December 23, 2023 Dairy Star - 2nd section

DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™

Second Section

December 23, 2023

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Page 2 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 3

PEOPLE MOVING PRODUCT

Cheese company crafted from a garage Sister companies use 1 million pounds per year

By Jerry Nelson

jerry.n@dairystar.com

CORSICA, S.D. — There are many successful businesses that began with an idea and an empty spot in a garage. The Apple corporation would be just one example.

While not nearly as big as Apple, Wooden Shoe Cheese Company and its sister entity, Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches, began in a garage and has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years.

Tom Gerlach got his start in the cheese business when he took a job as a cheese salesman.

“I began working as a traveling salesman in 1982 for the cheese plant here in Corsica,” Gerlach said. “I had a route and was paid on a commission basis.”

In 1984, the Corsica cheese plant decided to discontinue the cheese slicing part of its business. Faced with the prospect of drastically reduced sales, Gerlach decided to take matters into his own hands.

“I bought their cheese slicing equipment and set up an 8- by 8-foot section in my garage for slicing and packaging cheese,” Gerlach said.

“I even hired the lady who had been doing their slicing.”

Gerlach’s business, which he named Wooden Shoe Cheese Company, grew steadily over the years. Then, a new opportunity presented

itself.

“I had been selling sliced cheese to a sandwich company in eastern Nebraska,” Gerlach said. “They talked me into starting a sandwichmaking company.”

Gerlach launched Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches in 1986.

He added onto his garage but soon outgrew the space. Gerlach eventually moved his businesses into a former Case IH farm implement store.

“It was easy to sell sandwiches in the early days,” Gerlach said. “I would go to convenience stores or momand-pop grocery stores, and they would immediately see the value of our products.”

Gerlach began to feel overwhelmed by the stress of running two businesses, so he sold Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches in 1992. This enabled him to concentrate on the cheese business.

A big change took place a few years ago when Rocky Nelson and his partner, Dave Van Roekel, purchased Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches and Wooden Shoe Cheese Company.

“I had been working as a nursing home administrator,” said Nelson, who grew up on a diversied livestock farm near Platte. “I got a job offer that would have meant relocating my family to Hot Springs, but then my in-laws made me aware of the opportunity to become part of Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches and Wooden Shoe Cheese Company.”

JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR

Tom Gerlach (leŌ) and Rocky Nelson pause for a photo Dec. 14 at Wooden Shoe Cheese Company in Corsica, South Dakota. Nelson and a partner recently purchased the cheese business that Gerlach started in his garage in 1984.

Nelson and his management team have engineered remarkable levels of growth in both of their businesses.

“Our sandwiches and cheeses are sold all across the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa,” Nelson said. “When I started here, we had 22 employees. Now we have 86.”

Many of the sandwiches made by Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches include a slice of cheese. The sandwiches are put together by hand on an assembly line. Last year, Dako-

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ta Tom’s Sandwiches shipped 2.7 million sandwiches.

“We make 50,000 to 60,000 sandwiches per week,” Nelson said. “Between the cheese and the sandwich business, we go through more than 1 million pounds of cheese each year.”

The cheese for both businesses is sourced from a variety of Wisconsin cheesemakers.

“I’m ofcially retired, but I still enjoy the cheese business,” Gerlach said. “Once a

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month, I will get into my refrigerated semi and drive to Wisconsin. I will drive from one end of the state to the other and buy cheese from six or seven different cheesemakers until I get a truckload.

We deal with cheesemakers who specialize in the cheeses that we want. We buy the best quality cheeses at the best possible price.”

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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Con�nued from WOODEN SHOE | Page 3

Wooden Shoe Cheese Company transforms the large blocks of cheese that it buys into smaller blocks that are wrapped and sold to consumers.

They also sell cheese curds, shredded cheese and cheese horns. They add seasonings to cheese curds, transforming ordinary curds into such avors as bacon or jalapeño pepper jack.

In addition to producing sliced cheese for Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches, Wooden Shoe Cheese Company has partnered with food businesses in the region. For example, Wooden Shoe Cheese Company makes a blend of high-temperature shredded cheeses that is sold to companies that make pizza.

New partnerships and additional growth are on the horizon for Wooden Shoe Cheese Company and Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches.

“We just shipped our rst order of coffeehouse-style sandwiches to retail outlets in Sacramento, California, and New York City,” Nelson said. “The sandwiches were made under contract for a third party, so they won’t carry the Dakota Tom’s label, but it’s pretty cool to know that sandwiches made here in Corsica are now being enjoyed by people on both coasts.”

If this partnership proves fruitful, it could result in dramatic growth and changes for Nelson and his companies.

“It could mean expanding our business by four- or ve-fold,” Nelson said. “Our current facilities are lled

JERRY NELSON/DAIRY STAR

Some of the cheeses offered by Wooden Shoe Cheese Company include chipotle cheddar and ghost pepper, produced in Corsica, South Dakota. Wooden Shoe Cheese Company sources its cheese from a variety of Wisconsin cheesemakers.

to the max, so we would be looking at building a new facility, probably in the Mitchell area. It’s an exciting time to be in the cheese and sandwich business.”

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Dakota Tom’s Sandwiches, a sister company of Wooden Shoe Cheese Company, shipped 2.7 million sandwiches during the past year. Many of their sandwiches include a slice of cheese.

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 5

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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 7

The “Mielke” Market Weekly By Lee Mielke

Midwest cheesemakers report steady production

The U.S. Department of Agriculture again lowered its milk production forecasts for 2023 and 2024 in the latest World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates report. The 2023 forecast was reduced due to slower expected growth in milk per cow. Production in 2024 was lowered due to lower milk cow numbers and reduced milk per cow.

2023 production and marketings were estimated at 226.9 and 225.9 billion pounds, respectively, down 200 million pounds on both from a month ago. If realized, both would be up 400 million pounds, or 0.2%, from 2022.

