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DAIRY ST R
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
“All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 22, No. 12
Building for the future Clinton Farms expansion drives efciency, growth By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
BEAR CREEK, Wis. – Building with the future in mind is how Clinton Farms approached its most recent expansion project. Currently milking 560 cows three times per day, the Clintons’ new rotary milking parlor has capacity to milk 2,000 cows three times a day. By putting up a Waikato 50-stall Centrus Composite rotary parlor – the rst of its kind in Wisconsin – the Clintons shaved off 3.5 hours per milking, reducing each shift from six hours down to 2.5. The milking parlor was the focus of the Clintons’ state-of-the-art facility, which also includes a 6-row tunnel-ventilated freestall barn, holding area, ofces, conference center, breezeway Turn to CLINTONS | Page 6
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Clinton family – (from le�) Payton Griepentrog, Carrie Griepentrog, Brad Clinton and Jim Clinton – milks 560 cows and farms 2,300 acres near Bear Creek, Wisconsin. Clinton Farms completed an expansion in the summer of 2019 that included a new rotary parlor, freestall barn, holding area, conference center, offices and manure pit.
Milking a niche market
Holthauses appeal to consumers with A2 dairy products By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
The Holthaus family – Lonnie, Rochelle and Jeremy – breed their cows specically for the A2A2 gene on their farm near Fennimore, Wisconsin. Four years ago, the family started the breeding strategy and in March began producing their own line of A2 cheeses.
FENNIMORE, Wis. – Tired of accepting sub-par milk prices, Lonnie and Rochelle Holthaus and their son, Jeremy, decided to take control of their milk price by creating a niche product. The Holthauses produce a line of Milkhaus Dairy products made from A2 milk. “Research has shown that people that think they are lactose intolerant are actually A1 intolerant,” Lonnie said. “We are getting people who thought they were lactose intolerant and stayed away from dairy to try our products, and they are loving it, being able to enjoy dairy again.” Milkhaus Dairy is located outside of Fennimore and is home to 400 registered Holsteins, about 120 of which carry the A2A2 protein gene for A2 milk. “I started seeing that animals that were A2A2 that sold in sales were bringing a premium, but no one was Turn to HOLTHAUSES | Page 10
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. Skrochs named Benton County’s farm family of the year Mark and Pam Skroch take pride in the life they have built around dairy farming near Rice, Minnesota. Their commitment to the industry, their community and the environment are reasons they are this year’s Benton County Farm Family of the Year. Wicks family restarts dairy after being out of the business many years After building careers outside of the dairy industry, Vaughn Wicks and his family felt destined to return to their roots in agriculture. The Wicks recently began dairy farming again near Cavour, South Dakota. Traut brothers grow, sell sweet corn Milking cows is John and Carl Traut’s daily job, but every July, they take on the added responsibility of selling 2,500 dozen ears of sweet corn from their farm near Sartell, Minnesota. The brothers’ dad rst started the family legacy on a small patch of land, and it has since grown to 3.5 acres. Schauer turns milkhouse into oral workspace When Dawn Schauer’s family sold their milking herd in 2017, she transformed the milkhouse into a workspace for her fresh cut ower business. Schauer is the owner of Milkhouse Flowers based on her family’s farm in Sibley County near Glencoe, Minnesota.
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Eron Equipment Junction City
East Side Farm Equipment Monroe
Carl F. Statz & Sons Waunakee
Cherokee Garage Colby
Luxemburg Motor Co. Luxemburg
Steinhart Farm Service Platteville
A.C. McCartney Durand, IL
Beaver Machine Coleman
Riesterer & Schnell Marion
Gruett’s Inc. Potter
Peabudy's North Pecatonica, IL
Kalscheur Implement Cross Plains
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 3
It’s all inside... Columnists Bear Creek
Clinton Farms expansion drives efciency, growth
First Section: Pages 1, 6-7
Pierce
First Section: Pages 37 - 38
Pepin
Chippewa
Buffalo
Come Full Circle
Page 33 First Section
Vernon
Pierce strives to build cow families
d
First Section: Page 28
Ou
Adams Juneau
Richland
Page 22 Second Section
e nn Wi
Green Lake Fond Du Lac
Columbia Dodge
Sauk
Viroqua
Dane
Iowa
Grant
Klinkners open on-farm store
Lafayette Green
Second Section: Pages 3 - 4
Jo Daviess
Carroll
Jefferson Waukesha
Rock
on
ens
h tep
S
Zone 1
go ba Calumet
Waushara
Walworth go
eba
n Win
Bo o
Cr
Country Cooking
e mi Brown
a tag
aw
Pages 8 - 9 Second Section
Wood
Monroe
La Crosse
Tomah
Oconto
Shawano
for
The “Mielke” Market Weekly
Menominee
Portage Waupaca Jackson
Ogle
Whiteside
ders on
First Section: Pages 1, 10
First Section: Page 25
Kenosha
Richeld
Kane
Mayers’ historical event barn brings people together for all occasions
Lee
Third Section: Pages 5 - 7
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE:
Mercer
Hen
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
Holthauses appeal to consumers with A2 milk
Feiders nd joy, inspiration in garden
Racine
Rock Island
Fennimore
New Holstein
McHenry
DeKalb
Zone 2
te
Langlade
Marathon
Clark
Eau Claire
et
Do or
hb Dunn
in
aun ee
St. Croix
Taylor
ar
Menominee
Wa sh
Fischer wins state FFA dairy prociency
Lincoln
ce
M
Forest
ett e
Page 32 First Section
Owen
ren
Oneida
Rusk
Barron
Trempealeau
Veterinary Wisdom
Price
Delta
Dickinson
Vilas
Ke w
ur Polk
Iron
Flo
Sawyer
Wa s
Burnett
Page 30 First Section
Making Cents of Dairy
Ashland
n
Ramblings from the Ridge
Page 31 First Section
Bayeld
Douglas
Page 27 First Section
First Section: Pages 34 - 35
qu
Enjoy the moments
Kappelmann pushes breed’s boundaries
ton S he bo Milwaukee Ozauk M yg ee an anito wo c
Second Section: Pages 14, 16 - 18
Manitowoc
ing
A day in the life of the Wurst family
ne
Osceola
Pages 8-9 First Section
Ma r
Ag Insider
n
re War
What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? First Section: Pages 15 - 16
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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
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FOR MORE INFO - CONTACT ONE OF THESE DEALERS... Advanced Dairy Systems
Athman Dairy Inc.
D&D Ag Supply
9 State Rd. 29 • Spring Valley, WI 54767 (715) 772-3201
238 Main Street North • Pierz, MN 56364 (320) 468-2494
133 Atlantic Ave. NE • Pennock, MN 56279 (320) 599-4466
Advanced Dairy Solutions
Professional Dairy Systems
East Central Dairy Supply
Champion Milking Systems
Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems
278 W. Court St. • Richland Center, WI 53581 1449 Homecrest Ave. • Wadena, MN 56482 (608) 647-4488 (218) 632-5416
Anderson Dairy Systems, Inc. 1312 13 1/2 Ave. • Barron, WI 54812 (715) 537-3300
23218 350th Street • Albany, MN 56307 (320) 845-4156
2195 Hwy. 23 • Mora, MN 55051 (320) 679-1029
105 3rd Ave. NW • Epworth, IA 52045 (563) 876-3087
Fuller’s Milker Center, Inc.
Lang’s Dairy Equipment, Inc.
2337 Millennium Rd. • Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-8722 1467 West 5th Street • Winona, MN 55987 (507) 452-5532 Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment 1400- 7th St. SE • Pipestone, MN 56164 Leedstone (507) 825-3271 222 E Co Rd 173, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-3303 Tri-County Dairy Supply, Inc. 24260 Cty. Rd. 27 • Plainview, MN 55964 4107 N US HWY 51 • Janesville. WI 53545 (507) 534-3161 608-757-2697 423 U.S. 61 • Lancaster, WI 53813 (608) 723-4634
Leedstone
1720 Freitag Dr. • Menomonie, WI 54751 (715) 231-8090
United Suckow Dairy
12687 Hwy 18 & 52 • Postville, IA 52162 (563) 864-7417 210 N. Industrial Pkwy • West Union, IA 52175 (563) 422-5355
Dairy Star • Saturday, 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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Installed: T8800 GEA 40 stall rotary Single operator with robotic pre-and post dippers.
