THE GREAT
See pages 24 and 25 of this section for details!
Measurement for better management Focusing on details
Using carbon footprint, credits to capitalize on sustainability efforts
By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
ATHENS, Wis. — Dairy farming in the 21st century can be complex, and understanding what it means to be sustainable, and how to achieve it, is paramount.
Farmers knowing their carbon footprint number and understanding carbon credits to capitalize on sustainability efforts were explained at the Professional Dairy Producers’ “Carbon, Crops and Cows” workshop Nov. 12 at Miltrim Farms Inc., near Athens.
Carson Dugger
Lead Agronomist Eocene Environmental Group
“For years we have been hearing from our European counterparts about how sustainable they are because they have a carbon footprint number,” said Shelly Mayer, executive director of PDP. “The U.S. dairy farmer is leaps and bounds ahead — the most sustainable — but we need to know that number to be able to make that claim. If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.”
In response to the global drive towards sustainability, Mayer shared that PDP has developed Your Farm — Your Footprint, a farmer-led sustainability initiative aimed at empowering dairy producers to understand their environmental footprint and assist them in implementing solutions to help shape the future of their farm.
Lead agronomist Carson Dugger and technical services manager
By Sarah Middendorf sarah.m@star-pub.com
PENNOCK, Minn. — Caring for animals is a top priority at Carlson Dairy LLP. Doing so has led to their receipt of the 2024 National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program Excellence Award in Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship.
“It’s kind of nice to hear that somebody else is seeing that,” said Chad Carlson, a partner at Carlson Dairy. “We appreciate (that) other people have noticed. We are really proud of what we do.”
with help from clients and industry supporters to
Dairy Doctors launches Gallons of Goodness campaign
By Stacey Smart stacey.s@dairystar.com
PLYMOUTH, Wis. — As the holiday season approaches, one veterinary clinic and its clients are giving back to their communities with milk in the spotlight. Through its “Gallons of Goodness” campaign, Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services has set a goal to donate 3,000 gallons of milk to lo-
MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR
The Carlson family — Curtney (from le�), Carl, Chad and Kindra — gather with Nicole Frank Nov. 1 at Carlson Dairy near Pennock, Minnesota. Frank nominated the Carlsons for the Na�onal Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program Excellence Award in Animal Care & An�bio�c Stewardship.
The owners of Dairy Doctors Veterinary Services — Drs. Eric Rooker (from le�), James McGowan, Brandon Debbink, Chris Booth, Kent Bindl and Jeff Bleck — hold gallons of milk in 2018 to promote their Gallons of Goodness campaign near Plymouth, Wisconsin. The
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Carlson Dairy is owned by Carl and his brother, Chad, and their father, Curtney. The Carlsons milk 2,000 cows in an automated rotary parlor and farm around 1,400 acres of owned and rented land.
Chad oversees outside work, including the youngstock, while Carl watches over the cows inside the barn and handles herd health. Chad’s wife, Kindra, manages the business side of the dairy and Curtney helps with eldwork and anywhere else needed. Twenty-ve full- and part-time employees work alongside the family as well.
Nicole Frank, FARM program manager at First District Association, nominated the Carlsons for the award.
“I was very aware of the exemplary care that happens here on the farm to know that they would be a really good choice,” Frank said.
Frank met with the Carlsons a few years ago during their evaluation, which is conducted every three years to maintain certication with the FARM program. Frank also had the opportunity to visit the dairy during tours, which allowed her to develop a relationship with the family.
“The FARM program is the dairy industry’s way to show … customers and consumers that the dairy products they nd in their fridge or pantry are
Kindra Carlson holds the Na�onal Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program Excellence Award in Animal Care & An�bio�c Stewardship Nov. 1 at Carlson Dairy near Pennock, Minnesota. The Carlsons received the award for their
orts in caring for their animals.
safe to consume and the people that care for them are doing the best they can to do that,” Frank said. Three letters of recommendation are required to nominate a farm for the award. The Carlsons’ recommen-
dations came from their nutritionist, veterinarian and a member at First District Association.
MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR
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“We are doing everything in our power to make sure we are taking good care of our animals and bringing a good product to the market,” Kindra said.
When Frank goes to a farm to conduct an evaluation there are two parts to each visit — reviewing written procedures and a visual assessment of the dairy. She starts by observing their written protocols and ensuring each employee on the farm has a current record of training and a cow care agreement.
“(First District staff) guide us and provide resources,” Kindra said. “They’re not coming out here as police … looking for problems to try and get us into trouble.”
Frank then looks at the animals on the farm to conrm they are healthy and thriving in their environment.
The Carlsons said they make a point to train their employees and have consistent meetings. Chad holds quarterly calf meetings with all his employees, the nutritionists and calf consultants. There, they review protocols to ensure everyone is on the same page. They also play videos and explain different practices.
“That’s worked really well,” Chad said. “A lot of times the big thing is the why. ‘Why are we doing (this)?’ and ‘Why don’t we do other things?’”
The Carlsons lead by example.
“When they see how we handle the animals, they handle them the same way,” Carl said.
Each employee on the farm must sign a training and cow care agreement yearly. This is to conrm workers know the right protocol and procedures.
“There are a lot of things about the FARM program that have helped us (with) training,” Chad said. “They have resources. Otherwise, we would have to work hard to nd (them).”
Part of the FARM program is to put steps in place to prove to consumers that farms
are doing and tracking these proper protocols.
“It’s nice because within this program everything is researched and has the backing to say this is why we do it,” Frank said. “It’s in here because it is best for the animals.”
Chad and Carl said they knew from a young age the
cows come rst.
“Dad taught us that way back when we were kids, the cows are the most important, and you got to take care of the cows,” Chad said. “If you don’t take care of the cows, they won’t take care of you.”
Carlson Dairy’s employees are appreciated by the Carlson family for their help in creating a good product. Chad and Carl strive to show appreciation to their employees during daily tasks.
“Please and thank you go a long way,” Carl said.
On Carlson Dairy, each generation works alongside employees. Chad and Carl’s kids help on the dairy in different capacities, working full time or helping on evenings and weekends.
“It’s a family working with all of our employees,” Kindra said. “Our goal was to raise our kids in a way (that shows) how we expect animals to be treated.”
Carlson Dairy has made changes and improvements from the time when Curtney was milking 17 cows in the old barn to now the partnership milking 2000 cows.
“When we started this partnership and built this barn, I told them you will never get to the production that I have,” Curtney said. “They did. They passed me up. I am pretty proud of them. They have done well.”
MARK KLAPHAKEDAIRY STAR
Colten Carlson (from le ), Abel R., Curtney Carlson, Chad Carlson and Carl Carlson visit in the parlor Nov. 1 at Carlson Dairy near Pennock, Minnesota. Carlson Dairy milks 2,000 cows in an automated rotary parlor.
“We’ve had a great response with more than 1,500 gallons donated in the rst week,” said Dr. Chris Booth, one of the owners of Dairy Doctors. “This campaign provides a simple way for our clients to share their goodwill with others in the community, and it’s neat how they’ve responded and kicked in donations.”
Dairy Doctors will donate the rst 100 gallons of milk. For every 10 gallons donated by clients and supporters, the Plymouth-based clinic will donate two additional gallons — up to a total of 400 extra gallons. Dairy Doctors hopes to donate 500 gallons, with clients and other supporters funding the remaining 2,500 gallons to meet their goal.
“Our clients are really excited that we organized this and that they have an opportunity to participate,” Booth said. “They’re dairy farmers and appreciate promoting dairy products and getting those products into the hands of families in need.”
Due to the perishable nature of milk, Dairy Doctors is not donating actual gallons, but rather, the dollar equivalent to match the cost of 3,000 gallons. Contributions will be used by local food pantries and food banks to purchase dairy products for distribution within their communities.
Mary Bender, Dairy Doctors ofce manager, said the goal is to provide as much milk as possible during the holiday season and beyond.
“We want to share the blessing of wholesome dairy products with others in our communities,” Bender said. “Milk is a unique thing to donate, but there is certainly a need. Our hope is the funds provided will extend weeks and months into the future for each organization to purchase milk and other dairy products.”
Booth and his team initiated a pilot campaign in 2018 that surpassed their 1,000-gallon goal by nearly 2,000 gallons. The donations were sent to two food pantries in Sheboygan County.
“It went over really well,” he said. “We haven’t done it the last few years, but our staff expressed interest in wanting to do some type of community service activity, which spurred us into action again this year.”
The campaign has expanded to reach four additional counties: Manitowoc, Calumet, Fond du Lac and Ozaukee. Donors can choose to give their donation to one or more of the recipient organizations in these counties.
“Our practice area expanded, and we wanted clients in those areas to be able to donate to their local food pantry,” Booth said. “Some have donated to multiple pantries. The campaign is very exible in allowing people to choose how to apply their dollars.”
As the clinic supports their community, Booth said their efforts are being greeted with generosity that extends beyond their clientele.
“Some of our suppliers and pharmaceutical companies and random people from the community who follow us on Facebook have brought in donations,” Booth said. “A local FFA chapter donated 100 gallons.”
Booth said he was pleased with the number of shares the campaign received when it was announced on Facebook.
“It was mostly our clients sharing it with their families and friends, and it was great to see support for it right away,” he said. “Hopefully, this spurs activity for others around the state and country to set up something similar.”
Dairy Doctors is collecting donations until Nov. 30 and will turn the donations over to the beneting organizations in early December. Booth said each pantry handles the acquisition in different ways.
“We’re letting them utilize the funds to help expand the system they’ve already created,” he said.
During the holidays, the Gallons of Goodness campaign aims to help those less fortunate enjoy the nutritious benets of milk — a staple not easily accessible to everyone Bender said. All donations will make a positive impact, she said, as the need is great and continues year-round.
“We challenge people outside of the areas we serve to nd out what their local food pantry or food bank does to provide dairy products to those in need,” Bender said. “It’s important to understand that the need is everywhere.”
Courtney Titus of Eocene Environmental Group explained how dairy farmers understanding the science and learning their farm’s carbon footprint number can create opportunities for their dairy.
Both carbon and nitrogen cycles play a role in how greenhouse gases are emitted into the atmosphere. Understanding both can improve carbon management on the farm, Dugger said.
tion and processing for that product are not included in the farm’s carbon footprint.
Once a reduction from the baseline has been realized, the option exists for dairy farmers to enter the carbon market. There are two types of carbon markets in place — regulatory and voluntary.
“We’re looking at what we can control and manage to start to reduce those scores,” Titus said.
The three main greenhouse gases that typically result from dairy production are methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide.
“The scope is what you’re trying to measure,” Titus said. “While the boundary is looking at where is this emission happening and what is its impact.”
Courtney Titus Technical Services Manager, Eocene Environmental Group
Dugger explained there are multiple ways to measure carbon impact on a farm. The farm’s carbon footprint can be calculated by determining the amount of greenhouse gas emissions released into the atmosphere through activities on the farm. Carbon intensity is measured by the amount of carbon created per unit of production.
“The carbon footprint reects more long-term change,” Dugger said. “Carbon intensity is easy to impact on-farm by increasing efciency, doing more with less. Ultimately, we’re looking at greenhouse gas emissions, and if we have less total GHG emissions per product, our carbon intensity score decreases.”
“Methane is one we hear a lot about, with enteric emissions that dairy and beef get a pretty bad rap for,” Dugger said. “Methane is considered short-lived in the atmosphere because over time it degrades down into carbon dioxide and eventually goes back into the soil.”
Conversely, Dugger said nitrous oxide is worse because it is longer lived in the atmosphere and has greater potential for global warming.
During the photosynthesis process, plants remove carbon dioxide from the air, turning it into plant material. The amount of carbon captured in the soil through carbon sequestration versus the amount released back into the air plays a role in determining the carbon footprint.
Soil organic carbon is the most stable form of carbon. It is benecial not only to the soil, but to the farm’s overall carbon footprint.
To determine a farm’s carbon footprint score, Titus said emissions are considered from “cradle to farm gate,” meaning that once the product leaves the farm, further transporta-
Emissions used to develop a carbon footprint score are categorized as Scope 1, which are direct emissions, and Scope 2 and 3, which are indirect emissions created by either upstream or downstream activities.
Scope 1 emissions include fuel usage and enteric methane emissions.
Determining a farm’s carbon footprint involves the collection and analysis of data, which is run through three models to determine a baseline number. Using that information, dairy producers can look within their farms to nd avenues to increase efciencies and decrease their footprint score.
“We want to get as detailed as possible so we can avoid overestimating,” Titus said. “When you get into Scope 3, it is very hard to gather data.”
Many farms are most interested in Scope 1 and 2 Titus said.
Eocene’s function is to visit the farm, collect information, and run it through their models, creating a baseline carbon number. A year later, the same data is collected again, allowing for comparisons to determine where carbon reduction has been recognized.
“Most of the carbon markets we’re participating today in the U.S. are voluntary markets,” Titus said. “With carbon credits and carbon markets, verication is required. They are looking for quantication of a baseline and they are looking for implementation — what did you do to improve?”
Entering the carbon marketplace can allow dairy farmers to create revenue from their efforts to reduce their carbon footprint. Titus cautions farmers to remember that once they sell a carbon credit, they can no longer claim that towards their farm’s overall carbon footprint score, as it will factor into the purchasing entity’s score.