2024 production and marketings were projected at 229.0 and 228.0 billion pounds, respectively, down 1 million pounds on production and 1.1 million pounds lower on marketings. If realized, 2024 production would be up 2.1 billion pounds, or 0.9%, from 2023.

The fat basis import forecast for 2023 was raised due to higher imports of cheese. Skim solids imports were lowered due to fewer shipments of milk protein products. The fat basis export forecast was lowered due to lower butter exports. The skim-solids export forecast was raised due to higher whey product shipments which more than offset the lower expected nonfat/skim powder.

The 2024 import forecast was raised on a fat basis but lowered on a skim-solids basis. Fat basis exports were lowered for 2024 on lower expected butter shipments, while a higher skim-solids basis forecast reects higher nonfat/skim powder and whey product exports.

Cheese and butter price forecasts for 2023 were lowered while the nonfat dry milk price was raised.

Whey was unchanged.

The Class III and Class IV milk price forecasts were lowered due to lower expected cheese and butter prices. The 2024 cheese price forecast was lowered, while butter, nonfat dry milk and whey prices were raised. The Class III price forecast was lowered due to lower cheese prices. The Class IV price forecast was raised due to higher butter and nonfat dry milk price forecasts, according to WASDE. The Class III price is expected to average $17.05 per hundredweight in 2023, down a nickel from last month’s estimate, and compares to $21.96 in 2022 and $17.08 in 2021. The 2024 average was estimated at $16.85, down 85 cents from last month’s estimate.

The 2023 Class IV was projected to average $19.10, down a dime from a month ago, and compares to $24.47 in 2022 and $16.09 in 2021. The 2024 average was projected at $18.90, up a nickel from last month’s estimate.

Looking at the crop side of the report, the U.S. corn outlook is for higher exports and lower ending stocks. Exports were raised 25 million bushels to 2.1 billion, reecting the pace of sales and shipments to date. Corn ending stocks were reduced 25 million bushels to 2.1 billion. The season-average corn price was unchanged at $4.85 per bushel.

Soybean supply and use projections were unchanged from last month, but supplies will likely remain tight, the USDA said. The season-average soybean price forecast was unchanged at $12.90 per bushel. Soybean meal was increased $10 to $390 per short ton, and the soybean oil price was forecast at 57 cents per pound, down 4 cents.

Checking Chicago as traders anticipated Monday’s November milk production report, CME block cheddar closed the third Friday of December at $1.52 per pound, down 6 cents on the week, lowest since Dec. 1 and 45.75 cents below a year ago when it dropped almost 12 cents.

The barrels nished Friday at $1.45, 10.50 cents lower, 29 cents below a year ago when they plunged 21 cents and are 7 cents below the blocks. CME sales totaled nine loads of block on the week and 27 of barrel, with 11 on Friday alone.

Midwest cheesemakers tell Dairy Market News that milk is available, allowing them to run steady production. Spot milk prices ranged from $4-under to $1-over Class. Volumes are not excessive, but some sellers are offering milk at below Class ahead of the holidays. Demand is seasonally steady for American and Italian type cheeses. Softening demand has contributed to a steeper decline in CME prices for barrels than blocks, according to DMN. Western retail cheese demand remains steady while food service remains steady to moderate. Price competitiveness of domestic cheese has improved but has not manifested into strengthening moderate export demand.

“Supply remains constrained with milk production running weak,” StoneX said. “U.S. production was much weaker than forecast in October, down 0.5%. The biggest surprise was production per cow, which is below trend by a record amount. Milk production, and production per cow, remain well below a year ago in California, and there isn’t any sign that they are improving quickly, so that will be a drag on total U.S. production even if the rest of the country does improve in coming months.”

That said, schools are closing for the holidays and thus pushing more milk into manufacturing.

Milk production also slowed more than expected in Europe during September and October, StoneX said, and should remain at or below year ago levels

through the rst quarter. Production in Argentina is also down.

“U.S. Cheese inventory in November was up 1.3%, and the market was about 18 cents lower than you would expect with inventories up that much,” StoneX said. “Either inventories for November are bigger than expected or the market was really undervalued in November. To fully justify a $1.60 block price for December, inventory would need to be up about 3.3%. It is possible that inventory isn’t up that much and the market is still just running weak relative to the fundamentals for other commercial reasons.

Whichever way you cut it: At present, it seems that U.S. spot cheese prices are undervalued.”

CME butter fell to $2.46 per pound Wednesday, lowest since June 30, but it closed Friday at $2.49, down 18 cents on the week, ending three weeks of gain, and is 36.50 cents below a year ago. There were eight loads sold on the week.

Central cream is “looser,” DMN said, and butter makers say it’s plentiful. Some anticipate heavy Class I milk orders will largely slow down as schools close for the holidays. Churning and micro-xing will keep pace with much of the past month. Plants report strong to steady production, DMN said.

Western cream volumes have improved along with strengthened average butterfat levels in milk.

Butter makers anticipate more milk clearing to Class IV in coming weeks as bottling demand declines with breaks at educational institutions. Although this has strengthened bulk butter production schedules, bulk butter availability is on the tight end, DMN said. Domestic demand remains strong to steady while demand from international buyers remains moderate.

Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Friday at $1.16 per pound, a half-cent lower on the week and 19 cents below a year ago, on six sales put on the board.

Dry whey saw a Friday close at 39.50 cents per pound, unchanged on the week but 6 cents below a year ago, with two sales for the week at the CME. The Federal Reserve will leave its benchmark interest rate unchanged. Meanwhile, re-tail dairy prices continue to improve for consumers, particularly for cheese. The U.S. retail price of cheddar in November was $5.65 per pound, down 20 cents from October and down 4.8% from a year ago. Butter was down 3 cents from October and 2.6% below last year.

