Iowa Livestock Insider // Fall 2021

IOWA

LIVESTOCK

INSIDER

FALL 2021

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CONT 4 8 Livestock 101: Best Managament Practices

Remembering Kent

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Good Neighbo good sto te

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TENTS

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Farm ors have ories to ell

Dairy farmer leader receives prestigious Lyng Award

Partner Publications

BEST MGMT PRACTICES

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Kelly Cunningham of Milk Unlimited Dairy gives one of his beloved cows some scratches. Photo: Gabby Glenister

AGRICULTURAL BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES HELP

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minimize air, soil and water pollution.

Plant nutrients, bacteria, sediment and crop chemicals can be mitigated so that pollution of ground and surface water is curtailed. Livestock odors can also be minimized. A goal of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers is to help farmers implement sustainable farming practices that assist Iowa farm families in raising livestock responsibly and successfully.

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Before construction of any new livestock farm can begin, check to see if a Manure Management Plan (MMP) needs to be filed and approved.

There are many resources to help farmers implement best management practices. See below for some general resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY. + AgSTAR Program + Animal Feeding Operations, Best Management Practices + Iowa Commercial Nutrient Applicators Association IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION. + Manure Management and Odor Publications + Using Manure Nutrients for Crop Production

NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICES. + Animal Feeding Operations and Confined Animal Feeding Operation Information + Electronic Field Office Technical Guides + Information for Farmers UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. + Animal Production Information

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY/IOWA MANURE MANAGEMENT ACTION GROUP. + Commercial Manure Applicators + Manure and Nutrient Plans, Permits, Regulations + Manure Management and Testing Service Providers

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INFO@SUPPORTFARMERS.COM

800.932.2436

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IOWA

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BRIAN WADDINGHAM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GABBY GLENISTER

ASSISTANT FIELD SPECIALIST

KODY HAVENS

FIELD SPECIALIST

SUPPORTFARMERS.COM STAKEHOLDERS

REMEMBERING KENT story by terri queck-matzie photos by gabby glenister

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers (CSIF) community was deeply saddened on July 22 of this year by the death of Senior Field Coordinator Kent Mowrer.

His death left a big hole in CSIF and in Iowa agriculture.

“He was a true farmer at heart,” says livestock producer and long-time friend Richard Welch. “He always had their best interest at heart; not just individual farmers, but Iowa farmers as a whole.”

“He was an amazing advocate for livestock production in Iowa,” adds Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “Not only in word, but in deed.”

As Senior Field Coordinator for CSIF, Kent assisted livestock and poultry farmers in following all rules and regulations, choosing good locations for new livestock barns and feedlots, enhancing relations with neighbors and implementing best management practices that improve air, soil and water quality.

He was known for bringing sound science and an ability to look at all angles to the job.

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“He made sure sites were well placed, visually appealing, and in regulatory compliance,” says Naig.

Kent was a real advocate for the Green Farmstead Partner Program, encouraging producers to plant windbreaks to provide aesthetic and air quality enhancements to their livestock sites.

Kent also had a knack for people, in each situation looking at the best option for the family involved, as well as the farm’s neighbors and community.

He answered questions in realistic terms and just as importantly, asked questions. Have you thought about that? What if this?

“His approach shows the value of being proactive,” says Naig. “With his help, producers have been able to head off mistakes and possible black eyes on themselves and the livestock industry. That gives producers the confidence they are making the right move, and gives the public assurance and confidence in the industry as well.”

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For producers, Kent coming to the farm was often a turning point in their project. He was able to assess the commonsense aspects of a barn siting with his expert knowledge of the rules and regulations, and livestock production.

From coffee shops and fence line conversations to official public meetings, he was able to share that knowledge simply and effectively.

Kent used his mild manner and expertise not just in siting, but participated in livestock facility open houses, where he mingled with neighbors and answered questions while showing off the latest in technology and construction.

“CSIF open houses give people the chance to go into a facility, have a meal, talk to the family, look the place over. That’s something they can’t do after the animals come in,” says Naig. “And that kind of transparency is invaluable to their understanding modern livestock production.”

KENT WAS INSISTENT ON DOING THINGS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME. Eric Crossman, who knew Kent many years before enlisting his and the Coalition’s help in a barn siting, says that was a life-long trait. That, and genuinely wanting to help farmers.

They grew up in the same rural neighborhood.