Grasping the opportunity to create an individual path towards sustainability is something Mayer urges dairy farmers to pursue.
“As dairy farmers, nding your voice and knowing your business is more important today than it has ever been,” Mayer said. “If we’re going to have a market, we’re going to have to stand up proactively and continue to share our story. We can complain as much as we want about consumers and the retail chain, but we’re all connected.”
Owners, employees spell success
Lunemanns of Twin Eagle Dairy named 2024 Producer of the Year
By Tiffany Klaphake tiffany.k@dairystar.com
CLARISSA, Minn. — At Twin Eagle Dairy, the Lunemanns and their team work together to keep the Clarissa farm thriving.
The Minnesota Milk Producers Association has recognized the Lunemann family as their 2024 Producer of the Year.
“(This award) is about recognizing our whole community,” Pat Lunemann said. “From our employees, to those who help us raise our heifers, to the custom chopping crew, agribusinesses that we work with, and the community around us that supports us.”
Lunemann and his wife, Jody, and their team milk 900 cows in a double-12 parallel parlor and farm 1,600 acres of corn and alfalfa. The farm employs 20 individuals, many of whom have been with the Lunemann family for more than 10 years.
“The goal here is to hire good people and empower
the ones we have to be the best that they can be,” Lunemann said.
One employee, Beth Ruegemer, has been with the Lunemanns for more than 30 years.
“It’s a good place to work,” Ruegemer said. “They are just an excellent family to work for, and the culture here is excellent.”
When Ruegemer rst started working for the Lunemanns, they were milking in a tiestall barn, and Ruegemer got to know all aspects of operating the farm. As the farm grew, so did Ruegemer’s knowledge and level of responsibility.
Today, Ruegemer is in charge of scheduling employees, DairyComp software, ordering supplies and general organization of the farm.
“It’s been a good place with exible hours as my own personal family grew,” Ruegemer said. “I can work remotely and log into DairyComp wherever I am and check on things.”
Cesar Garcia is the herdsman and has been with Twin
Eagle Dairy for more than 20 years.
“I like the cows and the people here,” Cesar said. “When I rst started, I didn’t
(understand) the cows well, but now, I know when and what is wrong with each of the cows.”
Another longtime em-
ployee, Javier Garcia, is in charge of calf care until calves are 400 pounds. At that point, employee Dale Reining takes over until heifers are pregnant. Then the animals are sent to a local heifer grower, where they stay until one month before calving.
“Because we are successful at calf raising, we are able to sell quality animals beyond what we need to other dairies while still maintaining a good herd,” Lunemann said.
Industry advances have made it easier for the crew to care for the herd at Twin Eagle Dairy.
“Managing the cows has become so much easier because of technology,” Lunemann said. “We use activity monitors, and those have made things much simpler for Cesar and our A.I. technician.”
Ruegemer agreed.
“Communication is key,” she said. “Cell phones have enabled us to call and text back and forth much easier.”
Lunemann said it is because of dependable employees like Ruegemer and Cesar that he can participate and take on leadership roles at the local and state level.
TIFFANY KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR
Jody and Pat Lunemann stand Nov. 12 in their home near Clarissa, Minnesota. The Lunemanns were named the 2024 Producer of the Year by the Minnesota Milk Producers Associa on.
“It is so much
ture organizations,” Lunemann said. “The conversations and ideas you gain are just fun. You come back to the farm with a different perspective.”
Lunemann has served on the board of AgriGrowth for 20 years, chairing it for three years. He sat on the board of the Minnesota Milk Producers Association board for 18 years, nine years of which he was president. He is also serving on the state’s Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change.
“Getting off the farm and rubbing shoulders with other people in the dairy and agriculture industry has meant a great deal to me,” Lunemann said. “I bring so much knowledge back home when I work with other people in leadership positions.”
The son of a German immigrant, Lunemann uses his voice to advocate for dairy farmers.
“This coming May will be the 100-year anniversary of when (my grandparents and dad) got off the ship in Ellis Island in New York,” Lunemann said. “They found their way to Browerville, Minnesota, and we are still farming here.”
Lunemann and his wife took over the farm in 1983. At the time, the farm consisted of 55 cows milked in a 51-stall tiestall barn. In 1996, the Lunemanns built the freestall barn and milking parlor and expanded to 400 cows. Over the next 15 years, they expanded the operation to its current size.
The Lunemanns have six grown children, seven grandchildren, and
are looking to retire and transition the dairy farm. Their youngest son, Alex, works on the farm and prefers the cropping and equipment maintenance part of the business. Since the other Lunemann children hold jobs off the farm, the Lunemanns are working with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s FarmLink program to
nd a young person or family interested in taking over their dairy farm.
“We worked hard to achieve a lot of things,” Lunemann said. “There are a lot of dairies in our area that haven’t made it, but we are still here. There are a million small decisions that have gone right in order for us to make it work.”
Through it all, the Lunemanns have remained each other’s biggest supporters.
“Every time I come up with a crazy idea, Jody says, ‘OK, I support you,’” Lunemann said. “We wouldn’t be where we are without Jody and I being a true team. It is also by the grace of God that we are still here.”
TIFFANY KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR
Cesar Garcia and Beth Ruegemer gather Nov. 12 in the freestall barn at Twin Eagle Dairy near Clarissa, Minnesota. Twin Eagle Dairy milks 900 cows in a double-12 parallel parlor.
Action taken on Federal Orders
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a nal decision in its proposal to amend the uniform pricing formulas in all 11 Federal Milk Marketing Orders. The nal decision puts forth a package of amendments to update formulas and makes limited changes based on public comments. USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Deputy Administrator Dana Coale said the next steps are the most important. “This is where the dairy farmers get an opportunity to vote on each Federal Order as it has been amended through this nal decision. As soon as the nal decision is published in the federal register, we will begin the referendum process.”
Every eligible dairy farmer or dairy cooperative will receive a ballot for each order where they have no pool. Ballots must be returned by Dec. 31. AMS will be hosting three webinars this month.
Long list for potential ag secretary pick
• Willmar, MN 320-235-3672 • 877-484-3211 810 Mayhew Lake Rd. NE • St. Cloud, MN 320-240-2085 • 844-262-2281 19612 US-71 • Long Prairie, MN 320-732-3715 • 866-514-0982
year. With an extension, it might be harder for us to get some of the resources that we want.” In addition to the farm bill, the 45Z tax credit guidance, yearround E15, and ex-fuel vehicles are on the to-do list. When an immigration bill is heard, Klobuchar also emphasized the need to address ag labor issues.
By Don Wick Columnist Ag Insider
Veteran Washington analyst Jim Wiesemeyer is describing Donald Trump’s win as the greatest political comeback in history. Trump won all of the battleground states and expanded his broad support in rural areas. The speculation now begins over who will get the nod for Trump’s new cabinet. Numerous names are part of that guesswork for the agriculture secretary including former ambassador to the U.N. Agencies for Food and Agriculture, Kip Tom. Tom is an Indiana farmer and co-chaired the “Farmers and Ranchers for Trump 47 Committee.” Other potential choices include Texas Agriculture Secretary Sid Miller, American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway, former USDA Undersecretary Ted McKinney and former USDA Chief of Staff Ray Starling.
Divided government will change Minnesota legislative dynamics
The control of the Minnesota House remains uncertain, but it could end up being a 67-67 tie. Rather than the current DFL trifecta, political analyst Blois Olson expects a different scenario for the next session. “I think the biggest issue is how you get a budget done with a tied House,” Olson said. “Governor (Tim) Walz is going to come back. I think his attitude, his experience on the national stage and how he chooses to work with the legislature is going to be one of the key components. He has not been as engaged with the legislature as other governors. He’s only got one veto in six years. As a former legislator, he thinks that the legislature should do their job and he should work with them. He’s probably going to have to dive in earlier with the split House.”
Petersen optimistic about 2025 session
With the election behind us, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is preparing for the 2025 legislative session. Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen is evaluating budget and policy priorities. “Some of the policies that we’ve looked at would really focus around animal disease.” High-path avian inuenza and African swine fever are two animal health threats mentioned. There will be different dynamics at play for the upcoming legislative session. “With the tie in the (Minnesota) House, that’s not the end of the world for agriculture. Agriculture works together a lot of times in the legislature so I’m optimistic that we’re one of the bills that can get done.”
Klobuchar wants farm bill before end of year
Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar will serve as the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee in the next session of Congress. During a stop at the Minnesota Ag and Food Summit, Klobuchar said she’d prefer to complete the farm bill before the beginning of the new year. “I just think we’re going to be better off when we’re doing all the disaster relief for the southern states and we’re doing that with good reason. There’s going to be funding that’s spent on that if the farm bill gets jettisoned as kind of an orphan at the end of next
Economic relief likely, farm bill not University of Missouri Food and Agricultural Policy Research Institute Director Pat Westhoff is not optimistic that a new farm bill will be nished before the end of the year. “The fact that we haven’t been able to reach a compromise yet on the bill makes it difcult to imagine how we get the entire thing done during a short lame-duck session.” Westhoff believes there is more support for economic relief. “I do think the chance of some sort of economic assistance package is probably a bit higher,” Westhoff told Red River Farm Network. “Separate from a farm bill, a shorter-term bill that might actually provide some additional support to farmers might still be possible.”
Farm bill uncertainty
With the election over, Minnesota Farmers Union President Gary Wertish wants the focus to return to the farm bill. “The top thing on everybody’s mind is the importance of getting a farm bill done, hopefully within this lame-duck session. I did talk to (Minnesota Senator) Amy Klobuchar this (Wednesday) morning and she’s very committed to doing it.” Wertish admits there’s no guarantee the legislation will be addressed before the end of the year. “There’s uncertainty with that, too, whether we’ll go forward, or they’ll decide they want to hold off and put it into the next session, which starts the whole process all over again.”
Farm bill may be punted to ’25 Congress has a big to-do list during the lameduck session. What does that mean for agriculture? “Honestly, I think the real question for people in agriculture is not whether or not we’ll do a farm bill in lame duck, but really whether we even do one in 2025,” said Jay Truitt, president/CEO, Policy Solutions LLC. “It may take a while; I can imagine a lot of stuff changing on the nutrition side of the equation now.” Truitt expects Congress to address disasters, like the drought and hurricanes, before the end of this term. Regarding President-Elect Trump’s cabinet, Truitt believes there will be a role for North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. “I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have something to do with the energy or commerce departments; he’s earned his place just from a policy knowledge standpoint.”
The latest data from Minnesota farm country
An agricultural impact study will be released later this month, but AgriGrowth members got a preview during the Ag and Food Summit. Land O’Lakes Vice President of Government and Industry Relations Matt Wohlman said agriculture accounts for 8.5% of Minnesota’s economy and is responsible for 330,000 jobs. “Another key nding from the report is the economic contribution of crop production has overtaken livestock production in Minnesota and while both crop and livestock production are up, crop production is growing at nearly twice the rate over the last ve years,” Wohlman said. “When it comes to job creation, more than 18,000 jobs were created by crop production in the last ve years, that’s a 21% increase. For livestock, we’ve seen a loss of jobs, about 6,700 jobs, a decrease of about 5%.” The research found the average Minnesota farm has 390 acres. That’s only slightly larger than the 350-acre average 25 years ago. During that same time, the average market value of that farm has increased nearly 500%.
Don’t move the goal posts
Wells Fargo Chief Agricultural
Economist Michael Swanson compared Minnesota with other Midwestern states during his AgriGrowth presentation. Swanson said Minnesota would benet if it leaned into specic segments of animal agriculture, especially the poultry and swine industries. To grow the livestock and poultry sectors, Swanson advocates for a consistent environmental regulatory framework. “Companies achieve a standard that was deemed acceptable ve years ago and they’re told it’s no longer acceptable and they’re not really given a cost-benet rationale for that, so I would say once goalposts are set, you’ve got to have a good reason to move the goalposts.”
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls for more testing Farm workers who have been exposed to avian inuenza should be tested for the virus even if they don’t show symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is making that recommendation as USDA steps up its testing of milk for H5N1. This virus has been found in 450 dairy farms across 15 states.
Dairy Farmers of American announces plant closure
Dairy Farmers of America plans to idle its milk condensing plant in Goshen, Indiana, Jan. 2, 2025. In a statement, DFA said this decision was part of the company’s strategy to optimize its farmer/owners’ milk value and deliver returns on their investment.
Trivia challenge
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a resolution into law in 1941 making Thanksgiving an ofcial holiday. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what is the rst compartment of a cow’s stomach called? We’ll have the answer in our next edition of the Dairy Star.
Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network of 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 sons, Tony and Sam, and ve grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.
CORRECTION:
In a story published Nov. 9, Dairy Star incorrectly identied Mark Lamborn as the fth generation on his dairy farm. Lamborn is the sixth generation. The article also listed Tim Phipps as Lamborn’s business partner. Phipps is an employee for Lamborn. Dairy Star sincerely apologizes for the errors.