Checking the demand side of the equation, the USDA’s latest data shows cheese utilization is sputtering. October usage totaled 1.2 billion pounds, up 0.8% from October 2022, following two months of loss, and year-to-date was up just 0.1%.

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Page 8 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

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ter, 26,000 pounds of anhydrous milkfat, 39 million pounds of whole milk powder and 8.8 million pounds of cream cheese. The products are going to 24 countries and are the equivalent of 816 million pounds of milk on a milkfat basis, according to the CWT. The Dec. 12 GDT Pulse saw 4.9 million pounds, or 99% of the total 4.96 million pounds of product on offer, sold. The same amount of instant whole milk powder and 38,660 pounds less of regular whole milk powder was sold versus the last Pulse. This auction, 5.3 million pounds more of skim milk powder on offer was sold.

Dairy cow culling continues to slow. The week ending Dec. 2 saw 55,200 cows go to slaughter, down 5,600, or 9.2%, from a year ago. Year-to-date, 2,863,100 head have been retired from the dairy business, up 54,000, or 1.9%, from a year ago.

In politics, the House of Representatives, by a 330 to 99 vote, passed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, a bill that would allow for whole and reduced-fat varieties of milk to once again be served in school cafeterias.

Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, praised the measure and called for swift action on the companion bill in the Senate “so that schools can once again provide children with a wide variety of milk options that deliver essential nutrients and meet their individual needs, whether that be whole or 2%, low-fat, or lactose-free milk.”

National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern also gave the measure a thumbs up.

“Milk’s unique nutritional prole gives it an unparalleled role in providing kids the nutrients they need,” Mulhern said. “Expanding the milk schools can choose to serve to include 2% and whole is a common-sense solution that will help ensure kids have access to the same healthful milk options they drink at home.”

U.S. milk production is steady to stronger, according to DMN’s weekly update, and starting the upward climb along the seasonal milk production curve. Handlers indicate that component levels in milk output are increasing. Class I demand, along with Classes II, III and IV, was strong to steady as educational institutions were back in session before the Christmas and New Year’s holiday breaks arrive.

Those increasing component levels in milk were reported in the Dec. 13 Daily Dairy Report.

“For years, high butter prices have encouraged dairy producers to make more butterfat, and they have responded,” the Daily Dairy Report said. “Producers have lled stalls with more Jerseys and fewer Holsteins, used selective breeding and genomic testing, and tweaked feed rations to boost butterfat tests.

“These changes have improved productivity and lifted other components, albeit at a slower pace. U.S. butterfat output in the rst 10 months of 2023 was up 7.2% compared to January through October 2020.

Over the same period, milk output climbed just 2.2%.

Protein out-put jumped 5.2%, and nonfat solids production grew 4.1%.”

The Daily Dairy Report said that the increased component levels help make the case for changes in milk pricing formulas, part of the ongoing hearings to reform the Federal Milk Marketing Order program.

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The increase was led by strong domestic consumption, according to HighGround Dairy economist Betty Berning in the Dec. 18 “Dairy Radio Now” broadcast, up 1.1%, and led by other-than-Americantype cheese.

“Cheese started 2023 with nice year-on-year growth in January and February, but year-to-date comparisons fell in every month from March to September,” HGD said.

Exports totaled 78.7 million pounds, down 4% from 2022.

Butter utilization totaled 199.8 million pounds, down 0.5% from a year ago but up 8.8% from September and up 4.6% YTD. Domestic usage, at 195.5 million pounds, was up 5.6% from a year ago, while exports, at just 4.3 million, were down 72.6%, the lowest since November 2020, according to HGD. Nonfat dry milk-skim milk powder, at 185.7 million pounds, was down 15.2% from a year ago.

“October was the third consecutive month of a double-digit year-over-year decrease, as feeble international demand continues to weigh on the commodity,” HGD said.

Exports were down 11.2%, and domestic disappearance was down 37.5%, the lowest mark for the month since 2020.

Dry whey utilization was up from the prior year despite losses in the export market, which Berning blamed on African swine fever in Asian hog herds and overall poor margins overseas in the hog sector.

“Whey protein concentrate maintained its strength, increasing year-over-year for the ninth consecutive month, with disappearance at its highest value since 2018,” HGD said, as domestic and export consumption grew.

Whey protein concentrate usage, at 55.5 million pounds, was up 33.7%, according to Berning.

Cooperatives Working Together member cooperatives accepted 13 offers of export assistance that helped capture sales of 1.2 million pounds of American-type cheese and 487,000 pounds of cream cheese.

The product is going to customers in Asia and Middle East-North Africa through February and brings CWT’s 2023 exports to 47.2 million pounds of American-type cheeses, 1.1 million pounds of but-

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Page 10 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Grain Markets December 20, 2023 he r

ts

Sanborn, MN Meadowlands Farmers Co-op

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Almena, WI Synergy Cooperative

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The past month has been very stressful trading markets. During times like this, I have to work hard at managing my mental state as I wait for market conditions to change. Since we are going into the Christmas season, I thought it may be a good time to share how my faith in Jesus Christ and the peace that comes with it helps me through tough times.

Recently I had a good lesson from a young man that I was trying to hire. He was comfortable with sharing his desire to work for a company that allowed him to openly walk in his faith. To him, it was very important that he had opportunities to share the hope that he finds in Christ.

As business owners, we work with employees, vendors, and industry relationships giving us great opportunities to share God’s love to those that need to be blessed by it. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest.” As we go into the Christmas season, it is my hope that you find rest from worries and anxieties as you feel his love.

Commodities in general have an overall deflationary bias to them. That seems somewhat odd given the fact that the U.S. dollar index has been fading since early

*Futures and options trading involve significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, carefully consider whether such trading is suitable for you in light of your financial condition. Past performance is not indicative of future results. DVi is an equal opportunity employer.

