipped our rst load of milk on June 4,” Vaughn said. “It goes a lot faster to milk with 12 units than when you milk one cow at a time.” After a few months in their updated dairy facility, the Wicks family is pleased with the way things are going. “When we started milking,
our (somatic cell count) was 450,000,” Vaughn said. “It immediately dropped to 200,000. And that’s with cows out in a dry lot, ghting the rain and the mud.” About 90% of the 130 head that are currently being milked at the Wicks farm are Holsteins. The remainder are Jersey/ Holstein or Fleckvieh/ Holstein crossbreds. “I really enjoy breeding cattle,” Vaughn said. “It’s fun to see how a particular mating turns out.” Looking out at the horizon, the Wicks family is hoping to improve and increase their dairy operation. “Our next project is to build a sand bedded freestall barn for the milking herd,” Vaughn said. “Milk production is bound to go up if we can increase cow comfort. Long term, we hope to expand our herd to the point where we can ship a semi load of milk every other day. We estimate that would take about 350 head.” The whole family enjoys the dairy. “Elias loves it on the farm,” Allison said. “He’s always asking if he can help feed the baby calves or ride with Grandpa in the tractor cab.” That love is part of what Vaughn was hoping to achieve with this new facility. “One of my goals was to build a sustainable business for the next generation,” Vaughn said. “But above all else, I wanted to create a home base for our family.
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Klobuchar seeks support for rural America Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
Commodity prices took a hit this spring when realize they better get it done because people are COVID-19 shut down demand for foodservice and watching,” Kleven said. As the COVID-19 pandemic fuel. Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar is calling continues, there could be more special sessions ahead. on her colleagues to respond to the needs of rural “This August special session probably won’t be the America. “In March, we passed the CARES Act,” last one,” he said. Klobuchar said. “It was not perfect, Ag Insider we all know that, but it provided $23.5 Clock is ticking for Section 179 billion in disaster assistance for farmers conformity and livestock producers impacted by A coalition of agriculture groups is the pandemic.” Klobuchar said there urging the Minnesota Legislature to pass is still money unspent from this effort. full Section 179 conformity during the Klobuchar referenced the $14 billion in next special session in mid-August. The CCC funds, saying Minnesota farmers ag groups said it is time for lawmakers are waiting for that help. to move beyond election-year politics and x this important tax issue. The Loan program bill introduced for letter was signed by commodity groups processors representing dairy, corn, soybean and Minnesota Sen. Tina Smith pork industries. Minnesota Farm Bureau, By Don Wick introduced a bill to create a loan program AgriGrowth, AgCountry Farm Credit Columnist that would allow dairy processors, Services and Compeer Financial are also packagers, merchants, marketers, included on this letter to legislators. wholesalers and distributors to secure credit against their inventory. The goal is for dairy processors to Walz addresses ag issues have the working capital necessary to keep operating Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz acknowledges this during COVID-19. is a difcult time for everybody but particularly for agriculture. Reecting on the recent special session, Another round for the food box program Walz voiced frustration on one key issue. “I’m super The United States Department of Agriculture will disappointed we didn’t get a tax bill,” he said, which deliver the third round of its Farmers to Families Food would have included conformity with Section 179 Box distribution program, starting in September. This expensing. program provides dairy products, meat and produce to consumers hurt by the COVID-19 economy. The Consolidation continues food box program has been a signicant factor in the According to a USDA report on consolidation uptick in milk prices. within the dairy industry, the size of dairy herds is becoming larger. “Most cows today are on herds More Minnesota special sessions expected in 2020 of 1,000 or more cows,” said James MacDonald, Ag lobbyist Bruce Kleven expects another special USDA research economist. “Where the real expansion legislative session will happen in mid-August. Section is happening is with the very large farms, places 179 conformity and bonding are two key remaining with 5,000 to 10,000 or even up to 30,000 cows.” issues. “As we get closer to the election, there are two MacDonald said the economics have favored larger schools of thought; one is each side digs in further farms because of the lower costs with a larger scaleto blame the other as November approaches, or they of-economy.
Minnesota milk output declines Milk production in the 24 leading dairy states increased 0.5% in June. South Dakota had the biggest increase in milk output, up 9.5% from one year ago. Over the past year, 12,000 cows were added to the South Dakota dairy herd. Minnesota milk production declined 1.4% with cow numbers down 5,000 head. Cattle inventory report released USDA has also released its semi-annual cattle inventory report. The total number of cattle in the United States is 11.4 million head. That is down slightly from last year but is the second highest cattle inventory gure since 1996. As of July 1, there were 32 million head of beef cows, down 1% from last year. The dairy herd totaled 9.3 million head, up 1%. June FAO dairy index edges higher The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations latest dairy price index increased marginally after four months of consecutive declines. The increase was attributed to an increased demand on the export market, especially from East Asia and the Middle East. Domestic demand was also inuenced by the likelihood of a resumption of foodservice and a reduction in travel restrictions.
DFA faces lawsuit from Dean Foods investor A lawsuit has been led in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York against Dairy Farmers of America. The lead plaintiff is a Dean Foods investor, Susan Poole, who claims DFA’s activities ruined that investment. The lawsuit seeks damages, the sale of DFA processing plants the dissolution of the co-op. DFA Executive Vice President Monica Massey said the allegations are ridiculous and frivolous. Minnesota farmland rents declined from 2015-19 A University of Minnesota Extension publication, Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 9
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 9
ConĆ&#x;nued from AG INSIDER | Page 8 “Cropland Rental Rates for Minnesota Counties,â€? shows farmland rents declined an average of 7.5% statewide from 2015 to 2019. Counties in east central Minnesota saw a 21% increase over that time frame, while the south central part of the state showed a 9% decline. Land rents in northwestern Minnesota held fairly steady, showing a 0.2% decline from 2015 to 2019. Minnesota FFA Foundation telethon scheduled The Minnesota State Fair will not be held this year, but the Great Minnesota Give Together Telethon will make its debut. The Minnesota FFA Foundation will highlight the students in a fourhour telethon Sept. 1. The telethon will also provide an opportunity to donate to the FFA Foundation. Land O’Lakes selects marketing lead Heather Malenshek has been
named the chief marketing ofďƒžcer for Land O’Lakes. Most recently, Malenshek operated her own consulting business. Previously, Malenshek was the chief marketing ofďƒžcer for HarleyDavidson Motor Company. Trivia challenge Gelato is the term for Italian ice cream. That answers our last trivia question. For this week, what dairy breed is derived from the triple purpose Braunveih breed? We will have the answer in the next edition of Dairy Star. Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two adult sons, Tony and Sam, and ďƒžve grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.
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ConƟnued from SKROCHS | Page 1 Mark starts milking the herd in their double-8 parallel parlor and Pam joins him shortly after. Once milking is complete, Pam feeds the calves as Mark cleans the parlor and checks the herd. Their youngest son, Eric, makes up the total mixed ration for the lactating group before going to his full-time job as a diesel mechanic. Throughout the day, Mark and Pam work together on the farm, and then Eric joins again for evening chores. Pam also does the farm’s bookwork. “Family has been our focus right from the beginning,” Mark said. Pam grew up on the farm, which was purchased by her parents in 1965. The family began JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR milking 34 cows on the Mark and Pam Skroch milk 118 cows in Benton County near Rice, Minnesota. farm site in the 1970s. The couple purchased Pam’s family farm in 2002, aŌer working with Pam’s parThroughout the years, ents since the mid 1980s. they expanded the dairy operation and focused solely on milking cows in vation, including no till, grade stabilization, contour what became a 51-stall tiestall barn. farming, and manure, nutrient and pest management In 1985, Mark and Pam married, and shortly af- among other practices. ter began farming in partnership with Pam’s parents. “Alvin did some conservation farming, but one By 2002, the couple purchased the farm, although of the rst thing we did was sell our moldboard plow Pam’s 82-year-old father, Alvin Kloss, helps with and bought a hay merger,” Mark said. “It’s a more eldwork to this day. sustainable way of farming and the right thing to The Skrochs made improvements to the farm do.” that would allow their dairy to continue being a susMark and Pam work with a crop consultant to tainable venture for the couple and their four chil- understand how effective their management pracdren – Eric, Jason, Amy and Stacy. And now, they tices are and where room for improvement lies. get to enjoy time with their grown children and While each practice has bettered the environgrandchildren, playing card games and cribbage. ment in which they farm, there have also been nan“When the kids were young we played cribbage, cial incentives for the Skrochs. The most notable has and now we play mostly 500,” Mark said. “Children been how Mark spreads manure. and grandchildren are our greatest blessing.” “The timing and location of where we spread In 2009, the Skrochs built the parlor and com- for nitrogen benets and the manure is not leechpost barn to replace the tiestall barn which gave the ing which gives us the biggest nancial benet,” he Skrochs room to double their herd size. said. “The new parlor and barn saved our bodies,” The Skrochs believe their continued conservaMark said. “The old barn was 100 years old and tion efforts were part of the reason they were nomicould not be retrotted. We built the bedded pack nated for this year’s farm family award. In 2014, the for cow comfort, and honestly, building a freestall family was recognized as the Benton County Soil barn was too much cost up front.” and Water Conservation District Outstanding ConPam agreed. servation Cooperators. “If we ever wanted to, it would be easy to retroMark also serves on the county’s American t this barn with comfort stalls,” she said about the Dairy Association board and is involved in the area compost facility. irrigation association. Both Mark and Pam are memThe Skrochs also installed a stacking slab for bers of Minnesota Milk Producers Association, the manure management in 2012, and built a calf shed national Farmers Assuring Responsible Managethree years later. ment program and their church. In addition to the structural improvements on When the children were younger, they were acthe farm, the Skrochs have implemented and upheld tive in FFA, as well as the county dairy princess propractices that have focused on soil and water conser- gram and the school’s marching band. “I think the kids saw how hard we worked for what we had, and that work ethic has carried throughout their lives,” Pam said. “We both grew up with a hard work ethic and that has helped us.” As dairy farmers, the Skrochs have been through some of the greatest of times and the worst of times. Their keen sense of nances and fostering important relationships early on in their career allowed Mark and Pam to both work on the farm and raise their family in the livelihood they always envisioned. JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR “This is our home, Mark Skroch pushes up feed for the milking herd July 23 at his family’s farm and we’re going to keep near Rice, Minnesota. working on it,” Mark said.
Consumer concerns come to life Panel provides insight to dairy purchasing habits By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
During the third annual Dairy Experience Forum, dairy farmers and other industry members were able to hear insight from a group of people who purchase dairy products. Five people from various parts of the country shared their thoughts on dairy as part of a consumer panel during the virtual Dairy Experience Forum July 15. Topics covered during the consumer panel included dairy use at home, how dairy use has changed during the pandemic, thoughts about dairy as part of a healthy lifestyle, concerns about dairy, and dairy as a part of the environment and sustainability. “It’s a way for us to nail home some of the things we’re seeing in our consumer trends and really bring it to life,” said Theresa Reps, agricultural affairs manager for Midwest Dairy. “It’s not just a number on a page. This is someone actually saying it and will highlight the importance of where we need to be heading with our promotion. These are the people we want to be reaching.” The ve panelists all had a spouse or partner, and four of the ve had children. One panelist shared his personal thoughts along with how he interacts and shares about dairy as a pediatrician. The discussion started with one panelist, Marieh, sharing that she describes dairy as a way that makes foods richer. Three panelists shared how their attitudes about dairy have changed over time. Most said they were taught milk and dairy are important and nutritious, and have passed that message on to their children; however, a few have changed how they consume it. “I’ve taken a different standpoint for me and am not consuming as much milk,” a panelist named Leah said. “I cook with dairy a lot, but when it comes to nutrition, I’m leaning towards plant based as a form of calcium to supplement growth and strong bones.” Another panelist, Karen, said she does not drink much milk, but enjoys cheese, yogurt and ker. She grew up having avored milk or dairy products like yogurt; however, now with her 2-year-old, she likes to serve her family dairy without avor additives. “I like to introduce things in the purest form so she doesn’t get used to the sugar,” Karen said. “I think that will help her build strong, healthy habits in the future.” As part of a nutritious lifestyle, panelist Alex, the pediatrician, said he encourages families to cut down on milk drinking when children reach the age of 2. He said he does this because milk “is basically a sugary beverage.” “They need to branch out beyond milk,” Alex said. “The FDA has done a good job to make milk a required lunch product even though it might not be the healthiest choice per kid. Offering milk, cheese or yogurt would be a better option.” He sees milk as a compliment, rath-
er than the main portion of a meal. “I don’t want families to depend on milk but want it to be a compliment to give the protein and nutrients they need,” Alex said. He encourages a balanced diet and a variety of foods to reach the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals. Panelist Nick said he likes using milk as a drink to recover after a workout and enjoys organic variations the most. “It’s a good and natural source of sugar, vitamin D, calcium and protein,” Nick said. Leah agreed, and said she adds whey protein isolate powder to milk as a post workout drink. Marieh likes to use milk in her protein shakes instead of water. “It provides an even added source of protein,” she said. “I like dairy because it feels more wholesome.” All the panelist said since the start of the pandemic, their dairy usage has stayed the same or increased. When asked about concerns from an environmental standpoint, Marieh feels conicted about using dairy. She questions how cows are treated, is worried about antibiotic use and wonders if cows are fed a proper diet. She also ponders if she should be drinking milk, which she said is meant for calves. “It has me thinking, ‘Is this something that I should be consuming?’ But I really like to cook with it,” Marieh said. Nick and Leah said they prefer organic since they prefer milk from cows on smaller farms because they worry about what larger farms do to the environment. “Because they (a brand of yogurt she buys) are organic, they might have better treatment of cows than other companies,” Leah said. Alex emphasized that clean and healthy cows probably leads to healthy milk. He also said he would like to know more about where his food comes from and would enjoy an educational documentary to show how that happens. “There needs to be an infomercial about types of cows, how milk is collected, processed, handled,” Alex said. “Maybe a PBS special that is truthful and mindful, but not selly or pushy.” When marketing dairy products, the panelists said the dairy industry should focus on the health benets of dairy and explain the environmental impact of dairy in a truthful and honest way. Following the panel, Dairy Experience Forum attendees were able to give their opinions about what they heard. “I think it’s really important for everyone to have an opportunity to take part in these focus group discussions and to hear from them because the panel does put a face to all of the data we receive about people who purchase things,” Reps said. “I think oftentimes we associate some of the comments about dairy with people who don’t seem real. Here we had ve people who were all very educated, successful in their careers and seemingly have done some research on their food choices. This panel continues to highlight the need to nd new ways to address the concerns of consumers.”