Getting involved, spreading knowledge
Naatzes named Dodge County Farm Family of the Year
By Emily Breth emily.b@star-pub.com
MANTORVILLE,
Minn. — Willie and Karen Naatz have been active in their community and have now been recognized as the 2024 Dodge County Farm Family of the Year.
“We have a very strong passion for ag and want to advocate for it — especially animal-related ag — as much as we can,” Karen Naatz said. “It is important people know how animals are treated and raised.”
Naatz was raised on a dairy farm where Willie started working when he was in middle school. The couple started to dairy farm with 25 cows when they were 18 and 19 years old.
In 2003, they bought their current farm and grew the herd to 250 cows. They milk in a double-10 herringbone parlor with the help of their four sons — Tristin, Trace, Brodee and Wyatt — and a few high school students.
Running a dairy farm is the best thing they have done, Naatz said. She and Willie have worked with their kids every day and continue to be blessed as hands-on parents. Their four sons continue to help on the farm.
Tristin works full time on the farm, owns a custom bal-
ing business and is a certied diesel mechanic. His wife, River, enjoys being on the farm and works at the Mayo Clinic. Trace received his undergraduate degree in health sciences in spring 2023 and currently serves as a licensed emergency medical technician on the Dodge Center Ambulance Service and helps on the farm. Brodee graduated from high school in 2023. He works full time on the dairy farm and helps with his brother’s baling business when needed. Wyatt attends high school online and helps on the farm.
The Naatz family said they were honored to receive two National Dairy Quality
Awards from the National Mastitis Council. In 2023, the family received the platinum level award.
“To be in dairy farming you have to really love what you do,” Naatz said. “My mom and dad always told me ‘If you don’t work hard for it, you won’t appreciate it.’”
The family owns 40 acres of land and rents an additional 28. They buy most of their feed and make local purchases as often as possible.
The family has been active in 4-H and FFA for numerous years and lease animals to young people who are not from farms.
“4-H is so good for kids,”
Naatz said. “It gives the kids such a strong background.”
Any youth involved with FFA or 4-H will blossom, Naatz said.
The Naatz children were involved in dairy judging and were members of a team that competed at the state level. The family is still active in both organizations.
“I think it is very important for kids to be in these organizations,” Naatz said. “The amount of leadership, values, support and integrity the kids get is beyond amazing.”
Naatz has served on the American Dairy Association boards for both Goodhue
and Dodge counties. Willie has been involved with the Dodge County Dairy Herd Improvement Association board. The whole family is active at their county fair.
“I want to share what we do with others,” Naatz said. “We might not get much sleep, but we feel like it was well worth it. Watching my kids grow and be part of the community has been really rewarding.”
The family also donates money and dairy products to their local food shelf to promote the dairy industry and support the community.
The Naatz family — Tris n (from le ), River, Trace, Karen, Willie, Wya and Brodee — stand by their farm sign in fall 2023 at their dairy farm near Mantorville, Minnesota. The Naatz family was named the 2024 Dodge County Farm Family of the Year.
“We need to get out there and promote our product,” Naatz said. “We need to get that to our local people and show our support.”
Naatz also said it is important to help those who do not have a direct connection to a farm become better informed.
“If we don’t have a voice out there and bring (farming) to them, are they ever going to be around it or know fact from ction?” Naatz said.
DairyFarmCouple NightOut
www.franzensales.com
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Trace (from le ), Karen and Wya Naatz take a break from working an ice cream stand July 17 during the Dodge County Free Fair in Kasson, Minnesota. The Naatzes have been ac ve in the fair for many years through 4-H.
from our side our side OF THE
This calendar year, what are you thankful for?
Karen Kasper (pictured with grandson, Waylon Keck)
Owatonna, Minnesota Steele County 400 cows
This calendar year, what are you thankful for? This year, I am most thankful for our home, which is where much of our family works and gathers together to celebrate various events: baptisms, birthdays, holidays, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, and pizza parties. We have adequate space for the grandkids to run, play and explore. It isn't always easy for all of us to leave the farm, so hosting special events here allows everyone to be together.
Family aside, what are you most grateful for?
I am most grateful for living in a free country with so many resources. In September, my husband, Pete, had a stroke and because we have such great medical facilities, they were able to quickly administer tissue plasminogen activator to prevent major debilitating problems.
On a daily basis, what ways do you show appreciation? I personally enjoy showing my appreciation by baking goodies, cooking meals or giving small gifts to others. Working with my grandkids allows for so many teaching opportunities and life lessons. It is so rewarding to have their help with chores and they are quite happy to receive a small allowance or gift.
What is your favorite tradition related to Thanksgiving? Our Thanksgiving tradition is having our three kids and their families and great-grandparents over for a potluck dinner. Each family brings their specialty dish to share with our group of 20.
What three essentials can you nd on your Thanksgiving plate? The three essentials on our Thanksgiving plate would be ham, mashed potatoes and gravy and Great-grandmother's sweet cranberry salad. However, there are so many other dishes that there are plenty of leftovers to share with everyone.
Tell us about your family and farm. Our 400-cow dairy farm is located in Steele County, just three miles south of Owatonna. We grow corn and hay and raise our own replacement heifers, Holstein and beef calves. We operate the farm with our son and his family. Our cows are housed in bedded-pack and freestall barns and are milked in a double-8 parlor. We have shipped our milk to Associated Milk Producers Inc. for over 50 years.
Branden and Kylee Sauer with their daughter, Kinley Pierz, Minnesota Morrison County
100 cows
This calendar year, what are you thankful for? In August, we welcomed our rstborn daughter, Kinley. We are thankful for this beautiful blessing and for the family and friends who have supported us in this new journey.
Family aside, what are you most grateful for? We are grateful for our farm and the lifestyle it provides. Although an everyday commitment, farming has provided numerous life lessons and opportunities for both of us. We would not be where we are today without it and are excited to share these experiences with Kinley.
On a daily basis, what ways do you show appreciation? Daily appreciation on the farm is never verbalized as much as it should be. One of our favorite things about working together on the farm is that we have different strengths and weaknesses that allow us to work as a team without even really talking about who needs to do what. We show our appreciation by upholding those responsibilities and communicating if there is a change.
What is your favorite tradition related to Thanksgiving? Setting aside some time to spend with family and relax on Thanksgiving is always a favorite tradition. We look forward to sharing the upcoming holidays with Kinley as well as starting some new traditions as a family of three.
What three essentials can you nd on your Thanksgiving plate? It is not Thanksgiving without stufng, mashed potatoes and ham.
Tell us about your family and farm. Branden farms full time while Kylee is employed as a registered nurse and helps with evening and weekend chores. We have been creative in nding ways to involve Kinley in our work on the farm as well. Our cows are milked in a double-9 parlor and the milk is shipped to First District Association by Sunrise Ag Cooperative. We farm 800 acres of corn and soybeans with Branden's dad, Dale, and buy all our hay.
Vicki Schultz Freeman, South Dakota Hutchinson County 2,000 cows
This calendar year, what are you thankful for. For this year, I am most thankful for faith, health, and, of course, family. I have two sons and a daughter and a total of eight grandchildren, ve of whom I get to see daily.
Family aside, what are you most grateful for. I am grateful for the safety of family, friends and employees. I am also thankful for the bountiful crop with a crazy year of spring oods and a dry summer.
On a daily basis, what ways do you show appreciation? I rarely say no to anyone who asks for assistance, whether it is family or employees. My day ends in prayer in thankfulness for all we have been blessed with.
What is your favorite tradition related to Thanksgiving? My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is getting to see my whole family along with getting to celebrate Thanksgiving and eat a meal together.
What three essentials can you nd on your Thanksgiving plate? Turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, stufng and cranberries will be on my plate. I will also have all the grandkids’ favorites.
Tell us about your family and farm. Our sons and their wives, John and Becca and Jeff and Yolanda, own Schultz Bros. Dairy. We have 2,000 milking cows, milk in a double-24 parlor and raise all of our beef/dairy calves and replacements. We have 30 employees between the dairy and crop production. My husband, Mike, is in charge of the feeder cattle and crops and we raise most of our feed. I do the bookwork, chase after grandchildren, and do a lot of farm errands. We have ve grandchildren on the farm — Axle, Olivia, Ava, Penny, and Harrison — and three — Meredith, Evelyn, and Nora — in Sioux Falls where our daughter and son-in-law, Jenny and Matt, live. We sell the milk to Associated Milk Producers Inc. in Freeman.
Julianne Myhre
Minneota, Minnesota
Lyon County
60 cows
This calendar year, what are you thankful for? I am thankful for those moments of peace in your life that sneak up on you, etch themselves in your memory and leave a mark on your heart forever. I was given a yearling colt in 2000. My girlhood dream horse, if you will, wasn't feeling well this past July so I spent the night walking around in the dark, just being with him. It was one of those rare clear nights where it was still, but the mosquitos were curiously absent. It was one of those kinds of nights when you linger after checking on a heifer in labor just because it's so still and peaceful. We wandered everywhere, playing follow the leader. I lasted until 3:30 a.m. before I sat down and fell asleep. By then he seemed to be content to graze in the front yard without wanting to lie down. It wasn't colic but equine protozoal myeloencephalitis that ultimately quietly took my Prince two days later. That last night, us walking, was a gift, just like all the people that having him brought into my life.
Tessie
Felling
Belgrade, Minnesota
Stearns County
700 cows
This calendar year, what are you thankful for? I am thankful for our new beautiful red-headed baby girl, Jeannette, who was born in April, our other children, Brentley, Evan and Petranella, and my husband, Brandon.
Family aside, what are you most grateful for? I am most grateful for where life has taken me because I get the opportunity to farm and take care of animals every day.
Family aside, what are you most grateful for? The rural community is what I am most grateful for: our fellow dairy farmers, neighbors, friends or even strangers who wave when we meet each other on the highway and the neighbors and friends you bump into when you run errands in town on a rainy afternoon. It is always nice to catch up and hear the latest news. It's just different in the country, wonderfully different.
On a daily basis, what ways do you show appreciation? As a former city girl I try to show my appreciation for my husband by dressing up a bit so he doesn't only see me in chore clothes and muck boots.
What is your favorite tradition related to Thanksgiving? Our Thanksgiving tradition is usually trying to sneak in an afternoon nap. We generally eat with family on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, so there are no sales calls or visitors on Thursday, and that makes for the best naps.
What three essentials can you nd on your Thanksgiving plate? Three essentials are jellied cranberry, dressing and a juicy slice of ham.
Tell us about your family and farm. Mike (my husband) and I do all our daily chores ourselves. We bring our cows into a stanchion barn to be milked and then out to a sawdust pack barn and large dry lot to relax. We raise all our own replacement heifers. We raise corn for grinding and making silage and alfalfa hay, which we wrap for balage. It denitely keeps us busy.
On a daily basis, what ways do you show appreciation? I show appreciation to others by helping them out. When it gets busy on the farm, I like to help where there is a need. During the harvest, I make meals and deliver meals to the workers. Also, at times I help out with eldwork.
What is your favorite tradition related to Thanksgiving? My favorite tradition is making stufng and pies from scratch. Some of my favorite pies to make are caramel apple pie and pumpkin pie.
What three essentials can you nd on your Thanksgiving plate? Mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey and stufng, and you also cannot forget the pumpkin pie.
Tell us about your family and farm. My husband, Brandon, and I farm on his family farm with his parents, Bruce and Kelly, and his brother, Kyle. We ship our milk to First District Association. We milk in a double-16 herringbone parlor and we raise all our youngstock.
Ackermans focus on good genetics
How many times a day do you milk, and what is your current herd average, butterfat and protein? We milk twice a day and our current herd average is 26,329 pounds milk, 1,132 pounds fat (4.4%) and 887 pounds protein (3.4%).
Describe your housing and milking facility. Our cows are housed in a freestall barn that was built in 1972. We added on to the building around 20 years ago. Most of the stalls, 57, have waterbeds; the rest are bedded with sand. We milk our cows in a double-4 herringbone parlor. We also have a sprinkler system that kicks in when the temperature is 68-70 degrees. We don’t see a decline in milk production when it gets hot.
Who is part of your farm team, and what are their roles? I, Kevin, am the herdsman on the farm and Pete is in charge of the crops and machinery. We have one full-time person along with three parttime helpers. They take care of most of the milkings.
What is your herd health program? We do a herd check monthly and the cows get vac-
Kevin (le ) and Pete Ackerman stand near their close-up pen Nov. 13
Rapids, Minnesota. The Ackermans milk 118 cows and
fat, and 887 protein.
cinated twice a year with Triangle 10. The calves get Nasalgen 3-PMH at birth and four
weeks later. The older heifers get Bovi-Shield 10-way.
What does your dry cow and transition program consist of? The cows are dried off at
60 days and moved to a calving pen three weeks before calving. Their ration consists of corn silage, grass hay and minerals. They receive a pre-fresh protein mix in the calving pen. They are housed in a 3-sided shed that is bedded with corn stalks.
What is the composition of your ration, and how has that changed in recent years? Our ration consists of alfalfa haylage, corn silage, highmoisture corn, dry hay and a protein mix. We really haven’t changed much in the last several years.
