November 26, 2022 Dairy Star - 3rd section

Bene t from frequent feed pushing

Automated feed pushing

Increase feed pushing frequency and reduce your labor requirements. You’ll save up to 180 hours a year; valuable time you can now spend on other activities on your farm. Plus, bene t from a clean feed alley and a reduction in fuel usage since you no longer need the tractor to push feed.

Smart feed pushing the Lely way

Standalone machine moves along the feeding alley automatically. Based on your prede ned routes, it follows the feed fence while its rotating lower mechanism pushes the feed towards it. Controlling the Juno is easy with the Lely Control Plus app for mobile devices.

Flexible options

An effortless endearment

Servaises met at UW-Madison dairy club

By Grace Jeurissen grace.j@star-pub.com

STODDARD, Wis. – Two members of the dairy community sealed their fate as lifelong partners Oct. 15, but their connection reaches back to their time in the University of Wisconsin-Madison Badger Dairy Club.

Zach Servais, an organic dairy farmer from Stoddard who milks 350 cows, walked into a dairy club event his freshman year of college not knowing he would soon nd his soulmate. Meghan (Skiba) Servais was a junior in college at the time and grew up around her grandparents’ farm near Cambridge, Minnesota, where they milked 160 registered Jerseys.

A brief moment during a dairy club event set a spark between the two.

“I remember we were walking through a haunted trail as a club event, and we kind of chatted and introduced ourselves,” Zach said. “I didn’t think there was any chance a junior girl would like a freshman.”

To Zach’s surprise, the next May, he had himself a girlfriend. The two had continued to connect during various club events and found they shared a passion for dairy and a similar sense of humor.

Their fateful moments at dairy club grew a bond that developed into a four-year relationship. They spent time through college together and followed each other when both of them started their own careers, but their rst moments together hold signicance.

“I remember the rst thing I noticed about him was his smile,” Meghan said. “It made me smile too.”

While preparing for marriage, the two took classes with their church’s priest and were asked what the rst thing they noticed about their partner was.

“She lights up a room with her smile,” Zach said. “She smiles with her whole face; her mouth, her dimples and her eyes all smile at you.”

Their engagement, tting to their upbringings, involved dairy cows. Though Zach knew he wanted to marry Meghan after the rst date, he waited until he was out of school and established to pop the question.

On May 1, 2021, the anniversary of when they started dating, the family was dressed in nice clothes, ready for church. A cousin showed up to the farm and needed eggs. Zach had planned Meghan would want to come with because he accidentally left the buckets by the calves.

“It didn’t take much convincing to get her over there,” Zach said. “She never turns down a chance to see the calves.”

In front of the one Jersey calf in the domes, Zach took a knee and asked Meghan to marry him. Luckily, the

PHOTO COURTESY OF BELLA SOLLÉ PHOTOGRAPHY

Zach Servais and Meghan (Skiba) Servais took engagement photos last summer near Stoddard, Wisconsin. The Servaises met during a University of WisconsinMadison Badger Dairy Club event. They milk 350 cows near Stoddard, Wisconsin.

cousin grabbed photos of the special moment.

Zach farms with his family, and Meghan works for the Farm Service Agency in Sparta. Meghan is a support for Zach when he is farming, taking care of household projects and keeping him in line, Zach said. Meghan also helps with calves once a week and lls in where she can on the farm.

Both of them having grown up in farm families took to heart their parents’ marriages. They saw what it takes to be a supportive spouse and business partner when it comes to farming.

“I admire my parents’ mutual respect for each other and the way they have worked together for the last 20 years after taking over the farm,” Zach said.

Meghan agreed.

“My parents have always been so seless in everything they do, volunteering with the 4-H program and getting us involved on my grandparents’ farm,” she said. “They sacriced a lot to come through on the other side when times are tough.”

The day of their wedding, each moment, from the ceremony to the reception, was lled with family and camaraderie.

“It was literally the best day from the morning into the very last song,” Meghan said.

They estimated around 300 people attended their wedding, most of whom

stayed until the last song. Thinking they had more time, when the last song was announced, the rambunctious crowd asked for just one more. The song of choice for the couple was “Hardwood Floors” by Charles Wesley Goodwin.

Zach spun Meghan around the dance oor, swing dancing to the song.

“That was special because we had just seen him a few weeks prior live,” Zach said. “We knew we wanted to dance to that song.”

The wedding guests surrounded Zach and Meghan during the last song, most not knowing the tune, and watched as the couple danced.

“By the end of the last song, there was wire from my dress on the ground,” Meghan said. “Now the running joke is we danced until my dress exploded; it was an amazing day.”

The couple complement one another in all they do. Meghan is more organized and introverted, and Zach is outgoing and determined. They often think the same things and laugh at the same jokes.

“One thing I’ve really noticed since we have been together has been how often we agree on things or were thinking the same thought,” Meghan said. “I think that will help us in the future.”

Zach agreed.

“Our relationship is so effortless,” he said. “We work together well, and I’m condent we will overcome all trials and tribulations together.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Zach Servais asks Meghan Skiba to marry him May 1, 2021, at his family’s or ganic dairy near Stoddard, Wisconsin. They were married Oct. 15.

Protecting a cow’s productive future

Hamann delves into the transition period

By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com

COLBY, Wis. – The time frame referred to as the transition period of a dairy cow’s lactation is a time that can make or break the current lactation, both in terms of production and reproductive efciency.

Those high stakes make the transition period one of vital importance, according to Dr. Julia Hamann.

Hamann spoke about the importance of proper care during the transition period Oct. 19 at the Professional Dairy Producers Herdsperson Workshop at Heeg Dairy in Colby.

“The dry period will impact calving and the next lactation,” Hamann said. “The transition period is considered to be about 50 days prior to calving through 60 days postpartum. It is a time of tremendous physiological challenges for a cow. She has many increased nee ds.”