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 11
Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
Industry plans for carbon neutral or better by 2050 Collaborate initiative to keep US dairy a part of global marketplace By Jennifer Coyne jenn@dairystar.com
Dairy farmers have continually found ways to become more sustainable in the ways in which animals are raised and cared for, and how the land is managed. In the next three decades, farmers will be asked to join their industry partners – cooperatives, processors and milk haulers – to reduce carbon emissions to net zero or better, as well as improve water and manure management as part of the Net Zero Initiative. “We’re looking across the total dairy value chain to make the industry more sustainable,” Jamie Jonker said. “We’re at the beginning of this journey, and at the end of the day, we want farmers to have a suite of opportunities for farmers to choose from to change their carbon footprint that are revenue-neutral; and more importantly, could be a source of additional income.” Jonker is the vice president of sustainability and scientic affairs at National Milk Producers Federation. NMPF together with United States Dairy Export Council, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and Newtrient developed the project as a means for the U.S. dairy sector to continue helping feed the global population all while minimizing climate impact. “Right now, we’re exporting more than 15% of dairy solids, so we’re very much a part of the global marketplace,”
Jonker said. “We know there’s a lot of interest and pressure to change the industry’s carbon footprint, both domestically and internationally. We think we can be a solution.” The project, set to be achieved by 2050, will accomplish three goals: to reach carbon neutrality or better; to optimize nutrient recycling and minimize nutrient loss; and to minimize water quality impacts while upholding the industry’s reputation, markets and protability. In 2019, the project was introduced before the United States Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Yet, such ambitious goals were already set forth in the industry. “This is not a new concept,” Jonker said. “This is something we’ve been striving toward for more than a decade.” Previously, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States Department of Agriculture, with a goal of reducing greenhouse gas intensity 25% by 2020. The project is in its early stages as industry barriers are reviewed and solutions to bridge such barriers are being discussed. Those barriers may include nancial feasibility, scaling abilities of intricate technologies and even market incentives. “We know through modeling that we can get (to net zero carbon emissions by 2050). We also know where our barriers are and that’s going to help us in the coming years,” Jonker said. “There are technology, policy and nancial barriers that need to be solved.” For example, methane digesters are widely accepted as a tool to reduce
a farm’s carbon footprint, Jonker said. However, the opportunity for farms of all shapes to implement such technology is not reasonable. As barriers are fully addressed, the second pillar of the project moves forward to determine how dairy farms and industry partners have access to technical, nancial and educational support to reach the 2050 goal. “Many of these things might fall into USDA programs and grants so that there is support for dairy farmers in whichever opportunities they choose for their farm,” Jonker said. The third tier of the project is to use pilot farms to closely examine the feasibility and scalability of new and emerging technologies to improve onfarm sustainability. “This is a unique thing being done from a U.S. perspective,” Jonker said. “We’re looking to see how we can expedite the project with these pilot farms. The idea is these farms will help demonstrate the efcacy of technology and reduce capital cost. When we combine those with support, then we can start scaling these opportunities across the industry.” Then, the industry should have a variety of opportunities dairy farmers and industry partners can choose from that is most appropriate for their businesses. The Net Zero Initiative should give the dairy industry a competitive edge in the global marketplace as well as create a roadmap for a better future that is led by the industry. “By having the industry take charge, rather than by government or customer mandates, it’s an opportunity for the dairy sector,” Jonker said. “We
will partner with customers to come along for the journey, but they’re not going to be the ones dictating what the journey looks like.” Throughout the next few decades, the plan may be revised as technologies become available and opportunities are realized. “By having this long runway to a 2050 goal, it gives us the chance to systemically look at barriers and bridge those barriers,” Jonker said. “Ultimately, it will give each dairy farmer opportunities to participate in the journey to carbon-neutral or better.” While the plan will include options for each dairy farm, the goal of carbon neutrality is for the industry as a whole with the realization that some dairies of the nation’s 34,000 farms may never reach a net-zero carbon footprint. “We don’t want to say every farm must do XYZ,” Jonker said. “There may be farms that are carbon sinks, and while they’ll see reduced carbon, they may never be necessarily neutral. We’ll meet this goal by looking at the industry as an aggregate of every farm.” As the industry evolves with both customer and consumer demands, the Net Zero Initiative will help meet those expectations in a way that is favorable for dairy farmers and position the United States well in the global marketplace. “One of our realizations is that in the absence of the initiative, there will still be immense pressure to reduce dairy’s carbon footprint,” Jonker said. “This is our opportunity to put out that roadmap and make it nancially rewarding at the same time. And that is the greatest outcome that can come from it.”
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What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape?
Marlys Nettinga M & M Dairy Hull, Iowa Sioux County 100 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. I plant white alyssum in the raised railroad tie bed underneath our farm sign at the end of the driveway. In the bed is an old white stairway railing I decorate with the changing seasons. An old cream can with a milk separator bowl next to the barn door has potted plants in it. Next to it is a bottle crate with plants. There are also ďƒ&#x;owers in planters under the front end of the milk tank. Most ďƒ&#x;owers I use by the barn are red and white geraniums and succulents that work well in the hot sun and do not need attention to keep blooming all summer. At the end of our machine shed is a porch where I have an old railroad luggage cart. I had this cart restored and painted red to keep with the red barn theme. There is also a wooden rocker and old trunks with miscellaneous farm-related accents, along with some blankets and pillows tucked in for color. I have ďƒ&#x;owers by each of the porch poles in ďƒ&#x;ower boxes that were built from wood from an old corn crib we took down and corrugated steel left from a project. Most of the ďƒ&#x;owers by the machine shed are in the yellow, white and purple color scheme to blend with the red of the cart and tans colors of the building. We also saved an old chicken coop and added a porch to the front that I decorate through the seasons with old-time treasures. I call it my garden and storage shed for the things I like to use as accents in my ďƒ&#x;ower beds and holiday decorating. Next to it is an old wheelbarrow tipped on its side to display ďƒ&#x;owers. Along the front, I have a cream separator from my grandmother that I plant a red geranium in. I also use ferns by this building in galvanized pots for accents. We added a white trellis that a deep purple clematis has made its home on. Next to this building, we have a wooden wagon in a rock landscape setting. It sits next to a windmill and old fashion pump. This area has succulents and decorative grasses. Behind our house, we have a deck and ďƒžre pit. It has various pots of ďƒ&#x;owers in galvanized pails. I accent many of my ďƒ&#x;ower pots with solar lights. I also have a love for water fountains so I have several water fountains running during the day. The birds enjoy them as much as I do. Milk cans are next to the front door. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. I water in the morning or in the evening. It can take up to an hour. I check the water fountains every day. I water my plants with rainwater, or I water with a hose from a hydrant. I try to fertilizer the ďƒ&#x;owers every couple weeks. I have plants and ďƒ&#x;owers that do not need a lot of maintenance. I like to deadhead once a week to keep them growing well and looking nice. I try to weed by pulling or hand spraying carefully. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? The decorating bug started several years ago when I grew my own pumpkins. I wanted to use them in the fall to decorate around our farm. Now I enjoy decorating our farm for each season. I grew up on a farm, and my parents have an eye for landscape and decorating. I continue to foster a love for the old-time farm items that can be repurposed into a decoration rather than brought to the junk yard. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? I like looking up to our yard from the south. There is a wooden wagon, a lighted machine shed porch and the lighted chicken coop porch. If we approach this view at just the right time, the sunset will shine through the trees. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? This is the farm my husband grew up on. We have improved it a lot. It means a lot to have a place we can take pride in. We have worked hard to get it to this point and like to keep it neat. We live along a hard surface road that leads to town so we try to keep it trimmed up. We enjoy the feeling of it looking neat. Nothing is better than sitting by the ďƒžre pit and listening to the trickle of a water fountain to take away some of the stress of the day.
Laurie Orth Lewiston, Minnesota Winona County 60 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. I have 10 gardens throughout our farm. They are full of perennials. Some of my favorites include hostas, coneďƒ&#x;owers, peonies, phlox, baptisia, lupines and lilies, among others. I also have eight types of hydrangea bushes. The plants I really like I keep dividing, which is the reason for all the gardens. When one garden is full, I make a new one. I try to have some type of focal point in each garden. Most of my gardens have unique custom-made metal art work, which were all made by a dear friend. The sculptures include a weathervane, sunďƒ&#x;ower, a large coneďƒ&#x;ower, a farmer and his wife, and irises, among many others. I also have a vegetable garden. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. I start my morning doing calf chores and helping my husband, Jim, milk cows. Once milking is done, I have about an hour before we go in for breakfast. This is my time to work in my gardens. There are always weeds to pull or pots to water, or time to just enjoy my gardens. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? My love of gardening comes from my mom. There was not a ďƒ&#x;ower she did not love or a plant she wouldn’t try. When we moved to Minnesota from Iowa over 25 years ago, the farm did not have a single garden. My mom helped me start my ďƒžrst garden by sharing some of her favorite plants from her own gardens. Some of those same plants are still beautifying our farm. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? My favorite view is looking over my ďƒžsh pond in the morning and seeing the morning sun reďƒ&#x;ect off the water with the barn in the background. Jim and I both ďƒžnd ourselves looking out the barn towards the house to admire the farm we have worked so hard to keep. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? When we started farming over 30 years ago, we never thought we would own our farm. We started farming with very little in our pockets and even less in the bank. When we had the opportunity to move to Minnesota, we loaded up the few cows we had, packed up our family and moved to the farm we now call Golden Prairie Farm. The farm was more than we could have ever dreamed for. So, we want it to look its best. When our two daughters, Katelyn and Eryn, lived at home, they would help with yardwork when needed; however, I like to do most of the yardwork myself if time allows. Both girls knew if I was in the gardens to leave me alone. The free time I do have I spend in my gardens or crafting. My gardens are what I call my happy place. It is my place to relax, and time to take in the moment and forget what is going on. Jim lets me do what I want when I want when it comes to the yard, within reason. Farming always comes ďƒžrst, but there’s always a few minutes out of my day to enjoy my gardens. Tell us about your farm. Our Golden Prairie Dairy is 156 acres just north of Lewiston. We grow alfalfa, corn and oats. Along with milking our herd of 60 cows, we raise our replacement heifers. Tell us about your farm. This farm has been in the Nettinga family since the 1940s. Our sons, Mitchell and Michael, and their wives help us with harvest. Both of our sons are involved in the ag industry. Michael is a robotics specialist at Gorter’s Clay and Dairy and Mitchell is a CPA at Hull Co-op Elevator. Mitchell is buying some land, so he now has skin in the game. Our goal is to keep this farm a family operation. Turn to OUR SIDE | Page 16
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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15
Bonnie (from left), Hope, Jeremy and Paul Middendorf (pictured with Tate Middendorf, Archer Dreger, Reagan Dreyer, Harper Middendorf and Ryder Middendorf) Browerville, Minnesota Todd County 70 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. Upon entering the Middendorf farm, you see white vinyl fence that surrounds our farm. You are greeted by our Middendorf sign and luscious green grass along with several owering plants. Upon arrival, you will notice decorative rock that surrounds our coordinating buildings, cow statues and beautiful owering bushes. Zooming in closer, you will see the owers that are part of our retaining wall, along with our porch where you will see many smiling faces. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. We work hard to keep the farm looking and feeling like home. To do this, we mow about 3 acres of lawn, roughly 3.5 hours, every four days, depending on weather. Along with that, we spend about an hour trimming around the buildings. Each week, we pick weeds in our ower beds and pots, decorative rocks and garden. We are constantly pruning and watering the bushes and owers. We continuously maintain our equipment to ensure it is in optimal condition by xing, repairing and storing them. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? Jeremy: Growing up, my parents always took a certain pride in taking care of our farm. Making sure the grass was cut and trimmed, landscaping weeded and pruned, house and buildings kept up because it shows off your character when you take care of what is yours. Hope: From the beginning of our relationship, I have always seen the care and pride Paul and Bonnie took of the farm. Every piece of the property shows their dedication and care to detail. It has always been about family. Everyone has a job or task; everyone pitches in and gets involved. That is what we are teaching our kids. Paul and Bonnie: We grew up with certain values. One of them was the more you put into something the more reward you get out of it. When we look at the farm and all the countless hours of mowing, picking up/putting away items, pruning trees/bushes/ weeding, we get a warm feeling when someone notices. The hard work paid off. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? All of us agree our favorite view is from the road at sunset, seeing the white board fences, the beautiful owering bushes, wonderful trees and crops, and watching the cows in the pasture. God’s paradise or Mother Nature at her best. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? One word, pride. We nd a sense of pride when we maintain and present a stunning farm for others to view. We feel a sense of accomplishment through the hard work we put in to keeping it looking at its nest. Tell us about your farm. We started our journey in 1982. We have added kids and cows and updated buildings through the years. We own 280 acres, milk 70 registered Holsteins and raise our replacements. In 2017, our son, Jeremy, and his wife, Hope, started working their way into taking over more of the responsibilities of our operation. We all work as a family.