Call us to help you make your dairy operation more efficient.
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ZUMBROTA, MN • 800-233-8937 BEATRICE, NE • 800-342-5657 SIOUX FALLS, SD • 800-705-1447 MENOMONIE, WI • 715-235-5144
Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
ConƟnued from CLINTONS | Page 1
Willmar, MN • 320.231.1470
EXPANDING OR REMODELING YOUR LIVESTOCK OPERATION? LANGE AG SYSTEMS SPECIALIZES IN:
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
Cows are being milked on the new rotary parlor at Clinton Farms near Bear Creek, Wisconsin. to older barns and 10-million-gallon manure pit. Clinton Farms, in Bear Creek, is owned and operated by Jim and Sue Clinton and their children, Brad Clinton and Carrie Griepentrog. Carrie’s son, Payton, who will be a senior in high school, also works on the farm. In addition, the farm has one full-time and 12 part-time employees. July 9, 2019, marked the rst day of milking in the new facility. “That rst milking took over 10 hours,” Brad said. “We had to push every single cow onto the carrousel. The next milking got a little better lasting about 8-9 hours. We milked around the clock the rst couple days, stopping only to clean.” Now the parlor only runs 7.5 hours per day. Cows are milked at 5:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 9 p.m. at a rate of 270 cows per hour. “We could milk even faster, but we
don’t want to push,” Brad said. The composite deck is what attracted the Clintons to this particular parlor, which also features stainless stalls, milk meters, a sorting gate and overall cow performance monitoring system. “Most parlor oors are made out of concrete,” Jim said. The family liked that their composite ooring is lighter, stronger, and will last longer. “Composite decks … should last forever,” Jim said. Jim moved from Berlin to the farm in Bear Creek in 1966 with his parents, Joe and Dorothy Clinton. The Clintons farmed 400 acres and milked 100 cows in a stanchion barn that was later converted to tie stalls. In 1992, Jim and Sue went into partnership with Joe and Dorothy. The new parlor is a signicant upgrade from the double-6 atbarn Turn to CLINTONS | Page 7
USED EQUIPMENT ON HAND D
E
C
CIH 5240 Max
2W, 4000 hrs - $37,000
‘15 JCB 175 side door entry skid steer loader, 954 hrs., #20412 $19,800
‘12 JCB 3230-65 Xtra Fastrac
4WD, 5483 hrs., # 19155
4WD, 5335 hrs., #19167
$76,500 E
‘13 JCB 3230-65 Xtra Fastrac,
$75,000 C
E
CIH 7140
FWA, 3400 hrs. - $62,000
Various Sizes of Rakes On Hand
We have a large supply of twine, net wrap and bale Àlm ON HAND
USED TRACTORS
‘12 JCB 3230-65 Xtra Fastrac,
‘13 JCB 541-70 AGRI PLUS TeleHandler,
4WD, 5262 hrs., #19161
4166 hrs., #16769
$75,900
‘15 JCB 541-70 AGRI Xtra TeleHandler,
7496 hrs., #19014
$56,600
$56,500
C
‘17 JCB 525-60 AGRI PLUS TeleHandler,
2622 hrs., #20253
$64,000
TILLAGE
7789 hrs., #15214
$89,995
D
CIH MX170, FWA ............................Coming In CIH 8910, FWA, 1600 hrs. ................. $68,000 CIH 7130 Magnum, FWA, 3200 hrs ... $62,000 CIH 3230, 2WD .................................. $16,000 CIH 7220, FWA, 3600 hrs .................. $69,000 IH 966 ................................................ $11,000
‘10 JCB 541-70 AGRI PLUS TeleHandler,
D
JCB 3185 Fastrac Tractor, 5975 hrs., #20398
$36,995
MORE LISTINGS ONLINE! www.windridgeimplements.com C Cresco (563) 547-3688 D Decorah (563) 382-3614 E Elkader (563) 245-2636
CIH 3950
non-cushion, 33’ - $12,000
CIH Tigermate II, 30’ .......................... $21,000 CIH 530C ripper w/lead ...................... $23,500 CIH 7500, 6-bottom plow..................... $7,500 CIH 7500, 4-bottom plow..................... $5,000 DMI Tigermate, 26’ .............................. $9,500 DMI 2500 ............................................. $6,500 IH 480 disc, 19’.................................... $3,200 JD 2810 6-bottom plow ....................... $5,500
HAYING & FORAGE EQUIP.
Sitrex QR12, QR10, QRS rakes ................ New
NEW MANDAKO LAND ROLLERS - IN STOCK
NH 144 inverter.................................... $2,500 JD 328 w/thrower ................................ $8,500 NH 1465............................................... $8,000 Many sizes of rakes available
GRAVITY BOXES
VARIOUS SIZES OF GRAVITY BOXES ON HAND Brent 644, red & black ..........................$12,900 Demco 650 ...........................................$12,500 (3) Demco 450 ...........................$7,000-8,000 Parker 310 ........................................... $3,500 (2) Brent 644 ..................................$9,500 ea. All sizes of used Demco gravity boxes avail.
MISCELLANEOUS
Midsota 5510 & F610 rock trailers.... In Stock Midsota F8216 rock trailer ........................ Call Badger Roller Mill ..................................... Call All Sizes of Sitrex Rakes.....................On Hand
New Midsota Rock Wagons On Hand FARM OYL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE
GREENWALD FARM CENTER Greenwald, MN • 320-987-3177
WWW.GREENWALDFARMCENTER.COM
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 7
ConƟnued from CLINTONS | Page 6
the Clintons had been milking in since 1998 when they built their rst freestall barn and grew to 175 cows. In 2000, Jim and Sue took over the farm from Jim’s parents. The year 2010 saw an expansion to 350 cows along with an addition to the freestall barn. Five years later, the Clintons built another freestall barn for dry cows and heifers, and grew the herd to 450 cows. Between 2017 and 2018, the Clintons began thinking big – this time considering not only expansion but also the building of a new parlor. “We were milking 500 cows three times a day and each shift took six hours,” Jim said. “It was time for a new parlor.” One rotation on the carrousel takes about 10 minutes, and pivoting wheels ensure a smooth ride. Pre-spray and post-spray are done automatically, and each stall has its PHOTO SUBMITTED own sprayer. Two people milk – one The cows at Clinton Farms are housed in a new 6-row tunnel-venƟlated freestall wipes off teats while the other attaches barn near Bear Creek, Wisconsin. the claw. “The claw is really light, so units but we no longer need to push anyone and a bright facility. don’t squeak or fall off,” Brad said. No fore stripping is done as the on.” “The new parlor has greatly The Clintons made their parlor increased efciency and also created milking system features technology that stimulates the cow by milking area bigger than most. Measuring a better work environment,” Brad each quarter for several seconds while 80 feet from end to end, walls are 12 said. “We wanted to make employees testing conductivity. The system will feet from the edge of the parlor. Deep comfortable.” ag problem cows and send alerts if walls provide more space and keeps Featuring a climate-controlled conductivity is high. It can also be things cleaner, the Clintons said. system, the new 215-stall barn programmed to send vocal warnings Tanker, storage and equipment rooms measuring 133 feet by 220 feet includes are located towards the back of the curtains and 30 variable-speed fans on over a loudspeaker. “New heifers adapt quick – they facility rather than up front for a cleaner the end and 12 belt driven fans over just walk right on,” Brad said. “We’ve look. Break rooms, changing rooms, a the stalls – all of which are computerreally seen a difference in the last two laundry room and employee bathrooms controlled by temperature. The barn’s months now that everyone has been are located next to the milking area for unique layout positions feed alleys on through a lactation in the new parlor. convenience purposes. Overhead doors the outside rather than in the middle. The process is much more seamless. in the parlor open on both sides of the “This enables us to have one big Older cows used to stand and watch, building, producing optimum airow group for the parlor instead of two
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smaller groups for added efciency,” Brad said. Trading pasture mats for shallow sand bedding, the new barn is resulting in cleaner cows with fewer hock lesions. The barn also features two automatic cow brushes for extra cleanliness. “We built half of this barn last year and will build the other half in a couple years to house 500 cows total,” Jim said. “We grow from within and raise all of our heifers and steers on-site.” In-oor heating was installed in the breezeway, holding area and milking parlor. In warm weather, sprinklers and computerized fans in the holding area keep cows cool and comfortable. A heated vet room with a cattle chute makes it easy to work on animals. Cows requiring shots and health checks are sorted as they exit the parlor via a threeway sort gate. Automated footbaths are another convenience feature of the expansion. The unit is self-cleaning and self-lling, eliminating human error in mixing and the need to handle chemicals. The Clintons farm 2,300 acres of corn, soybean and alfalfa. Chopping and manure hauling/hosing is hired out. A 12-inch underground pipe allows the Clintons access to more land across the highway for manure application. Clinton Farms hosted Wisconsin Farm Progress/Farm Technology Days on two occasions – in 1978 and in 2003 – and also welcomed people for an open house last summer to view their facility. The upgrade has proved highly efcient and opened the door for future growth opportunities. “I knew we were only going to do this once, so I wanted to build it right,” Jim said.