Crossman enlisted CSIF to help with a livestock barn in 2012. “Kent helped us plan and talked with neighbors. He made sure we were setting things right for the future.” Kent was not one to sweep issues under the rug, choosing instead to confront potential problems head on. “Even if it meant more time and money up front, he could see the value in it. I’m living the dream now because of Kent and the Coalition.”

Mowrer grew up on a diversified crop and livestock farm near Perry and received a degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University.

He spent his early career as a site development manager for an Iowa hog company, research assistant for Monsanto and research associate for Pioneer Hi-Bred International, as well as an ag account representative for Alliant Energy where he was responsible for managing relationships with ag customers and advising and assisting farmer customers constructing new facilities.

Welch knew Kent back in the day, working to site livestock units across Southeast Iowa.

“Kent told it the way it was, then followed up with dotting his i’s and crossing his t’s. And he was always a gentleman.”

Kent came to CSIF in July 2010 and quickly became known for his individualized, think outside the box approach.

Chad Wilkerson is one of a long line of Iowa livestock producers who claim Kent as a friend, testament to his personal side as well as his professional acumen.

In siting and planning 8 hog sites and a cattle operation, it was the time sitting in the shop talking with Kent that set the tone. “His wealth of knowledge was invaluable, and if he didn’t know the answer to a question, he would get it,” says Wilkerson. “But he was just one of the guys. He had such a practical approach and country boy common sense about what we had to do.”

Wilkerson says Kent can be summed up in three words: honesty, genuineness, and family.

“He was honest and would tell you what he thought. He was genuine with no BS. And he was so proud of his family. His time showing lambs with his kids was the highlight of his life.”

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“Kent had a passion for livestock, a passion for farming, and a passion for farmers,” says Naig. “The ag community will miss him. But I’m sure what he has done and who he was will inspire the same passion in others. He has left a legacy his family, and all of Iowa, can be proud of.”

The Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers was created by farmers to help farmers raise livestock successfully and responsibly. It’s a partnership involving the Iowa Beef Industry Council, Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, Iowa Corn Growers Association, Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa Pork Producers Association, Iowa Poultry Association, Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Turkey Federation and Midwest Dairy. The non-profit, non-partisan organization aids farmers at no cost. CSIF does not lobby or develop policy. Farm families wanting a helping hand can contact the coalition at 800.932.2436.

GOO F A R M NEIGHBO

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have good stories to tell Cinnamon Ridge Farms near Donahue is a Good Farm Neighbor.

John and Joan Maxwell produce high quality milk and beef, sell their award-winning cheese and other products through their on-farm store, partner with Food Rescue Partnership to reduce food waste, support the local FFA, host a summer farm camp for kids and give tours of their robotic milking operation to educate the public about modern livestock production and Iowa farmers.

The Maxwells also put a high priority on conservation, and are vocal advocates for cover crop use.

Cinnamon Ridge is the June 2021 winner of the Coalition to Support Iowa’s Farmers Good Farm Neighbor Award. The award was presented by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Mike Naig on June 29. Mitch Schulte, Farmer Relations Manager at Midwest Dairy Association, nominated the Maxwell family for the award.

Cinnamon Ridge also earns Good Farm Neighbor status by being the best they can be, showing the world the commitment to excellence U.S. farmers are known for.

The farm has the No. 1 Jersey cow in the nation.

“In 1979, my brother and I set a goal to have the No. 1 Jersey for milk production,” tells John Maxwell. Genomic testing revealed the cow named Bulgaria’s potential. The designation is based on milk produced, protein content and fat content.

In recent years, Cinnamon Ridge has increased milk production in its herd from an average 8,000 lbs. per year per cow to 26,000 lbs. through genetics, and keen attention to animal care and comfort. Seven of the Top 10 Jersey cows in the U.S. reside at Cinnamon Ridge.

“People like to look for a magic bullet,” says Maxwell, “but it is really so many little things. Our cows are kept healthy from birth to grave.” Cows are vaccinated as needed and fed a balanced, performance based, total mix ration.

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Story by Terri Queck-Matze Photos by Gabby Glenister

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They live in temperature controlled comfort, reclining on sand with access to cow brushes and ample fresh water. “Clean water is crucial,” says Maxwell. “Milk is 90% water.”

Key to Cinnamon Ridge milk production, and the primary draw for tourists is a completely robotic milking system.

“That’s what draws people in,” says Maxwell, who uses the hook to host tours and special events.