Hamann listed ve factors that play key roles in creating a successful dry period: maximizing dry matter intake; minimizing the occurrence of a negative energy balance; stimulation of rumen function; maintaining calcium balance; and minimizing immune system dysfunction.

Decreasing stress for the cow during the dry period is an important part of ensuring those key factors are met.

Watching stocking density is one of the easiest, but often most overlooked, ways to start building the foundation for the transition period and avoid any pit-

falls that might ensue.

“You need to be careful to avoid the domino effect,” Hamann said. “A cow might suffer from one issue, and then that will likely lead to others.”

Those issues can include disorders such as milk fever, mastitis, retained placenta, uterine infection, displaced abomasum and ketosis.

“Do not exceed a stocking density of 100% during the dry period and no more than 80% in the close-up group,” Hamann said. “Be sure to take into consideration the breed of the animal and her age.”

Cows in the transition stage can be immunosuppressed, according to Hamann, which can be aggravated by environmental inuences such as overcrowding and heat or cold stress. Inadequate nutrition, such as poorly formulated dietary cation-anion difference rations or inadequate levels of energy and protein, can also play a factor.

“Cows need extra energy during their dry periods to help the fetus grow,” Hamann said. “Cows that suffer immunosuppression can have a poor response to prepartum vaccinations and are likely to produce poor quality colostrum.”

Keeping dry matter intake levels high is one way to help ght transition period problems, according to Hamann. Dry cows need fresh feed delivered daily. In the fresh cow pen, Hamann advises dairymen push up feed every half hour for the rst two hours after delivery to ensure those cows consume enough.

“If they are not consuming, they will go into a negative energy balance, and they have a high demand for calcium during that period,” Hamann said. “When a cow does not consume enough dry matter, she will have an empty ru-

men, and that can lead to a DA.”

Monitoring a cow during the transition period requires a great deal of visual observation. Hamann recommends utilizing body condition scoring to identify cows at risk for issues. Other cues that producers can use include body temperature, milk yield, rumen ll, rumination rate, appetite, uterine discharge and manure consistency.

The effects of transition cow problems can plague the cow far beyond the boundaries of the transition time period. Hamann said cows that suffer from disorders during the transition period will typically have lower production throughout their lactation and have lower conception and pregnancy rates than their peers that successfully navigate the

transition phase.

“Transition cow issues cost dairy farms a lot of money,” Hamann said. “Economically, it is vital to ensure they have a healthy transition period.”

According to Hamann, studies have found that transition cow issues can cost a dairy farm as much as $2 to $6 per cow, per day. Conversely, a 1% increase in a farm’s pregnancy rate can benet the farm to the tune of $15 to $35 per cow, per day.

“It is clear that if a cow makes it through the transition period free of disease, we can expect a productive lactation and high hopes for efcient reproductive performance,” Hamann said. “That should be the goal of every dairy farmer.”

DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR Dr. Julia Hamann discusses transi on cow issues Oct. 19 at the Professional Dairy Producers Herdsperson Workshop at Heeg Dairy in Colby, Wisconsin. Hamann said there are ve factors in crea ng a successful dry period.

DAIRY CALENDAR

The Dairy Insights Summit will be held Nov. 29 in Madison, Wisconsin. In times of relentless change, business owners need focus. Contradicting signals from the economy and unpredictable shifts in society compel us to recognize, understand and sort through risks and opportunities. PDPW’s Dairy Insights Summit will bring together thought leaders willing to tackle tomorrow’s challenges today. For more information, visit https://pdpw.org/programs/Dairy-Insights-2022/details.

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting a nutrition-related tour Nov. 30 at Northeast Iowa Dairy and Agriculture Foundation, 1527 IA-150, Calmar, Iowa. Midwest Dairy and Beef Day is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.extension.iastate.edu/dairyteam/statewide-forage-eld-days.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will host its annual Dairy Discussions Seminar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Ofce in Orange City, Iowa. This year’s focus is on cybersecurity issues for food producers including farmers, manufacturers and processors.

Producers are invited to attend Integrating Cover Crops and Calf Rearing Options for Dairies at 11 a.m. Dec. 1. Hear University of Minnesota Extension dairy management specialist Brad Heins discuss how integrating cover crops and livestock improves soil fertility, cattle growth and protability. The afternoon will focus on how feeding, housing and management of the pre-weaned dairy calf is critical for the productivity of the dairy herd. The event will be held at the Pipestone Pizza Ranch, 108 Main St. W., Pipestone, Minnesota. Lunch will be provided. Register with the Pipestone County Extension Ofce at 507-825-1190 or delaneyk@umn.edu.

Alltech is hosting a Dairy School Dec. 1 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Topics range from automation on dairy farms, setting up for the next generation and raising calves to go above and beyond. Special guest and former Packers quarterback Don Majkowski will be the keynote speaker. The agenda and registration is at https://go.alltech.com/alltech-dairy-school.

Planning Your Dairy Farm Future sessions are held throughout Minnesota. These two-hour events will incorporate a short presentation, discussions and activities to engage participants. These sessions will focus on specic subjects like leadership and goal setting to increase a farm’s resilience in a constantly changing industry. Presenters will also share tools that will encourage continued learning. The sessions will be held in the following locations and are open to all dairy farming operations.

- 12:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 1, Pizza Ranch, 1522 Broadway St., Alexandria, Minnesota.

- 7:30-9:30 p.m. Jan. 19, 2023, Paynesville American Legion Post 271, 770 Diekmann Drive, Paynesville, Minnesota.

- 12:30-2:30 p.m. Jan. 26, 2023, Pizza Ranch, 202 Lemieur St., Little Falls, Minnesota.

No registration is required for these free events. Questions can be directed to Dana Adams at adam1744@umn.edu or 320-255-6169, ext. 3.