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DFA faces lawsuit from Dean Foods investor Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
A lawsuit has been led in the U.S. District June FAO dairy index edges higher Court for the Northern District of New York against The Food and Agriculture Organization of the Dairy Farmers of America. The lead plaintiff is a United Nations latest dairy price index increased Dean Foods investor, Susan Poole, who claims marginally after four months of consecutive DFA’s activities ruined that investment. The declines. The increase was attributed to an increased lawsuit seeks damages, the sale of DFA demand on the export market, especially Ag Insider processing plants the dissolution of the from East Asia and the Middle East. co-op. DFA Executive Vice President Domestic demand was also inuenced Monica Massey says the allegations by the likelihood of a resumption of are ridiculous and frivolous. foodservice and a reduction in travel restrictions. Consolidation continues According to a United States Lawmakers seek protection for Department of Agriculture report on common food names consolidation within the dairy industry, A bipartisan group of 61 U.S. the size of dairy herds are becoming senators has sent a letter to Trade larger. “Most cows today are on Representative Robert Lighthizer herds of 1,000 or more cows,” said and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny By Don Wick James MacDonald, USDA research Perdue, seeking protections for U.S. Columnist economist. “Where the real expansion exporters using common food names. is happening is with the very large This is in response to the European farms, places with 5,000 to 10,000 or even up to Union blocking American exports with common 30,000 cows.” MacDonald said the economics have names, like parmesan and feta. Ag groups, favored larger farms because of the lower costs including the National Milk Producers Federation, with a larger scale-of-economy. U.S. Dairy Export Council, American Farm Bureau and the National Association of State Departments Wisconsin milk production declines of Agriculture, are praising the effort to remove Milk production in the 24 leading dairy states trade barriers. increased 0.5% in June. Wisconsin milk production declined 1.4% with cow numbers down 11,000 Another round for the food box program head. USDA will deliver the third round of its Farmers to Families Food Box distribution program, Cattle inventory report released starting in September. This program provides dairy USDA has also released its semi-annual cattle products, meat and produce to consumers hurt by inventory report. The total number of cattle in the the COVID-19 economy. The food box program United States is 11.4 million head. That’s down has been a signicant factor in the uptick in milk slightly from last year but is the second highest prices. cattle inventory gure since 1996. As of July 1, there were 32 million head of beef cows, down 1% Elanco nancials released from last year. The dairy herd totaled 9.3 million Elanco Animal Health nished the second head, up 1%. quarter with total revenues of $586 million, down 25% from one year ago. The downturn is blamed
on the reduction in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic. Elanco’s acquisition of Bayer Animal Health is expected to close within a matter of days.
Two large Wisconsin cooperatives to merge Countryside Cooperative, based in Durand, and Landmark Services Cooperative, headquartered near Madison, are working on a merger. The boards of the two farm cooperatives have agreed to merger and that possibility now goes to a membership vote. If approved, the merger will take effect in March 2021. Countryside has 15,000 members in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Landmark has more than 11,000 members in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. Fire destroys Burnett Dairy facility The Burnett Dairy Cooperative plans to rebuild. A re destroyed the facility July 20. A mechanical malfunction is being blamed for the re. Approximately 200 dairy farmers in western Wisconsin sold their milk to the co-op. Land O’Lakes selects marketing lead Heather Malenshek has been named the chief marketing ofcer for Land O’Lakes. Most recently, Malenshek operated her own consulting business. Previously, Malenshek was the chief marketing ofcer for Harley-Davidson Motor Company. WFU adds farm labor organizer The Wisconsin Farmers Union has hired Charlie Mitchell as its farm labor organizer. Mitchell has worked as on research and writing projects on policy, activism, the environment and the farm economy. Most recently, Mitchell has been based in Des Moines, Iowa. HOF honors for Hutchins Greg Hutchins, who was Wisconsin’s 4-H 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
Youth Development director before retiring ďƒžve years ago, is being inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame. Before joining University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension in 1994, Hutchins worked in 4-H programs in Kansas, Nebraska, Minnesota and Alabama.
DATCP announces creation of Agriculture Youth Council The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is creating a Wisconsin Agriculture Youth Council. The council will be made up of 15 high school seniors from throughout the state. DATCP will highlight the agriculture industry and encourage students to participate in policy issues.
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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The Holthauses – (from leŌ) Lonnie, Rochelle and Jeremy – boƩle A2 uid milk and have plans to add other products to their growing business near Fennimore, Wisconsin. doing anything with that milk,” Jeremy said. “I started thinking we should do something with it.” The Holthauses began researching what exactly made A2 milk different from milk with the A1 protein and learned it had to do with the digestibility of the proteins. “We have found out there are a lot of people who can’t eat cheese either,” Lonnie said. “I had no idea that customer was out there. It’s a concept that people are learning more about every day, and frankly, we’re learning right along with them.” The A2 cows are kept in their own group and are milked into their own bulk tank. The Holthauses work with creameries in Westby, Plain and Columbus. “We handle our own milk all the way to the processor,” Lonnie said. “That way we can make sure the A2 milk gets where it is supposed to get. That’s the only issue with the A2 is you can’t test the milk for it, you can only test the cow.” That assurance helps the Holthauses market their newly launched products to consumers who are wary of consuming dairy products because of health issues they have dealt with in the past. “We have yet to run into a person who is actually lactose intolerant,” Lonnie said. “I’m sure there are some out there, but so far we haven’t found anyone who hasn’t been able to eat our cheese.” Sales of Milkhaus Dairy cheese commenced in March, and in July, the Holthauses began bottling uid A2 milk to add to their product line. They hope to add other products to their line as well based on requests they have received from consumers. “I just don’t think any of us ever realized how many people there are out there that couldn’t drink milk or eat cheese because they have issues,” Lonnie said. “We are reaching out to them, offering them a product they can consume.” In addition to their dairy products, they are also marketing beef they raise on the farm.
Since launching products in March, Milkhaus Dairy’s distribution network has grown rapidly, and products are available in stores around Wisconsin and northeastern Iowa. The Holthaus family also ships products to several states and the District of Columbia. “We have a rather large customer in Tennessee who is considering buying by the pallet to stock their store,” Lonnie said. “It’s getting rather exciting.” Because the only way to identify the A2A2 gene is to test the animal through a DNA test, the Holthauses are testing all calves and working on testing the older cows in their herd to determine their A2 status, with the goal to have 100% of the herd testing positive for the gene. “Most of the calves are all coming back A2A2,” Lonnie said. “It’s growing really fast now because the genetics are really coming around to the point where more and more of the young cows entering the herd are A2A2.” Once tested, all A2A2 animals are tagged with a colored ear tag to make locating them easy. About 90% of the herd is tested for the A2A2 status. The Holthauses have been using A2A2 status as the primary selection tool when making mating decisions on their cows for the past four years. From available A2A2 sires, they also select for bulls high in both production and type traits. They are also beginning to select some sires for their polled status. “We just look for good bulls that t our herd well,” Jeremy said. “We really look at the cow family when making our mating decisions.” The rst group of 2-year-olds bred for the A2A2 protein have calved in, giving the Holthauses the base for their new marketing venture. “They perform as well as any of the other young cows,” Jeremy said. “You can’t tell an A2A2 cow from an A1 cow based on her appearance or production.” The milking herd at Milkhaus Dairy is fed a TMR diet and housed in a tunnel-ventilated, sandbedded freestall barn, and the Holthauses stress the importance of cow comfort on their farm. “I think there is denitely a future in this, but the dairy industry has to open their eyes,” Lonnie said. “We complain about people consuming things like oat milk and soy milk. When it comes to the people who think they are lactose intolerant, I’m nding they don’t particularly like it, but DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR it’s the only choice they The Holthauses milk about 400 cows, 120 of which carry the A2A2 gene at their have had. Everyone is tryfarm near Fennimore, Wisconsin. Those cows are idenƟed with blue eartags ing to change the milk so and are housed in a separate group and milked into a separate bulk tank. The they can drink it. We just changed the cow.” Holthauses transport their own A2 milk.