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October. From a monetary perspective, this should be inflationary. So why the disconnect? I suspect that global consumer demand may be the culprit.

In past events when inflation was predominant, stock markets and the overall economy looked resilient on the surface, but the reality to the consumer was totally different. I believe that is what is going on today.

The currency printing presses have forced monetary valuation increases (inflation) into the system. This is good for those holding hard assets, but the consumer has seen their spending margin disappear. This in turn softens demand, creating price deflation in items such as food.

Last week, I heard a story about a school district that is struggling to get most of their families to pay their student food lunch bills. It is almost unimaginable that in America we have children with parents unable to buy them food. Is the family budget really that tight, or are families losing their priorities in raising healthy kids?

I want to believe it is a budget issue as I can’t imagine a family choosing discretionary spending over feeding their kids.

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 11

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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

AND THEN THERE WAS ONE

Farming amid the Rocky Mountains Hedstroms operate last dairy in Flathead County, MT

By Jan Lefebvre jan.l@star-pub.com

KALISPELL, Mont. — Rarely do cows graze with prettier scenery surrounding them than the cows do at Hedstrom Dairy.

The farm, surrounded by mountains, is owned by Bill and Marilyn Hedstrom and nestled near Kalispell in the Flathead Valley of Montana. The valley lies between Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake — the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

Hedstrom Dairy is the last dairy farm in Flathead County and has survived by evolving through changing times.

The herd of 300 Holsteins is milked in a double-13 herringbone parlor that the family built in 1994 when it relocated to its current site from a different location in the valley.

“It’s really unique; you won’t see another (parlor) like it because we built it ourselves,” said Mary Tuck, Bill and Marilyn’s daughter. “We had the luxury of being able to

put in our own barn and facility based on experiences we had through learning (at the old site), so we designed and structured our whole freestall system and milking barn to our likes.”

All of the calves and heifers are raised on-site, making the total number of livestock about 600. The family purchases hay and grazes their cattle on the farm’s 170 acres of pasture.

Although the Hedstroms have dairy farmed in Flathead County since 1978 and raised four children there, they launched a venture in 2010, when Tuck and her husband, Jared, joined her parents in creating Kalispell Kreamery.

The facility uses all the dairy’s milk for processing and bottling both milk and cream and making yogurt and ice cream. The Hedstroms and Tucks sell their products to businesses across Montana.

The idea for the creamery arose when the Tucks were looking into options for their next phase in life after Jared, an engineer, nished a six-year stint in the U.S. Air Force.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Cows graze in view of the Rocky Mountains in 2022 at Hedstrom Dairy near Kalispell, Montana.

The farm lies in the Flathead Valley between Glacier NaƟonal Park and Flathead Lake, which is the largest freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River.

“About that same time, my folks called and said, ‘The last dairy farm just went out in Flathead Valley,’” Tuck said.

There were also changes taking place within the co-op that Hedstrom Dairy’s milk went to at the time, which was ve hours away in Bozeman.

During the 1970s, when the Hedstroms rst started farming, a processing plant

was located in Kalispel, but it had closed. The next nearest places to ship milk were at least four to ve hours away.

“This turned the shipping of our milk into a costly affair,” Tuck said. “As the dairies started trickling out of the valley, it became more and more costly because we couldn’t ll the tankers like we needed too. That was one of the big-

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gest challenges in the valley from a business point of view, and that’s why dairies disappeared.”

In 2009, the Hedstroms’ co-op wanted to renegotiate the hauling contract it had with the farm.

Turn to HEDSTROMS | Page 13

Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 13

ConƟnued from HEDSTROMS | Page 12

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Mary Tuck stands by cows in the freestall barn in December on her family’s farm near Kalispell, Montana. The farm is owned by her parents, Bill and Marilyn Hedstrom, with whom Tuck and her husband, Jared, own a creamery on the farm’s site.

“They were not going to honor our old contract, and what it would now cost to ship the milk, we could not afford it,” Tuck said. “Basically, it came down to a family conversation one night over dinner where we decided, if the dairy was going to survive, we needed to make some drastic changes.”

The idea of launching a creamery made sense.

“There’s always been a movement for consuming local foods, but at that time, it was really growing, something that people really wanted,” Tuck said.

“We thought we could capitalize on that if we bottled our own milk. We could sell it to the local community.”

After one year of planning and building, the Hedstroms and Tucks opened Kalispell Kreamery.

“My family’s moving to the farm and transitioning to the creamery was about how to save the farm and move forward ourselves as a family,” Tuck said. “My second daughter was born the rst day we started bottling milk in May 2010.”

Today, the Tucks have four children.

At rst, the Hedstroms and Tucks ran everything themselves with a herd of 75 cows. As the business grew, they

hired help and now have 10 employees at the dairy and 10 at the creamery.

The farm’s operations are structured so that the dairy and the creamery are two separate businesses, with the Hedstroms owning the dairy farm and both families co-owning the creamery.

Tuck handles cow management and breeding as well as helps at the creamery, her dad oversees the dairy, her husband maintains and manages the creamery, and her mom handles all the bookwork — but all four family members help wherever needed.

The creamery buys all the milk that the herd produces and does not buy milk from any other source.

“We are completely self-contained,” Tuck said. “Everything our cows produce, I’ve got to sell, whether it’s under production or over production. We’ve got to maintain our own supply and demand.”

The creamery sells whole milk, reduced fat milk — which is between 1% and 2% fat — skim milk, half-and-half cream, heavy whipping cream, chocolate milk, Greek yogurt, a specialty drink of cold-brewed coffee with milk in it, vanilla ice cream and chocolate ice cream.