An open forum, Our Dairy Farms: Present and Future, will be held at 2 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Cedarburg Public Library, W63 N589 Hanover Ave., Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Local dairy farmers managing big and small farms and a co-op representative will discuss how to maintain and grow the industry. The featured panelists will be Jeremy Dahm of Ja-Bon Dairy Farm, Belgium; Shelly Grosenick of Crimson Ridge Dairy, Watertown; Thelma Heidel-Baker of Bossie Cow Farm, Random Lake; Bob Roden of Roden Echo Valley, West Bend; and Elizabeth McMullen of Organic Valley Co-op. The moderator will be Judith Friebert whose artwork of dairy farms is on display at the Cedarburg Art Museum. Public is invited free of charge. Participation is encouraged. All are invited to the museum afterward to view the exhibit and for refreshments.

The Western Wisconsin Conservation Council’s annual meeting is Dec. 8 at Emmert & Sons, 1881 140th Ave., Baldwin, Wisconsin. The day will start at noon with a lunch open to all and end with the members-only board meeting at 2:45 p.m.

The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Dairy Team will host its annual Dairy Goat Management Seminar from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Dec. 10. at the ISU Extension and Outreach Sioux County Ofce in Orange City, Iowa. This year’s focus is on goat health, feeding and milk marketing.

The Discovery FarmsConference is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Glacier Canyon Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin. This year’s conference will connect water quality, agronomy and management practices on farms by showcasing the importance of stacking practices into a conservation system. For more information, visit uwdiscoveryfarms.org.

Taking the guess work out of calf health

Tools for assessing, diagnosing issues

By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com

THORP, Wis. – A quick daily assessment can provide clues as to how calves are doing. Calves that appear to be happy and healthy are the goal, but occasionally, one needs extra attention.

Dr. Kendra Wells, of Valley Veterinary Clinic in Seymour, was on hand to share assessment and diagnostics procedures and tools Oct. 25 at the Professional Dairy Producers Calf Care Connection workshop at Dutch Dairy LLC in Thorp.

“I don’t examine every single calf; I just do a quick calf assessment,” Wells said. “If she is healthy and looks good to me, I’m going to walk by her. If she shows me a sign, I’ll take a closer look. Is she eating her grain and drinking her milk? How is her attitude? Is she sad or is she depressed? Are her ears sad or her neck outstretched? I like to look at how the other calves around her are behaving.”

For those calves needing a closer look, Wells recommends having tools available.

“First and foremost is your eyes,” Wells said. “We need to be able to look at their manure, their eating habits; without our eyes, we can’t do much for them at all.”

To visually assess a calf, Wells wants to look at its face, legs, chest, navel, abdomen and rump.

“When I look at their face, I’m looking at their ears, eyes and nose, and I am sensing their attitude,” Wells said. “You can tell a lot about their eyes. Are they bright and alert? Is there ocular discharge? Are the ears droopy? Is there nasal discharge or is the nose abnormally dry?”

When observing the legs, Wells said to monitor the joints for signs of joint ills or for signs that the calf has structural issues that might not be treatable. She said she often sees structural abnormalities, particularly in calves resulting from embryo transfer.

Moving on to the chest, Wells said that watching a calf’s breathing can be a sign of disease such as pneumonia.

“A pneumonia calf will be breathing heavy, have nasal discharge, sad ears and will be running a temperature,” Wells said. “Sometimes though, one will look like it has pneumonia but will not respond to treatment. That can be a problem with the heart, which is rare, but there is nothing you can do to x these calves. These are the calves that are so frustrating.”

The naval is an area of potential concern in young calves, according to Wells, because it provides a pathway into the body for pathogens.

“When the calf is born, the umbilical cord, which is attached at the naval, stretches and breaks,” Wells said.

DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR Dr. Kendra Wells shows a Professional Dairy Producers Calf Care Connec on workshop par cipant how to use a stethoscope to examine a calf Oct. 25 at Dutch Dairy LLC in Thorp, Wisconsin. A daily assessment can provide clues as to how calves are doing.

“Sometimes what can happen, particularly in heavy embryo calves, is that it doesn’t stretch properly. We can be left with gross tissue outside of the body, which leaves a large distended navel.”

Wells said that when a calf presents with a large naval that does not go away or seems to accompany other issues, she uses ultrasound to examine the naval area and sometimes nds an abscess.

“Sometimes that naval is hot and painful for the calf, and sometimes there is pussy discharge,” Wells said. “Those are all signs of infection.”

When looking at the calf’s abdomen, Wells said to look for distension.

“Bloat in weaned calves and pre-weaned calves typically have different causes,” Wells said. “Clostridium is a concern in calves on milk. If they start kicking at their stomach, that tells me that calf hurts a lot, and I need to really pay attention to her.”

Looking at the rump, Wells said to search for signs of scours and loose manure.

“Calves that have scoured in the past are more likely to have problems again,” Wells said. “I like to classify or grade diarrhea.”

After visually examining a calf, if it is detected that a calf is looking or acting abnormally, more information needs to be gathered.

“A thermometer is another tool I consider a must,” Wells said. “Without taking their temperature, I feel you are missing a big piece of the puzzle.”

Wells encourages calf caretakers to keep a pen and paper with them to make accurate notes about

DR. KENDRA WELLS, VALLEY VETERINARY CLINIC

what they are seeing.

“Making notes about calves’ behavior and the signs they might show is so important to communicating with others that might be caring for them as well,” Wells said. “A calf might be looking a little off but have a normal temperature. You need to communicate to others to keep an eye on her too. Even if you are the only caretaker, there is only so much you can remember.”

Wells recommends having tools available to administer intravenous uids as necessary or the ability to call a veterinarian to administer those treatments.