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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Page 14 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 15
What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape?
Wendy and Jon Schmidt Bloomer, Wisconsin Chippewa County 40 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. The farm is located in the Chippewa Valley on 72 acres of rolling pastures. On the corner of the lot stands a classic two-story 100-year-old farmhouse ďƒ&#x;anked by a long picket fence with day lilies peaking over the top and green sedum crawling under protecting the ground from invasive weeds. Bordering the foundation of the house is a 3-foot moat of shrubs, perennial ďƒ&#x;owers and ornamental dwarf trees. The south side of the house is shielded from sun by a pair of locust trees. Lying in their shade is a perennial garden bursting with Stella D’Oro lilies, iris, wild ďƒ&#x;owers and garlic chives, just to name a few, all held in by a skirt of ďƒželd stone and sedum ďƒžlling in the gaps. The west of the house is guarded from harsh wind and storm by a mature forest of oak, sugar maple and northern pines. A stone’s throw to the north boasts yet another perennial ďƒ&#x;ower garden with its own wandering stone walkway with ďƒželdstone boarders. One section of the garden has roses so tall and bountiful you can’t see over them. There is also a small side patio with Adirondack chairs placed to relax and enjoy the view. To the north is a stonewalled barn and a pair of outbuildings with their gable ends facing the house. Nestled in between them is a ďƒ&#x;agstone patio, with pavers selected from the hills of Tennessee. It is bordered by lilies and hostas, and nicely complements the colors of the surrounding buildings. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. The gardens are gone through in the spring and fall, taking out unneeded plant material. They are also checked weekly for debris and weeds. Otherwise just a little regular weed whipping, and we mow the lawn once or twice a week. That’s all it takes to have a little extra enjoyment in your day. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? The love of gardening is a lifelong experience. We get inspiration when we’re within a natural setting or from a park or someone’s personal garden. We get ideas from the local greenhouse and enjoy talking gardening with anyone who appreciates it. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? There are three enjoyable views every day on this farm. The one you get from the house to the barn with its inviting window boxes overďƒ&#x;owing with ďƒ&#x;owers and a relaxing patio. Then there is the view beyond the barn with Jerseys grazing. Finally, the view from the barn to the house with weed-free ďƒ&#x;ower gardens welcoming you back for breakfast, the trees with wicker chairs and patio underneath for a little afternoon shade, and the front porch for evening relaxation. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? This is where we live. We literally eat, sleep, work and play here. We need a place we can enjoy and call home. The trafďƒžc on our road is regular, and we feel people like to see things well cared for. The farm is host to several small tours of school children and some foreign visitors every year. We are selling a premium product to the general population, and they need to see we take pride in it. It’s easy to sell a product you believe in. The soft drink companies of the world have no problem selling, as they always promote an enjoyable experience. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is located in western Wisconsin. We rotationally graze 40 milking Jerseys and youngstock. We take care of them, and they give us an excess of healthy heifer calves every year. The system we have developed allows us to sell high-component milk and about half of the milking herd every year for dairy. It has been rewarding even through the low milk prices.
Mark and Nicky Rueth Oxford, Wisconsin Marquett County 45 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. We have a smaller house with a nice barn and sheds, colored red and white. The buildings sit fairly close to the road. The cattle are pastured along the road. The grass is mowed alongside the road as
well. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. Nicky does ďƒ&#x;owers and spends a lot of time watering ďƒ&#x;owers. We have been here 14 years, and we added a farm sign with some of our famous cows shortly after moving here. I do the mowing of the lawn, and we have a fair bit of lawn. I like mowing twice a week during peak growing time and once a week other times of the year. It typically takes me 1.5 hours to mow one time if all goes well. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? Three people inďƒ&#x;uenced me. Before farming full time, I traveled grooming cattle, and I worked with and owned a few cattle with Indianhead Holsteins in Barron, Wisconsin. If anyone has ever visited their farm, they know it’s a beautiful farm and really well-kept and super clean. They were probably a good reason I wanted to farm. They had a lot of international visitors and a good ďƒžrst impression can sell a lot of genetics and impress people. We purchased the farm we are on in 2005, and the gentleman we bought the farm from kept the farm nice and well maintained. He did not have show cattle but nice equipment and worked hard. He mows lawn just about every day and has 400 acres he rents out. He pushes me to do a good job. We have had a number of good international trainees, and one named Jonas from Switzerland was incredibly clean and would clean around the farm. When I ask him about it, he said in Switzerland they get paid to keep the farm cleaned because it adds to tourism. He also taught me the importance of watching the sun rise and set and would take pictures of them. I ďƒžnd it an important thing to do. Some days can be gloomy, but for a few minutes the sunrise or sunset can be beautiful and be gone; kind of like opportunities in life. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? We are lucky because we can see the sun coming up and going down. Some people’s views are blocked. Just the other day a car stopped to watch the sun set in front of the farm. Every view of the farm is beautiful, and our farm sign is to the west of the farm so you can see in sunset. We have a hill to the south so you can get pictures overlooking the farm looking to the north. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? It is about dairy and farm promotion. I drive by farms I would not eat meat or drink milk from. I believe we are selling our products to the consumers driving by. That includes how we crop our farms and handle our manure. Today, so many people have never been on a farm, and they want to know where and how their food is produced. Tell us about your farm Nicky and I operate Rosedale Genetics with our daughter, Paradise. We board animals for other people as well as caring for our own herd. We focus on breeding top-quality animals and do a great deal of merchandising.
Turn to OUR SIDE | Page 16
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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 DeVoe Farms Yvonne DeVoe Monroe, Wisconsin Green County 100 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. The highlight of our farm is the landscaping around the barn and by our farm sign. We have an area at our farm with perennials that are native to Wisconsin, and we always put annuals around our farm sign. Along with this, we have a ower bed in front of the barn, landscaping along the side of our barn, owers in front of our calf house and landscaping in the front of the machine shed. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. In the beginning, it takes a lot of time to plant, weed and mulch – about eight hours a week. After we nish planting and mulching, maintaining the owers consists of watering and weeding, and if we have enough rain it only takes about an hour a week. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? I took a master gardener class several years ago that taught me a lot. I also experimented with owers to see which ones grew the best. One of my friends from high school also owns a plant nursery, and she has given me recommendations in the past as well. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? I love driving up to my farm and seeing all the beautiful trees, plants and landscaping. I plant bright owers so things can be cheery. I also love sitting by my koi pond and watching the sun set. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? I always told my children to plant, landscape and take care of your yard, owers, etc., for your own pleasure and for yourself to enjoy. It’s an added bonus if others comment and enjoy it as well. Tell us about your farm. We have a grain and dairy farm where we raise our heifers and steers. Along with the cattle, we also have numerous other animals including peacocks. We also host farm tours. Ken Bemboom (pictured with grandkids Kendall and JulieAnn Gerads) Mayhew Lake, Minnesota 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.