“The key to all of our products is

that we are what you’d call ‘cream on top,’” Tuck said. “All of our milk is pasteurized and state certied, but what we don’t do is homogenize. … That means our cream will separate. It will always go to the top.”

Milk is sold in pint, quart, half-gallon and gallon plastic containers.

“We have a pretty broad market,” Tuck said. “We were able to price our cream to become competitive, so we were also able to establish a good foothold in the food service industry, meaning mostly coffee shops.”

Kalispell Kreamery added ice cream as a product ve years ago, and it is only made if the farm’s milk supply can handle the demand for the creamery’s other products rst, with whole milk being the priority.

“The community is so supportive of our project,” Tuck said. “From the beginning, the community has just jumped on what we were offering, and we continue to try to make sure we keep ourselves community-minded.”

One way the farm and creamery do this is by offering a Milk and Cookies Event each June, where thousands of visitors from the valley area come to

see the farm.

“We try to make sure the community knows we are part of it, and it helps that both of our family names have been in the valley forever.”

The farm’s location has another benet as well.

“Because of the uniqueness of our valley — we also have Glacier Park and Flathead Lake and a big ski hill called Whitesh Mountain — between those three tourist attractions, we always have ebb and ow in the valley with people coming in,” Tuck said. “Between the local community being great people who want to support us and then the tourism and people taking advantage of our area for its beauty and recreation, we’re able to be pretty successful.”

The last dairy in Flathead County is not only surviving. It is thriving.

“This is home, so we continue dairy farming because we all enjoy it,” Tuck said. “I don’t know what the future holds, but we’re just riding it out as long as we can. We live a very blessed life right now. The family is able to be part of a wholesome project that they can all be proud of, and that’s worth a lot in this day and age.”

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Bill Hollingsworth, an employee of Hedstrom Dairy, milks cows at the Hedstoms’ farm near Kalispell, Montana. The herd of 300 Holsteins is milked in a double-13 herringbone parlor that the family built in 1994.

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Page 16 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Organic & Sustainable Farming

Staying true to their dreams Organic market provides stability for Runde family

By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com

CUBA CITY, Wis. — For decades, Brett Runde and his father, Greg, watched many of their neighboring farms convert from conventional to organic farming. The Rundes were skeptical about the practice, but when conventional milk prices steadily declined and organic farming continued to progress, they decided to take the leap.

Their farm was certied organic in 2018, and the Rundes have not looked back.

“I always liked the thought of pasturing cows, but organic made me nervous,” Brett said. “But honestly, it’s been the best thing we’ve ever done on our farm.”

Brett and his wife, Laurie, milk 145 cows near Cuba City with Brett’s father, hired help and their four children: Ray, Jack, Mary and Anna. The cows are housed in a freestall barn and milked in a double-6 herringbone parlor twice a day.

PHOTO SUBMITTED The farm was established in 1919 The Runde family — Mary (front, from le�) and Anna; (back, from le�) Ray, Laurie, Bre� and Jack — milks 145 cows near

by Brett’s great-grandfather and has Cuba City, Wisconsin. The farm was cer�ed organic in 2018 in an effort to improve cash ow and remain a small, familybeen a dairy operation from the begin- run opera�on. ning. Some modest progress has been ate 420 acres of owned and rented land, made on the farm with the herd doubling stay small, so conventional was just not organic.

“I never would have believed with 100 of those acres being pasture over the last 30 years and a freestall and a t for us anymore.”

One of the biggest concerns for that,” Brett said. “But now it’s like the paddocks. Cows are fed what is grown parlor being built in 2012, but a big expansion has never been in the plan. Part Brett going into the transition to organ- vet only comes for herd check. May- on the land, with very little purchased of the reason organic dairying felt like ic was cow health. He said he always be sometimes I can’t get a calf out or supplements. The Rundes grow corn, the next right step, Laurie said, was so wondered how they would treat things something, but that is few and far be- soybeans, alfalfa and oats.

Cows are fed a total mixed ration in that they could remain a small, family- like ketosis and milk fever if they could tween.” not utilize the typical treatments. When Production has remained steady, the barn, and their feed is supplementoperated farm.

“We were either going to have to he asked his organic neighbors about it, around 60 pounds per cow per day since ed with pasture. This year, the cows expand or nd a niche, and organic was they all said that most of those issues an initial drop of about 5-10 pounds Turn to RUNDE | Page 17 our niche,” Laurie said. “We wanted to disappeared when they transitioned to during the transition. The Rundes oper-

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 17

ConƟnued from RUNDE | Page 16 have had around 190 days on pasture and at least that many nights. Grazing is coordinated with the weather, allowing the cows to utilize the barn when it is hot and take advantage of the pasture when it is cooler. During the warm summer months, cows are fed a TMR in the barn in the morning, and by the end of the evening milking, the TMR is gone and they spend the night grazing.

While he initially worried about herd health during the transition to organic, Brett said ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR he found the land transition The Runde family’s farm was established in 1919, cerƟed organic in 2018 and is located near near Cuba City, Wisconsin. The to be more challenging. They farm is operated by BreƩ and Laurie Runde, along with their four children — Ray, Jack, Mary and Anna — and BreƩ’s father, Greg worried about weed control Runde. since for many years they simBrett and Greg have ex- tines from a tine weeder so that more fun,” Brett said. “It’s a lot be changes down the road for ply planted corn, sprayed it and waited for harvest. Now, Brett perimented with tools and re- they could get closer to the row more work, but you can never him, but for the most part, we said, they had to worry about congured certain pieces to be of corn and throw more dirt really do anything exactly the can stay as is for now.”

In their spare time, the same year to year. Soil condicultivating and a higher poten- more effective. Last year, they into the row. modied a cultivator by adding “It’s actually been a lot tions are different every year family enjoys being involved tial for crop failure. as far as your timing or when in 4-H where Laurie is a leadyou get a rain, and before, that er. They raise miniature beef cattle, sheep and swine for 4-H didn’t really matter.”