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Ken Bemboom (pictured with grandkids Kendall and JulieAnn Gerads) Mayhew Lake, Minnesota Benton County 85 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. We have a big lawn with stamped concrete sidewalks and patio, multiple ower beds, white fence by the barn, farm information and welcoming signs, and a playset and sandbox for grandkids. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. Mowing the lawn and trimming grass, and moving machinery occasionally to get to grass takes a few hours each week (depending on amount of rain). Weeding the garden (different part each week) takes a couple hours each week. Tilling the garden once a week while plants are small takes one hour each week. Leveling and dragging the dirt in the barnyard as needed. Keeping the yard organized (tractors and equipment in shed when not in use, pick up miscellaneous parts and trash). How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? Growing up, my mom and dad always kept everything nice and neat. I learned that it was easier to keep it nice and neat when it starts that way. Dad was always a stickler for putting stuff away when you were done with it. Grandpa Bemboom also had a nice lawn with roses. My wife, Ann, has been supportive, and we work together to plan out plants and landscaping. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? Driving from the road from the south in the springtime. You can see multiple apple trees, a cherry tree and owering bushes that are all blooming in different colors in the spring. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? Because I want to. It’s been instilled in me that it’s worthwhile to have a nice yard and is presentable when family and visitors come over. Tell us about your farm. I farm with my brother, Dean, in a partnership since we bought the farm from our dad in 1983. We own 160 acres and rent about 400 acres (planting about 250 acres of corn, 100 acres of soybeans and 100 acres of alfalfa). We have 35 stock cows and raise our youngstock, only selling dairy bull calves. The kids help when they come over. Our oldest son, Michael, lives in Baltic, South Dakota, and works for Hefty Seed Co. He has helped with using precision planting equipment. Chris is a teacher who works for us in the summers. Corinne and Megan both work but are frequent visitors and helpers. The grandkids are also out a bunch and help. Dean’s son, Nick, works full time at the farm.
Pam Herdering (pictured with daughter Grace) Freeport, Minnesota Stearns County 135 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. We have a few raised gardens, day lilies planted in the front of the house and ower boxes on the front porch area. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. We try to mow the grass two times a week and trim. I enjoy cutting the grass; it’s my therapy. We get a lot of compliments by cutting the road ditches and keeping everything trimmed. We like to pattern our lawn. It takes me or Grace four hours to cut all the grass. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? Pretty much when we bought the farm. I have always loved cutting grass and doing owers. My mom was very particular about lawn work also. She cut the whole lawn,with a 21-inch push mower. She passed away 34 years ago at the age of 51 from cancer. I was 19. So, I guess I kind of do it in dedication to her. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? Off our front porch or from the end of the driveway looking into that ag bag we have up. It gives me a great sense of pride for the farm and its history, and my family. We get a ton of compliments of how it looks; nothing better. We have an awesome open front porch off the house with no maintenance fencing. A wooden white rocking chair on the front porch and two Adirondack chairs with the backs in a Minnesota shape. I really don’t have any ower beds besides the day lilies. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? I have always been very particular about my lawns. I enjoy having the farm look as good as I possibly can. With Steve and I being the third generation on our farm, it means a lot to me to keep it looking great. We also, for the last four years, paint our ag bags with a military theme thanking those who have served for our freedom. We need more positive messages out there. You can see the bags from the freeway when corn isn’t planted in front of it. Tell us about your farm. Our son, Luke, was in the Marines from 2015-19. He is now in the Marines Reserves. He wanted to come back to the farm and help me, so I went and got a job at Alternative Senior Care based out of Sauk Centre. We have three other children. Matt is married to Ashley, and they have two kids. Kristen and her husband, Nick Neuman, and Grace, 13. I do in-home care for the elderly. We farm 410 acres. Our family hosted the rst annual breakfast on the farm in 2008.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 17
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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
COVID-19 creates opportunity for dairy case
Pandemic changes consumer buying habits, increases product sales By Krista Kuzma
krista.k@dairystar.com
Although the novel coronavirus pandemic has created a lot of upheaval in many areas of people’s lives, Larry Levin sees the silver lining in the dairy case. “It’s exciting to be a part of a new normal,” Levin said. Levin, executive vice president of market and shopper intelligence with the data analysis and market research company, IRI, presented the seminar, “The New Normal: Post COVID-19 Dairy Category” July 15 during the virtual Dairy Experience Forum. Before the pandemic, Levin said purchasing in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry had steadily increased by 2.2% each year, and innovations continued to spring forward with things like merging of retail and food service spaces. Then COVID-19 hit. “March 13 will always be a day of infamy in the United States when we shut down our country and changed the way we operate,” Levin said. This includes more people working from home, a large amount of job loss and many people with an increased amount of time on their hands. Panic buying also ensued. This in-
creased edible retail 15% through June with the dairy case showing an increase of 17%, Levin said. Post panic buying, dairy has seen 22% growth. “When you look at it compared to pre-pandemic, the industry was just oating along at 2%-3% growth,” Levin said. “Now, dairy is punching a little better than total edibles, so when you think about how important our industry is, it really does emphasize it in the growth numbers.” This new way of living also meant people started shopping differently. Levin said research showed more people now go to the store less often, buying more groceries and other products at once rather than at multiples stores during multiple trips. Midweek shopping is now more frequent, and grocery store visits are about 25 minutes. “They’re not treasure hunting,” Levin said. “That’s really important to have a pre-shopping experience for the consumers, so do your promotions before people shop because they’re not looking for new product innovation. They’re looking to get in and get out as quickly as they can.” One-stop shopping is also becoming more important. “The more we have the right products in front of the right people is our chance to win,” Levin said. There has also been growth in online purchasing. Levin said one-fourth of the U.S. population has tried buying dairy products online. Of those people, 70% said they will continue the trend.
“We’ve got a strong hold in a conversion of people getting dairy online and shopping online in general,” Levin said. “We have got a franchise of new buyers we have to deliver to (online), and understand those opportunities and at the same time recognize the barriers.” Another study of consumers showed dairy sales grew more than 126% in the butter, milk, cheese and yogurt categories. The research also showed if
“Let’s position dairy as a true enabler of achieving homemade, healthy, and fun and engaging meals.” LARRY LEVIN, IRI
consumers increased purchases of one product, they also increased purchases of other dairy products. “I think the takeaway is we have enveloped a dairy case not a dairy category by category,” Levin said. The shut down of states across the country forced many people to make more meals at home. Since the start of the pandemic, Levin said more than 50% of the population is making all meals at home. These equates to more dairy purchases. “This is a greater opportunity for the dairy industry to be the primary or
additive to so many meals consumers are cooking,” Levin said. There is another big reason more people have been including dairy in their meals. “They want the ability to feel comfort and feel healthy at the same time,” Levin said. “They felt nourished. They felt satised. Our industry has always delivered, and this is a time when nostalgia works. … Nothing speaks tried and true better than the dairy industry.” Breakfast is a big driver in this increase, where dairy consumption has gone up 49%. As a morning snack, dairy consumption increased 45% while the evening snack increased 33%. “Our dairy case knows no time boundaries,” Levin said. “We have to take advantage that COVID-19 created a lot more opportunities to partner with our consumer and make sure we have the products available to them to continue to win.” Overall, Levin wants to embrace the positives of these studies – a convergence between the milk, yogurt, cheese and butter categories; dairy as a healthy food; and an increase in online sales among others. “Let’s position dairy as a true enabler of achieving homemade, healthy, and fun and engaging meals,” Levin said. “Let’s get creative with how people come across our case, and develop a portfolio strategy for the case as opposed to the category strategy. We can all work together to make sure we’re bringing the best of the industry.”
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 19
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Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
Top Performers
Consistency, comfort, quality feed help Longs achieve over 33,000 RHA Bruce, Brenda and Bret Long B-Long Holsteins New London, Wisconsin Outagamie County 56 cows What is your current herd average, butterfat and protein? 33,504 pounds of milk, 1,324 pounds of fat and 1,075 pounds of protein. How many times a day do you milk? If you do not milk 3X a day, have you tried it in the past? If you do milk 3X,
how long have you done it? Cows are milked twice a day. We have never tried 3X due to family time and family help. Do you contract your milk? Has it been successful for you? We have been in the dairy margin coverage program for a couple years, which has helped our cash ow and peace of mind. Describe your housing and milking facility. Our cows are housed in 55-stall comfort
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Longs – (from leŌ) Bret, Brenda and Bruce – own and operate B-Long Holsteins in New London, Wisconsin. The Longs milk 56 cows and have a herd average of 33,504 pounds of milk, 1,324 pounds of fat and 1,075 pounds of protein.
Cows eat their raƟon at B-Long Holsteins near New London, Wisconsin. High-quality feed is one of the main ingredients to high-producing cows at the dairy.
cows receive Guardian vaccine to boost colostrum.