“We don’t like it when calves get sick, but it happens,” Wells said. “Having the ability to give an IV is super helpful, and you can save calves’ lives with this.”

An esophageal feeder and a supply of sterile syringes and needles round out Well’s list of tools to have on hand for routine calf diagnostics and treatment.

Other tools that are not as common, but Wells said can be useful, include a stethoscope and an ultrasound. She also recommends a refractometer, or blood tubes to pull samples, to run a serum total protein analysis to determine the success of passive transfer in a calf.

Wells also said she likes to use calf health scoring apps to score and evaluate a calf.

Wells said an adenosine triphosphate swab can be obtained to measure bacteria count and evaluate the cleanliness of the calf area. When issues arise, Wells recommends taking manure samples and nasal swabs to determine what pathogens might be present to give a better idea of how to treat the animal.

When a calf does die, Wells advocates following through with a necropsy to nd out what caused the death and to learn what might be done to prevent future issues.

“There is so much that can happen with these young calves,” Wells said. “Being extra vigilant can sometimes make all the difference.”

“Making notes about calves’ behavior and the signs they might show is so important to communicating with others that might be caring for them as well.”

Jaden Dreier

Parents: Randy and Becky Dreier Norwalk, Wisconsin

Monroe County 80 cows Brookwood High School 17 years old

Questions for parents:

Tell us your favorite experience of working with Jaden. He’s been riding in the tractor with me since he was very small. It has been good to see him learn things on his own and pick up on things quickly. He has been a good help with eldwork this year.

What qualities does Jaden have that benet the farm? He is an early riser, and we never have to tell him to get at chores. He knows how to drive equipment and milk; he is a wellrounded kid.

Jaden Dreier pushes up feed before milking Nov. 3 on his parents’ farm near Norwalk, Wisconsin. Jaden is a junior at Brookwood High School and plans to a end college.

Questions for Jaden:

What are your responsibilities on the farm? I can do just about everything on the farm. I mostly help with eldwork and take care of heifer chores at our other farm. Sometimes I milk if Dad needs me to. I also feed cows and calves.

When did you begin helping on the farm? I always rode with Dad and helped as soon as I could, but I have taken on more responsibility in the last couple years as my grandpa has aged.

How has working on the farm shaped your character? It has taught me to be more responsible and to be a hard worker. I have gained a sense of priority from working on the farm.

What do you love most about farm life? Fieldwork. I love being out in the eld and spending time in the tractor.

What is one thing you have learned from working alongside your parents? My dad taught me a lot about equipment and what to do in case something happens.

What are your future plans? I plan to go to college for agronomy or agribusiness. I will possibly return to the farm at some point, but I’m not sure yet.

ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR Becky (from le ), Randy and Jaden Dreier stand together Nov. 3 on their farm near Norwalk, Wisconsin. The Dreiers milk 80 cows in a estall barn.

ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR

Featuring:

The Hefter s

When do you do chores? Morning and night.

What is your favorite chore and least favorite chore? My favorite chore is helping my grandpa scrape with the skid loader.

I also showed a calf named Taco and a pig at the fair this year,

Colt Hefter 6 years old First grade

STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR

Bob and Kaitlyn He er and their children – Quinn (from le ), Colt and Emme – milk 80 cows near Brownsville, Wisconsin. The He ers are expec ng their fourth child in January.

and it was fun getting them ready. My least favorite chore is washing the milkers.

What is your favorite animal on the farm? Our dog, Kash. He is a nice dog. I like to play fetch with him. He helps chase the cows.

What is your favorite subject in school? Gym because we get to run around.

What is something you have learned in school recently? Subtraction.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A farmer.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. Same as Dad’s but with bigger tractors.

What is your favorite dairy treat? Blue Moon ice cream.

What is your favorite game to play at home and on the farm? The farming simulator game on my mom’s phone.

What do you like to do during recess? Play with my friend, Eli.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A dad and a farmer.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. It would look like my dad’s. I would have blue and yellow tractors, horses and cows.

What is your favorite dairy treat? Chocolate milk.

What is your favorite game to play at home and on the farm? Hot lava monster.

What do you like to do during recess? Play with toys.

Quinn Hefter 2 years old

When do you do chores? I help Mom feed calves at night.

Emmett Hefter 4 years old K4 program

When do you do chores? Morning and night, but mostly at night.

What is your favorite chore and least favorite chore? My favorite chore is moving cows with my dad. My least favorite chore is going for bumpy rides on the tractor.

What is your favorite animal on the farm? Our dog, Remi. I like when she hugs me and licks me.

What is your favorite subject in school? Playing outside and having a snack.

What is something you have learned in school recently? I learned how to make apple pie.

Concrete Silos

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- Emily Isherwood

With over 40 years experience, Wisconsin Silos is the most complete builder of concrete silos in the United States. From pouring the footing, to fixing the accessories, unloaders, feeders, conveyors, silo pipes, silo distributors & silo chutes.

What is your favorite chore and least favorite chore? My favorite chore is shadowing Mom.

What is your favorite animal on the farm? A steer named Buddy. He is friendly and follows us wherever we go.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I don’t know; a big cow.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. Chickens, eggs, horses, kitties, corn, tractor and cows.

What is your favorite dairy treat? Strawberry ice cream.

What is your favorite game to play at home and on the farm? Play outside on the swings.

What do you like to do while your older siblings are in school? Help Mama and be outside.

Bushmaker, Yoap make Sudsy Cow Soap

By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com

COLEMAN, Wis.

–

Sudsy Cow Soap was an idea born while milking cows.