The biggest impact on their projects. The kids are also infarm has been the difference in volved in high school sports the milk check, Brett said. The and help with milking at night. transition period was made a Laurie works part time as a little easier with support and nurse in Dubuque, Iowa. She advice from their neighbors, said it has been important for but it was a relief to see the or- her and Brett to raise their famganic milk truck come for the ily on the farm and getting certied organic has allowed them rst time.

Additionally, Brett and to continue that goal.

“We dated through high Laurie feel condent in the fuschool and college, and Brett ture of their farm.

“We could’ve nished out always wanted to farm, so it’s our career with conventional, good that he has fullled his but I probably wouldn’t have dream,” Laurie said. “I grew really pushed a kid to get into up on a farm, too, and I just ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR dairy farming (without the like living on a farm and living Cows eat a total mixed raƟon Dec. 11 at the Runde farm near Cuba City, Wisconsin. The organic transition to organic),” Brett in the country, and it has been herd is grazed on pasture for approximately 190 days out of the year. said. “We have a son coming good for our kids.” home to farm, so there might

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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

A career 7 decades in the making

Seibert continues to farm at 92 years old

By Emily Breth

emily.b@star-pub.com

SEBEKA, Minn. — Clyde Seibert might not get on the tractor as quickly as he used to, but the fact that he does get on it is simply remarkable.

Clyde, 92, is a mainstay in the eld helping his son, Ray, and granddaughter, Allyson, on their 80-cow dairy farm in Wadena County near Sebeka.

“I just like to keep busy,” Clyde said. “I do whatever has to be done.”

Clyde has been helping his family with eldwork since he stopped milking cows in 1990.

When the elds are dry in the spring, Clyde works them in preparation for planting.

During the summer, it is common to nd Clyde in a tractor for up to 10 hours cutting or harvesting hay. In the fall, he is chopping corn, doing tillage and chopping cornstalks, among other duties.

“I’ve done most of the tractor driving this year,” Clyde said. “It gives me something to do.”

Ray said his father nds enjoyment in getting the work done.

“He helps because there’s something to do, and he can

help,” Ray said. “It’s just the feeling of a job well done. God knows it’s not for the money.

He has always wanted to stay busy rather than sit still.”

When Clyde exited the Air Force in 1956, he knew farming was going to be his career choice. He did not want to work for anyone else and bought his own dairy farm.

During Clyde’s early days of farming, he farmed a modest 40 acres with a John Deere Model B and a two-bottom plow. Of the family’s land, 100 acres had to be cleared. Clyde sold the trees for pulpwood or logs.

Clyde said he considered the John Deere Model B to be advanced at the time because it had a trip bucket loader to clean the barn.

“I had a 5-foot tandem disc,” Clyde said. “Now, we go out there with 30- to 40-foot implements. That’s the part where there has been so much change. It’s always been enjoyable sitting out there getting something done.”

Clyde said he distinctly remembers his rst tractor upgrade, one that helped with the weather challenges he faced in northern Minnesota.

“In 1975, I bought a Leyland, a British tractor; that was the rst cab tractor on the farm,” Clyde said.

This fall, while operating equipment, Clyde had more

MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR

Clyde Seibert sits in a tractor Nov. 29 at his son and granddaughter’s farm near Sebeka, Minnesota. Now 92 years old, Seibert has been helping on the farm since he stopped milking cows in 1990. amenities at his disposal, including a radio and the comforts of a heater and air conditioner.

Watching technology improvements across all machinery is something Clyde said he has marveled at.

“When I was in high school, I plowed with a team of horses,” Clyde said. “Now I sit out there and it’s hard to believe. I’ve been through quite a bit. It’s mind-boggling to me.”

Clyde also recalls the long days of cutting hay with a sick-

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 19

ConƟnued from SEIBERT | Page 18

“When I started, we only chopped enough to ll one silo,” Clyde said.

Fieldwork continues to ignite Clyde’s senses whether it is the smell of freshly turned soil and new-cut hay or seeing a seed turn into a 12-foot high corn plant.

Clyde has also had a front-row seat to unique experiences.

A couple years ago, Clyde said bear cubs were playing in one of their elds, and more recently, a fall harvest day provided a picturesque memory.

“At 6 o’clock (one night), the moon was coming up over the trees,” Clyde said. “It was beautiful.”

Oddly enough, the view he remembers was in the eld that Clyde had one of his biggest health scares.

“I had a heart attack while I was in the eld,” Clyde said. “I had to get a stint put in.”

Clyde’s recovery time was short. A few days later, Ray said, his dad was in a tractor.

Clyde also had to overcome broken ribs, but 10 days later, he found comfort in a tractor seat.

Although his strength and speed are slowly deteriorating, Clyde has not let it prevent him from coming to the farm and helping with other jobs when eldwork is not being done.

“When Dad comes over, if there is a pile of wood at the end of the driveway, he always stops and makes rewood for us,” Ray said.

Clyde also drives to get parts for the farm and makes rewood for his own home.

Living a long life may run in the family for Clyde. His three siblings are 87 years old or more, but his wife and his siblings’ spouses are no longer living.

Clyde’s age has not stopped him

MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR

Clyde Seibert cuts cornstalks Nov. 29 for his son, Ray, on his farm near Sebeka, Minnesota. Seibert has been doing eldwork on this ground for almost 70 years.

from taking in experiences away from the farm. In September, Clyde, with one of his nephews, rode in a race car.

“That was the highlight of Dad’s summer,” Ray said.

Looking back, Clyde said he feels blessed to have spent so much time working the land and being a farmer.

“It’s just natural that I can do it,” Clyde said. “I’m fortunate that I am able to do it.”

Mark Klaphake contributed to this article.