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Kathy and Dale Twardokus Mayville, Wisconsin Dodge County 60 cows Describe the landscape of your farm. We have about six large ower beds. Also, all the way around our house is landscaped with owers, mini lilac trees, hydrangea or spirea bushes. All of these ower beds are outlined with stones that we have collected from our elds. We also have owers outlining our steps by our milkhouse. Describe the weekly duties needed to maintain your property. It takes a lot of work and time to keep all this looking nice. It seems like I am constantly weeding and deadheading or pruning. When we don’t get any rain, I typically try to water either early morning or late in the day, probably every day. How and when did you learn how to create a beautiful landscape? I have always loved owers and gardens. Both of my grandpas had a green thumb, so I thank them for passing it onto me. What is your favorite view of your farm’s landscape? I love the farm view when most of the owers are blooming, the lawn is freshly cut, you can see the cows in the pasture, and the wind is gently moving the windmills. Why is it important for you and your family to have a presentable yard? We always want friends and family to feel welcomed and comfortable here. So, we strive hard to keep it looking nice. Tell us about your farm. We milk 60 cows and raise our calves. We crop 275 acres and raise sweet corn as a cash crop for the canning company. We also have two wind turbines on our 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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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
Bongards’ Creameries
Has been a quality market for MN dairy farmers for over 100 years. MN producers provide one of the country’s most distinctive brands of cheese that is still made using the same Old World craftsmanship and has been combined with cutting-edge technology to produce cheese that delivers unforgettable taste with unparalleled quality. MN Dairy farmers and Bongards, quality that stands the test of time. We offer a competitive base price, premiums, and the best Àeld representatives in the industry. 13200 Co. Rd. 51 Bongards, MN 55368 (952) 466-5521 Fax (952) 466-5556 110 3rd Ave. NE Perham, MN 56573 (218) 346-4680 Fax (218) 346-4684
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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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PHOTO SUBMITTED
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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
187,400
2014 JD S660, 1066 hrs., 810 $ sep hrs, #155826
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
Over 1200 items with pictures updated daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com 4 4 4 2 10 17 7 6 6 6 1 1 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 9 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 11 11
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
8 8 8 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 3 3 3 3 3 4 4
10 10 7 7 1 15 13
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
Visit one of our 17 locations in Central Minnesota! (1) = GLENCOE 4561 Hwy. 212
(4) = ST. CLOUD 1035 35th Ave. NE
(2) = HOWARD LAKE (5) = GLENWOOD 5845 Keats Ave. SW
1710 N. Franklin
(3) = STEWART
(6) = SAUK CENTRE
78412 Co. Rd. 20
1140 Centre St.
(7) = ALEXANDRIA (9) = PRINCETON 320-763-4220 5005 Co. Rd. 82 SE
3708 Baptist Church Rd.
(8) = PAYNESVILLE
16069 Hwy. 27 E.
725 Lake Ave. S.
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
CALL TODAY! (320)365-1653 (12) = AITKIN 1120 2nd St. NW
(10) = LITTLE FALLS (13) = BAXTER (11) = WADENA 62505 US Hwy. 10
7045 Foley Rd.
(14) = ELBOW LAKE
(16) = BENSON
(15) = MORRIS
(17) = MADISON
110 2nd St. NE
23604 State Hwy. 9
380 Atlantic Ave. 516 1st St. E
SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY WITH PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS AT: www.mmcjd.com
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, 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
WITH
PRO-CHOP 150
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TRB1000/TRB1400/TRB2000 BALE CARRIER Heavy Duty & Self Loading
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Wraps BOTH Round and Square Bales
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Woodford Equipment
Coleman, WI Curtiss, WI
Farmers Implement Store Mineral Point, WI
Simpson Tractor,
Phone (608) 524-9958 www.forwardfarmlines.com
Dubuque, IA
Emmetsburg, IA
Northland Farm Systems Owatonna, MN
Richland Center, WI
Schlauderaff Implement
Kalona, IA
Woller Equipment
Helmuth Repair Reiser Implement
Litchfield, MN Upsala, MN
Waukon, IA
Tell the advertisers you saw their ad in the Dairy Star!
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.
Advanced Dairy Solutions Richland Center, WI
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
Feiders nd joy, inspiration in garden
Fanatics for owers
By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
NEW HOLSTEIN, Wis. – Chuck and Julie Feider love spending time in their ower garden. Filled with hundreds of owers, several waterfalls and sitting areas, walkways, a koi pond, cupola and more, their garden oasis provides a peaceful retreat from the rest of the world and brings great enjoyment to these dairy farmers. “The garden takes our minds off the farm,” Chuck said. “It’s something different. As farmers, we can’t go up north to a cottage. So, we thought we would build it here instead. This has become our up north. We beautied our home and made it fun to be here. It’s our escape.” Overowing with owers from one end of the property to the other, the Feiders’ garden is 14 years in the making – a project they began when moving off the farm to a place 1 mile away. Over time, they created a slice of heaven. “We started with a blank slate,” Chuck said. “There was nothing here. We were like painters with a clean palette and have been building it up ever since. We’re full-time farmers, which means the
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Julie and Chuck Feider sit in their ower garden July 22 at their home near New Holstein, Wisconsin. The Feiders milk 300 cows and farm 750 acres with their son and daughter-in-law. farm and the crops come rst.” Chuck and Julie farm in partnership with their son, Tim, and his wife, Angie, milking 300 cows and farming 750 acres near New Holstein. Chuck does the feeding, and Julie feeds calves. Tim and Angie focus on the cows. “We have a very efcient setup here and work together on everything,” Chuck said. Chuck and Julie have three children and nine grandchildren
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Feiders have been building up their garden for 14 years and grow about 300 different varie�es of perennials.
and are in the process of transitioning the farm to Tim and Angie. “The farm has been good to us, and we look forward to watching another generation take over,” Chuck said. “We get excited about the land, farming and gardening.” The Feiders’ garden is a continual work in progress and home to about 300 varieties of perennials. With an artistic eye, Chuck and Julie have a knack for planting owers in the most visually appealing way. Pinks, purples, yellows, oranges and more dot the landscape, providing bursts of color from every angle. “Julie and I both love owers, and we pick them out together,” Chuck said. “It’s really fun. We’re always adding something new or moving plants around. Every year we add more perennials. We always nd new sections to plant in.” On the hunt for more diverse colors than can be found at chain garden or home improvement stores, the Feiders visit a handful of greenhouses around the state. Sometimes, they even travel to Holland, Michigan, for tulips. “They have a big tulip shop, and we’re like kids in a candy store when we go there for owers,” Julie said. The Feiders typically nd
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Feiders’ garden oasis includes hundreds of owers, several waterfalls and si�ng areas, walkways, a koi pond, cupola and more.
out of relics from the past adorn the garden and porch. Crafty at creating the unusual, the Feiders display owers in interesting accessories like a sewing machine bottom and a baby buggy. “We like incorporating antiques into our garden,” Chuck said. “We like to restore old items and utilize them for ower displays and other accent pieces. It’s a great deal of fun.” Several seating areas invite garden dwellers to relax while savoring the surrounding sights. The original stairs from what was once a machine shed lead up to a seating area with a pergola built above that overlooks a koi pond. This summer, the Feiders added a corn crib gazebo to the garden, decking it out with a restored replace and lighting, allowing the gazebo to be used at night. End tables made out of large owerpots and seating for four complete the space. Also in the Feiders’ newest portion of the garden sits an aged
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Flowers bloom in the Feiders’ garden near New Holstein, Wisconsin. They plant day lilies, coneowers, bap�sia, peonies and more. color in their garden from April through Halloween but will occasionally see an iris bloom in November or a crocus come up in February. “There’s always something blooming in our garden,” Julie said. “Right now, we have day lilies blooming in many different colors. The tulips come up in the spring, while hibiscus bloom in August and September, providing color into fall.” The hardy, pink-petaled cone ower can be spotted throughout the Feiders’ expansive garden complemented by peonies and baptisia in nearly every color, hydrangeas, daffodils, stick lilies, mallows, bleeding hearts, hostas, phlox, liatris, delphiniums, collector peonies and more. “Collector peonies last forever, and when they bloom, they’re the most beautiful thing,” Julie said. “You can get 75 blooms off one plant.” Chuck and Julie put up retaining walls made with rocks and stones gathered from the farm’s fence lines and have a variety of statement stones placed strategically around the garden. A picturesque red barn makes an ideal backdrop for the garden and is home to 10 alpacas, 15 chickens, a goat and three cats. “It’s nice to have animals to look at,” Chuck said. “They add to the ambiance, and alpacas are easy to care for.” Julie uses alpaca yarn to make mittens, sweaters, scarves and shawls and dyes it naturally with dark red hibiscus ower blooms. All kinds of décor fashioned
chicken coop the couple saved from destruction and are in the process of xing up. They also salvaged a 90-year-old fence to create a barnyard for metal farm animals situated on a oor of cocoa shells. “We start with one idea and build around it,” Chuck said. “Ideas just keep popping in my head; therefore, our garden keeps growing.” This is not the Feiders’ rst crack at building a grand garden. While still living on the farm, Chuck and Julie also created an outdoor space most would envy. “It was very unique,” Chuck said. “It was a atter piece of land with waterfalls, a re pit, gazebo and garden shed. We planted owers around the barn, too, but we had less owers there. Here, we have three tiers of owers.” The Feiders’ home was voted 2019’s Prettiest Little Farm in Wisconsin by Our Wisconsin magazine – a recognition that put their garden on the map and brought visitors to their doorstep. The Feiders host garden walks free of charge for garden clubs, church groups and others looking to soak up the beautiful scenery. The Feiders welcome visitors and encourage people to call for an appointment. “We like to share our garden with other people,” Chuck said. “If we get free rain and sunshine, how can we charge for that? The garden is meant for people to enjoy. There’s so much ugly in the world, but the garden gives folks a feeling of the country and a taste of goodness. It’s an opportunity to enjoy nature and all the gifts God has given us.”