What is your herd health program? We ultrasound every 28 days for fertility checks. All heifers are vaccinated with Bovi-Shield Gold fp5L5 in the spring and fall, and the same vaccine is used for cows when they are 30 days fresh. Dry
What does your dry cow and transition program consist of? Dry cows are housed in an outdoor three-sided shed with a bedded pack and pasture, and given dry cow mineral, grassy hay and silage. Cows are dry 50-55 days and calve in
pasture, weather permitting, or a calving pen. Cows are in the fresh-cow pen for a few days after calving before moving into the milking group. What is the composition of your ration? What has been one of your most recent Turn to LONGS | Page 22
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 21
2012 JD S550, 1438 hrs, 1077 $ seep hrs, hhrrs, s, #161903 #1619 1661903 903 sep
154,900
2014 JD S680, 2434 hrs., 1781 $ sep hrs., #159509
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2014 JD S670, 1669 hrs., 1265 $ sep hrs., #155388
199,500
2019 JD S780, 333 hrs., 238 sep $ hrs., #166357
2013 JD S680, 2116 hrs., 1391 $ sep hrs., #162070
2014 JD S690, 2220 hrs.,1638 $ sep hrs., #161532
189,500
2018 JD S760, 586 hrs., 500 sep $ hrs., #163861
209,500
184,900
437,500
289,500
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COMBINES JD 9770 STS, 2009, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 2604 hrs., 1878 sep hrs., #162933 ..$89,000 JD S760, 2018, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 586 hrs., 500 sep hrs., #163861 ............$289,500 JD 9870 STS, 2008, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 3295 hrs., #160885 .....................$101,900 JD S680, 2015, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1736 hrs., 1233 sep hrs., #167207 .....$250,900 JD S550, 2012, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 1439 hrs., 1077 sep hrs., #161903........$154,900 JD S660, 2015, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 802 hrs., 545 sep hrs., #157075 ............$229,500 JD S680, 2013, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2116 hrs., 1391 sep hrs., #162070 .....$184,900 JD S680, 2015, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2153 hrs., #169577 .............................$169,500 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Floaters, 267 hrs., 199 sep hrs., #169550 ......$443,400 JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 553 hrs., 398 sep hrs., #154560..........$399,500 JD S670, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1740 hrs., 1326 sep hrs., #171681 .....$189,900 JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 580 hrs., 324 sep hrs., #157910..........$409,500 JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 684 hrs., 533 sep hrs., #165090..........$394,900 JD S780, 2019, PRWD, Singles, 333 hrs., 238 sep hrs., #166357 ..........................$437,500 JD S680, 2015, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Tracks, 1435 hrs.,1000 sep hrs., #166122 ......$257,500 JD S680, 2012, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2612 hrs., 1958 sep hrs,. #163765 .....$159,400 JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 545 hrs., 383 sep hrs., #171851..........$394,900 JD S680, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1771 hrs., 1361 sep hrs., #156460 .....$205,500 JD S660, 2014, Corn/Bean; 2WD, 1057 hrs., 702 sep hrs., #155345.....................$189,500 JD S670, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1905 hrs., 1260 sep hrs., #153514 .....$179,500 JD S670, 2013, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1584 hrs., 1190 sep hrs., #161854 .....$179,500 JD 9870 STS, 2010, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 3244 hrs., 2400 sep hrs., #161419 ..$99,500 JD S680, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1670 hrs., 1157 sep hrs., #170663 .....$179,500 JD S680, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2435 hrs., 1781 sep hrs., #159509 .....$187,400 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 417 hrs., 294 sep hrs., #169509..........$429,500 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 350 hrs., 234 sep hrs., #171003..........$429,500 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 446 hrs., 307 sep hrs., #169507.........$429,500 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 439 hrs., 300 sep hrs., #169508..........$429,500 JD S660, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1069 hrs., 810 sep hrs., #155826.......$209,500 JD 9770 STS, 2011, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 3640 hrs., 2848 sep hrs., #165662 ..$81,900 JD S680, 2013, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2847 hrs., 1904 sep hrs., #161858 .....$159,500 JD 9400, 1989, 2WD, Singles, Chopper, 4595 hrs., 2986 sep hrs., #171530............$23,900 JD S760, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 415 hrs., 282 sep hrs., #171825..........$299,000 JD S680, 2017, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 931 hrs., 701 sep hrs., #168849..........$349,900 JD S680, 2017, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1491 hrs., 1044 sep hrs.,. #169826 ....$299,000 JD S670, 2017, 2WD, Duals, 1090 hrs., 698 sep hrs., #146349 .............................$219,500 JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 443 hrs., 324 sep hrs., #154461..........$409,500
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JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 725 hrs., 550 sep hrs., #171563.........$399,000 JD 9750 STS, 2002, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 3800 hrs., 2575 sep hrs., #171897...$50,400 JD S670, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1672 hrs., 1265 sep hrs., #155388 .....$199,500 JD S690, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2145 hrs., 1563 sep hrs., #153332 .....$189,500 JD S780, 2018, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 728 hrs., 524 sep hrs., #171380..........$399,400 JD S680, 2013, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2039 hrs., 1638 sep hrs., #166363 .....$185,900 JD S690, 2014, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Singles, 2221 hrs., 1638 sep hrs., #161532...$189,500 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 845 hrs., 615 sep hrs., #171105..........$399,400 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 538 hrs., 388 sep hrs., #171379..........$435,900 JD S780, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 698 hrs., 533 sep hrs., #171103..........$404,400 JD S690, 2012, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2159 hrs., 1700 sep hrs., #171382 ....$164,400 JD S790, 2019, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 595 hrs., 405 sep hrs., #171378..........$441,400 JD S680, 2012, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2256 hrs., 1587 sep hrs., #171381 .....$159,400 JD S680, 2013, Corn/Bean, 2WD, Duals, 1450 hrs., 1141 sep hrs., #171926.......$159,000 JD S690, 2012, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1802 hrs., 1395 sep hrs., #171923 .....$179,000 JD S690, 2014, PRWD, Duals, 1941 hrs., 1317 sep hrs., #145222.........................$179,500 JD S690, 2013, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 1625 hrs., 1161 sep hrs., #167773 .....$199,900 JD S680, 2012, Corn/Bean, PRWD, Duals, 2375 hrs., 1739 sep hrs., #154637 .....$169,500 COMPACT TRACK LOADERS JD 317G, 2018, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Aux Hydraulics, Self-Leveling, Narrow Rubber Tracks, 72” Bucket, 114 hrs., #162594 .........................$48,900 JD 333E, 2015, Cab Enclosure, Cab Enclosure, A/C, A/C, EH Controls, EH Controls, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, , Ride Control, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Wide Rubber Tracks, 84” Bucket; Reversing Fan, Reversing Fan, 9624 hrs., #157583 ......................$54,900 JD 329E, 2016, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, 84” Bucket; Reversing Fan, 1355 hrs., #167683 ..............................................$45,000 JD 333G, 2017, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Rubber Tracks, 757 hrs., #153697 ..........................................$63,500 JD 333G, 2018, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, Joystick, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, 582 hrs., #166120 .................................$69,900 JD 333E, 2014, Cab Enclosure, A/C, Hand Controls, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, 2 Speed, Wide Rubber Tracks, 84” Bucket, 1901 hrs., #165057 ....................$46,000 JD 333G, 2018, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Rubber Tracks, Reversing Fan, 715 hrs., #162031 ................................$70,400 JD 333G, 2018, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Rubber Tracks, Reversing Fan, 759 hrs., #160845 .............................................$70,400 JD 329D, 2011, Cab Enclosure, A/C, Foot Controls, Hi-Flo, Aux Hydraulics, 2 Speed, Narrow Rubber Tracks, 2007 hrs., #165473...................................................$35,499
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11 JD CT322, 2009, Cab Enclosure, Foot Controls, Aux Hydraulics, Narrow Rubber Tracks, 76” Bucket, 1499 hrs., #166632 ..............................................$27,500 11 JD 333G, 2019, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Hi-Flo, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Wide Track, General Purpose Bkt, Reversing Fan, 485 hrs., #166156 ..$74,900 SKID STEER LOADERS 4 JD 324G, 2018, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, 2 Spd, 78” Bucket, 291 hrs., #161893 .....$44,500 4 Bobcat S650, 2017, Cab w AC, A/C, Hand Controls, Foot Controls, 2 Spd, 78” Bucket, 427 hrs., #166045......................................................................................$42,900 4 JD 324G, 2018, Cab w/ AC, Cab Enclosure, A/C, EH Ctrls, 2 Spd, 78” Bucket, 354 hrs., #162065.................................................................................................................................$45,900 4 JD 332D, 2012, Cab w/AC, Hand Controls, 2 Spd, 84” Bucket, 360 hrs., #171238, ..$44,900 4 JD 330G, 2019, Cab w/ AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Spd, 84” Bucket, 624 hrs., #171330........ $53,400 10 Bobcat 500, 1978, Foot Control, General Purpose Bkt, #169690 ..............................$3,500 10 NH LX885, 1995, Cab w/o AC, Cab Enclosure, Foot Ctrls, 2 Spd, 72” Bucket, 4300 hrs., #169658.................................................................................................................................$13,500 7 JD 320D, 2010, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, 76” Bucket, 1356 hrs., #171260..............$23,900 7 Bobcat S650, 2019, Cab w/AC, Foot Controls, 2 Spd, 76” Bkt, 87 hrs., #169639 ...$45,900 6 JD 250, 2000, Cab w/o AC, Foot Controls, 3100 hrs., #167442.................................$18,500 15 JD 320G, 2019, Cab w/ AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Spd, 3224 hrs., #170752.........$26,500 9 JD 326E, 2016, Cab w/AC, Cab w/ AC, EH Controls, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Spd, 84” Bucket, 517 hrs., #168499...........................................................................$37,900 16 JD 332G, 2018, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, Weights, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 150 hrs., #144002 .........................................................................................................$56,900 5 JD 326E, 2015, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 1600 hrs., #170737 ...................$33900 11 JD 330G, 2018, Cab w/AC, EH Controls, Air Ride Seat, Joystick, Ride Control, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling; Aux Hydraulics, 84” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 575 hrs., #159949 ........................................................................................................................$48,900 11 JD 320E, 2017, Cab w/ AC, EH Controls, Joystick, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, Less Bucket, 2976 hrs.,#158327 ...................................................................................$27,900 11 JD 320D, 2013, Cab w/ AC, Hand Controls, Air Ride Seat, 2 Speed, Aux Hydraulics, 72” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 1755 hrs., #170255 ...........................................................$25,900 11 New Holland LS170, 2000, ROPS, Foot Controls, 7600 hrs., #171841 ...................$6,900 8 JD 324G, 2019, Cab w/ AC, Foot Controls, Air Ride Seat, 2 Speed, Self-Leveling, Aux Hydraulics, Beefy Baby Tires, 78” Bucket, Reversing Fan, 50 hrs., #168623 ........$45,000 14 Caterpillar 299D, 2015, Cab w/ AC, Hand Controls, 2 Spd, 1228 hrs., #170315 ..$54,900 3 JD 250, 2003, ROPS, Hand Controls, 72” Bucket, 3802 hrs., #168067 ......................$13,900
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Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
Do you have an upcoming auction? Advertise it in the Dairy Star call 320-352-6303 for more information.
ConƟnued from LONGS | Page 20
It’s Willem’s Milking System
Cows at B-Long Holsteins are housed in a Ɵestall barn where the stalls are ouƞiƩed with pasture mats.
When Willem put the new DeLaval VMS™ V300 to work, he had growth in mind, and not only does the increase in efficiency give him 10% more capacity to grow his herd, he can add more VMS V300 units over time; easily and cost-effectively.
Through the years you have been farming, what change has created the biggest jump in your herd average? We believe there are three main ingredients to high-producing cows. The rst is to have top genetics, the second is to get cows to eat a lot of highquality feed and the third is cow comfort. We have improved cow comfort over the years with numerous fans, pasture mats in stalls, a covered bunk in the barn yard and cows being on pasture, weather permitting.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
changes that has been successful for you? Our ration consists of high moisture shelled corn, corn silage, whole cottonseed, protein, mineral mix, hay, haylage, free-choice hay and minerals. We have not made any recent changes to our ration, but we keep an eye on consistency and always watch the feed quality.
Visit DeLaval.com to hear more from Willem about how he made the new VMS V300 his Milking System, and discover why you should make it yours too.
What role does genetics play in your production level, and what is your breeding program? Genetics play a large role in our production. We choose sires to breed the cows that transmit deep, wide, open frames, with top-quality udders and sound feet and legs. We choose sires that are high in milk along with positive components while also keeping an eye on health traits. What type of improvements would you like to make that would increase your rolling herd average even higher? We continue to use top genetics and keep the cows comfortable.
DeLaval VMS V300 ™
www.delaval.com
List three management strategies that have helped you attain your production and component level. Cows like consistency, comfort and quality feed. Tell us about your farm. Our dairy farm, B-Long Holsteins, is owned and operated by Bruce and Brenda Long along with our son, Bret. We all work together to do what needs to be done. We work hard but try to sneak in family time and shing. We have registered Holsteins, including 58 cows and 40 heifers, and we raise all of them here. We enjoy cow families and seeing how the daughters from many generations of registered Holsteins developed.
Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: IOWA Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United-Suckow Dairy Supply West Union, IA 563-422-5355 Postville, IA 563-864-7417 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 Mondovi Dairy Systems Inc. Mondovi, WI 715-926-5777 West Salem, WI 608-769-2113 Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 608-635-0267 Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA D&D Ag Supply Pennock, MN 320-599-4466 East Central Dairy Supply Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Watertown, SD 605-886-7401 Sioux Falls, SD 800-284-0015 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2020 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. Data collected at test and pilot farms. The testimonial in this advertisement is from a real life producer. Results will vary from dairy to dairy. Nothing in this document shall constitute a warranty or guaranty of performance. www.delaval.com
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Bret Long interacts with a calf at B-Long Holsteins in New London, Wisconsin. He farms with his parents, Bruce and Brenda Long.
HAUL MORE. WRAP MORE.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 23
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Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
A Flexible Solution The customizable features of the Mueller® Model “O” milk cooler let you grow your dairy operation while staying on budget.