Tell us about the forages you plant and detail your harvest strategies. We raise alfalfa and corn silage and try to harvest them at the highest quality. We usually harvest our alfalfa at the bud stage and try for four crops. The intervals are usually 28-33 days. We shoot for 65% moisture on our corn silage. Our forages are stored in bags or silos. We ll four 10-by-200 bags and two stave silos. One is 20-by-60 and the other is 18by-55.
“If you don’t have cow comfort, nothing else seems to matter. We minimize stresses at calving on her feet and legs, making sure she has feed and water and a good place to rest, she’s clean and she’s dry.
“That leaves the udder as the next thing to take care of, and with Udder ComfortTM they transition a lot more smoothly,”
Maynard, Iowa, milking 750 95 pounds of 4.2 fat milk.
“For 10 years we used Udder Comfort periodically. At the 2022 World Dairy Expo, they talked me into trying the Udder Comfort Battery-Operated Backpack Sprayer. I didn’t think it insisted, and they were right!
SCC fell from 165 to 137,000.
“We also notice any clinicals that do show up, clear faster, and don’t
“Now, we continue to use it 3x/day on all fresh cows for a week after calving. If we have a mastitis cow or high SCC, or anything not perfectly normal, we spray it on
“With fresh cows, we see a lot more udder texture at 2 weeks in milk as edema is pulled out. You can They’re up moving around more. They eat. They drink. They make more milk and higher quality milk.
“The Udder Comfort Backpack Sprayer made us more compliant on our udder health. It’s more user-friendly
MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY
Kevin Ackerman stands near big square bales of alfalfa Nov. 13 on the farm he operates with his brother, Pete, near Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. The Ackermans focus on pu ng up high quality feed on their third genera on farm.
What is your average somatic cell count and how does that affect your production? Our somatic cell count is 91,000. We have been in the top 100 for SCC in Minnesota for several years.
What change has created the biggest improvement in your herd average? Genetics. I do some embryo work on the better animals. We are not afraid to spend money on good bulls. I focus on production, components, good feet and legs and udders, 1.5 or better. I usually select higher genomic sires.
What technology do you use to monitor your herd? We test through Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association and we are 95% registered through Holstein Association USA. We genomic test all our heifers in the rst three months.
What is your breeding program, and what role does genetics play in your production level? All our females are on a mating program from Select Sires. Genetics are very important to us. We spend the money on better bulls. My ag instructor once told me you only get 20 crops of females if you milk for 40 years.
List three management strategies that have helped you attain your production and component level. Genetics, making high-quality feed and putting a rubber mat over the slatted oors in the free-stall barn, which has added more comfort for the cows.
Tell us about your farm and your plans for the dairy in the next year. We are a third-generation farm that was started in 1944 by our grandpa, Bart. My dad, Adrian, took over in 1965 and Pete and I took over the farm in 1994. We farm 500 acres.
ANIMAL HEALTH IS OUR TOP PRIORITY
• Hoof Health Products
• Boluses
• Pharmaceuticals
• Injectables
balling guns, magnets and many other animal health items.
• Intramammary Infusions
• Dewormers
• Scours, Diarrhea Products
• Nutritional Products
MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR
A cow walks through the freestall barn Nov. 13 at Ackerman Farm near Sauk Rapids, Minnesota. The Ackermans like to use higher genomic sires on their Benton County dairy farm.
STAR
Contact one of the following dealers to learn more:
IOWA
Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc.
Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290
United Dairy Systems, Inc.
West Union, IA 563-422-5355 Monticello, IA 319-465-5931
WISCONSIN
Advanced Dairy Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201
Bob’s Dairy Supply Dorchester, WI
715-654-5252
Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI
608-546-3713
DeLaval Dairy Service Kaukauna, WI 866-335-2825
Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321
Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 608-635-0268
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
Farm Systems
Melrose, MN
320-256-3276
Brookings, SD 800-636-5581
Advanced Dairy Mora, MN
320-679-1029 Pierz, MN
320-468-2494
St. Charles, MN
507-932-4288
Wadena, MN
218-632-5416
HIGHEST QUALITY SHAVINGS
Running for the roses
There is a fairy tale that comes to life in Louisville, Kentucky, the rst Sunday of November each year. The lights over Freedom Hall dim, and then, that year’s class of the National Jersey Jug Futurity steps onto the green shavings, each cow spotlighted as her name is announced.
The National Jersey Jug Futurity, held with the All American Jersey Show, is the oldest and richest continuous dairy cattle class in the world, and the pageantry and prestige of Jug Day live up to its history. The class is lled with suspense. After the dramatic entry, the rst pull of cows is made in numerical order, and cows stay in numerical order until each is placed. Eventually, the six top cows remain. Their placings are announced over the microphone until two remain. The winner is draped with a purple banner by the judges and a collar of roses is placed around her neck.
Jug and was in awe of the tradition.
Our Jug dreams began in 2009 when Austin purchased Tierneys Barbaro Lucine, a heifer entered in the Jug. In 2010, Austin and my dad spent the trip back home from Louisville making plans for taking Lucine back for her Jug appearance the next year.
My dad did not make it to the 2011 Jug as he passed away Dec. 26, 2010. Lucine did not make it to her Jug Day either as she did not settle in time to calve and be ready.
By Danielle Nauman Staff Writer
Making it to the spotlight on Jug Day is no easy feat. Calves are entered, and nomination fees must be paid by various deadlines. Heifers need to calve in with the exceptional quality of udder that can potentially propel them to the top. Cows need to breed back, ensuring they are at their prime come November. So many things can keep a cow from making it to the Jug.
Growing up a Holstein girl, my dad was passionate about the art of breeding and I was raised with the understanding that a good cow, was a good cow, regardless of her color. My dad was always intrigued by the mystique surrounding the Jug, and he admired those who could capture that moment.
I watched my rst Jug on my rst trip to Louisville in 1994, just a few months after purchasing my rst Jersey. The desire to breed a Jug winner began to sprout within me.
When my son, Austin, made his rst trip to the All American in 2008, he saw his rst
In 2015, we came close. Lucine’s daughter, Smokin Hot Rendition Letitia, nished fth. The exhilaration of watching her parade among the nal six is a feeling I will never forget.
This year’s Jug dreams began July 16, 2021, when Smokin Hot Texas Tornado was born. A young milking yearling calved with a heifer calf sired by Guimo Joel-ET, nearly a week overdue. We were excited about the yearling’s future, but it was her calf that caught my attention.
Some calves are born special, and Texas Tornado was one of them. I swear she may have actually told me she was as her mother licked her off. Thoughts of roses and November Sundays ickered through my head.
We consign many of our calves to sales. When the sale managers came looking for consignments that winter, TT was passed on because of her birth date. That was ne with me, I was committed for the long haul.
The next year as the sale managers came looking, Michael Heath took an interest in the chubby, young, bred heifer, about 60 days from her due date. He told me to be sure to have Austin let him know when she calved in good.
Just a few days before the farm accident that ultimately took his life in mid-March, Michael inquired about the “good young Joel.” TT went a week over, calving the morn-
ing of March 22, 2023, just a couple of hours before I got word that Michael’s family had decided to take him off life support.
TT calved with a lovely little udder, and every day brought improvement, growth and change. We showed her successfully as a twoyear-old, got her bred back and put our focus on Nov. 10, 2024 — the day of the National Jersey Jug Futurity.
Just a few days before TT calved, the bird u struck America’s dairy industry, and concerns about the movement of livestock being restricted began to cloud my thoughts. We kept TT home throughout the year for fear of potential quarantines in the event of exposure to a positive cow, keeping our focus on the Jug.
Early the morning of Nov. 4, I put TT on a trailer, headed for her date with destiny in Louisville. I stayed home, with plans to watch the live feed from Freedom Hall.
Anxiously I watched, perched on the
edge of a ve-gallon bucket directly in front of the television. I watched as TT made the rst pull, as she was sent to the group of 11, and as that narrowed down to the group of six. The sixth-place cow was announced...fth... fourth...third.
My heart raced. Two cows were left standing.
I felt a quick icker of disappointment when the purple banner did not waft down over her shoulders. But this was followed with awe. Texas Tornado had nearly accomplished the unimaginable as she was named the Reserve Winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity.
The kaleidoscopic emotions running through my mind were intense — were we victorious, or did we fall short? Depending on the moment, I am still not certain of the answer. And then I walk out to the calf hutches and start dreaming of roses on a Sunday in November, three years away, all over again.
DAIRY ST R THE GREAT 2024
Grand Prize Drawing Will Be Held Wednesday, December 11, 2024 THE WINNERS WILL BE POSTED ON WWW.DAIRYSTAR.COM, MILK BREAK NEWSLETTER AND ON FACEBOOK. “Grand” Prize Heifer Calf: OLMAR ROCKET SURPRISE
PLUS: 11 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS FOR ADULTS LEADING UP TO GRAND PRIZE DRAWING S
Sire: Terra-Linda Rocket-ET Dam: Olmar Helix Sansi Look for the red box at participating locations to enter!
Pictured is Olmar Rocket Surprise, the heifer that will be given away in the Great Christmas Giveaway drawing. GrandPrize CalfownedbyBrian comesandJillNelson FarmsfromOlmar Eye,inSleepy Minn.
Born: September 25, 2024
REGISTER AT THESE PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
IOWA
ALLAMAKEECOUNTY
• Equity Livestock, Waukon Waukon • 563-568-4501
• Farmers Union Coop
Postville • 563-864-7234
DELAWARE COUNTY
• Del-Clay Farm Equipment
Edgewood • 563-928-6445
• Edgewood Feed Mill
Edgewood • 563-928-6405
• Helle Implement Dyersville • 563-875-7154
• Farmers Union Coop Manchester • 563-927-6050
DUBUQUE COUNTY
• Eastern Iowa Dairy
Epworth • 563-876-3087
• New Vienna Ag Automation New Vienna • 563-921-2896
• Rexco Equipment Farley • 563-744-3393
• Roeder Implement Dubuque • 563-557-1184
• Scherrmann’s Implement Dyersville • 563-875-2426
• Skip Breitbach Feeds Sherrill • 563-552-2393
• Ungs Shopping Center (IAS) Luxemburg • 563-853-2455
CLAYTON COUNTY
• Windridge Implement Elkader • 563-245-2636
FAYETTE COUNTY
• Baumler Implements Inc.
West Union • 563-422-3835
• Nexus Cooperative Elgin • 563-426-5566
• United Dairy Systems West Union • 563-422-5355
HOWARD COUNTY
• Farmers Win Co-op
Cresco West • 563-547-3660
• Windridge Implement Cresco • 563-547-3688
JACKSON COUNTY
Equity Livestock, Maquoketa Maquoketa • 563-652-8080
SIOUX COUNTY
• Sioux Dairy Equipment, Inc. Rock Valley • 712-476-5608
WINNESHIEK COUNTY
• Brynsaas Sales & Service
Decorah • 563-382-4484
• Farmers Union Coop Fort Atkinson • 563-534-7216 Ossian • 563-532-9381
• Farmers Win Coop
Ridgeway • 563-737-2244
• Franzen Sales & Service Fort Atkinson • 563-534-2724
• Lang’s Dairy Service
Decorah • 563-382-8722
• Windridge Implement Decorah • 563-382-3614
MINNESOTA
BECKER COUNTY
• Adkins Equipment Inc.
Detroit Lakes • 218-847-3131
BENTON COUNTY
• Farm-Rite Equipment
St. Cloud • 844-262-2281
• First National Bank of MilacaGilman Of ce • 320-387-2233
• Gilman Co-op Creamery Gilman • 320-387-2770
• Midwest Machinery
Sauk Rapids • 320-259-6222
• Pine Country Bank
Royalton • 320-584-5522
Rice • 320-393-4200
BROWN COUNTY
• New Ulm Regional Vet Clinic New Ulm • 507-233-2500
CARVER COUNTY
• Lano Equipment of Norwood Norwood/Young America
952-467-2181
DAKOTA COUNTY
• Werner Implement
Vermillion • 651-437-4435
DOUGLAS COUNTY
• Midwest Machinery
Alexandria • 320-763-4220
• Osakis Creamery Assn.