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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we stop to look at the grasshoppers that magically games started. Laughter does bring everyone together. appear as summer is ending and listen for the crickets Ringing the cow bells to make Anna and Kevin kiss chirping. The apples starting to fall from the trees is was great fun, too. As the sun went down, after the gifts were a sign that we need to start canning applesauce and opened, the bonre was lit. pie lling. Walking under We all drank together and the trees, the branches We startedd ffamily il tours at the h endd wanted to hug and embrace are hanging low with the W moment, but this is not weight of the apples. of June, with hosting three days a the the year to do that. So, we As July ended, we are all said goodbye, waved and put into wedding mode. week, and we try our hardest to mentioned we will all be On Aug. 1, we held a tail practice social distancing. together again soon for the gate bachelor/bachelorette wedding. party by the apple trees Tina Hinchley, her husband, Duane, and their that are right off our back porch. The invites were sent out to 60 family members, but only 30 guests were daughters, Anna and Catherine, milk 240 registered able to attend. The trucks and cars were parked just Holsteins with robots. They also farm 2,300 acres of beyond the trees in the hayeld. We all had our masks crops near Cambridge, Wisconsin. They have been on and sat in groups away from each other until the hosting farm tours for over 20 years.
G e nt
Where did July go? What a whirlwind of activities on the farm. Time seemed to disappear with chopping hay, harvesting wheat and baling, along with all of our other cow and calf chores. It does not seem like July without the county fairs to attend. We missed all of the 4-H and FFA kids coming out this spring to pick out chicks and ducklings to bring to the shows. Our place is in Dane County where the COVID-19 cases have surged with the re-opening of restaurants and bars. We started family tours at the end of June, with By Tina Hinchley Farmer & Columnist hosting three days a week. Everyone wears masks, and we try our hardest to practice social distancing. Limiting group size has been the only factor whether going on a wagon ride or not. If too many family members join, then we simply walk around the farm. Many of the families are coming to Wisconsin to do something while they are not working. There has also been a surge in visits from grandparents taking the grandkids to spend time with each other or to give the parents a break. Whatever the reason, to be on a farm while enjoying the day together is a special memory that will never be forgotten with the photos of everyone with masks on. Without spring school groups, we do not have all the farm animals that we show on our website. There are no pigs, lambs or goat kids. We usually purchase these animals for the kids to feed with bottles and then later to hand feed. This did not bother any of the visitors. They wanted to see and milk a cow. The time spent talking together and sharing what we do is always great conversation. Putting the kids into the picture gives most children a glimpse into what a day would be like as a farm kid. Their imagination soars when I mention that my kids rode their bikes for hours on the eld roads, set up campsites in the tree lines, and had chores to do every morning and evening with us. I can see their eyes glaze over when I mention that they would be working with their own heifer for hours to take to the county fair. Showing animals and meeting other 4-H members that also live on farms creates lasting relationships. Summer fun at the fairs starts early every morning, and all the show kids go every day to take care of their animals, almost like living at the fair. If the children on the tour are younger, I mention they would have chickens, piglets, lambs and kittens to care for and name. As we walk through the yard,
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 27
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Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
Goals help focus on future
Pierce strives to build cow families By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
TOMAH, Wis. – Growing up on his family’s dairy farm in the rolling hills of Monroe County, Lee Pierce planned to join his father in operating the farm to continue the tradition of breeding cows in line with the goals he had set for himself. Following his graduation from the University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course program, Pierce did exactly that and joined his dad at Pierce-Vale Farms. His wife, Ashley, and their four daughters, Kylie, 7, Emily, 5, Brynlee, 4, and Adalie, 1, join in the day-to-day work on the farm, and the couple is expecting their fth child in September. The Pierces milk 55 registered Holsteins on the 220-acre farm. Working with his uncle, the Pierces crop about 350 acres of hay, corn, oat and soybean. They grow the feed for the dairy and Pierce’s uncle’s beef herd. The dairy herd is fed a foragebased diet, with about 3.5 pounds of a pelleted protein fed per cow. “It’s important for me to put
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
Lee Pierce milks 55 cows in a partnership with his father on their farm near Tomah, Wisconsin. Pierce sets goals to stay focused and posiƟve despite the trying Ɵmes the dairy industry is facing. up good feed,” Pierce said. “I don’t like buying protein.” Cow comfort is important at Pierce-Vale Farms, and the cows
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Lee Pierce, pictured here with his four daughters, (from leŌ) Adalie, Emily, Brynlee and Kylie, enjoys dairy farming with his family.
go out every night during the warmer months and eat at the feed bunk every day. “I was really happy our cows didn’t lose too much during the long heat spell in early July,” Pierce said. “I attribute that to the way we manage them.” The Pierces focus on breeding cows that will help them in building solid cow families that espouse their overall goals. “I like big cows, cows that are high-type,” Pierce said. “I like cows that wear well and last a long time.” That longevity plays an important role in the type of cow families Pierce wants to develop. “I don’t want to have any holes in our pedigrees,” Pierce said. “I don’t like Good Plus cows in pedigrees. I want everything to be Very Good and Excellent in classication breakdowns.” Pierce had his rst 18th generation Excellent cow, a home-
bred Redburst daughter with three more generations of Pierce-Vale bred dams behind her. The Pierces rst invested into the breed’s leading family of multiple generations of Excellent cows on a little bit of a gamble when they purchased a recipient heifer carrying an unconrmed pregnancy out of Astrahoe R Gibson Reagan-ET EX-92, a 13th generation Excellent, at a herd dispersal. The gamble worked well in the long-run, giving a cow family they have been able to market. “We have a potential 20th generation Excellent on the ground,” Pierce said. “That helps us keep looking to the future.” Pierce takes great pride in the fact that there have been 80 Excellent cows to carry the Pierce-Vale prex. The farm is home to 16 Excellent cows, 27 Very Good, 13 Good Plus and one Good. “We try to nd good bulls that
come from the same types of cow families we are trying to build,” Pierce said. “When I go to sales, the daughters of the best bulls sell for more money, compared to heifers out of average bulls.” Besides considering the cow family a bull descends from, Pierce said he places emphasis on well-attached udders and correct feet and legs. With the smaller size of his herd, Pierce said he does not like using too much of any one bull but tries to use a variety. Bulls that the Pierces have been using include Lirr Drew Dempsey, Woodcrest King Doc, Mr Affection Analyst-Red, Col Dg Crushtime, Farnear Delta Lambda, Farnear-Bh 1st Grade, Our Favorite Upgrade, Mounteld SSI Dcy Mogul-ET, Mr Chassity Gold Chip, Farnear Altitude-Red, Riverdown Unstoppable, Walnutlawn Sidekick and Avant-Garde Unix Select. In a nod to diversication, the Pierces have begun breeding the lower end of their herd to Angus. They raise all of the resulting calves, building a beef herd and selling beef halves, creating additional income from the farm. Most of Pierce’s dairy farming career has been in the shadows of the problems plaguing the dairy industry, including low prices and marketing issues. “It’s really frustrating that this year was supposed to be the beginning of a long-needed recovery for us, and that seems to have been taken away,” Pierce said. “And now people hear in the news and farm markets about increasing milk prices. But what they don’t hear about are the increasing deductions we are being handed. Some days it gets hard to try and focus on the future.” Pierce is grateful for the opportunity to raise his family on the farm in much the same way he and his brother were raised. “It’s a great way to raise a family with the kids out here doing stuff with me,” Pierce said. “Kylie and Emily are turning into great calf feeders. Watching them enjoy what they are doing is denitely the bright spot in any day.”