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Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI
United Suckow Dairy Postville, IA; West Union, IA
Central Ag Supply Juneau, WI; Baraboo, WI
Stanley Schmitz Inc. Chilton, WI
Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment Pipestone, MN
Ederer’s Dairy Supply Plain, WI; Blanchardville, WI; Dodgeville, WI J. Gile Dairy Equipment, Inc. Cuba City, WI Monroe Westfalia Surge Monroe, WI Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 1-800-MUELLER | PAULMUELLER.COM
Total Dairy Services Kewaunee, WI Tri-County Dairy Supply Janesville, WI Fuller’s Milker Center Lancaster, WI Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems Epworth, IA Sioux Dairy Equipment Rock Valley, IA; Colton, SD
Leedstone Melrose, MN; Glencoe, MN; Plainview, MN; Menomonie, WI Midwest Livestock Systems Zumbrota, MN; Menomonie, WI; Sioux Falls, SD; Beatrice, NE S&S Dairy Systems St. Charles, MN Glencoe Co-Op Assn. Glencoe, MN
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 25
67th Princess Kay of the Milky Way AUG. 12, 2020 • 8 P.M. CORONATION OF 67TH PRINCESS KAY 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. Ten 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 by having her likeness
carved in a 90-pound block of butter. The other candidates will also have their likenesses carved in butter in the following days. The Princess Kay contest is funded by dairy farmers through the dairy checkoff, to help increase demand for dairy.
Amy Kyllo
66th Princess Kay of the Milky Way
Meet the candidates
Emily Benrud, 20 Goodhue, Goodhue County
Brenna Connelly, 19 Byron, Olmsted County
Mackenzie Craig, 19 Alexandria, Douglas County
Emma Friauf, 19 Glencoe, McLeod County
Taylor Jerde, 20 Northeld, Dakota County
Daughter of Roger and Michelle Benrud. Emily will be a junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, studying dairy science and communications. She is active in 4-H and FFA, where she enjoys raising fair calves and participating in dairy judging. Her hobbies include playing basketball, hiking, skiing and baking.
Daughter of Craig and Heather Connelly. This fall, Brenna will begin her sophomore year at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, studying agricultural education and animal science. Growing up, Brenna has been employed on her cousins’ dairy farm, where she enjoys caring for calves. When she is not showing cattle or participating in dairy judging, she loves to read and travel.
Daughter of David and Wendy Craig. After graduating from Ridgewater College with a degree in dairy management, Mackenzie is pursuing a career within the dairy community. Mackenzie has been involved within 4-H, FFA, quiz bowl and enjoys showing animals. In her spare time, she enjoys photography and baking a delicious homemade cherry pie.
Daughter of Wayne and Teri Friauf. Currently, Emma is studying agricultural business at Ridgewater College. On her employer’s farm, Emma enjoys feeding calves and caring for cows. When she is not on the farm, her hobbies include hunting, fishing and taking road trips with her family and friends. She also has been active in 4-H, FFA and the Minnesota Junior Holstein Association.
Daughter of Mike Jerde and Sarah Hallcock. Going into her junior year at South Dakota State University, Taylor is studying dairy production with aspirations of owning a dairy farm upon graduation. She has been involved within the dairy community through 4-H, FFA and showing dairy cows. In her free time, she stays active by playing volleyball and running track.
Katherine Maus, 19 Freeport, Stearns County
Maggie Meyer, 20 Grove City, Meeker County
Maggie Molitor, 18 Rockville, Stearns County
Valerie Sauder, 20 Pine Island, Dodge County
Daughter of Darrel and Lisa Maus. Entering her sophomore year at Minnesota State University-Morehead, Katherine studies business administration. On-campus, Katherine is excited to share her passion for dairy with everyone she meets, including friends in the American Sign Language and Origami clubs. She also enjoys reading, talking with friends and playing the piano.
Daughter of Greg and Patti Meyer. Maggie’s responsibilities on her family’s dairy farm include milking cows and feeding calves. After completing her final year at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls, Maggie plans to pursue a career as a dairy plant and dairy farm inspector. In high school, she participated in FFA through the dairy evaluation and milk processing competitions.
Daughter of Joe Molitor. In the fall, Maggie will be attending South Dakota State University, where she plans to study agricultural communications. Maggie credits her strong work ethic and future career aspirations to growing up on her family’s organic dairy farm. Her hobbies include playing tennis, participating in band, choir and musicals.
Daughter of Stan and Amy Sauder. As the sixth generation on her family’s dairy farm, Valerie is attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She studies public relations to build trust and awareness of agriculture. On-campus, she is active in the Gopher Dairy Club, Agriculture Education, Communication, and Marketing Club, as well as Block and Bridle.
Rebeckah Schroeder, 20 Caledonia, Houston County Daughter of Daniel and Sheila Schroeder. After graduating from high school, Rebeckah returned to her family’s dairy farm, working alongside her father and uncle as the fifth generation on her family’s farm. She is a volunteer and participates in her county’s Veterans History Project. In her free time, Rebeckah enjoys hiking, golfing and spending time with her dogs.
Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
Coronavirus assistance program deadline nears The United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has made many payments to those who have applied for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. FSA began taking applications May 26, and the agency has received over 86,000 FSA News & Notes applications for this important relief program. FSA will accept applications through Aug. 28. Through CFAP, USDA is making available $16 billion in ďƒžnancial assistance to producers of agricultural commodities who have suffered a 5%-orgreater price decline due By Ryan Brunn to COVID-19 and face Stearns Co. Exec. Dir. additional signiďƒžcant marketing costs as a result of lower demand, surplus production, and disruptions to shipping patterns and the orderly marketing of commodities. In order to do this, producers will receive 80% of their maximum total payment upon approval of the application. The remaining portion of the payment, not to exceed the payment limit, will be paid at a later date nationwide, as funds remain available. New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended ďƒžrst step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county ofďƒžce at their local USDA Service Center. Producers can download the CFAP application and other eligibility forms from www.farmers.gov/ cfap. Also, on that webpage, producers can ďƒžnd a payment calculator to help producers identify sales and inventory records needed to apply and calculate potential payments. Producers self-certify their records when applying for CFAP and that documentation is not submitted with the application. However, producers may be asked for their documentation to support the certiďƒžcation of eligible commodities, so producers should retain the information used to complete their application. Those who use the online calculator tool will be able to print a pre-ďƒžlled CFAP application, sign it and submit it to your local FSA ofďƒžce either electronically or via hand delivery through an ofďƒžce drop box. Contact your local ofďƒžce to determine the preferred delivery method for your local ofďƒžce. Team members at FSA county ofďƒžces will be able to answer detailed questions and help producers apply quickly and efďƒžciently through phone and online tools. Find contact information for your local ofďƒžce at www. farmers.gov/cfap. FSA has been working with stakeholder groups to provide further clariďƒžcation to producers on the CFAP program. For example, the agency has published a matrix of common marketing contracts that impact eligibility for non-specialty crops and has provided a table that crosswalks common livestock terms to CFAP cattle categories. Updated information can be found in the frequently asked questions section of the CFAP website. Shannon Olson, county operations trainee contributed to this article. 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 website at: www.fsa.usda. gov/ for necessary application forms and updates on USDA programs.
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for this opportunity, and I will treasure this year. For each one of you, I hope my reign has brought you joy as I represented you, and that today as you read this, you have a smile on your face. Princess Kay of the Milky Way, Amy Kyllo, serves as the Minnesota dairy community’s goodwill ambassador. Throughout the year, Princess Kay helps people understand the dedication of dairy farmers to wholesome and nutritious food, and the way milk is produced. Princess Kay does many school presentations, represents dairy farmers at the Fuel Up To Play 60 events that are held in conjunction with the Minnesota Vikings, and is very active during June Dairy Month sharing the importance of dairy farming and dairy foods. Amy grew up in Byron, Minnesota, living and working on her family’s dairy farm. She is a senior at the Free Lutheran Bible College. She enjoys music, loves to read and is an avid Minnesota Twins baseball fan.
tel y ®
People I have met at events, people I get to work with, people I interact with on Zoom. This past month, I have been able to meet even more people. Early in the month, I was talking with shoppers as they came to get their malts outside a grocery store in Hutchinson. Next, I was talking with attendees at the Minnesota Holstein Field Day at KurthKine Holsteins. Finally, I was enjoying baseball at a Rochester Honkers game where I got to sing the national anthem alongside my sisters, help with a cow milking contest, give out cow hats and more. The people I meet are such an important part of what I get to do as Princess Kay. There have been so many moments throughout the year that have lled me with joy. Whether it was the pure excitement of the crown on my head, the smiles that a child’s answer can bring, the reward of a social media post doing well or the opportunity to talk about something I truly care about, being Princess Kay has brought so much joy. I am so utterly thankful
G e nt
What would your wildest dream coming true look like? Would that dream look like a spouse and several smiling children? Would it be a big new barn, new equipment and plenty of acres? Would your dream be your child’s highest On the Road with achievement, a full-ride scholarship or a phone Princess Kay call from a professional sports team? For me, my wildest dream looked like a crown settling on my head last August, with everything that came with it. For me, the fulllment of my dream has been more than I could ask for. Let me count the ways. First, it has given By Amy Kyllo me the opportunity to 66th Princess Kay of the share what drives me, Milky Way and why I love the dairy community. The answers to these next several questions have become the most important things I have shared all year long. Why is dairy farming worthwhile? The answer I came to realize last summer for myself is an answer I have shared again and again and again. Dairy farming is more than a job. It is a way I can bless my local community by providing nutritious, healthy food. What are my goals as a dairy princess? First, my goal as Princess Kay is to be all about dairy farmers. This crown is not about me. It is about the hard work, dedication and excellence of all the dairy farmers of Minnesota. My second goal is to bring a smile to the face of each person I interact with. I know that may sound simplistic, but a moment that uplifts someone’s day and leaves a positive bookmark in their mind next to a dairy farmer princess named Amy is something I think will make a difference. Princess Kay has the power of bringing people together. As Princess Kay, my goal is to be a bridge to bring people together no matter how different our backgrounds, lives or circumstances may be. My dream come true has also meant opportunities and learning curves I would have never dreamed of. The rst opportunity was media interviews. Before being Princess Kay, I could count on one hand the number of times any media had been any part of my life. Becoming Princess Kay totally changed that. A new window of opportunity opened up. From the whirlwind of the rst few days to today, each opportunity is special. This month, I have done quite
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My wildest dream came true
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 27
kly a n d C o
m
... IIt iis a way I can bl bless my local community by providing nutritious, healthy food. a few media interviews ranging from phone calls for radio and print (I did one of those sitting in our calf pasture part way through feeding calves) to Zoom calls for TV. What a blessing to share. The second opportunity of being Princess Kay was social media. If you would have told me a year ago that today I would often be posting twice a day on social media, I would have said, “You’re crazy.” This month, I have been trying something new on social media. I have been taking a photo or video from my morning work on our farm and posting it with a short, simple caption and the hashtag #aroundthefarm. I can give people a simple peak into what it looks like to work on a dairy farm. The next thing my dream meant was people.