MARK KLAPHAKE/DAIRY STAR

Ray and Clyde Seibert chat Nov. 29 on their farm near Sebeka, Minnesota. Clyde has been helping Ray since he reƟred from milking cows in 1990.

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Page 20 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

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Special Note: 2 fancy Brown Swiss cows both 2nd lactation and milking well with high components, low scc!! One fresh and one bred back. From Lamar Weaver, Unity. 5 high type registered Holstein cows backed by four generations excellent cows that all produced over 300,000 lb of milk! Sires are Apple Crisp,Defiant, McCutchen & Allforit. All 5 are confirmed bred back. From Clint Zank, Neillsville.

As usual this sale will include many excellent quality handpicked cows!!

Guernsey Heifer calf. Out of a registered Guernsey cow. Born 1130-23. Very nice!!

Early Consignments Feeder & Beef Cattle

(3) British White Park hfrs. one red tipped hfr born 7-22 due 7-24. one red and one black tipped hfr born 8-23. Replacement quality!!

Very fancy set!!; (11) Angus steers and heifers. 400-600 lbs.

Weaned and fully vaccinated Semen tank and contents (6) PacLamar Astronaut 40HO96; (5) Comestar Outside 73HO2479; (3) Marshfield Elevation Tony 7HO401; (2) Emprise Bell Elton EX95 = Sire of Durham!! 7HO2236; (2) Hanoverhill Triple Threat 29HO2775; (9) Roy Lane Jordan 29 HO 9023; These good old bulls plus many more including some embryos!! Semen and embryos will be sold then we will sell the MVE-XC 34/18 tank. For more info call Ferdi @ (715) 314-1650

OBERHOLTZER AUCTIONS - THORP Formerly Turenne Livestock SALE EVERY MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY 5:00 PM Selling Baby Calves, Hogs, Sheep, Goats, Feeder Cattle, Fat Cattle, Market Cows and Bulls VERY COMPETITIVE MARKET PRICES Call 712-432-5500 for daily market report JWO NOTES & MARKET REPORT: Big enough to make a difference, small enough to care!

LEEDSTONE Melrose, MN 800-996-3303 Glenco, MN 877-864-5575 Plainview, MN 800-548-2540 Menomonie, WI 866-467-4717 ZUMBRO AG SOLLUTIONS LLC Zumbrota, MN 651-380-2856 sioux dairy equipment Rock Valley, IA 800-962-4346

MIDWEST LIVESTOCK Zumbrota, MN 507-732-4673 Menomonie,WI 715-235-5144 Renner, SD 605-274-3656 Central ag supply Juneau, WI 920-386-2611 Baraboo, WI 608-356-8384

Good dairy cows continue selling strong. Top $2,650 Marvin Reiff, Withee. $2,650 Marlin Weaver, Unity. $2,500 Jermaine Martin, Colby. More good cows $1,500-2,200.

Springing holstein heifers $1,800-2,200. Opens $1.25-1.65/lb. Single birth Holstein heifer calves $110-160/hd.

Breeding Bulls $800-1,400. Market bulls 97-1.08 Choice Holstein steers $144-150. Crossbreds up to $160.

Hol feeder steers $136-180. Four hd 716 lbs @ $157. Crossbreds up to $220. Five blk hfrs 413 lbs @ $220. Four Angus X Hol strs 603 lbs @ $187.50 Holstein bull calves $230-400. Beef cross calves $400-540.

20% of Market cows sold $76-89. Top $102. Another 50% sold $61-75. Organic market cows $135-151.

3x4x8 western alfalfa $210-240. 3x3x8 alfalfa $110-140. Rounds and squares grass $65-90. Small Rounds first crop grass $30-45. Baleage 45-85. 3x4x8 wheat straw $75-90. Rounds corn stalks (not dry) $25. Small squares grass $3.

SALEs SCHEDULE

Dairy & Hay sale EVERY Thursday starting with hay @ 10:00 followed by Dairy Cows @ 11:00 sharp, then bred heifers, open heifers and feeders followed by calves, market bulls, fat cattle and cull cows. Special feeder sale 2nd & 4th Thursday.

WATCH OUR SALE ONLINE AT WWW.CATTLEUSA.COM

Sale Location: W1461 State Hwy 98, Loyal, WI 54446 From Spencer, WI take Hwy 98 west 5 miles. From Loyal, 5 miles east on 98

SALE CONDUCTED BY:

Oberholtzer Dairy Cattle & Auction Co. Auctioneer: Mark Oberholtzer, WI license #2882-052 John Oberholtzer 715-216-1897 • Mark Oberholtzer 715-773-2240 John Ivan Oberholtzer 715-219-2781 • Office 715-255-9600 www.oberholtzerauctions.com

Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 21

DAIRY CALENDAR

Univerisity of Minnesota Extension is hosting a series of farmland rental rates webinars to dicuss current farmland values. Farmland rental rates are the largest input cost the farmer has. Landlords, farmers and agri-business professionals should make plans to attend one of the informative meetings being held online. Each webinar will be held on the following dates with a session from 9:30-11:30 a.m. and a session from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

— Jan. 5, 10, 17, 24, 31 — Feb. 7 Join University Minnesota Extension of Stearns, Benton, Morrison and Sherburne counties at a two-day grant writing workshop Jan. 6, 2024, and Jan. 20, 2024, at the Stearns County Service Center in Waite Park, Minnesota. The presenters will demystify the grant writing process, answer questions and guide you toward success.

Contact Anthony Adams at anthonya@umn.edu or 320-316-3339 for questions.

Crop producers and agricultural professionals face a host of challenges, including pests and pest resistance concerns, agronomic issues and soil fertility questions. The Strategic Farming webinar from 9-10 a.m. Jan. 10 will provide up-to-date, research-based information on grain prices and marketing strategies to help optimize crop management strategies for 2024. This online session will be informal and open to all interested.