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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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Saturday, by the numbers Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
This last Saturday felt so productive. The farm was humming (quite literally if you listened to the truck trafc) from sunup to sundown. It was a sight to behold, and the easiest way to help you conjure up this image is by running through the numbers. Two agitators set up by Dad to load manure out of our rst stage pit by early morning. Seven trucks arrived at daybreak, ready to rock, and kept busy all day, hauling roughly 25 loads holding 3,800 gallons of liquid gold apiece; 600,000 gallons left the pit in a urry of dust clouds. Two guys were attached to the agitator tractors all day, lling those trucks. One Sam, our faithful chopping sidekick and manure truck loader, was the recipient of an unexpected shower at the end of the day. One hose blew and sent some of that quality fertilizer into the cab and gave him a good drenching. One Ray Baby in his Claas chopper kept his crew of four silage trucks going strong from 8:00 a.m.
until 9:30 p.m., harvesting 570 acres of hay. Two mergers worked ahead of them until they nished up late afternoon. Two people on the pile kept the loads moving and sculpted them into a nicely sloped pile that meshed with our second crop alfalfa. Thirteen year old Ira was in the White for a day and a half, until he was promoted to the hay unloading crew, and 15-year-old Julie took his place. Nine tired humans covered the 200-foot bunker by the light of the skidsteer and watchful eyes of Burr (the dog). One chopper operator became the tire seeker as he zipped around the bunkers to scoop and deliver buckets of half-tires to keep our 18 helpful hands full. One heavy-duty pick-up truck pulling a trailer weighed down with big straw bales made its way through the maze to unload ve times. 20 bales on each of four loads plus 12 golden bales on the last load – lling up the shed with 92 more bales that will be so appreciated. One Jose in the payloader pushed
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the bales off of each load, and then hopped into the skidsteer to put them in the shed. One 71-year-old, determined man baled 1,000 small squares of alfalfa hay under the gorgeous blue sky. This translated into eight loads of bales, varying in heaviness, with some loads holding about 250 Ramblings from the Ridge bales. Two adults and anywhere from four to six kids unloaded them into the mow of the old barn, lling one side. The team of two 11-yearolds and this 40-year-old mom on the wagon was the ‘A-Team.’ Dane and Natalie made a great team; they were very aware of surroundings, By Jacqui Davison didn’t drop a bale on my Columnist head, and pushed bales to the side in a way that made them easy to grab the twine and toss to the elevator. One and only brother Tony stopped by as the rst load was nished and went to the eld to grab the second for us. The next loads were hauled by Ira and the 1940 Farmall M, putt-putting along in the ow of silage and poop trucks. I went along on one load with him, and as usual, was impressed with his tractor skills. Three generations worked together to drop the empty hay wagon and pick up the overowing one; a well-choreographed dance with the M and the 766 in the eld. Stacy and her two boys came over to help with the last three loads while I milked cows. Two cows that had a mishap in the return lane of the parlor Friday evening appeared to be OK by Saturday morning, thank goodness. That meant they could go back to their pens. Twenty-three cows in my hospital pen that only holds 21 had become a few too many bodies. One bull calf was born, adding to the dozen bellowing boys to feed over the weekend. By evening I promoted eight fresh cows to the main parlor. Ten minutes later, eight opportunistic cows were out because of a gate not being chained after the transfer across the alley. Four quick-moving children did a great job of assisting the parlor guys with their return. Four dozen homemade kolaches on the table at 6:00 a.m. dwindled to a lonely lemon-lled one by the day’s end. Six pounds of hamburger were thawed and grilled for lunches for 15. One batch of refrigerator bread dough formed into three dozen burger buns, risen and baked fresh for lunch. One 13- by 9-inch pan of cream cheese brownies disappeared by route of sneaky children and sweet-loving men in less than six hours. Six loaves of fresh bread, four pounds of sandwich meat, two pork roasts and two pounds of sliced Muenster contributed to the meals on Friday and Saturday of chopping. I didn’t attempt to count the dirty dishes; before washing they covered the counter and lled the sink. Two children – overtired but clean – had to be carried to the van at 10:45 p.m. Two equally tired boys, coated with a healthy layer of dust and grime dragged themselves to the van to head home. One teenage boy with two of the most rancid smelling feet kicked his boots off, causing me to drive with one window cracked open all 7 miles home. One thoughtful, pondering farm mom drove home in relative silence and marveled at all that was accomplished over the course of the day. The full moon and near cloudless sky as we stepped out of the van to climb into the shower and bed was the perfect calm ending to a day of much work. Nostalgic as always, it makes me giddy to see Tony stop by unexpectedly and help out for a bit, and see all the kids working together, then taking a break between loads to play on the bales and swing in the mow. The guys staying to help cover the bunker, thank me for the food, and still have good spirits at the end of a long day is a great reward. Jacqui and her family milk 800 cows and run 1,200 acres of crops in the northeastern corner of Vernon County, Wisconsin. Her children, Ira (12), Dane (10), Henry (5) and Cora (3), help her on the farm while her husband, Keith, works on a grain farm. If she’s not in the barn, she’s probably in the kitchen, trailing after little ones, or sharing her passion of reading with someone. Her life is best described as organized chaos – and if it wasn’t, she’d be bored.
Serum total protein related to calf health
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
...we are selling lli fi five to eight semi loads a week to neighboring farms who are short on feed. acres of new seeding alfalfa that we will take a second cutting off as soon as the insecticide used to kill the potato leaf hoppers is past the 14-day withholding time. The 300 acres of new seeding has been somewhat
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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
Kappleman pushes breed’s boundaries
Dairyman develops extreme cows as Outstanding Young Brown Swiss Breeder By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
MANITOWOC, Wis. – Mitch Kappelman lives and breathes genetics – specically Brown Swiss genetics. Continually improving upon generations of great cattle has become his life’s work. This energetic 29-year-old set out on his Brown Swiss journey 15 years ago and recently won the 2020 Outstanding Young Breeder award from the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association. “Winning this national award as a young breeder is more about progress than lifetime goals,” Kappelman
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Mitch Kappelman poses with one of his Brown Swiss heifer calves on July 31 on his dairy near Manitowoc, Wisconsin. Kappelman began his Brown Swiss journey 15 years ago.
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Mitch Kappelman recently won the 2020 Outstanding Young Breeder award from the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders AssociaƟon. He dairies with family near Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
said. “I haven’t had a long time to rack up accomplishments.” Yet within the last eight years, Kappelman has sent 14 bulls to stud, including sires such as Standout, Sonic and Sax. Enthusiastic about breeding extreme animals, Kappelman is on the fast track to creating some of the Brown Swiss breed’s most sought-after genetics. “I really like that Brown Swiss can be very versatile; however, the breed is often not used that way,” Kappelman said. “I like to make the extreme ones for type, production and polled to prove what they can do. I like pushing the limit.”
Today, the colored breed makes up 10% of the herd at Meadow Brook Farms, while Holsteins complete the group. Mitch is the fth generation on his family’s farm which was founded in 1872. The Kappelmans milk 420 registered cows and farm 1,000 acres near Manitowoc. “We got started with Brown Swiss because it gave us more opportunities to show as youth,” Kappelman said. “Swiss is an easier breed to get into and compete with. We show our Holsteins at county and district shows, but our Swiss we show all the way up through
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 35
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Brown Swiss make up 10% of the herd at Meadow Brook Farms where Mitch Kappelman and his family milk 420 registered cows and farm 1,000 acres. Kappelman owns 86 head of Brown Swiss and has bred 12 Excellent cows. World Dairy Expo.” Kappelman farms with his sisters, Beth Gierke and Erin Kenneke, and brother-in-law, A.J. Kenneke. Kappelman’s parents, Pete and Shellie, are majority owners of Meadow Brook. They help with big picture planning but leave day-to-day operations to their children. “Brown Swiss really didn’t take off at Meadow Brook until we bought one inuential animal,” Kappelman said. “Her name was Old Time Sweet Dream. She was the matriarch for our high-genomic animals, and all of our bulls in stud trace back to this cow.” Kappelman grew Sweet Dream’s family extensively after her purchase, creating a large family tree running many layers deep. His Brown Swiss herd blossomed, and many of Sweet Dream’s daughters became bull mothers too. “When I saw what that family could do, I started breeding into other families,” Kappelman said. “And now I have some animals that are close for A.I. from different bloodlines.” Last September, Meadow Brook Farms made another key purchase when buying Eloc Wagor Kandid. Kandid was the rst Brown Swiss in the United States to score EX-95 – a perfect score for the breed – and was grand champion in the breed at World Dairy Expo in 2014. “We ushed her right away, and our rst daughter from Kandid was born a couple weeks ago,” Kappelman said. “It was thrilling to have a daughter from a cow like this with our farm’s prex.” When making breeding decisions, Kappelman said he selects for health and wellness traits more than other people might. “I want problem-free cows that milk well, breed back quickly, transition smoothly and then repeat the process,” Kappelman said. “I don’t have enough hours in the day to deal with a problem cow – it really adds time to my day.” The Swiss are Kappelman’s project, but his family fully supports his ambitions. “My family has been very accepting and helpful with understanding what I’m trying to do here and realizing the Swiss are not just another milk cow,” Kappelman said. “They possess the genetic potential required for selling into A.I., which makes them unique. My family recognizes they have to be handled differently.” In addition to farming full time, Kappelman works part time for Select Sires as a Brown Swiss sire analyst and is a member of the Brown Swiss Association’s genetics committee.