320-859-2146
• Pro Ag Farmers Co-op
Gar eld • 320-834-2271
FILLMORE COUNTY
• Farmers Win Co-op
Rushford • 507-864-2161
• First Southeast Bank
Harmony • 507-886-6922
• Hammell Equipment
Harmony • 507-886-2255
Rushford • 507-864-2845
• Minnwest Bank Spring Valley • 507-346-9899
GOODHUE COUNTY
• Ag Partners
Cannon Falls • 507-263-4651
Goodhue • 651-923-4496
Pine Island • 507-356-8313
• Central Livestock
Zumbrota • 507-732-7305
• Finnesgard Trucking
Goodhue • 651-923-4861
• Midwest Livestock Systems, LLC
Zumbrota • 507-732-4673
• Midwest Machinery
Cannon Falls • 507-263-4238
Wanamingo • 507-824-2256
• Stockman’s Supply
Zumbrota • 507-732-7860
HOUSTON COUNTY
• Farmers Win Co-op
Caledonia • 507-725-3306
Houston • 507-896-3147
• Hammell Equipment
Eitzen • 507-495-3326
• Midwest Machinery
Caledonia • 507-725-7000
KANDIYOHI COUNTY
• D&D Ag Supply & Construction Pennock • 320-599-4466
• Farm-Rite Equipment Willmar • 877-484-3211
MCLEOD COUNTY
• Ag Partners Belle Plaine • 952-873-4244
• Leedstone Glencoe • 877-864-5575
• Midwest Machinery Glencoe • 320-864-5571
MEEKER COUNTY
• Farm-Rite Equipment Dassel • 888-679-4857
• Schlauderaff Implement Co. Litch eld • 320-693-7277
MILLE LACS COUNTY
• First National Bank of Milaca Milaca • 320-968-3101
• Foreston Farmer’s Co-op Creamery Foreston • 320-294-5711
MORRISON COUNTY
• Elmdale Creamery Association & Locker Bowlus • 320-573-2608
• Litke’s Veterinary Service Pierz • 320-468-6666
• Magni Financial
Little Falls • 888-330-8482
• Midwest Machinery
Little Falls • 320-632-5469
• Modern Farm Equipment Pierz • 320-468-2161
• Pierz Co-op Pierz • 320-468-6655
• Pine Country Bank Little Falls • 320-632-9740
• Sunrise Ag Cooperative Buckman • 320-468-6433 Lastrup • 320-468-6433 Little Rock • 320-584-5147
MOWER COUNTY
• Midwest Machinery Grand Meadow • 507-754-1100
• Nexus Cooperative LeRoy • 507-324-5242
OLMSTED COUNTY
• Ag Partners Stewartville • 507-533-4222
• Hammell Equipment Chat eld • 507-867-4910
OTTER TAIL COUNTY
• Bongards’ Perham • 218-347-4142
• Farmers Elevator of Fergus Falls & Henning 218-736-3301
• PCCA-Country Store Perham • 218-346-7075
• Perham Stockyards Perham • 218-346-3415
• Pro Ag Farmers Co-op in Henning 218-583-2947
• Pro Ag Farmers Co-op in Urbank 218-267-2401
PIPESTONE COUNTY
• Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment Pipestone • 507-825-3271
POPE COUNTY
• Midwest Machinery Glenwood • 320-634-5151
RICE COUNTY
• Ag Partners Le Center • 507-357-6868
• Midwest Machinery North eld • 507-645-4886
STEARNS COUNTY
• A&C Farm Service
Paynesville • 320-243-3736
• Arnold’s of Kimball Kimball • 320-398-3800
• Arnold’s of St. Martin St. Martin • 320-548-3285
• Arnzen Construction/St. Rosa Lumber Freeport, In St. Rosa 320-836-2284 or 1-888-276-1751
• Centre Dairy Equipment & Supply Inc. Sauk Centre • 320-352-5762 or 1-800-342-2697
• Dairyland Supply Sauk Centre 320-352-3987 or 1-800-338-6455
• Ecker Feed Service, LLC New Munich • 320-837-5800
• Elrosa Grain & Feed Elrosa • 320-697-5515
• Elrosa Lumber Elrosa • 320-697-5591
• Farm Systems
Melrose
1-800-636-5581 • 1-800-247-0012
• Freeport State Bank
Freeport • 320-836-2126
Greenwald • 320-987-2265
Melrose • 320-256-7208
• Hartung Sales & Service, Inc. Freeport • 320-836-2697
• Lake Henry Implement Paynesville • 320-243-7411
• Leedstone
Melrose • 800-996-3303
• Magni Financial
Albany • 888-330-8482
Avon • 888-330-8482
Belgrade • 888-330-8482
Cold Spring • 888-330-8482
Freeport • 888-330-8482
Melrose • 888-330-8482
Paynesville • 888-330-8482
Sauk Centre • 888-330-8482
• Melrose Implement Inc.
Melrose • 320-256-4253
• Midwest Machinery
Paynesville • 320-243-7474
Sauk Centre • 320-352-6511
• Modern Farm Equipment Sauk Centre • 320-352-6543
• Nutrien Ag Solutions
320-352-6564
STEELE COUNTY
• Northland Farm Systems Owatonna • 507-451-3131
TODD COUNTY
• Magni Financial Grey Eagle • 888-330-8482 Long Prairie • 888-330-8482
• Farm-Rite Long Prairie • 866-514-0982
• Olson’s Custom Farm Service Staples • 218-894-2474
• Pro-Ag Farmers Co-op in Browerville Browerville • 320-594-2711
• Pro-Ag Farmers Co-op in Clarissa Clarissa • 218-756-2112
• Pro-Ag Farmers Co-op in Eagle Bend Eagle Bend • 218-738-2552
WABASHA COUNTY
• Ag Partners Plainview • 507-534-2531 Lake City • 651-345-3328
• Beck Implement Elgin • 507-876-2122
• Leedstone Plainview • 800-548-2540
• Midwest Machinery Plainview • 507-534-3116
• Wingert Sales & Service Plainview • 507-534-2285
WADENA COUNTY
• Dairyland Equipment of Menahga Menahga • 218-564-4958
• Midwest Machinery Wadena • 218-631-2311
• Olson’s Custom Farm Service Verndale • 218-445-5500 Sebeka • 218-837-5749
WINONA COUNTY
• Ag Partners Lewiston • 507-523-2188
• Elba Co-op Creamery Elba • 507-796-6571
• Kalmes Implement Altura • 507-796-6741
• Lang’s Dairy Equipment Lewiston • 507-452-5532
• Lewiston Sales Lewiston • 507-523-2112
• Midwest Machinery St. Charles • 507-932-4030
• Minnwest Bank Lewiston • 507-523-2161
WRIGHT COUNTY
• Hobert Sales Inc. Cokato • 320-286-6284, 1-800-820-6455
• Midwest Machinery Howard Lake • 320-543-2170
SOUTH DAKOTA
BROOKINGS COUNTY
• W.W. Tire Service Brookings • 605-628-2501
CODINGTON COUNTY
• Glacial Lakes Livestock Watertown • 605-886-5052
MINNEHAHA COUNTY
• Central Valley Dairy Supply Garretson • 605-467-0812
• Midwest Livestock Systems Renner • 605-274-3656
ROBERTS COUNTY
• Valley Dairy Supply Corona • 605-432-5224
SPINK COUNTY
• Kasemeister Creamery Frankfort • 605-475-2020
American FFA Degree dairy recipients
Halli Poppler
Waverly, Minnesota
Ridgewater College
Major: ag business (associate of applied science) and ag marketing and communications (certicate)
Why did you want to obtain your American FFA Degree?
Poppler: FFA has been a major inuence in my life, and earning the American FFA Degree was the perfect way to showcase all that I have accomplished in the organization. FFA has provided countless opportunities for me to grow not only in my leadership abilities but also as a person and professional. This degree represents my commitment to those experiences and the skills I have gained.
Schefers: I already have my Minnesota FFA Degree, which I needed before earning my American FFA Degree. I’m proud of my accomplishments and contribution to FFA. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree that an FFA member can receive, and not many members have it. I’m the rst in my family to re-
Jesse Schefers Foley, Minnesota University of Wisconsin-River Falls
Major: agriculture education and a dairy science minor
ceive it.
Sellner: I wanted to receive my American FFA Degree because not many FFA members get this honor. Only 1% of FFA members get it and I want to be in the 1%. Also, no one in my family has their American FFA Degree and I wanted to be the rst to get one.
Thorson: Along my journey in FFA, I realized that it was an opportunity to close one door that leads to another. Obtaining my American FFA Degree was closing the door of being in the blue corduroy jacket. Yet, the experience and leadership that I gained from my high school and college efforts opened a new door to pursuing my supervised agricultural experience on a professional level.
Wright: Being in the 1% of members to achieve their American FFA Degree and receiving it
Sleepy Eye, Minnesota
South Dakota State University
Major: agricultural education with a minor in animal science
Oct. 26 means the world to me. My dream of receiving this degree started when I learned about all of the achievements you can strive for in FFA in my ag classes. It quickly became a goal of mine to receive the American FFA Degree. Two years ago, I watched my sister, Allison, receive hers, and seeing this made my dream of earning it matter even more. Completing my goal was the best way I could have ended my FFA career, and I know I made my past self proud. Although my life in the blue jacket is complete, my life of advocating for agriculture is not. I plan to have a career as an agriculture teacher to help other students complete their goals in FFA.
What was your reaction when you found out you received it, and who did you tell rst? Pop-
Waverly, Minnesota
South Dakota State University
Major: Dairy production with minors in leadership and agribusiness
pler: I was thrilled. Receiving such a prestigious recognition that less than 1% of members achieve was an incredible honor. I immediately told my advisors and family, as they have been by my side, encouraging and supporting me throughout my entire FFA journey.
Schefers: I was happy to receive my American FFA Degree and proud of all my accomplishments to receive it. The rst people I told were my family and friends who also received their American Degrees. I couldn’t have done it without their help.
Sellner: When I found out I received my American FFA Degree I remember feeling shocked and really proud of myself. I remember bursting into tears because I just remember little me wanted this so badly, and honestly it was the best feeling getting the news
South
because I showed myself that if I dream it, I can do it. The rst person I told about receiving my degree was my parents because without them I wouldn’t be the person I am today. My parents have taught me everything I know and they also have pushed me to succeed. I don’t know what I’d do without them. Thorson: Ecstatic. The joy, relief and excitement of walking across the stage and accomplishing my goal was an incredible feeling. Right after I found out, I called my parents, specically my mom, because they have been my biggest supporters while also pushing me to achieve the goals I never thought I was capable of.
Turn to FFA DEGREES | Page 27
techniques to stir up and suspend the solids prior to and during the pumping process.
use state-of-the art agitation boats which provide vertical agitation throughout the lagoon. It can easily stir up and maintain the solids in suspension. In addition, Lagoon Pumping uses traditional stick agitators to wash down the banks and to maintain a horizontal movement to the lagoon to assure suspension of the solids throughout the pumping process.
Gracie Sellner
Malorie Thorson
McKenna Wright Hutchinson, Minnesota
Dakota State University Major: agricultural education
Wright: Finding out I was on the list of recipients for the American FFA Degree was an incredible moment. It was Friday morning at our county fair, and the list was posted just as I nished getting my livestock in place. My mom was the one who pointed out that the list was up, so we looked at it together. I was trying to stay calm, worried that I might not see my name, but when I glanced at the list from Minnesota and saw not only my name but also all of my friends’ names, I couldn’t stop smiling. As the rest of my family trickled into the fair after completing chores at home, I shared the good news with them. My FFA advisors and the advisor from the Glencoe FFA Chapter were also in the barn for the FFA children’s barnyard, so I told them the great news, too. Having my family and ag teachers be the rst to know and celebrate with me meant so much as I couldn’t have received my American FFA Degree without their support and positive impact in my life.
What was your Supervised Agricultural Experience? Poppler: My SAE focused on vegetable production. I worked in our FFA chapter’s Community Supported Agriculture garden, managing it for two years. We served over 35 community members each summer and fall with a variety of fresh produce. Additionally, I worked at a local greenhouse, where I gained hands-on experience in wholesale and retail, helping customers choose plants and making recommendations.
Schefers: I worked at Fleet Farm in the yard department for my job in college during my freshman and sophomore years. My responsibilities included organizing and moving various supplies, assisting customers with loading their purchases, ensuring the yard remained clean and accessible and doing yearly inventory. One of the key skills I developed was operating a forklift, which I used to move larger items such as pallets of feed, fencing materials and other heavy products. This job required attention to safety, effective communication with my coworkers and customers and the ability to work efciently under pressure, especially during busy periods.
Sellner: My SAE was working on my family’s robotic dairy farm for dairy production placement.
Thorson: My SAE was dairy production placement. Essentially, I worked on my family’s dairy farm while showing records of personal improvements while I was there. These improvements ranged from personal growth, like how to effectively work with employees to obtain different strengths, and to gain practical skills, like how to properly care for an animal that is sick using protocol that follows the industry and consumers’ expectations.
Wright: My SAE was in diversied livestock production with all of the different species we have on our farm. These species included our breeding beef, dairy cows, rabbits, turkeys, show pigs and meat ducks. I tracked things such as the care I gave them, how many hours I spent with them, nances, etc. Having this SAE helped me grow in many skills such as record keeping, responsibility, nances and time management.
What are your future plans? Poppler: I am excited to pursue a career in agricultural marketing and communications. Through various internships, I’ve enjoyed developing a wide range of skills, from social media management and advertising to design, website development and company branding. This eld lets me blend creativity with my passion for agriculture. Schefers: I plan to graduate college with an agriculture education major and dairy science minor. I would like to get a teaching job as an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor and teach agriculture and shop classes. Someday, I would like to get more involved with the family dairy farm and implement new ideas and advancements that I learned with my dairy science
minor and what I learned from working with dairy at my current job at Mann Valley Farm at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls.
Sellner: My passion is educating others on the importance of agriculture, which has led me to major in agriculture education with a minor in animal science. Upon college graduation, I want to be an ag teacher where I can teach youth of all ages that our community has a place for everyone. Whether you grew up on a farm or in town, everyone has a place in agriculture.
Thorson: After I graduate college, my career goal is to return to my family’s sixthgeneration dairy farm to own and operate it with my parents. My personal goal is to be a reliable source of information for people to reference so I can make an overall positive impact on the dairy industry.