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Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 Joe Armstrong armst225@umn.edu 612.624.3610 Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130 Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184
www.extension.umn.edu/dairy
Tips for harvesting high-quality corn silage
Marcia Endres miendres@umn.edu 612-624-5391 Sandra Godden godde002@umn.edu 612-625-8177 Joleen Hadrich jhadrich@umn.edu 612-626-5620
High-quality corn silage is one key to achieve high milk production and minimize feed costs. The quality of the corn silage harvested will affect your prot for the next year. Therefore, it is worthwhile focusing on harvesting and storing corn silage to achieve the best possible quality. Here is a checklist of practices to help maximize corn silage quality. – Determine corn silage needs. Work with your nutritionist to determine the amount of corn silage to harvest. Calculate a four-month carryover to allow the following year’s corn silage to improve in digestibility. By Jim Salfer – Monitor whole crop moisture. U of M Extension Moisture affects the ability to pack the silage and affects digestibility. Harvesting corn too wet for the storage structure will result in reduced yield, souring and seepage. Harvesting too dry reduces yield, can cause mold to develop and lowers digestibility. For most storage structures, the best moisture content is between 63%-68%. The most reliable method to determine the optimal time to harvest corn silage is to sample the crop and measure the dry matter. One guideline is that corn silage will be ready to harvest about 42-47 days after silking with normal weather. As harvest approaches, the corn will typically dry down between 0.5%-0.7% per day. However, on warm, windy days, the dry down rate can approach 1% per day. Take advantage of local corn silage burn down days. You can also use a Koster tester, microwave or food dehydrator to measure moisture content. – Have adequate packing ability. Make packing the pile a high priority. The goal should be a density of at least 15 pounds of dry matter per cubic foot. This means spreading the silage in thin layers and having adequate tractor weight and time during harvest. Multiply the number of tons coming in each hour by 800. That is a guideline for the minimum total pounds of tractor weight needed for packing. – Cover soon after harvest and use an oxygen barrier. Seal piles or bunkers immediately after lling is complete. Research shows delaying covering one day can increase dry matter loss by 27% in the top 18 inches. The most effective way to preserve silage is to use two layers of plastic; an oxygen barrier lm in addition to the normal black on white silage plastic. An oxygen
Les Hansen hanse009@umn.edu 612-624-2277 Brad Heins hein0106@umn.edu 320-589-1711 Nathan Hulinsky huli0013@umn.edu 320-203-6104 Kevin Janni kjanni@umn.edu 612-625-3108 Karen Johnson ande9495@umn.edu 320-484-4334 Emily Krekelberg krek0033@umn.edu 507-280-2863 Claire LaCanne lacanne@umn.edu 507-332-6109 Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu 320-732-4435 Erin Royster royster@umn.edu Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu 320-203-6093 Mike Schutz mschutz@umn.edu 612-624-1205 M. Scott Wells mswells@umn.edu 612-625-3747
barrier lm may reduce dry matter loss in the top 3 feet of silage by 50% or more compared to regular silage plastic. – Chop at the right length. The correct chop length will depend on whether the crop is harvested with or without a kernel processor or shredding processor. When a high corn silage diet is fed, a higher chop length should be considered. Corn that is not processed should be chopped at a theoretical length of cut (TLC) of one-quarter to one-half inch. Kernel-processed corn should be chopped about three-quarter inch, and with shredding processors, the TLC can be increased to up to 1 inch. Corn harvested for silage at greater than 32% dry matter should be chopped ne or processed to increase kernel digestibility and allow better packing. The roll clearance for kernel processors should be set at 2-3 millimeters, and the silage should be checked often for whole kernels. – Use a good inoculant. Use an inoculant with proven research supporting its effectiveness. A high-quality inoculant will result in a more efcient fermentation and higher dry matter recovery. Consider an inoculant containing the bacteria Lactobacillus buchneri which produces acetic acid in addition to lactic acid. The acetic acid reduces the growth of yeasts and makes the silage more resistant to spoilage and heating at feed out which results in longer ration bunk life in warm weather. – Get your storage structures ready. Repair cracks or holes in your storage structures. Repair upright silo doors, chutes and unloaders. If bags are stored on soil or gravel, check the slope and re-slope if necessary. One guideline O id li iis that h corn Repair all ruts. silage will be ready to harvest about 42-47 days after silking C o n– t r o l w i l d with normal weather. animals. Rodents, raccoons and deer do tremendous damage by making holes in the plastic covers. Keeping weeds and grass mowed around the silage storage area will help. If you are near wild animal habitat, you may have to put up a fence to minimize damage. There is only one chance to produce high-quality corn silage. Now is the time to prepare to have a successful harvest.
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Heat stress on dairies
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 29
712-722-3626
By Stacey Caughey University of Minnesota
We have many hot days upon us this year, which means we need to be aware of heat stress in our milking herd, dry cows and calves. It is important to take precautions. But, what exactly is heat stress, and why is it important? Cows generate heat by digesting feed and producing milk. They also absorb solar heat when the sun is out. Heat stress occurs when cows generate more heat than they can easily get rid of by respiration, sweating and by blowing air (wind or fans). Heat stress leads to increased respiration rates, body temperature, sweating and time standing. Heat stress can be economically devastating because heat stressed lactating cows have reduced dry matter intake, milk production and pregnancy rates. Heat stress can also lead to increased days open, increased lameness, diseases and death rates. So, when does heat stress begin? Mild heat stress in cows will begin around 72 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% humidity, but do not forget to take in account for high producing cows where they can start experiencing heat stress as low as 65 degrees. What are some ways you can tell if your cows are experiencing heat stress? – Respiration and body temperature, physical appearance and milk production. We can use many practices to help reduce heat stress in our dairy cattle. – Shade is one of the rst recommendations to help lactating and dry cows regulate their body temperature. Make sure your barns are well ventilated, so all animals have shade without creating a crowding problem. – Barn ventilation helps cool cows by providing air exchange between inside and outside. This can be accomplished by natural or mechanical means. In the summer months, provide as much air exchange as you can, which is usually between 60 and 90 air exchanges per hour. Make sure you mount fans above free stalls, feed alleys and in the holding area. – Sprinklers and misters can also help cool cows to get rid of body heat. Be careful when using sprinklers and misters because they both can increase the air’s relative humidity. If the barn is well ventilated, the humidity levels will not become excessive. Sprinklers need to cycle on and off to allow time for water evaporation to avoid excess water. Excessive water can run down and wet the udder and cause an increased risk of mastitis. – Access to clean and fresh water is a must. Keeping cows hydrated is particularly important to help regulate body temperature. Cows will consume up to 50% of their daily water intake following milking. In hot weather, a lactating dairy cow producing around 100 pounds of milk will drink around 25-35 gallons of water per day. Make sure cows have 2 inches of water space, and do not be afraid to increase it in hot weather. – Rations can also help with heat stressed cows. Talk to your nutritionist to see if you can manage your forage supply so you can feed your highest RFQ alfalfa and more corn silage during this stressful time. Make sure you are DCAD balancing with added buffer and maybe some extra potassium. You will also want to feed more chromium, if possible, because it will help cells take in more glucose. Fresh cows and heat stressed cows are short in glucose and can become insulin insensitive. Adding sugars is a good strategy as well because they do not lower the rumen pH like starch can. One group of cattle that gets overlooked when it comes to heat stress is dry cows. Heat stressed dry cows also have an economic impact. Heat stressed dry cows have a shorter gestation period, lower birth weight calves and reduced milk production along with a compromised immune system. Heifer calves from heat stressed cows will produce less milk for the rst 30 weeks of lactation after freshening. Make sure you take the same efforts in dry cow housing facilities with natural ventilation and/or fans, sprinklers, clean water source and nutritional adjustments. Calves are the future of your farm and can also get heat stressed easily. Optimal temperature for calves is 60 degrees and will promote maximum performance. When temperatures are over 85 degrees, calves will experience increased breath rate, sweating and a rise in body temperature. This will cause the calves to eat less to lower heat produced from digesting and absorbing nutrients. Growth rates will decline in response. Rumen development may also be slowed by reduced grain intake, leading to a more difcult transition and a growth slump after weaning. In addition, immunity can be compromised if energy is redirected to cooling functions. Calves can give off almost 2 gallons of water daily as water vapor, so keeping a clean and plentiful water source is extremely important. It is especially important to offer water to calves in the rst day or two of life. Calves less than 2 weeks of age are the most vulnerable to diarrhea which can lead to rapid dehydration. If calves are scouring and no water is available, they are vulnerable to heat stress. Another strategy is to consider feeding more milk replacer in times of heat stress. As stated before, during times of extreme heat, starter intake goes down, leaving calves with less energy available to support their increased maintenance requirements. There might be an opportunity to increase the amount of energy provided to calves by increasing the amount of liquid feed offered. If you want to learn more about heat stress on dairy cattle, listen to the recording of the University of Minnesota Extension Lunchtime Discussions for tips and tricks to beat the heat. Contact Stacey Caughey, Interim Extension Educator for Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties, with any questions at 218-330-5737 or butle269@umn.edu.
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Laundry time Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
It has been said that a handful of key inventions enabled the rise of civilization. A short list of such inventions invariably includes the wheel, the lever and the screw top beer bottle. Those who think such tries are responsible for civilization are – to borrow a phrase often used by the Oxford Union Debating Society – full of hooey. The device most responsible for the success of modern civilization is the washing machine. The rst washing machines appeared in the Stone Age. They were quite crude and made of stone. After all, it was the Stone Age. Clothing was taken to any nearby body of water, soaked and then pounded with rocks. This was not very efcient, especially when it came to eliminating stubborn stains. “I can’t seem to get this stubborn stain out of Og’s pants. I wish he’d never had that encounter with that saber-toothed tiger.”
“Whoa! I didn’t know that Og killed a sabertoothed tiger.” “I didn’t say he killed it. I said that he encountered one.” Washing machine technology advanced over the centuries, eventually evolving into a system that involved a tub and a washboard. Using a washboard vigorously for long hours every day built up the abdominal muscles. This led to what we now call washboard abs. Washing machines have undergone innumerable changes over the millennia. The principal driving force behind this transformation has been women. This is because we guys tend to have miserably low standards when it comes to cleanliness. After all, it was a guy who invented the mountain man method of laundering. In the spring of the year, a mountain man would tromp down from his mountainous haunts to sell his
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cache of furs. Most trading posts were located in or near towns, which meant that the mountain man might be forced to interact with other human beings. But his buckskins were covered with muskrat snot and moose Dear County Agent Guy drool. Their odor was a pungent reminder of an unexpected encounter with a grizzly bear. The manly mountain man would simply disrobe and toss his clothing onto a handy ant mound. While the ants performed the insect version of dry cleaning, the mountain By Jerry Nelson man might entertain the Columnist notion of bathing in the nearby creek. Not that he needed it, mind you. This attitude toward cleanliness is deeply embedded in many guys’ psyche. It’s also diametrically opposed to most women’s attitudes. In many cases, if a female were to examine clothing under an electron microscope and detected a single molecule of dirt, the clothing would be declared lthy and immediately washed. I felt sorry for my wife when our sons were young. Keeping things clean with two little boys running around the farm (she often said that she had three boys, counting me) was a Sisyphean task. Like all little boys, ours were fascinated by interesting pebbles and anything that crept or crawled. My wife soon learned to check all the pockets before doing laundry. Otherwise, the washing machine might emit noises that involved interesting pebbles or some luckless creepy crawly who was suffering from severe motion sickness. I admit I was just as bad as the boys, although my wife often said I was even worse. This was because I was both a dairy farmer and a guy. Specically, I was a guy who was an ardent adherent to the mountain man laundry philosophy. Sadly, there are no active ant mounds hereabouts during the wintertime. This meant that it could be up to six months between launderings if things were left up to me. Which, thankfully, they were not. My wife wanted to launder my spattered coveralls every time I turned around. My attitude was that coveralls do not need washing until they remain standing after you take them off. Better sense prevailed, and my coveralls were washed a lot more often than I thought necessary. Even so, the water in the washing machine frequently became an icky sudsy slurry. A true hallmark of civilization is the sight and smell of a steam plume rolling out of a clothes dryer vent. It is a sign that many things are right with the world. It means there is a ready supply of hot water. It means there is a plumbing system to deliver this hot water and to carry wastewater away. The particular aroma tells you someone cared enough to buy laundry detergent that contains a pleasant scent. But above all, it tells me my putrid pantaloons and my nasty knickers are coming clean. It also reminds me that my wife has taught me a real man – that is, a civilized man – does his own laundry. Jerry is a recovering dairy farmer from Volga, South Dakota. He and his wife, Julie, have two grown sons and live on the farm where Jerry’s great-grandfather homesteaded over 110 years ago. Jerry currently works full time for the Dairy Star as a staff writer/ad salesman. Feel free to E-mail him at: jerry.n@ dairystar.com.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 31
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day 3 should be between 6 and 8.5 for optimal health and growth, and that for Jerseys, the optimal STP may higher than for other breeds. Overall costs of treatments and costs of lower daily gain were not included in the study, but it is highly likely that treatment costs for the group where 26% died was much higher than the group where 10% died. Other studies have shown negative effects of reduced daily gain on future milk production and negative effects of neonatal disease on milk production and survivability in the herd. Taking all of this together, STP levels in neonatal calves are a big deal, and yes, current standards for diagnoses of FPT are too low. In our practice, producers who consistently have STP values over 6 consistently feed 4 quarts of colostrum that has been tested for quality within four hours of birth, pasteurize colostrum or routinely check for bacterial contamination, and then feed another 2 quarts at the next feeding. Some may feed colostrum at the next feeding if it is available. Colostrum is as close to a miracle treatment as we have in bovine medicine. Adequate is just OK, more is clearly better. Bennett is one of four dairy veterinarians at Northern Valley Dairy Production Medicine Center in Plainview, Minn. He also consults on dairy farms in other states. He and his wife, Pam, have four children. Jim can be reached at bennettnvac@gmail.com with comments or questions.