“I had a random idea and

thought it might be something cool to pursue,” said Lily Bushmaker. “One day last summer, Everett and I were milking together, and I just randomly said we should start making soap. He agreed to join me in the project.”

clean venture

Sudsy Cow Soap is a partnership between Lily Bushmaker and Everett Yoap of Cowtown Acres LLC, a 106cow dairy farm near Coleman. The herd is milked in a 53-stall stanchion barn and housed in free stalls. The farm is owned and operated by brothers Everett and Alex Yoap and their parents, Leonard and Debbie. Bushmaker has been employed by the farm for the past four years as an assistant herdsperson.

Besides the dairy and the soapmaking venture, Cowtown Acres is home to a custom hay business and serves as an auction sale barn as well.

As they contemplated their journey to become soap-makers, the pair began researching the science and art behind making soap.

“We did a lot of (researching) and watching YouTube videos to gure out the process,” Bushmaker said. “It’s not as easy as one might think.”

One of the earliest lessons the pair learned was the time sensitivity of the steps.

“It just seems a lot easier to do with two people and denitely more enjoyable,” Bushmaker said.

is incorporated into the name of each scent of

The name of a cow from

Cow Soap. This serves as a conversa on starter with customers about the dairy industry.

Bushmaker and Yoap began making small batches of soap

DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR

Evere Yoap and Lily Bushmaker turned a random idea into Sudsy Cow Soap. Yoap’s family owns Cowtown Acres LLC in Coleman, Wisconsin, and Bushmaker serves as a herdsperson on the farm.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

the Cowtown Acres herd

Sudsy

in a trial-and-error process.

“There was a learning curve,” Yoap said. “We had some pretty interesting results the rst few batches.”

They gave their rst soaps to friends as samples, and the feedback they received was positive; enough so that they decided to continue their efforts. They relied on those friends to help them choose the scents they began working with.

After successfully making several small batches, Bushmaker and Yoap began making larger batches of soap, typically 72 bars at a time. Each batch of that size requires about 2 quarts of milk.

Yoap said it takes the pair about an hour to make a batch of soap. After the soap is poured into the molds, they place it in the freezer for several days. The soap then cures for four to six weeks before it is packaged.

“You can really tell the dif-

ference between soap that is two weeks or four weeks or six weeks old,” Yoap said. “You can feel the difference touching them.”

Sudsy Cow Soaps have vitamins A, D and E added to enhance the performance as skincare. Blends of essential oils are used for scent.

“People have given us feedback thus far that their skin feels amazingly soft after using our soap,” Bushmaker said. “Guys like it for their facial hair, and women have said they use it for shaving. I personally have very sensitive skin, and our soap has worked great for me too.”

While they are becoming procient at the process, Bushmaker admits they experienced trials when trying new things.

“It is really cool to see how things turn out,” Bushmaker said. “The color can change randomly from batch to batch. We like trying new things all

the time. For the holidays, we tried making some red soaps, but they turned out orange. We learned red is a difcult color to work with because of the mica powder that is used as the colorant.”

Because using colorings can lead to varied results, Bushmaker said they keep the colors of their soaps natural and lean toward earth tones and pastels that are easier to work with than vibrant colorings.

As they began achieving their desired results and began building up an inventory, the soap-makers began thinking about how they would go about marketing their product. They made their initial foray into soap sales in November 2021 for the holidays.

Most of their sales come from craft shows Bushmaker attends in the area. Bushmaker also works as a professional photographer and markets prints of images she has made,

most of which are agricultural in nature.

Each of the Sudsy Cow Soaps are named for one of the cows in the Cowtown herd, and Bushmaker said that helps as a way for customers to connect with the dairy industry in a positive manner.

“For me, this is a great way to incorporate advocacy for the dairy industry,” Bushmaker said. “It gives me an opening to start conversations with consumers. People see the cow pictures and they’ll ask questions about the cows and what the milk is like. Sometimes they are surprised to nd out there is milk in the soaps.”

Throughout their rst year in business, Bushmaker and Yoap have developed recipes for 15 soaps.

“We never have all 15 on hand at once,” Bushmaker said. “We have some that are mainstays and some that are more specic to certain times

of year.”

Lemon sunshine and mountain pine are two of the best-selling scents Bushmaker and Yoap have developed.

“When we started selling the soap, we had a very limited inventory,” Bushmaker said. “We weren’t sure how it would sell or what people would like. We were pleasantly surprised by the response we received.”

While Bushmaker said craft shows are their best marketing avenue in terms of sales, they have also ventured into marketing the soap through their Facebook page and have placed the soaps in several local retail stores.

Yoap said he is happy the venture has had success.

“I have loved just watching where this has gone,” he said. “It went from a random idea to a protable business. It was really Lily’s baby. I am just the guy who said I’d help her out. I’m just glad I’ve been able to witness the success.”

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Lily Bushmaker sells Sudsy Cow Soap Oct. 29 at a cra show in Pesh go, Wisconsin. The soap comes in 15 varie es.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A freshly made batch of soap is poured into molds to begin the curing process. The soap cures for four to six weeks.

Robert Bunn Jr., Seller

Livestock - FOR SALE

HOLSTEIN BULLS, red or black, closed herd, Johnes & Leukosis test negative, guaranteed breeders, delivery available. Call 507-920-5859. 7-TFN-B

REG. HOLSTEIN BULLS, from three or more generations of EX 30,000 lbs. dams, Brookings, SD. Call 605-6906393. TFN-F

POLLED HOLSTEIN BREEDING BULL, born March 2022, 1023 NM$, 2985 GTPI, 1505 milk, 182 CFP. For info call Staci Sexton 651-564-0857 schonekuhdairy@gmail. com. 19-1-F

ROAN MILKING SHORTHORN BULL, born Sept. 1, 2021, approx. 750 lbs., asking $1,000. Call 701-490-2432. 6-TFN-F

SERVICEABLE AGE BLACK & WHITE & RED & WHITE BULLS, sires Unstopabull, Genie, & Late Night-P, dams EX and VG, over 30,000 milk, 4% test. Call 320-5836564. 10-TFN-F