Wright: After graduating, I hope to become a high school agriculture teacher. This has been a longtime dream of mine as it allows me to connect with students through agriculture. In this role, I aim to expand students’ knowledge in agriculture, serve as an FFA advisor and help foster youth’s connection to agriculture. As a strong advocate for hands-on learning, I plan to own a small farming operation with various livestock species, crops and machinery for youth in the community to gain hands-on agricultural experience. I hope this will help them discover a passion for agriculture or, at the very least, learn where their food comes from.
Tell us about your farm. Poppler: I grew up on Poppler Dairy, our family dairy farm in Waverly, Minnesota, where we milk around 650 cows. Helping out on the farm from a young age sparked my passion for agriculture.
Schefers: It is a rst-generation dairy farm. My family milks a herd of 200 cows that has grown from an original herd of 40. The herd mainly consists of Red & White Holsteins, Holsteins, Brown Swiss and Holstein-Swiss crossbreds. My dad, Drew, and my stepmom, Renee, milk the cows in a double-6 herringbone parlor, and I help when I am home from college. Sellner: On our farm we have about 200 head of cattle for our robotic herd between Sleepy Eye and New Ulm in Brown County. It has been in our family for ve generations, being homesteaded in 1858 by my great-great-great grandpa, Zander. This is the home farm of my grandma, Grace Sellner, who married the hired hand, my grandpa, Wendelin Sellner. Our farm used to be a stanchion milking system until 2000, when my father, Loran Sellner, installed our milking parlor. We had this system all of my childhood until 2016 when my parents decided to go robotic. These robots have been a great asset to the farm. The cows are more comfortable in the barns because they can get milked as many times as they would like and whenever they want. It also allows us to get other tasks on the farm done more efciently.
Thorson: My family’s farm is located in Waverly, Minnesota, where we milk 250 cows and raise all our youngstock on-site. We also grow all our crops, corn and alfalfa on 900 acres of land that is either rented or owned. Our farm was originally homesteaded in 1874, making this year our sesquicentennial anniversary. Through the 150 years, we have updated buildings and practices while still providing consumers with a healthy, affordable and sustainable product.
Wright: I grew up as the fourth generation of my family’s dairy and crop farm, which we have now diversied by adding a hay and straw business, beef production, an aronia berry orchard and a farm store. Although I am in college, you can still nd me helping on the farm in my free time by feeding calves, milking cows and doing various other farm chores. I am grateful to have grown up on a familyowned and operated farm because all of my siblings and I grew up learning about all aspects of the farm.
IN DAIRY women
Tell us about your family and farm. Our farm is a 500-cow dairy. We milk Jerseys, Holsteins and crossbred cows. In 2010, my husband and I started milking in Wisconsin with 90 cows on a rented farm. In 2014, my parents invited us to come home and expand their operation. My husband and I now farm in partnership with my parents. We run about 300 acres and grow most of the hay and all the corn silage we use on the dairy. Two years ago, we implemented the smaXtec cow monitoring system. It is a bolus that detects heats, ruminations, water intakes and temperatures and gives us a 16-hour calving alert. It has revolutionized my ability to manage our herd. We also implemented the system at our heifer grower in De Forest, Wisconsin, and it allows me to keep an eye on the heifers remotely.
What is a typical day like for you on the dairy? My day starts at 4:30 a.m. when I get my kids up to help feed the calves. Then I spend the next 4.5 hours mixing feed and feeding the milk cows, dry cows and older heifers. Next, I get the calf report from my parents and treat any problems. Then I breed cows and treat any sick cows the smaXtec system picked up. The rest of the morning and early afternoon is spent on projects and jobs that need to be done, like eldwork, repairs, book work, livestock work etc. Then I start evening calf chores and nish up any other projects and check on the animals. I am usually done by 5 p.m.
What decision have you made in the last year that has beneted your farm? Over a year ago (more like two), we implemented the use of crossbreed semen (XD). We are about three months from the rst of those heifers calving and entering the milking string. We are excited to see how those animals perform.
Elizabeth Elsinger Peosta, Iowa Dubuque County 500 cows
Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. Memories with my kids are the best. They usually have the best commentary and unique perspectives about mundane chores.
What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I enjoy sharing my experiences with my kids and giving them a perspective on life that most kids don’t get the opportunity to have.
What is your biggest accomplishment in your dairy career? My biggest accomplishment is that my husband and I started with a 90-cow herd and now we milk over 500 with several employees and all the challenges and learning curves that come along with it.
What are things you do to promote your farm or the dairy industry? My husband and I are on our county dairy board. I serve as the royalty coordinator. We also host farm tours for schools and groups.
What advice would you give another woman in the dairy industry? Never stop learning and asking questions. I have a rule that whenever a consultant or salesman comes to visit, I ask questions as though I may purchase their product (even if I do not intend to) because that information may be helpful in the future.
What is a challenge in the dairy industry you have faced and how did you overcome it? The large swings in commodity and milk prices were a problem and still can be a challenge. Since we started contracting all our concentrates and milk when we can, we mitigate some of that risk. We may not hit the top on milk or the bottom on concentrates, but we get close.
When you get a spare moment, what do you do? In my spare time, I run The Brown Cow bakery. It is a home bakery that specializes in decorated
sugar cookies. I also make cakes, cupcakes and pies. It is my creative outlet and lets me be a little artistic.
What is on the horizon for genetic evaluations?
Last month during World Dairy Expo, I attended the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding industry meeting to learn about what was new on the horizon for dairy cattle genetic evaluations in the United States. Dr. John Cole provided updates from CDCB and Dr. Asha Miles provided updates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal Genomics and Improvement Laboratory. These two groups work closely together to research traits that may eventually become part of national genetic evaluations. Some of the topics discussed included lameness, milking speed and calf health traits.
Lameness and milking speed
ed camera data that assigns mobility (lameness proxy) scores and hoof trimmer data. Heritability estimates have ranged from 0.05-0.27, suggesting there is opportunity to genetically select for animals with reduced lameness and hoof lesions. In the future, the group is looking to explore the use of producer and trimmer lesion data that producers record in herd management software.
By Isaac Haagen University of Minnesota
Dr. Cole presented updates on lameness and hoof health, which are active areas of research for CDCB. The CDCB has been working with researchers at the University of Minnesota for several years to develop genetic evaluations for lameness and hoof health. There is a lot of interest in lameness, as it is often noted as one of the most pressing welfare concerns for the dairy industry and has negative economic consequences. So far, the data for these evaluations has come from automat-
Dr. Miles reported on the status of milking speed genetic evaluations. The trait exhibits a moderate genetic correlation with somatic cell score at 0.37 and a small genetic correlation with Net Merit at 0.10. She noted that one of the biggest hurdles right now is the ow of data from farms to the National Cooperator Database, which is the national repository of genetic and phenotypic data.
Calf traits
In addition, there is ongoing work to bring calf disease traits to national evaluations. Dr. Miles reported on preliminary research from the USDA AIGL in Holsteins and Jerseys. There were about 200,000 observations available for diarrhea and just under 700,000 observations for respiratory disease.
Early results are promising, with heritability estimates for both breeds at 0.02-0.03. While small, these heritability estimates are great enough to utilize for genetic evaluations.
One of the interesting points from the discussion was that there is less calf data owing into the National Cooperator Database after 2021. This is important because more records will improve evaluations and continued up-to-date information is needed to ensure evaluations stay relevant. This also highlights the need for data to be routinely inputted into herd management software so that it can ow into the National Cooperator Database.
When researchers from the University of Guelph in Canada looked into incorporating calf health traits into their national evaluations, they looked at the impact that different incidence thresholds within a herd had on heritability estimates for diarrhea and respiratory disease. It is common for researchers to set these thresholds when looking at health traits. For example, if no animals were marked in DairyComp with a scours event, it is assumed that the herd is not reporting disease rather than there is no disease. Likewise, if every animal was marked as having a scours
Dana Adams adam1744@umn.edu 320-204-2968
Luciano Caixeta lcaixeta@umn.edu 612-625-3130
Gerard Cramer gcramer@umn.edu 612-625-8184
Marcia Endres miendres@umn.edu 612-624-5391
Brad Heins hein0106@umn.edu 320-589-1711
Nathan Hulinsky huli0013@umn.edu 320-203-6104
Karen Johnson ande9495@umn.edu 320-484-4334
Emily Krekelberg krek0033@umn.edu 507-280-2863
Claire LaCanne lacanne@umn.edu 507-332-6109
Brenda Miller nels4220@umn.edu 320-732-4435
event, it is assumed that this was likely a preventative event occurrence; therefore, we can’t be certain if the animals actually had the disease. These extreme examples are often then excluded from further analyses. From the U of G study, it was found that heritability estimates were greater from a dataset that only included herds with an incidence rate of 5% or greater compared to a dataset of herds with only a 1% incidence rate or greater.
What does this mean? To me, it says that accurately recording disease, and not underreporting, is extremely important to develop robust genetic evaluations for health traits. Therefore, it is important that health events for youngstock make it into herd management software. I encourage all producers to record detailed data in their herd management software so that it then can enter the National Cooperator Database and be used for genetic evaluations. In a future article, I plan to discuss how data makes it from your farm into national genetic evaluations. It is these evaluations that allow the U.S. dairy industry to continue making genetic improvements.
*References available upon request.
Isaac Salfer ijsalfer@umn.edu 320-296-1357
Jim Salfer salfe001@umn.edu 320-203-6093
Mike Schutz mschutz@umn.edu 612-624-1205
Melissa Wilson mlw@umn.edu 612-625-4276
Isaac Haagen hagge041@umn.edu 612-624-7455
Michael Boland boland@umn.edu 612-625-3013
Sabrina Florentino slpore@umn.edu 507-441-1765
Scott Wells wells023@umn.edu 612-625-8166
Erin Cortus ecortus@umn.edu 612-625-8288
Melissa Runck mkrunck@umn.edu 507-836-1143
Maximizing value in beefdairy crossbred calves
The crossbreeding of beef sires to dairy cows, commonly referred to as “beef x dairy” crosses, has created much excitement and discussion within the cattle industry. While the use of beef sires mated to dairy cows is nowhere near a new or novel practice, some of the information and research available to producers is certainly more current. With drought continuing to have a lasting impact over many parts of the upper Midwest, cow-calf producers are hesitant to start quickly rebuilding their beef cow herd inventory given the current cost of feed and the value of replacement females. This puts the production of beef-sired dairy calves in a desirable position within the feeder calf market if producers are bringing the right calves to town.
discounts from the packing plant will be worth less than a moderate-sized, feed-efcient calf.
By Melissa Runck University of Minnesota
What kind of calves are cattle feeders and packers looking for? While there currently is not a detailed analysis of what exact traits are driving the overall value of beef x dairy calves, we can look at past sale data, calf and fed cattle buying behavior, and the creation of selection indexes from private organizations to help determine what cattle feeders and packers consider higher priorities.
Calf health and vigor are important considerations that are included in several genetic indices to help aid in beef sire selection. Calving ease and gestation length are two economically important traits for producers to keep in mind when making mating selections, as both have an impact on early calf health. Calf health is critical to both the overall value and longterm success of any pre-weaned calf, and therefore, good calf management practices need to be happening on the dairy. Several industry surveys, including information from Basiel and Felix, 2022, have shown that producers place much more priority on replacement heifer calf care versus the care of male calves; however, if producers want to capture the highest value on their male dairy-cross calves, this perception of calf value and which animals receive proper neonatal care, needs to change. Healthy and alert calves bring more money at auction markets versus sick calves, as many cattle feeders simply cannot afford to take a risk on unhealthy-appearing pre-weaned calves.
One single trait selection that consistently appears to add value to beef x dairy calves is coat color. Most beef x dairy matings continue to emphasize producing calves with a black coat color to qualify for the Certied Angus Beef program. Other phenotype considerations include calf muscle expression (selected using a higher ribeye area Expected Progeny Difference), and frame size. Frame size and excess yearling growth are potential discounted traits to be mindful of, as the production of a largeframed calf that will be inefcient in the feedyard and receive substantial
One apparent advantage of beef x dairy calves compared to their purebred counterparts is the increased performance, measured as average daily gain. To date, one of the most used growth predictors of beef-sired calves is the utilization of weaning and yearling weight EPDs. These are simple predictions to use across different beef breeds, as each purebred association has a similar method for comparing progeny growth for these traits. An important feedlot aspect that is key to determining overall prot/loss in the feed yard is feed efciency, or the amount of feed it takes to produce one pound of gain. This measurement is determined using ADG and dry matter intake EPDs; only a few breed associations currently measure for these traits, making it difcult to compare expected feed efciency predictions across different beef breeds. Therefore, weaning and yearling weight are the current standards for expected growth performance.