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for crossbreds. Overall, the incidence of FTP was low. Only 2.1% and 8.8% of calves had STP equal to or below 5 and equal to or below 5.5, respectively. This is much better than studies that have looked at the incidence of FPT in dairy calves across the United States. In spite of this, 8.7% of calves died, specically 7.9% of Holsteins, 18.8% of Jerseys and 8.5% of crossbreds. Of calves, 41% suffered from diarrhea at least once, with Jerseys again having the highest rate (51%), and 32% were diagnosed at least once with pneumonia. These death rates are signicantly higher than the standards of the Dairy Heifer and Calf Association (5%), and the diarrhea and pneumonia rates are higher than the standards offered by Sheila McGuirk at the University of Wisconsin (diarrhea 25%, pneumonia 10%). So in spite of low rates of FPT, morbidity and mortality were signicant challenges at this facility. Death was signicantly associated with STP. Of calves with STP between 0 and 5, 26% died; 15% of calves with STP between 5 and 5.5 died; 14% of calves died with STP between 5.5 and 6; and only 10% died if the STP was greater than 6 and less than 8.5. For Jerseys, the death rate continued to decrease up to a STP of 8. The range of incidence of disease was smaller than for death. For example, 45% of calves in the lowest STP group had diarrhea (0-5.5) while 41% of the 6 to 8.5 group calves had diarrhea. For pneumonia, the percentages were 33% versus 26%. Calves in the lowest STP group were signicantly more likely to get IV uid therapy than those in the 6-8.5 group (11% versus 6.7%). Jerseys with STP between 5 and 5.5 were nearly twice as likely to get pneumonia as Holstein calves, and the percentage of calves treated with IV uids was greater for Jerseys as well. Average daily gain was also greater for calves in the higher STP groups, and there was a clear tendency of increase from the 1.25 pounds in the lowest STP group to 1.49 pounds per day in the 6 to 8.5 group. However, these differences were not deemed to be statically signicant. The authors concluded that STP concentration on
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For many years, veterinarians have stressed that adequate and timely consumption of clean colostrum is important. Toward this effort, monitoring systems have been developed. The most common system on dairies today Veterinary Wisdom used is measurement of total serum proteins in the rst week of life to estimate the absorption of IgG from colostrum. Failure of passive transfer (FPT) is diagnosed when calves have STPs of less than a range of 5 to 5.5, depending on the reference once chooses to use. Goals for the percent By Jim Bennett of calves with FPT are usually less than 10%Columnist 15%. In recent years, it has become clear that when it comes to STP, more is better. Many farms have modied their goals. For example, calculating the percentage of calves that have STP below 6. A recent study by Cortese, in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, conrmed that calves with higher STP were healthier. One of the nice features of this study was that it involved a lot of calves, 39,619 in fact. Most were Holstein, but there were some Jerseys and Jersey/ Holstein cross calves. Calves came from 15 dairy farms, and all received colostrum shortly after birth. STP was measured on the third day of life with a refractometer. The overall conclusion was that the STP range for optimal health of dairy calves was 6 to 8.5. Calves below 6 were at greater risk due to FPT, and calves higher than 8.5 were at greater risk because they were likely dehydrated at the time of testing due to disease. It is important to remember that STP does not directly measure IgG, and that other things, including dehydration, can affect STP. Here is some of the specic ndings of the study: Average body weights at arrival were 85 pounds for Holsteins, 57.5 pounds for Jerseys and 70.4 pounds
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Baling hay
Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
After 20 years, we ďƒžnally succeeded in baling a signiďƒžcant amount of dry quality dairy hay. There are several reasons we have not done this in the past; foremost being we were always short of feed anyway so why not buy dry hay from South Dakota and chop the acres we have for haylage? Second, we own a selfpropelled chopper, but we do not own a round baler or a large square baler. All we have is a 1983 New Holland 273 small square baler. Lastly, the weather in our area the last 5-10 years has barely allowed us time to chop alfalfa let alone get it dry enough to bale. This year, we have good supplies of all forages. Our corn silage pile has not even started on the downhill slope to the back, and we are less than a month away from chopping new crop corn. We have a such a large supply of forage sorghum that we are selling ďƒžve to eight semi loads a week to neighboring
farms who are short of feed. Our ďƒžrst three cuttings on 700 acres of alfalfa were very good, so we decided to bale 150 acres of that. We also have another 300
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disappointing as far as yield. It is the high-priced Harv Extra variety, meaning it is supposed to hold high protein quality on a three-cut season. It can show blooms and retain ďƒžne stem, high protein yields. We have an excellent Making Cents of Dairy stand, and I sprayed it early to control the weeds. When we cut the ďƒžrst crop in late June, only one-ďƒžfth of the two ďƒželds yielded good. At ďƒžrst, we suspected dicamba type damage from neighboring soybean ďƒželds, but we are not sure what really happened. The fertility By Dave Vander Kooi and soil pH are very Columnist good, and the stand is clean and excellent, so we are hoping that second cutting is a lot better. We decided Monday morning, while cutting third cutting, that this might be the perfect time to try and bale dairy quality hay off 150 acres of a ďƒžfth-year stand. The alfalfa was good yet, and last year we interseeded into the whole ďƒželd 5 pounds of Italian ryegrass to strengthen the stand for last year and this year. The whole ďƒželd seemed perfect to bale as the bit of added Italian ryegrass would help the hay dry faster, and the smell of the drying hay was luscious. We are short of room at the dairy feed center so we decided we could round bale it and stack the round bales in strategic corners of the ďƒželd by driveways and yet out of the way of the manure draglines. We plan on chopping a fourth cutting (if it rains), then get a little regrowth, then desiccate with Roundup and 2,4D, then dragline 15,000 gallons of manure on late fall in preparation for a corn crop. We cut our hay with a 33-foot triple mower with rubber conditioning rolls. It lays out wide swaths for drying. This hay was cut late Sunday evening, and it was not rained on. We had a lot of sun except Wednesday. The leaves were dry by Tuesday night, but some of those green stems just stayed the same with our higher humidity. On Wednesday afternoon, under heavy cloud cover, I took a chance and merged every three swaths into a high ďƒ&#x;uffy windrow to get those green stems off the ground. Thursday’s forecast was sunny but not breezy, and it was still not ready to bale on Thursday. Fortunately, the weather held, and by Friday, the hay was perfect for baling. Seth came to round bale it. He baled 251 large, round bales in a few hours which will be fed up in 58 days to our 2,000 milking cows. It only comprises 6% of their dry matter intake. In those same few hours, I dragged out my seldom used New Holland small square baler, and Wes, Vince and I baled and unloaded 85 idiot bales for a few show calves. I had an old mechanic friend of mine work on the knotter of the square baler this past winter because I could not get it to work right. Last Friday, it was again missing every other bale on the right side because the knot was hanging up in the billhook. I consulted the old owners manual and adjusted the billhook tension by one turn, and it never missed a tie after that. I was so happy that, between the mechanic and I, we now have a baler capable of baling enough hay for a 20-cow herd provided we have a silo full of corn silage to go with it. That is how we fed cows 50 years ago. Vander Kooi operates a 1,800-cow, 4,500 acre farm with his son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Rita, near Worthington, Minnesota. Send him feedback at davevkooi@icloud.com. Follow him on Instagram, @ davevanderkooi.
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Fairly different in 2020
“Mom, you’re in your fair mode,” accused my daughter a few days ago as I reminded our 4-H dairy lease kids that they would need proper white show pants. I did not realize I had a fair mode. I suppose, though, after 15 or so years of preparing kids and animals for shows, helping with projects, taking on volunteer duties and the ve days of fun that is the Nicollet County Fair, I am not unlike any parent of fair-loving kids. I probably do have a fair mode. But this year, there are few fairs as we normally know them in Minnesota. Most counties will hold no fair at all. Some counties have virtual livestock shows and some are running in-person shows at their fairgrounds. Our fair is holding several days of separate 4-H livestock shows on the Come Full Dairy Circle fairgrounds. This summer, we have three 4-Hers leasing heifers for our county show and one leasing a heifer for a virtual show in another county. And, the shows are this week. Preparations are happening. The young ladies who have been working with their heifers from our farm have put so much effort into their projects. Their heifers are leading well, are washed often and soon will be showring ready. Our kids have been giving them a lot of leading help and showing pointers, Mike is diligent about keeping their pen well bedded, and I was even able By Jean Annexstad to assist a little bit with clipping this year. It was fun, although when Opal stepped squarely on my foot, I Columnist remembered why it is frustrating at times. When our kids got bigger, more responsible and gained experience, they really did not need us to help with much of the animal prep. (OK. They know 100 percent more about clipping and tting nessing than we ever did.) However, supervising the fair cattle barn set up, clean up and materials hauling for the Annexstad string of 15-20 head of cattle fell onto Rolf’s shoulders through the years. In the last few years, the boys took on much more. Emily has lled the role as a superior organizer of cattle showing tasks of all kinds, from display showcasing to a cattle watching schedule. 4-H shows ended in 2019 for Leif and Matthias. The boys might have shown a few head in FFA/open class in 2020 if the fair had been held. This year would have been much different no matter what. Now we are preparing for the experience of a smaller show, with front gate check in/temperature taker, water hydrant sanitizer and parking organizer as volunteer jobs. The livestock barns are not being used. Kids will prep animals at their trailers with only parents or immediate family present. The show is in the outside ring. They will show with 4-H friends from both Nicollet and Blue Earth counties. They will hold onto a small part of something normal when life does not seem predictable or fair at this time. In my fair mode, I have been reminiscing about why the fair is such an integral part of the summer. During our rst years of farming at Annexstad Dairy, Rolf and I went into the fairgrounds to watch the dairy show, look around at exhibits; and, maybe we returned to talk with friends in the barns after evening milking and to grab a pork chop supper and a malt at the MDA building. Memories include several years of helping to run shifts at the MDA building, volunteering with open class exhibits and Farm Bureau booth duty. Lois, Rolf’s mom, served on the fair board for at least 20 years. I remember receiving phone calls in the barn about the talent show, which Lois headed up. She was already at the fair preparing for open class entry day, but the home/barn phone number was listed as where to call with questions. “My daughter decided to dance to the song, ‘Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini,’” said the caller. “Can you add her to the program?” Imagine in the days before digital everything, trying to get that all correct while cradling the phone in the crook of my neck, taking down the message at the barn desk, with cows bellering in the background. I wonder what the caller thought. Every year at fair time, I listen to a song I love. It is by Minnesota singer/ songwriter Peter Mayer on “Earth Town Square.” The sentiments express why to hope that fairs of all kinds can resume in 2021: “There is music on CDs, magazines of all kinds, and computers and TVs for amusing the mind. But in the late days of summer, nothing nearly compares to just seeing each other at the Brown County Fair. “There’s a light inside of people. Sometimes seen in the eyes. And it hides like a recluse, in these complicated times. But some say it shines out more frequently there. And for just ve bucks, you can nd out at the Brown County Fair.” Jean dairy farms with her husband, Rolf, and brother-in-law, Mike, and children Emily, Matthias and Leif. They farm near St. Peter, Minnesota, in Norseland, where she is still trying to t in with the Norwegians and Swedes. They milk 200 cows and farm 650 acres. She can be reached at jeanannexstad@ gmail.com.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 33
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Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
A summertime tradition
Traut brothers grow, sell sweet corn By Mark Klaphake
mark.k@dairystar.com
SARTELL, Minn. – If you will grow it, they will come. That sentiment is true for the Traut brothers who planted 3.5 acres of sweet corn and sold 2,500 dozen ears of corn this year on their 150-cow dairy farm near Sartell. “My dad started the whole farm with about half an acre, and he took pride in doing it,” John Traut said. “He liked doing it because people liked it.” Traut now runs the family’s sweet corn business with his brother, Carl, and their families. This year, the Trauts planted nearly 80,000 seeds of seven varieties and were able to pick around 30,000 cobs for 2,500 dozen sold in central Minnesota. Every year, Traut and his family plant corn as early as spring weather allows. Then, Traut checks on the progress throughout the summer by picking cobs and taste testing the produce. Once the corn is ripe, yard signs are put up and people start arriving. “I get about 2,000 customers,” Traut said. “They tell us, ‘I have been waiting for your signs to go up forever, or I can’t wait to take this home and try it, or you guys have the best sweet corn ever of any place.’” The size of the orders vary from half a dozen to 40 dozen. “They like these county stands,” Traut said. “It’s more work every year,
NATASHA BARBER/DAIRY STAR
Parker Stonestrom (from leŌ), Josh LegaƩ, Jeremy Traut, John Traut and Carl Traut take a break from their harvest July 30 in Sartell, Minnesota. The Trauts sell roughly 2,500 dozen of sweet corn each year. but I would like to keep doing it.” Traut, Carl and others pick several times each day, putting cobs in skidloader buckets. The cobs are then dumped into a trailer that is near the driveway entrance of the farm where
Traut’s wife, Mary, clerks the stand. For a near three-week period, thousands of cobs are picked three to four times each day in an effort to keep up with demand. “We started out growing a quarter
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Brothers John (le�) and Carl Traut pick sweet corn on their farm July 30 in Sartell, Minnesota. Josh Lega�, an employee of the farm, operates the skid loader, collec�ng the ears for easy transport to the farmyard. started growing and Rice and all these other communities, then we kept selling more and more every year. Every year has gotten bigger.” The secret to the family’s mouthwatering corn is the sugarenhancer Harris Seed variety they choose, Traut said. “It’s the same sugar enhancer,” Traut said. “Most people go with the standard bi-color. That is more common.” The Traut brothers’ dad, Cyril, began the sweet corn business in a small patch on the family farm. It has increased in size over the years after the brothers took over the farm in the 1980s. Carl’s children were rst operational in the stand, with money going toward their education. “The whole goal was to keep it for their college fund only; they weren’t allowed to spend it,” Traut said. Now with the children grown, the Trauts’ sweet corn legacy rests on the brothers and their spouses. “When you watch your parents do it, then you become inspired by it and you pick up on it,” Traut said. “It feels like you are doing something for the community that you like and you meet people. My wife loves the way people like it and the compliments people have about the corn.” But sweet corn harvest has its challenges. For the Trauts, the corn is typically ready to pick when rye is ready to be harvested, hay is ready to be cut, and the Benton County Fair is underway. Like any good chef, the Trauts taste their food. “I check it every day because I have to know when it could be getting ripe,” Traut said. “I will check when a dozen is over ripe and when one is ready to
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John Traut holds a notebook he keeps to tally the number of dozens of corn his family sells each day off his farm in Sartell, Minnesota. Traut sold 257 dozen on July 24 and es�mates he sells over 2,500 dozen each year. pick.” During the season, Traut eats his sweet corn every day for lunch. “I will throw it in the microwave with the husk on for three minutes and take it out, cut the base, and I am ready to go,” Traut said. “I like mine with salt and pepper and butter.” Others like it cooked after the husks are stripped off, boiled in water or frozen to eat at a later date. No matter how the food is prepared, the Trauts’ sweet corn is desired by many. “When you get compliments from people you feel good about it,” Traut said. “That’s the biggest reason why we do it more than anything.” The Traut brothers closed their stand Aug. 1 with many customers and cobs to end another successful season. “It’s a big job,” Traut said. “But it’s all worth it in the end. As a family, we all enjoy it.”