BROWN SWISS BULLS, home raised, registered, genomic tested, A2A2 tested, delivery available. Call 563-419-2137 or visit www.hilltopacresfarmcalmaria. com 24-TFN-F

19) 9 MO. OLD BOER CROSS DOELINGS, $300 ea. Chester Schmucker, 13401 Cty Hwy. 31, Frazee, MN 56544. 18-2-F

REG. BROWN SWISS BULLS, all ages, exc. pedigrees. Call 320-5876384 or 320-583-0336. 12-TFN-B

(50+) REGISTERED JERSEY COWS, (25) A2A2 Jerseys, all ages and stages of lactation, $800$1,400. Call 715-4171778. 12-10-F

FLECKVIEH HEIFER CALVES, certied organic, newborns starting at $175, Thorp, WI. Call 715773-1119. 18-4-F

SERVICEABLE AGE BREEDING BULLS, 40 yrs. AI breeding, Sauk Centre, MN. Call 320-7612526 or 320-293-5607. 6-TFN-F

REG. HOLSTEIN BULLS, exc. type and production. Call Scott Rickeman 320-552-0284. 16-TFN-F

DAIRY HFR. CALVES, 2-6 months old, 28K herd avg., Norwood, MN. Call 612-202-7944. 18-TFN-F

HOLSTEIN BULLS, springing hfrs., Freeport, MN area. Call 612-2707453. 23-TFN-F

POLLED HOLSTEIN MILKING COWS & SPRINGERS, DHIA, 1,026 fat, 780 lbs. protein. Call 612-916-5701. 15-TFN-F

R&W REGISTERED BULLS, dams up to 92, 140,000LT, proven family, ready for service. Call Dan Weaver 608-723-7845. 182-F

YEARLING PUREBRED DAIRY FLECKVIEH BULLS, some A2A2 & genomic tested. Call 715-220-2572. 9-TFN-F

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS, polled, genomic tested, deep pedigreed high producing cow families. Call 507-8200452. 22-TFN-F

REGISTERED BROWN SWISS POLLED HEIFERS, (1) springer, (1) yearling. Call 563-3825447. 19-1-F

REGISTERED, homebred Holstein bulls, located 15 mi. north of Rochester, MN. Call Dave Alberts at 507-269-3084 or 507356-8625. 14-TFN-B

HERD OF 30 HOLSTEIN DAIRY COWS for tiestall barn, various stages of lactation, VG, calm herd. Call 563-7443506. 17-TFN-F

Good 4WD, MFWD, 2WD Tractors CIH 9380 4WD, 6367 Hrs., 710/80R38 Duals, 855 Cummins, PS, 3pt., 4 Hyd., Weights, Clean; CIH Farmall 75C MDWD, 327 Hrs., 420/85R30, Weights, CIH L62 Loader, Joystick, LH Reverser; Case 2390 2WD, 4117 Hrs., PS, 20.8x38 Duals, 1000PTO, Weights; JD 2640 2WD, Open Station, 2000 Hrs. Showing, 3pt., PTO; JD 6300 2WD, Open Station, 6275 Hrs., JD 620 Loader, Joystick; JD 4230 2WD, Open Station, 9100 Hrs., 3pt., JD 148 Loader & Bucket; Oliver 1800 Gas Tractor, W/F; JD 720 Gas, W/F, 15.9x38, 3pt., New Clutch; JD 620 Gas, W/F, 13.6x38; McCormick WD-9 Diesel, Restored, 14x34, Weights, Hyd. Pump, Runs Good Sprayer, Westfield Augers, Ripper, Seed Tender, Grain Drill Hardi NAV950 Sprayer, Twin Force, 1000 Gal., Triple Nozzle, Inductor, 60’ Booms, 20” Spacing, 13.6x38 Tires, Monitor; CIH 870 Ripper, 9 Shank, Levelers; CIH 730C Ripper, 7 Shank, Lead Shanks, Leveler; Easi Load Double Hopper Seed Tender, Tarp, Inoculator; Christianson Bulk Seed Tender, 4 Pro-Box Frame, Conveyor; Wilmer 800 Fertilizer Spreader; JD 750 No-Till Drill, 20’, 15” Spacing, SI Meters; Shop Built 30’, 12R30” 3pt. Side Dressing Bar, Raven Controls; Westfield MK130-74 Swing Shopper Auger, Like New; Westfield MK100-71 & MK100-61

HOLSTEIN BULLS, red or black, serviceable age, north of Rochester, MN, delivery available. Call 507-732-5930. 19-1-F

DAIRY HERD, (35) Jersey, Jersey cross, Swedish Red, Milking Shorthorns, mostly fresh last spring & bred back, special group price. Call 563-203-0189. 19-2-F

HOLSTEIN BULLS Great selection from EX and VG high-producing cows, 26,800 RHA, Johnes free. Call Olmar Farms at 507-794-2697 or 507-2200730. 1-TFN-B

SERVICEABLE AGE

HOLSTEIN BULLS, from great type and production families. Raised on outside lots, good vigor, Glencoe, MN. Call 320864-6555. 2-TFN-F

REGISTERED CALVING EASE HOLSTEIN & ANGUS BULLS, various sizes, delivery avail. Call or text Brian 715-6139206. 2-TFN-F

(2) POLLED BROWN SWISS BULLS, 1 is homozygous, genomic tested, breeding age, great pedigrees. Call 563-568-7991. 18-2-F

DAIRY GOAT DOES, out of Hostetler breeding; also breeding bucks available. Call 319-350-5819. 24-TFN-F

HEIFERS OF ALL AGES, baby calves to springers, central, MN. Call 320-333-5906. 19-TFN-F