In terms of overall carcass value for beef x dairy cattle, producers should place emphasis on carcass traits that avoid the discounts that traditional purebred dairy carcasses receive. Purebred Holstein carcasses have typically been discounted for poor dressing percentages and high Yield Grades. Beef sires that produce calves with a heavy hot carcass weight, low backfat thickness, and large ribeye area should be selected by the producer, as they are the primary driving forces to obtain lower U.S. Department of Agriculture Yield Grades. British sires tend to sire calves with higher amounts of intramuscular fat (marbling) compared to Continental sires, but limited data between beef sires, breeds, and animal feeding methods, feedstuffs, and implant strategies create much variation among marbling scores of beef x dairy calves and is a topic worthy of additional research.
While there are still many unknowns that need to be addressed within this industry, it is an exciting time to be selecting for and producing these beef x dairy calves. The selection variables mentioned above are considerations to keep in mind that will help dairy producers capture top dollar for their beef-sired dairy cross calves. Early-life management of these calves will continue to play an important role in the long-term success of these animals and will be a factor that cattle feeders will place more and more emphasis on. These beef x dairy calves will help ll seasonal marketing voids in the beef feeder calf industry, and overall create a steadier supply of fed beef that is hard to create within the beef feeder calf industry alone.
On the road again
Arnzen drives milk truck for more than ve decades
By Tiffany Klaphake
tiffany.k@dairystar.com
GREY EAGLE, Minn.
All Joe Arnzen has ever wanted to do is drive a milk truck, something he has been doing for more than 50 years.
“This is what makes me happy,” Arnzen said. “That’s why I’m still doing it. I am so bored when I have a day off.”
Arnzen owns his own trucking company based out of Grey Eagle. He took over the business from his dad, who started driving a milk truck in 1946. Arnzen has also been a member of the Grey Eagle re department for the past 49 years and is in his fourth term as mayor of Grey Eagle.
“Driving milk truck and being on the re department was all I ever thought about,” Arnzen said.
Having been in the industry for more than ve decades, Arnzen has built strong relationships with his farmers.
“I’ve been with my farm-
ers for so long now, I just (feel) like part of the family,” Arnzen said. “I get wedding and graduation party invitations all the time, but I can’t go because I have to haul milk.”
Seven years ago, he was working with 110 farmers and hauling 400,000 pounds of milk a day using ve trucks. Today, Arnzen hauls milk from 20 farms using three trucks.
“It used to be so easy to gure out a route (because) there were so many farms,” Arnzen said. “If one wasn’t done milking yet, I just drive down the road to the next farm and came back. Now, it’s 20 or 30 miles between stops.”
Arnzen’s dad started hauling milk in cans for the Grey Eagle Cooperative Creamery until it was bought out by Associated Milk Producers Inc. which is where Arnzen still hauls milk.
“I would ride along as a kid (with Dad),” Arnzen said. “It was fun. Farmers would come out and talk. That’s what I love, the con-
years.
versation.”
As soon as Arnzen could drive, he started hauling milk
zen said. “All I wanted to do was drive milk truck.”
Other opportunities were presented to Arnzen, but he chose to continue to haul milk.
“Back in high school, I got a letter from the University of Minnesota to play football for them,” Arnzen said. “I turned it down to haul milk.”
Arnzen graduated from high school in 1974 and the day after graduation, he started working full time for his dad.
“Years ago, when I got home I (would) stay in the shed and work on trucks until midnight then go to bed and get up at 6 to start over again,” Arnzen said. “My mom told me, ‘All you do is look for problems to x on those trucks,’ and I said ‘No, I’m trying to stop problems from happening on the road.’”
with his dad. “Dad would get me out of school to haul milk,” Arn-
Much has changed in the last 50 years. Arnzen said the trucks are bigger and more reliable and so are the roads. His rst trucks were 200 horsepower and held 2,000 gallons. Today they are 475 horsepower and hold 6,000 gallons.
SARAH MIDDENDORF/DAIRY STAR
Joe Arnzen stands by his milk truck Oct. 31 near Long Prairie, Minnesota. Arnzen has been driving milk truck for more than 50
“In 1979, I bought my rst brand new truck and my dad didn’t like that idea,” Arnzen said. “I said ‘If I’m working here, I want to do it my way.’ I bought another one in 1980. The used ones were good trucks, but you were constantly repairing them.”
Today, Arnzen said he routinely gets more than a million miles on a truck before he gets rid of it.
Being out on the road, Arnzen has driven through all sorts of weather conditions.
“I’ve driven home counting mailboxes and highline poles,” Arnzen said. “Driving in the rain is the worst. I actually love winter driving.”
While the scenery is his favorite aspect of logging so many miles he said, there are other benets of the job.
“I just love to drive truck and talk to farmers,” Arnzen said. “I’ll stand by the truck and talk to the farmer for half an hour if they want to talk.”
Arnzen said he will support dairy farmers the way he knows best, by driving a truck.
“I’m working for the farmer,” Arnzen said. “I am worried that if I quit tomorrow nobody else will pick
up milk for these dairy farmers. If it wasn’t for the dairy farmer, none of us would
have a job. It was the little family farms that started all these milk plants.”
Long Prairie, MN Lean Cows
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MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR
(Right) Joe Arnzen wraps up the hoses Oct. 31 at a farm near Grey Eagle, Minnesota. Arnzen said his trucks can get over a million miles before they are replaced.
MARK KLAPHAKE/ DAIRY STAR Joe Arnzen takes a milk sample Oct. 31 at a farm near Grey Eagle, Minnesota. Arnzen currently has 20 farms on his route.
Producer resources
By Steve Frericks Stearns County FSA executive director
It is truly impressive how quickly our ag community can harvest the crop and prepare for winter when conditions are right. The warm fall temps combined with limited weather interruptions made for one of the fastest harvest seasons on record. Be proud of what you have accomplished. Are you looking for some options to get those fall bills paid? Here are some resources below: Farm Storage Facility Loans
Everyone thinks the FSFL program is only for shiny new grain bins or hay sheds. This is not the case. What piece of equipment are you looking to upgrade on your farm? If it has to do with the handling of your crops, we invite you to check out this program. New or used, the Farm Service Agency
potentially can provide a loan for that piece of equipment. Semi-tractors, hopper bottom grain trailers, end dumps, live bottom, gravity boxes, grain carts, grain dryers, grain vacs, augers, chopper boxes and ag baggers are all examples of eligible equipment. Interest rates are currently between 3.75%-4% based on the term length and dollar value. Contact your local ofce for more details.
Marketing Assistance Loans
With harvest complete, FSA offers a 9-month commodity loan to provide interim nancing for eligible producers to help meet cash ow needs without having to sell your commodities when market prices are typically at harvest-time lows. Producers self-certify their current crop year bushels, which is veried against the acres reported to FSA in the spring. Producers can take out a loan against the bushels in their bins. When they are ready to market the grain, they simply notify FSA,
and we provide marketing authorization to the elevator you selected. When you are done hauling, the elevator sends FSA the amount owed to FSA and the balance to the producer. It is a very simple process. Remember this is a loan that carries an interest rate. The rate for November is 5.125%. Applicants are responsible for maintaining the quality of the grain under loan.
Each county has slightly different rates. Stearns County rates are as follows for 2024 grain:
— Corn $2.10.
— Soybeans $6.05.
— Oats $2.04.
— Barley 2.38.
— Spring Wheat $3.97.
AD-1026
Unseasonably warm temps are providing the opportunity to catch up on that laundry list of “rainy day” projects on the farm. If this includes opening up new land or xing tile projects, make sure you have completed form AD-1026 to allow for the proper review. This will help ensure your eligibility for U.S. Department of Agriculture program benets under conservation compliance rules.
Jerry Hurrle, farm loan manager
Are you looking for options to start farming or a beginning farmer looking for assistance to begin a farm operation? Are you a farmer planning to retire and looking for options to transfer the farm, or an existing farmer having nancial difculties? It can be a challenge trying to determine where to start or how to learn about options. The FSA may have a loan option to assist you. An excellent place to start is the FSA Farm Loan Discovery Tool or the Farm Loan Assistance Tool. This can be found on the Farmers.gov website under Loans. You can also contact your local FSA ofce to review the programs or discuss any questions that you may have.
Applying for FSA direct loans
FSA offers direct farm ownership and direct farm operating loans to producers who want to establish, maintain or strengthen their farm or ranch. Direct loans are processed, approved and serviced by FSA loan ofcers.
Direct farm operating loans can be used to purchase livestock and feed, farm equipment, fuel, farm chemicals, insurance, and other costs including family living expenses. Operating loans can also be used to nance minor improvements or repairs to buildings and to renance some farmrelated debts, excluding real estate. Direct farm ownership loans can be used to purchase farmland, enlarge an existing farm, construct and repair buildings and make farm improvements.
The maximum loan amount for direct farm ownership loans is $600,000. The maximum loan amount for direct operating loans is $400,000 and a down payment is not required. Repayment terms vary depending on the type of loan, collateral and the producer’s ability to repay the loan. Operating loans are normally repaid within seven years and farm ownership loans are not to exceed 40 years.
Please contact your local FSA ofce for more information or to apply for a direct farm ownership or operating loan.
Farm Service Agency is an equal opportunity lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C., 20250. Visit www.fsa.usda.gov for application forms and updates on USDA programs
Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not reect the opinions and views of Dairy Star staff and ownership.
Dairy farmers, we value your feedback
Midwest Dairy has the honor of working on behalf of 4,000 dairy farm families across 10 states, focusing on growing trust and demand for dairy among the more than 41 million consumers in our 10-state region.
Midwest Dairy staff work diligently to share your dairy story, working with and through partners to increase consumers’ trust that their favorite dairy foods are responsibly produced, with care for cows, the community, and the planet. We also work with retail and food service partners to grow demand for dairy through menu innovation, special offers, valuable incentives and more.
By Stephanie Bogart Corporate Communications Manager Midwest Dairy
While checkoff works to build trust and sales in dairy, we also have a responsibility to report the results of those investments to you. We share these updates with farmers through several channels, from quick text messages to printed magazines delivered to your mailbox.
However, there is always room for improvement, and we want to ensure we meet your communication needs. To do that, we want to hear from you.
We invite checkoff-paying dairy farmers from the Midwest Dairy 10-state region (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma and South Dakota) to participate in the 2024 farmer survey. The survey will ask a series of questions about:
— Your awareness of the Midwest Dairy strategic priorities.
— The communications tools and outlets Midwest Dairy uses to reach you.
— How frequently and through which formats work best to reach farmers with checkoff news.
Our goal is to better understand how well we communicate checkoff results with you through your preferred communication methods.
The information gathered from this survey will help us improve how we share stories showing the value of your checkoff investment and Midwest Dairy’s work, along with the entire federation, to drive dairy sales and build trust. Your feedback is important to us and will help us to improve how we communicate checkoff efforts and results.
We expect this survey will take no more than 15 minutes of your time. To show our appreciation, we are offering different prizes for those who participate in the survey. Your feedback is important to us, and Midwest Dairy is eager to learn how we can serve you better. Please scan the QR code to participate in the survey. Kindly respond by midnight on Wednesday, Dec. 11.
Overhauling the A
Whenever things are oating along nice and smooth, it is a sure bet that something is about to go haywire.
That’s just one lesson I learned from revivifying our 1949 John Deere A tractor. Another, is that working on a rusty, old, hunk of machinery is an intricate dance involving one step forward, two steps back, one step forward, three steps back, one step forward… aw, crap. Must be time for a beer.
I also discovered that one must sometimes eat one’s words. A prime example would be when I mentioned that I was not skinning knuckles or breaking bolts like when I was younger. Ouch. Hubris is a bitter pill.
Despite the headaches and aching knuckles, it felt good to be out working on the A. It brought back memories of the bygone guys who also knew
this tractor, men like Clifford Tisdal, Martin Rud, my uncle Wilmer, my dad’s uncle Stanley, and of course Dad. At times it felt as though they were watching over my shoulder.
For every problem that was solved with the A, several more would come up. I began to feel like the fabled little Dutch boy as I strove to plug all the holes. Except for I was running out of ngers and toes and patience.
After a long and greasy slog, the day nally came when I was able to grab A’s ywheel and throw the engine over. It responded with a hopeful cough. Encouraged, I engaged the electric starter and the venerable tractor popped back to life.
I jumped off the platform and did my little happy dance. I then drove the tractor out of the ruts where it had sat for many years, thus accomplish-
ing a major goal.
A silly grin split my face as I stood and simply watched the old tractor chug. But then it began to smoke. And then, smoke some more. And even more.
This was troubling, but I wrote it off as a fresh overhaul bugaboo. The A was restarted several times during the next few days with similar results.
By Jerry Nelson
We are not just talking about an annoying little stream of smoke. This was an epic plume that was spotted by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station. I received a call from the US Geological Service inquiring about a possible new volcano that was erupting near my workshop.
The smoking problem was upsetting and vexatious. I dearly wished that I could talk to Fritz Schultz for just a minute.
Fritz was a hard-bitten, no-nonsense mechanic who worked at our local John Deere dealership. He bled green when cut and probably knew more about two-cylinder tractors than the John Deere company itself. He could have diagnosed the A’s afiction in a matter of seconds.
But Fritz is gone, so I began to consult with a multitude of John Deere mechanics and assorted Johnny Popper acionados. Various theories were put forth and I was told more than once, “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”
The A’s smoking habit became somewhat of a community cause, with people calling to ask about its progress and expressing concern regarding the patient’s health. An older John Deere guru I consulted, even told me he had lain awake one night trying to unravel the riddle.