More than 60 busloads of visitors come to the farm each year. Cinnamon Ridge also hosts an annual farm-to table dinner and Expo on the Ridge that includes a panel of experts to answer questions and lead discussion on timely ag topics.

Once on the farm, people are fed in the farmhouse, then tour the dairy and other farm highlights. They buy homegrown award-winning cheese, beef, pork, eggs and baked goods in the on farm store The Country Cupboard.

But the robotics aren’t just for show. Maxwell says milk production increased 16% the day they started using the system, along with a significant

reduction in labor costs.

The Jersey is one of the oldest dairy breeds, and a solid choice for sustainability. On average, Jersey’s use 32% less water and 11% less land than other, and larger, dairy breeds. Milk produced by Jersey cows has a creamy, smooth and satisfying flavor and contains more protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients than milk from other dairy breeds, producing more pounds of cheese per pound of body weight.

That fits with the Cinnamon Ridge emphasis on conservation.

Cinnamon Ridge, named so for the color of the Jersey cows, is a diversified farm. Along with the dairy, Maxwell has a cow/calf operation of around 50 cows, hogs and chickens, and grows corn, soybeans and rye grass.

When he first began farming, Maxwell quickly identified cover crop usage as a convenient, costeffective option to feed his growing dairy cattle herd. He has planted cover crops since 1984 and is a strong advocate for the practice.

Using Rye grass as a high-quality, balanced ration for his cattle has cut is annual feed costs nearly in half.

It’s all part of a story Maxwell loves to tell. “What we do here is the cake, the tours are the frosting,” says Maxwell. “Our goal is for people to go away a more informed consumer. We need more of that.”

He does everything he can to ensure guests have an interesting experience, telling the story of the fifth generation to farm here since 1855, the farm conservation practices, the use of technology in today’s farming, the emphasis on animal care, and the award-winning results.

“People are attracted to award winners,” says Maxwell. “That helps us spread the word and get the message out about where food comes from.”

He admits the ag tourism business is a time consuming proposition. “And you have to love to talk to people.”

But he sees advocate opportunity for everyone, even if it is sitting in the bleachers at a ballgame talking about the farm.

“For ag to grow and succeed, everybody needs to do a little something to promote it,” he says.

“We’re all in this together.”

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LYNG DAIRY FARMER LEADER RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS LYNG AWARD

North Dakota’s Kenton Holle Recognized for Contributions to Dairy Promotion

LAS VEGAS – The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) honored Kenton Holle as the 2021 recipient of the Richard E. Lyng Award for his contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion.

Holle, a dairy farmer from Mandan, N.D., was recognized at the Joint NDB/National Milk Producers Federation/United Dairy Industry Association Annual Meeting in Las Vegas.

The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a critical role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of NDB more than 35 years ago. The Lyng Award honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire industry.

“This award celebrates farmers who have shown a long-standing commitment and dedication to dairy promotion,” said Alex Peterson, Missouri dairy farmer and chair of the NDB. “Kenton exemplifies this leadership with a more than 15year commitment to advancing farmer priorities nationally, regionally and locally.”

Holle served as chair of the NDB in 201314. As chair, he oversaw the evolution of the national program from generic image advertising to helping grow sales and trust in dairy by working with and through the industry. “Kenton did a masterful job in sharing with other farmers why the transition to partnership was so valuable to the checkoff,” Peterson said.

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Photo: Midwest Dairy

CONTACT INFO@MIDWESTDAIRY.COM 800.642.3895

This commitment to promotion extends through Holle’s community involvement.

As a member of his local Lions Club, Holle was instrumental in the creation of “Salem Sue,” the world’s largest Holstein cow that is located on a hill outside of New Salem, N.D., and remains a national tourist attraction.

Today, Holle and his family continue to share dairy’s story and its importance to their community by hosting numerous farm tours, “breakfast on the farm” events and other activities at their Northern Lights Dairy.

Photo: Midwest Dairy

As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, the NDB will contribute $2,500 in Holle’s name to North Dakota State University’s College of Human Sciences and Education.

For information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com/for-farmers. ### The 37-member National Dairy Board, formed in May 1984 under the authority of the Dairy Promotion Stabilization Act of 1983, carries out coordinated promotion and research program to help build demand, and expand domestic and international markets for dairy products and ingredients. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff program.

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Iowa Livestock Insider Fall 2021