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Women In Dairy Jackie Menn Norwalk, Wisconsin Monroe County 65 cows Family: Harvey and I have been married for 32 years. Our children are Kayla (married to Travis Hach, grandsons Samuel and Harvey), Jenna, Ryan (married to Kalin, granddaughters Brayleigh and Audrey), and Kyle. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is a sesquicentennial farm homesteaded in 1854. Our children are the sixth generation on the farm. Jerseys have always been milked here. In 2006, we began our journey with Organic Valley. We own 200 acres and rent additional land for crops. In addition to our cows, we also have ve goats, two horses, rabbits, a German shepherd named Rudolph, two Rough Collies named Tessa and Kota, a variety of ducks and chickens, and barn cats. What is the busiest time of day for you? Some days are busier than others depending on our homeschooling schedule. Typically things get crazier in the late afternoon especially during the school year when Harvey gets home from teaching, trying to get supper on the table, and then getting ready for evening milking and chores.
pledging to never marry a dairy farmer because I did not want to sweat like that for the rest of my life. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I never fail to marvel at the miracle of birth. A perfect birth along with a new heifer calf being nuzzled by her mama is one of the most beautiful sights in the world.
When you get a spare moment what do you do? Work in our rabbitry or do volunteer work. I am the Elroy Fair secretary, Monroe County Fair dog show superintendent and Animal Education Center Coordinator, and key leader for the 4-H dog project.
How do you stay connected with others in the industry? We connect with others in the dairy industry at local shows and fairs, online, and at breed association or co-op meetings.
Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. Not being a dairy girl by birth, I am immensely grateful for my dairy farm neighbors in my hometown in Ozaukee County, Wisconsin. I have sweet memories of the many hours on their farm training heifers to show at the fair, unloading wagons and jumping from the beams into the chopped straw in the haymow. From between the milking cows on sticky, hot summer days, I also remember
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Who is someone in the industry who has inspired you? Being a dairy science major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison allowed me to meet some of the most inuential people in the dairy industry in the 1980s. Many fellow classmates went on to be industry inuencers in the next generation. If I have to choose one, it would be Dr. Dave Dickson. I can appreciate a well put together dairy animal, and it was through his class that I learned the process of analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a dairy cow. If you could give a tour of your farm to a prominent woman in today’s society, who would it be? I would invite Melania Trump to our farm for a tour. With her inuence, she could use her platforms to share the true stories of farming with those she touches in the more urban areas.
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What is the best vacation you have ever taken? We have been fortunate and have been able to travel to many unique places across the country and the world. Our best vacation was when Harvey and I spent a week in Alaska. We rented a car, drove to places around the state and spent a few hours at the only operating dairy farm in Alaska. The weather was perfect, the scenery was exquisite, the pace was slow, and it was a great refresher to have the time away together.
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Dawn Schauer stands outside what was her family’s milkhouse and is now the home of her bouquet assembling workspace July 27 in Glencoe, Minnesota. Schauer is the owner of Milkhouse Flowers.
Schauer turns milkhouse into ďƒ&#x;oral workspace By Kayla Albers
kayla.a@star-pub.com
GLENCOE, Minn. – Upon arriving at the Schauer farm, one will see a milkhouse that is no longer used for milk but for ďƒ&#x;owers. There is a rustic sign outside the door that reads, “Fresh Cut Flowers,â€? and walking inside, the aroma of fresh ďƒ&#x;owers will overwhelm the senses. There are buckets ďƒžlled with the stems of ďƒ&#x;owers like sunďƒ&#x;owers, zinnias, baby’s breath, snap dragons and more. “I always enjoyed ďƒ&#x;owers,â€? Dawn Schauer said. “I always wanted to try ďƒ&#x;oral design work, and I just went with it.â€? Schauer is the owner of Milkhouse Flowers, a fresh cut ďƒ&#x;ower company on her family’s former dairy farm in Sibley County near Glencoe. Schauer began growing and selling fresh cut ďƒ&#x;owers when her and her husband, Tim, decided to disperse their dairy farm in 2017. Dairy is a large part of their family history, and they continue to raise replacement heifers, but Schauer wanted to do more with the empty milkhouse. Always having an interest in ďƒ&#x;oral design, Schauer made the decision to pursue her dream of growing her own ďƒ&#x;owers and designing ďƒ&#x;oral arrangements. She created her company in the spring of 2019. Schauer began by taking ďƒ&#x;oral design classes at Koehler and Dramm
Institute of Floristry, and her dream quickly took off from there. With the help of her family, she began to transform the former milkhouse on the farm into a workspace to make ďƒ&#x;oral arrangements, and a 10-by-10 walk-in cooler in the barn was added to store the cut ďƒ&#x;owers. “The name came from the dairy cows because I wanted to keep the business connected to a part of the history of our farm,â€? Schauer said of Milkhouse Flowers. The milk bottle with the zinnia ďƒ&#x;owers was quickly added as a design for Schauer’s logo. During Schauer’s ďƒžrst growing season last summer, she planted a variety of ďƒ&#x;owers so she could ďƒžgure out what she liked and what worked well in the bouquets. She now has about 50 varieties of annual and perennial ďƒ&#x;owers planted in her almost 1-acre garden on the farm. She has ďƒžve varieties of sunďƒ&#x;owers, which she heavily utilizes in her summer bouquets. “I’m already excited and looking forward to the next growing season,â€? Schauer said. The growing season lasts from April until October, but Schauer begins planting her seeds in February. She seeds her ďƒ&#x;owers on her property and then brings them to a friend who has a greenhouse space she can use. Then, Turn to SCHAUER | Page 38
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ConƟnued from SCHAUER | Page 37 the owers go back to the farm to harden off before they are planted. Schauer plants 90% of her owers from seed as a plug into landscape fabric. Schauer uses landscape fabric because it is helpful in preventing weeds, she said. She burns holes into the landscape fabric in order to hand plant each of the plugs into the ground. They are then watered mainly by soaker hoses, but sometimes overhead sprinkling. Schauer said that planting the owers as plugs is more labor intensive, but she likes to do it that way. She feels the plants get a better start as a plug. “It’s all about keeping it local and fresh cut,” Schauer said. Last summer, Schauer sold
her fresh cut owers at the Buffalo and Chaska farmers markets, and had intentions of selling at a third one this summer. However, now she sells 40% of her owers to oral shops; 40% are used in her subscription bouquets and on-farm sales, and 10% are used for grocery store bouquets. On top of that, Schauer does special orders of arrangements for events such as funerals, birthdays and anniversaries. Schauer also makes her own deliveries with the help of family. Schauer’s subscription bouquet program offers a weekly or biweekly bouquet delivery during the peak growing weeks of the summer. The spring bouquet includes peonies, stock and delphinium;
KAYLA ALBERS/DAIRY STAR
Fresh cut owers wait to be assembled into bouquets or to be hand picked by customers in Dawn Schauer’s milkhouse July 27 near Glencoe, Minnesota.
KAYLA ALBERS/DAIRY STAR
Fresh owers make up Dawn Schauer’s 1-acre garden on her farm near Glencoe, Minnesota. a summer bouquet features sunowers and other brightly colored owers, and a pink tone bouquet uses lighter colored sunowers and pink toned owers. The late summer bouquets offer warmer toned colors and later blooming owers such as dahlias, lisianthus and amaranths. Schauer sells owers directly from the farm, and she also has ower bars on the farm where individuals can bring their own vase or bucket to pick cut owers and make their own arrangements. “I love designing with my own owers,” Schauer said. “It
is an accomplishment to plant, grow and then nally design an arrangement using owers from your farm.” Just like when she milked cows, Schauer rises early in the morning to cut owers from her garden. She cuts owers daily and at the optimum bloom stage to help make the owers last longer for the customer. After cutting, owers are brought to the milkhouse to have their leaves stripped, are put in a holding solution and then placed in the cooler overnight. The next day, the owers are ready to be assembled into bouquets or
bundled for sales. Schauer can make a bouquet in about 15 minutes if all of the preparation work is done ahead of time. Although there are times when Schauer and her family miss having the cows, the ower business keeps the whole family involved, much like milking cows did. She also feels the business has been a great way to stay connected to the community. “Growing and designing with owers is a way I can use a talent and an interest I have and give it back to people,” Schauer said. “Who doesn’t like to get owers?”
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 39
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Mike Alsteen Alsteen Farms, LLC Lena, Wisconsin Oconto County 500 cows
ing each day is different than the next. Watching the work you put into your crops and cattle that allow them to thrive and grow. What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Always try to do your best at what you do, and make goals that challenge you and better yourself.
How did you get into farming? It has always been a passion and enjoyment for me growing up. The farm has been in our family for generations, which led me to keep the farm legacy moving forward for future generations. What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? My concerns would be where the markets will go from here with the current pandemic. With the uncertainty of the dairy industry, I believe it is more important than ever to continue promoting dairy products as well as educating those around us. What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? We recently implemented a program called Feed Watch. This will help us gain better knowledge of our current inventories as well as inventories going forward. Using a program like this has allowed us to track our rations, dry matter intakes and feeder efciency to properly adjust on a day-today basis. What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has beneted you? Transitioning to threetimes-a-day milking. Milking three times a day has beneted us a couple different ways. Stalls and mattresses are getting cleaned an additional time keeping not only their mattresses cleaner but the cows as well. We were able to incorporate additional feed push ups, improve our protocols for smoother
What has been the best purchase you’ve ever made on your farm? Land. There is any more being made. What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? My biggest accomplishment would be overall what the farm has grown into. Not one thing stands alone as my biggest accomplishment. They all complement each other to get me and the farm to where it is today. Whether it is being able to purchase and farm the land around me that my prior generations farmed, implementing new practices to make the land better, being able to expand in cow numbers or seeing the employees working together to help make the everyday life of farming go round, those are some of my biggest accomplishments.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Alsteen family – (front, from leŌ) Courtney Mills and Carolyn; (back, from leŌ) Marian, Mike, Pam and Colby Mills – milks 500 cows in Lena, Wisconsin. transitions between the 2 shifts, and overall have more eyes on the girls. We are leaving less milk in the stalls which gives us a positive impact on production. What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? We started feeding whole pasteurized milk to our calves and for longer periods since we also had to cut 10% of our production. We scheduled more team meetings to structure workloads efciently and make sure everyone was on the same page understanding the need to cut 10% and how we would get through the tough times. How do you retain a good working relationship with your employee(s)? We try to retain a good working relationship by organizing team gatherings where
we can enjoy each other’s company and get to know everyone on a personal level. We have also taken classes to learn Spanish not only for better communication, but to show appreciation towards our employees. By doing this, it has also encouraged them to learn English. It is fun trying to understand each other and sometimes seems like it turns into a game of Charades.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? In the next year, we hope to expand our manure pit as well as build a heifer/special needs facility. In the next ve years, my goal would be to start the process of turning the hands over to the next generation.
Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I am a jack of all trades and a master of none. I wouldn’t say I have more skills than anyone else, but I denitely learn from my mistakes. I also accept that it is OK to make mistakes. I try to learn not to make the same one twice.
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I like to spend time at the cabin on the lake, snowmobile, hunt, and of course spend more time with family.
What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Being outside and know-
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