GUERNSEY SPRINGERS, reg. Brown Swiss cows & breeding age registered bulls, Brown Swiss bulls, Guernsey w/high type & production. Call 563-590-5369. 11-TFN-F

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS, red or black, dams over 40,000 milk, 4.0 test, Analyst Renegrade, King, Doc. Call Greg 608-326-2668. 18-2-P

Livestock - WANTED

WANTING TO BUY SLOW & LAME CATTLE, lump-jaws and bad eyes and all blemished cattle, $200-$600; also, good cull cows and bulls, $600$1,200. Call 612-860-8774 or 651-480-1900. 4-TFNB

WE HAVE BUYERS for tiestall and freestall dairy herds of all qualities and quantities. Also herds for sale at all times, Call 715721-0079. 2-TFN-B

BUTCHER COWS, bulls, & fats; also thin, lame, lazy, & lump jaw. Call 320-894-7175. 11-TFN-B

COMPLETE HERDS OF DAIRY CATTLE; also buying all classes of livestock, including cull cows, steers, hfrs. and calves. Call 715-216-1897. 7-TFN-B

ALL CLASSES OF SPRINGER DAIRY COWS. No jockeys. Call 320-760-6050. 20-TFN-F

Hay, Straw, Feed & Bedding - FOR SALE

KILN DRIED WOOD SHAVINGS for bedding, by the semi load. Call 608479-2039. 19-TFN-F

STRAW, NET WRAPPED ROUND BALES & BIG SQUARES, clean, dry, stored inside, delivery available. Call 320-8088336. 15-TFN-F

MIXED GRASS HAY, med. squares; also meadow hay cut up and baled in 4x5 rounds and med. squares. Call 320-2930181. 18-10-F

ALFALFA HAY & GRASS HAY, med. square or round bales, delivery available. Thief River Falls, MN. Call or text LeRoy Ose 218-689-6675. 10-TFN-B

OCIA CERTIFIED YELLOW CORN, 8.52 crude protein. Call 641-751-8382. 12-TFN-B

ERNMOREORGANICS. COM, certied organic alfalfa, wrapped in 8 layers of lm, 3x4x6 bales, RFQ 140-280, Springeld, SD. Call ERNmore Organics 605-286-3873 or 605-9992010 or 605-251-1143. Ernmoreorganics.com. 16-TFN-B

ALFALFA BALEAGE, 1st-4th crop, 175 RFQ. Call 715-896-1418. 3-TFN-F

CERTIFIED ORGANIC 3RD CROP CLOVER/ GRASS MIX 4X4 BALEAGE ROUND BALES, $150. Call 715-654-6316. 18-12-F

SHREDDED CORN STALK BALES, 4x5; 4x5 round bales of straw. Call Kevin 701-367-0869. 184-F

3X3 WHEAT AND OAT STRAW BALES; also 3x3 hay bales, all grown in Canada! Call 204-712-5161. 19-6-B

1ST, 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH CUTTING BALEAGE, all cuttings are tested, Glencoe, MN. Call 952297-2811. 5-TFN-F

FLAX STRAW BALES, 4x5, net wrapped, $20 ea. Call 218-573-3172. 16-TFN-F

(40) CANARY GRASS BALES, 5x6, net wrapped. Call 218-282-6132. 19-3-F

Mike and Jenny Schafer, Sellers

Hay, Straw, Feed & Bedding - FOR SALE

GRASS HAY, 3x3x8 med. sq.; also swamp bedding chopped up and baled dry, 3x3x8 med. sq. or 4x5 rd. bales. Call 320-293-0181. 19-8-F

ORGANIC HAY, round bales, 900-1000 lbs., exc. quality, 200 bales 1st crop, 30 bales 2nd crop, located in Bemidji, MN. Call 218209-1682. 16-5-F

Help Wanted

IHLENFELD FARMS IS CURRENTLY LOOKING TO HIRE SOMEONE TO FEED COWS

The position is minimum 5-6 hours/day. Additional hours available in the shop or eld if interested. Must be able to operate a tractor, skid steer, and wheel loader. Pay is starting at $18/ hour and will negotiate if experienced. We are located in the Allenton/ West Bend, WI area. Please contact Steve at 262-6899570. 19-1-VM

Miscellaneous - WANTED

BADGER STYLE GUTTER CHAIN, 16”, CCW, approx. 300 ft. Call 715307-1488. 19-2-F

SPRING TEETH for IHC C cultivator; wheel hub for IHC 56 corn planter, right side. Call 715-822-2678. 14-TFN-F

SQUEEZE CHUTE OR HEADGATE FOR CATTLE. Write to Mervin Wagler, 22186 Keystone Rd., Wilton, WI 54670. 17-6-F

FARM BULK MILK COOLERS, all sizes. Call 319-330-2286. 10-24-P

VINTAGE A.O. SMITH HARVESTORE ADVERTISING COLLECTIBLES & Harvestore farmer magazines, 1960s-1990s, in good cond. Call 715-225-9987. 19-8-F

OLD HEATING FUEL AND DIESEL, can pump from basement. Call 320424-2005. 5-TFN-F

Miscellaneous - FOR SALE

HAY RACK, platforms on side, 9x18’, $2,500; Kewanee elevator, 56’, pto lift. Call 320-247-2657. 7-TFN-F

‘13 PENTA 4120 HD, 6’, LH disch., 1-owner, new knives, used on 50-cow dairy, mixed 1 batch/day, exc. cond. Call 651-2616082. 19-2-F

(2) DELAVAL MILKER PUMPS, 1) 7 1/2 HP, 1) 10 HP, also Farmall Super H. Call 218-385-3471. 12-TFN-F

NH 154 12-WHEEL RAKE, $6,000; Also Ogden 10 carted rake, $4,500. Call 320-249-8556. 19-1-F

20’ GOLIATH HARVESTORE SILO UNLOADER; also Brown Swiss bulls, 1-2 years old, AI sired. Call 651-3809530. 10-TFN-F-2nd