Kappelman also built his own mating system he calls Mitch Match. “It has a lot of features and works really well,” said Kappelman, a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate who invented the system when working for Accelerated Genetics. “Our farm has been successful with it.” Kappelman owns 86 head of Brown Swiss and has bred 12 Excellent cows. He had the No. 1 Polled Progressive Performance Ranking cow four straight proof runs from December 2018 to December 2019, a ve-time top 10 PPR cow that peaked at No. 2 in August 2018 and the No. 1 PTAT heifer in August 2019. In 2013, Kappelman won the J.P. Eves Trophy for a high 305-day milk record of 39,370 pounds of milk set by Meado-brook Premium Cato. At the World Premier Brown Swiss sale in 2016, Kappelman had the highest selling live lot – a daughter of Sweet Dream. The Brown Swiss rolling herd average at Meadow Brook is 24,194 pounds of milk with a 4.32% butterfat content (1,046 pounds) and 3.27% protein (792 pounds) with a 78,000 somatic cell count. The Brown Swiss herd’s average score is 85.3, while the farm’s Holstein BAA is 104.7. Kappelman holds leadership roles with the Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders Association, Wisconsin Brown Swiss Association and Manitowoc County Holstein Association and served as president of the Badger Dairy Club from 2012-13. “Developing a lot of high-genomic animals helped me win this award,” Kappelman said. “I’d also like to prove that I can make great show cattle too. My goal is to breed an all-American, and with Kandid’s genetics, I think we can win at Expo.” To be eligible for the outstanding young breeder award, a Brown Swiss breeder must be recommended by a national or state board member of the Brown Swiss Association. Kappelman was nominated by Hayden Hauschildt – a state board member and dairy farmer from Ellsworth. Kappelman’s next goal is to win the Holstein Association’s Distinguished Young Breeder award. Pushing boundaries as much as possible to develop extreme individuals in different areas and sending more bulls to stud round out the list of Kappelman’s future plans. “There aren’t that many Brown Swiss in Manitowoc County or northeast Wisconsin,” Kappelman said. “To start with nothing 15 years ago and be where we’re at today is pretty amazing.”
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Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020
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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What are some words you like to live by? Through the trials that seem so common in farming (our barn re, house re, oods, bad prices, losing the best or favorite animals) and raising a family, I have most often gone to Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” On a regular basis, I will refer to Psalms and Proverbs from God’s word, the ultimate words to live by.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, August 8, 2020 • Page 37
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MaĆŠhew Fischer, 18, was named the winner of the State FFA dairy entrepreneurship proďƒžciency category during last month’s Wisconsin FFA Online ConvenĆ&#x;on Experience. Fischer’s family milks 86 cows near Owen, Wisconsin.
Fischer wins state FFA dairy proďƒžciency By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
OWEN, Wis. – When Matthew Fischer received the gift of his ďƒžrst Jersey cow, Darlene, for his sixth birthday, he had no way of knowing he was about to embark on an adventure that would lead him to his life’s passion. Fischer, 18, is a recent graduate of Owen-Withee High School and has been an active member of his school’s FFA chapter, holding the positions of president, reporter and student advisor throughout his high school career. Last month during Wisconsin FFA’s Online Convention Experience, Fischer won the dairy entrepreneurship proďƒžciency category and has since forwarded his application to the national contest. At Henar Acres Dairy, Fischer works with his parents, Paul and Sara, where they milk 86 Holsteins and Jerseys. Fischer has been diligently growing and developing his Jersey herd since the gift of Darlene. In addition to Darlene, he has only ever purchased one calf to help create the foundation of his herd. Today, he owns 14 of the milking-age cows on the farm and a total of 40 registered Jerseys. “The Jersey cow has just always stuck to me,â€? Fischer said. “I like her personality and her efďƒžciency.â€? In working to grow his herd, Fischer made the decision to use sexed semen on his animals.
“I decided that I never wanted to have to buy another animal to build my herd from,â€? Fischer said. “I wanted to grow it from within.â€? Fischer has placed his focus on improving the genetics in his herd while maximizing the number of females born. “I really look at dairy character and udders when I’m selecting bulls to use,â€? Fischer said. “Being in a tiestall barn, I also put a lot of emphasis on breeding correct feet and legs too.â€? The Fischers have their herd mated using the Genetic Management System program through ABS Global. Like most ventures in dairy farming, it has not always been smooth sailing for Fischer, and he has learned some lessons the hard way. “I never used to look too much at health traits, but I learned ďƒžrst-hand how important they are,â€? Fischer said. “I used a bull called Harris when he ďƒžrst came out and was supposed to be the next great thing. I had 12 heifer calves, out of 15 straws of semen used, which I thought was great. However, I lost several of them as calves, and only ďƒžve made it into the milking herd. I only have one of them left. I quickly learned Harris’ genomic health traits are poor and that set me back a generation. Now I put more emphasis on things like livability and other health traits to give Turn to FISCHER | Page 38
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ConƟnued from FISCHER | Page 37
my herd longevity.” Taking the lessons he has learned to heart, Fischer has forged ahead, continuing in his work to build a solid foundation for his future in dairying. “I want to continue to grow my herd in size and continue to progress genetically,” Fischer said. “Someday I would like to have a herd of cows that I would feel comfortable competing at shows like World Dairy Expo.” Fischer, who will be attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to study dairy science and agribusiness, plans to return home to join his parents in operating the family farm, possibly after working in the nutrition eld for several years to gain more experience from that perspective.
“I would like to work with my parents to grow both our herd and our farm,” Fischer said. “Robotics are something we are thinking about for the future as well.” In his mind, their future herd will mirror their current herd, with about 60% Holsteins and 40% Jerseys. “Having the Holsteins for production volume and the Jerseys for the high components seems to be a good balance to me,” Fischer said. “I love my Jerseys, but there will always be a place in my heart for the Holsteins.” While his project started over 12 years ago, Fischer really started keeping track of his budding dairy business through his FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience his freshman
year of high school under the tutelage of his advisor Travis Engel. This year marked the rst time Fischer wrote an application to compete in the state prociency contest. “When I was applying for the prociency, (the judges) really looked at the progress and growth I was able to show in my herd over the years,” Fischer said. “They looked at the nancial aspect of my herd, how decisions I have made have impacted my project and the things I have learned and grown in.” The application included nine essays where Fischer worked to explain his SAE in detail, including a decision he has made that had a dramatic impact on his herd. “Using 100% sexed semen was a good decision for me,” Fischer said. “It helped grow my herd size more quickly and greatly reduced the number of bull calves, which aren’t worth much in today’s market.”
Showing improvements in efciencies is another important part of the prociency application, and Fischer was pleased to share the improvement he made in his herd’s butterfat test throughout the duration of his SAE. “In 2016, my Jerseys had a butterfat average of 3.9%,” Fischer said. “As of December 2019, I had increased that average to 5.2% through improving the genetics I was using and improving the ration the cows were being fed.” Fischer said his involvement in FFA and his work with his SAE has taught him a great deal about the importance of accurate and detailed recordkeeping when operating a dairy farm, and serves as a way to evaluate his progress. “Knowing where you started and seeing how far you have gotten helps you determine what direction you should head for the future,” Fischer said. “It helps to really evaluate things to continually set new goals.”
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MaƩhew Fischer feeds a calf on his family’s dairy near Owen, Wisconsin. He has chosen to use sexed semen to grow his herd of Jerseys.
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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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