If you talk to enough people about your troubles, you will, eventually, get the right answer. The tough part is guring out which one it is.
The key that unlocked the A’s smoking issue came from Gary, an old friend and a two-cylinder enthusiast. Gary, who once worked alongside Fritz, gave me two invaluable nuggets of advice.
“Try unhooking the air cleaner from the carburetor,” he said. “And don’t work on the tractor for a while. Take the weekend off. You have to remember that it’s just a hobby.”
Gary had somehow sensed that I was a tad bit stressed about my ceaseless string of setbacks with the A. Perhaps, he was tipped off by the large number of expletives I used when describing the tractor’s truculence.
He was right. The tractor had sat for 15 years and it wouldn’t matter one bit if it continued to do so for another 15. The trouble is, I’m the kind of guy who simply wants to get it done. It is a character aw I have struggled with my entire life.
The A now runs reliably and her problems seem to be mostly solved. She is very close to done.
I could be wrong, because nothing has going haywire for the past couple of minutes.
Jerry Nelson is a recovering dairy farmer from Volga, South Dakota. He and his wife, Julie, have two sons and live on the farm where Jerry’s greatgrandfather homesteaded over 110 years ago. Feel free to email him at jjcneps@utctel.com.
Columnist
Dear County Agent Guy
Components drive your milk check
Milk components have been high the past couple of months — higher than normal seasonal values — yet many herds continue to search for additional pounds of milk. Producers may focus on the volume of milk shipped on a cow or herd basis when, in fact, it is the pounds of solids that leave the farm that ultimately pay the bills.
Something to Ruminate On
By Barry Visser Nutritionist
The Federal Milk Marketing Order 30 applies to most Dairy Star readers. Pay price within the FMMO 30 on milk protein climbed above $3 per pound in October for the rst time since 2022, settling at $3.32. Butterfat had been the majority contributor for quite some time, but it dipped in October, settling at $3.09 per pound. As we watch the ebbs and ows in fat and protein prices, it is a clear illustration of the inuence milk solids have on mailbox pay price. The volume contribution of fat and protein still comprises most of the value the milk check.
Pounds of solids
Because of the value of milk components, many herds track combined fat and protein pounds shipped on a per-cow basis. Target goals are herd specic. Some high-performing herds produce more than 7.5 pounds of combined fat and protein. It is important to calculate this number for your herd and use this as an internal benchmark for improvement.
Energy-corrected milk is a calculation that factors in the pounds of fat and protein shipped. This measurement is more valuable than looking at milk volume alone or even fat-corrected milk. For example, a herd milking 85 pounds of milk with 4.1% fat and 3.3% protein would yield an energy-corrected milk value of 94.4 pounds. If milk production increased by 5 pounds per cow to 90 pounds of milk, but components dropped to 3.8% fat and 3.0% protein, this dairy would ship the exact same pounds of solids.
More milk fat
Inconsistent feeding time or variation in feed distribution can impact meal patterns and promote slug feeding. Cow comfort and stocking density can negatively impact resting time. Heat abatement strategies are critical to success in the summer and can promote more consistent intakes and cow comfort. Manage these factors to support milk fat production.
Nutritionally, certain levels of effective ber are necessary to promote cud chewing and rumination. Particle size and digestibility of forage ber impact total intake of neutral detergent ber. Adequate forage NDF intake relates directly to rumen pH, and rumen pH is linked to milk fat. A healthy rumen environment minimizes wide uctuations in rumen pH through balanced carbohydrate nutrition, which leads to the formation of more acetate and butyrate, which are volatile fatty acids that serve as precursors to milk fat.
Too much vegetable oil has been shown to negatively impact milk fat. As wet corn sources move further into fermentation and starch becomes more available, so does some of the corn oil within the kernel. This can also cause some challenges to milk fat as we move closer to summer.
Research conducted by Dr. Kevin Harvatine at Pennsylvania State University has demonstrated the value of rumen-available methionine sources to milk fat synthesis. Rumen-inert fats high in palmitic acid have been shown to have a positive impact on milk fat. Feeding elevated levels of sodium and potassium or rumen modiers, such as yeast and direct-fed microbials, can be benecial in improving milk fat.
Maximizing milk protein
The concept of amino acid balancing is nothing new to the dairy industry. Lysine and methionine are the two most limiting amino acids in a lactating dairy cow diet. Feed ingredients, as well as synthetic sources, can contribute lysine and methionine to the diet. However, not all sources are created equally. The bioavailability of these amino acids — and the decision of which feedstuffs provide the most economical return on investment — is a conversation to have with your nutritionist.
The primary goal with amino acid balancing is to improve protein efciency. As a result, amino acid balancing often yields an improvement in milk protein output. Improvement in protein efciency also results in less nitrogen excretion, which inherently has environmental benets. Lower nitrogen excretion also results in additional energy that can be utilized for body reserves, milk production or other requirements of the cow.
Increasing pounds of milk isn’t necessarily the best way to build up your milk check. Work with your feed team and nutritionist to evaluate feed ingredients and management factors that may contribute to greater milk components. The net results can be improvement in cow health, performance and an economic return to your bottom line.
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It is a wrap
It feels like we have been running against the wind these past few weeks trying to complete the harvest marathon. The fall season has lingered a bit longer than expected, creating opportunities and difcult decisions.
We have been extremely dry here in central Minnesota. It has been almost four months since we have had a rain total of more than an inch. The dry conditions and limited number of warm days left on the calendar have pushed us to pass on seeding some extra cover crops on our sandy soils. There just didn’t seem to be enough time or moisture. We could have turned on a pivot to kick-start the rye growth but the lines were already blown out for the coming winter season. The calendar said it was time. The weather had a different timeline. We didn’t need to pay that bill twice. So we had to punt
on that idea for now.
The dry conditions have made it hard on the tillage equipment this fall, too. Recent sprinkles have helped to loosen the dry grip on the land so Mark could work down the corn stalks. Worked elds mark the end of a growing season, a job completed. It is like the nal chapter in a long novel.
Breakfast conversations have been focusing on the shifting conditions and operational options with an extended fall season. Soil tests and corn test plots results have been studied, discussed and plans made for which elds need extra attention to be ready for another growing season. The biggest question is, “Is there enough time before the snow ies?”
With the extended fall season this year, we have been able to get a few more things checked off the
to-do list. All the equipment had been stored away in the shed before we had to pull out the insulated coveralls and gloves. I was a bit surprised though when Mark came driving into the yard with the snowblower swinging in rhythm to the three-point hitch. Did I miss a weather forecast or was he daring Mother Nature? Neither. He just didn’t want it buried behind stored wagons to dig out later.
By Natalie Schmitt
Joelle and Austin have taken charge of my garden for the coming year. My little patch of dirt has never been a high priority for fall tillage work. To be honest, I never really ever had it completely cleaned out before the snow fell either. With the kids in charge, that is a completely different story. Austin expanded and worked up the garden so they could plant 2,000 cloves of garlic. By the beam of the truck headlights, they were able to get all the cloves planted and bedded down under a blanket of straw. Spring bulbs will also have to be buried before the snow ies as they expand their cut ower business.
As we wrap up another fall season, it pushes me to muddle through thoughts oating around in my mind. Your mind can’t help but wander as you drive around in circles going nowhere as stalks are chopped or soil is cut open with sharp chisels, occasionally disrupted by the discovery of a buried boulder just below the surface.
It starts with a simple thought, “We grow crops, but we raise kids.” We provide both with all that they need to reach their potential. We (as farmers and parents) do not have absolute control over how things turn out, despite our best efforts. Fall is the time to review how the journey is going.
It is hard not to be overly critical of the decisions you’ve made. That is why they say hindsight is 20/20. You can only make the best decision at the time with the information at hand. A few extra prayers can’t hurt either.
If no one comes back to the dairy, have we failed as farm parents? Some may say a lack of expansion, diversity or business evolution is to blame. It is hard to sort through these negative thoughts, but I pause and think about the real focus. Our goal in life was to raise a family who laughed with and loved one another. We didn’t want to milk lots of cows. We did want to develop good cows who could provide for our family’s needs. We wanted our kids to nd their own dreams and not feel they had to follow or nish our dreams. By these standards, I can say we are heading in the right direction. All are still involved in the dairy in their own unique way.
It’s not what you do that determines success. It’s who you are: faithful, committed, determined, compassionate, humble, honest. That is how success is measured.
The weather forecast this week says we have run out of time. The marathon is done. As the temperatures plummet to new low daily highs and the snow starts to swirl around our feet, we can nally put this growing season to bed and call it a wrap.
As their four children pursue dairy careers off the family farm, Natalie and Mark Schmitt started an adventure of milking registered Holsteins just because they like good cows on their farm north of Rice, Minnesota.
Columnist
Just Thinking Out Loud
Reaching dairy judging goals
“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.” – Zig Ziglar
Back in August before the start of the Minnesota State Fair, I asked Dan and Monika about their goals for the fair. They each had several goals, but one goal topped the rest: do well enough in the state 4-H dairy judging contest to earn a spot on the dairy judging team that represents Minnesota 4-H at the NAILE Youth Dairy Judging Contest in Louisville, Kentucky. Minnesota 4-H sends a composite team of the top four judges who aren’t part of the rst or second place teams.
team, met us at the contest. We enjoyed visiting a couple dairy farms along the way for judging practice and plenty of Culver’s fresh frozen custard.
Dairy Good Life
For Dan, this was a goal held over from last year’s state contest. After judging at World Dairy Expo in 2022, he was eager to judge at another national 4-H contest. But, as anyone who understands dairy judging knows, success in dairy judging comes partly from skill and partly from luck. The stars didn’t align for him in the 2023 state contest.
The Saturday morning contest went well. It was neat to see the green shavings again; I judged in Louisville as a 4-H student, but I haven’t been back to the show since then. Monika said she got a bit nervous right before her rst set of reasons, but was able to shake it off before the next three sets. I reminded her that being nervous at a national contest is completely understandable. Dan saw the classes a little differently than Monika and I did, but said he felt condent.
By Sadie Frericks Columnist
While his eligibility to judge in Louisville doesn’t end until next year, the goal of making the team felt a little more urgent this year. Dan also has a goal of competing in the National FFA Dairy Cattle Evaluation Contest in 2025, inspired by his team’s second place nish at the state contest last spring. But NAILE has a longstanding rule that prohibits 4-H students and FFA students from competing in both a national contest and NAILE in the same calendar year. So, earning a spot on the Louisville team this year would prevent the need to choose between contests next year.
Monika wanted a spot on the Louisville team for a similar reason. This is her rst year judging at the senior level, so she has several years to qualify for the Louisville team. But, she’s on the same FFA dairy cattle evaluation team as Dan, so with any luck, she’ll go to Indianapolis, Indiana, next year. After that, she has her sights set on helping her county team earn a spot in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in Madison, Wisconsin.
Both Dan and Monika also felt it would be special to judge at a national contest together. And since Dan has already judged at Madison and is ineligible for Harrisburg, the contest at Louisville was their only opportunity. Let me pause for a moment here to say that seeing my kids encourage each other and want to compete together makes me incredibly happy.
When the state contest awards were announced, Dan and Monika had both secured a spot on the Louisville team. So, two weeks ago, we set our compass for Louisville. We picked up Kevin, my fellow coach, and Garrett, another 4-H student named to the team, along the way. Tyler, the nal member of the
It was a bit nerve wracking to wait until the Sunday morning awards breakfast to nd out how everyone did. The goals for this contest were less clearly dened – more along the lines of “do well.” And, truly, judging at a national contest is an honor in itself; earning an award at a national contest is like the cherry on top of the sundae.
As it turned out, the stars aligned and all their practice paid off. Dan placed fourth in reasons, fourth overall, fourth in Holsteins, and eighth in Brown Swiss. There was actually a four-way tie for rst in reasons, but the tie was broken based on lowest placings scores in reasons classes. Dan placed the reasons classes best, so he ended up fourth. Monika placed seventh in reasons, twentieth overall, rst in Brown Swiss, and rst in Jerseys.
As a team, Minnesota 4-H was rst in reasons, third overall, rst in Brown Swiss, rst in Holsteins, and top seven in every other breed. It was pretty cool that everyone on the team went home with a couple ribbons, some hardware, and a couple breed gifts.
As a coach, the award I am most proud of is the blue ribbon each team member received for winning team reasons. In dairy judging, kids and coaches don’t always place classes the same way the ofcials do; we each have individual biases and priorities. But in reasons, there’s less subjectivity. Defending your placings better than everyone else in the contest is an incredible accomplishment.
I think it’s fair to say they “did well.” Goals were set and goals were met. And in striving to reach those goals, these kids have developed skills that will serve them well for the rest of their lives: the ability to remain calm under pressure, make critical decisions quickly, and then condently explain those decisions. It truly isn’t about what they got, but what they’ve become.
Well done, kids.
Sadie Frericks and her husband, Glen, milk 100 cows near Melrose, Minnesota. They have three children: Dan, Monika and Daphne. Sadie also writes a blog at www.dairygoodlife.com. She can be reached at sadiefrericks@gmail.com.