HOLM LAUE MILK TAXI 55 GAL. SELFPROPELLED UNIT w/ pasteurizer, fed 30-35 calves, updated to newer unit, $7,250. Call 641-5300535. 15-8-F

NH BR770 ROUND BALER, crop cutter; Case 2188 combine, RWA. Call 218-841-8723. 24-TFN-F

50-COW DAIRY LOOKING FOR KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON for farm work; must know equipment and cows. Call 715-662-5053. 23-TFN-F

1900 COW DAIRY looking for bilingual parlor manager. Call 507-9515597. 8-TFN-F

LID FOR KNIGHT 8132 SLINGER SPREADER. Call 507-459-5201. 19-TFN-F

GOLF CART OR SIDEBY-SIDE. Call 320-2504600, no texts or messages. 14-TFN-F

JD 7000 6 OR 8 ROW PLANTER & 6620 or 7720 combine. Call 320760-6050. 22-TFN-F

USED CALF-TEL PENS. Call 320-995-6216. 16-TFN-F

9X16 KICK BALE RACK, dismantled, sides only, no oor, SE, WI, $700/obo. Call 262-3057284. 19-1-F

‘08 35 TON SEMI TRAILER, beaver tail & ramps, 51’ total length. Call 320-760-6942. 12-TFN-F

CHEMICAL INJECTION PUMP for hydrogen peroxide etc. into water supply, like new, $350. Call 320-630-7559. 14-TFN-F

CIH TIGERMATE II 26’ CULTIVATOR, w/28’ type rolling basket, $30,000. Call 320-2498556. 19-1-F

Miscellaneous - FOR SALE

TORO GROUNDSMAN DSL. CAB LAWN MOWER & SNOWBLOWER. Call 320-4242005. 13-TFN-F

JD 4010 DSL. TRACTOR, $4,000. Call 715758-8116. 18-2-F

PSI POWER WASHERS, Power Washers Hot/ Cold, Cabinet Parts Washers, Chemicals, Presoaks, Degreasers, Large Parts Inventory Shipped Same Day, On Site Service. Industrial, Commercial, Farm, Sales, Repair, and Rental. “The Guys That Work Great Under Pressure” 1-800-555-1677. Serving you from 3 locations: West Central MN Region – Pennock, MN Location SW MN Region – Wilmont, MN Location NW IA Region – Harrisburg, SD Location & Wilmont, MN Location SE SD Region – Harrisburg, SD Location. 23-TFN-B

(5) WAIKATO EXPRESSO TS DETACHERS w/ pulsators, milking equip. used 1 yr, $1,500 ea. Call 320-429-1741. 18-3-F

NH 38 FLAIL CHOPPER, bought new in ‘04, always shedded, exc. cond. Call 715-314-0977. 10-TFN-F

RED & BLUE HEELER PUPPIES, good cattle dogs, farm raised. Call 715-669-3149, 7 am or after 3 pm. 18-2-F

JD 2700 PLOW, semi mounted. Call 320-5101055. 13-TFN-F

NH 790 CHOPPER w/ hay head & NH 116 14’ hydra-swing haybine. Call 218-639-1103. 5-TFN-F

MELTEC MILKER PUMP, rebuilt pump, 5 HP motor, used for 2 months. Call 320-290-3484. 18-2-F

(20) TIESTALLS, broken out of cement, stacked indoors, only used 8 yrs., $250; Wanted: Weaverline 421 or 521 elec. feed cart. Call 507-685-4412. 16-4-F

JD 115 6R STALK CHOPPER; Demco gravity boxes, (2) 650 bu., (2) 365 bu.; Badger barn cleaner head & chain. Call 320-266-6878. 17-3-F

‘88 WILSON CATTLE TRAILER, 7’x24’; JD 16R cultivator; Versatile 400 swather, good cond. Call 320-290-0367. 6-TFN-F

(4) 3-PHASE 5HP BULK MILK TANK COMPRESSORS, reasonable. Call 480-313-8460. 9-TFN-F

WEAVERLINE FEED CARTS, new, rebuilt used, parts, service. Call Hobert Sales Inc., Cokato, MN 320-286-6284. 19-TFN-B

JD 6300 ROPS, 4WD, $19,000; JD 512 ldr., 6’ bkt., $3,250; JD 620 ldr., 5’ bkt., $2,250; JD weight bracket, $125; JD suitcase wts., $80/ea.; NH suitcase wts., $80 ea. Call 715-6693971. 18-2-VM

ALFA-DELAVAL LATE MODEL BULK TANK, 1,250 gal., complete as new, MN. Call 480-3138460. 5-TFN-F

KRAUSE LANDSMAN 7430 SOIL FINISHER. Call 320-250-4600, no texts or messages. 3-TFNF

‘15 CHEVY SILVERADO 4-DOOR, 4WD. Call 320-557-5514, no texts or messages. 1-TFN-F

GUTTER GRATES; (8) DeLaval automatic takeoffs; Renn RSP24 stationary roller mill. Text 715878-4646. 16-5-F

(4) DEMCO 365 & 450 GRAVITY BOXES, (2) w/tarps, like new; tricycle feeder; big round bale wagon. Call 320-5576558. 18-TFN-F

NOTCH 3-SPEAR BALE ATTACHMENT for skid loader, exc. cond., also grain cleaner. Call 320-224-9887. 18-4-F

JD 4630, 2WD w/duals, $14,500; also IH 966 w/ cab. Call 218-583-2931. 19-1-F

TRUSSCORE WHITE PVC WALL AND CEILING PANELS, 16”x16’, factory seconds, quantity discounts, J-trim, inside and outside corner trim, use in dog kennels, milk houses, etc. Call 715-6442350. 8-20-B