Form-A-Feed’s Professional Dairy Conference is an opportunity to learn from industry experts and bring home an abundance of knowledge to help embrace change, take on challenges and discover opportunities. You’re sure to go home with new results-driven ideas that you can implement on your dairy.

Join us Jan. 11-12, 2024, at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester, Minnesota, with included lodging at the attached Hotel Indigo.

The Minnesota Organic Conference will take place Jan. 11-12, 2024, at the River’s Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota. The conference offers nationally known keynote speakers and more than 30 breakout sessions providing educational opportunities in areas like organic crop production, dairy, livestock, fruits and vegetables, marketing and business. The trade show provides space for interested parties to market products or services directly to farmers, agricultural service providers, food industry representatives and consumers.

Women at the forefront of Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture community should plan to attend the Wisconsin Women in Agriculture Conference Jan. 12-13, 2024, at the Three Bears Resort in Warrens, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Women in Agriculture Conference will provide research-based and practical educational opportunities for all women interested in any aspect of agriculture. Through workshops and presentations, attendees will learn how to better manage risk, improve their farms and become more successful farm owners, operators and professionals.

The conference will feature speakers involved in agriculture, evening entertainment and opportunities for networking with other agriculture organizations, sponsors and participants.

Attend Dairy Strong Jan. 16-18, 2024, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, to gain inspiration and discover the challenges and solutions experienced by other farmers when implementing sustainable practices. Gain practical knowledge and motivation to implement practices that will make a positive impact on the environment and farms.

Reunite with the agriculture community Jan. 17-18, 2024, during MN AG EXPO at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center in Mankato, Minnesota. Over the course of two days, Minnesota’s marquee winter agriculture gathering sets our sights on the future by offering networking opportunities; educational sessions; a full trade show oor; dynamic speakers; fundraising events and more.

The Minnesota Women in Ag Network, along with the Minnesota Farm Service Agency, invite you to the Women in Ag Conference Feb. 6, 2024, at the Holiday Inn & Suites in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

This year’s theme, “Planting Possibilities: Shaping the Future of Farming,” will feature several speakers and topics related to planning. Planning on the farm takes many forms and requires a variety of skills.

Tues

k c o A t s uction Com e v i L e i r i a r P pany 43 Riverside Drive oL ng Long Prairie, MN 56347

Home of the longest running dairy sale in the Midwest!

TUESDAY REGULAR SALES - NEW START TIME 1 P.M. WITH FEEDERS Starting with hogs, goats and sheep, followed by baby calves, slaughter, replacement and feeder cattle.

SALE DATES: Tues., Dec. 26 Feeder & Slaughter Cattle Sale

with hay/straw, baby calves, feeder cattle, replacement cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, fat and slaughter cattle

Fri., Dec. 29 Tues., Jan. 2

Dairy Sale - Noon Feeder & Slaughter Cattle Sale

with hay/straw, baby calves, feeder cattle, replacement cattle, goats, sheep, hogs, fat and slaughter cattle

Please consign your cattle as early as possible!

Thank You!!!

DAIRY SALES are held EVERY FRIDAY. Dairy cattle sell at noon EVERY FIRST SATURDAY is the EVERYTHING SALE starting at 9 a.m.

EVERY THURSDAY we are in Belgrade - Misc. at 10am and cattle at 1:30 p.m.

For an on the farm estimate or current market info, call 320-732-2255 WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!

Market Phone 1-320-732-2255 Fax: 1-320-732-2676

Minnesota Dairy Initiative will be hosting two farm couple retreats that will be available to dairy farmers across the state of Minnesota. MDI will also be hosting a 2.0 Farm Couple Retreat for past retreat attendees. The 2.0 retreat is open to all past attendees (not just dairy farmers) thanks to sponsorship from AgCountry Credit Services. The purpose of the retreat is to have couples come together to enjoy a mini vacation away from the farm with each other. The focuses of the retreat will include communication with your partner, communication with family, relationship building, handling stress, managing personalities, problem solving, action planning and learning about additional resources. The retreat will also include opportunities to network with other farming couples, short lectures, group activities and partner exercises.

— Feb. 9-10, 2024: Country Inn and Suites West, St. Cloud, Minnesota.

— Feb. 23-24, 2024: Hampton Inn & Suites, Rochester, Minnesota.

— March 1-2, 2024: 2.0 retreat, Best Western Plus Kelly Inn, St. Cloud Minnesota.

OBERHOLTZER AUCTIONS

Machinery Auction at Thorp N15518 State Road 73, Thorp, WI

Friday, December 29th • 9:30 a.m.

Auction will be held live in heated shed. Also online at Equipment facts and Hi Bid

EARLY CONSIGNMENTS

Tractors Hyd drive, 4th beater, side extension; NH BC5070 Case IH 8950 tractor. 4WD, CAH, Duals front small square baler, Excellent!; Bale Band-it and rear. Nice tractor!; John Deere 8430 tractor.

100 bale bander, only made 1200 bundles, MFWD, CAH, 11k hours, new motor 1500 hours includes pallet of banding supplies; 9x18 kicker ago. ILS front suspension, front and rear duals; rack wagon, tandem gear, new floor; 8x18 flat John Deere 6130M tractor. 4WD, CAH, 4800 hrs, wagon, tandems, new wood floor; Meyer feeder dual PTO, power quad, 3 remotes, 3 pt, NICE!; JD wagon, 20’; NH 900 chopper w/hay head; 710 9430 tractor, 9600 hrs, front and rear duals, CAH, Pequea tedder; Uebler 812 feed cart, good cond; PTO, good cond; Case 990, 2276 hrs, 1979 model Roller crimper on transport, 9ft 8in, works great; off small farm, one owner nice tractor!; JD 2010 Agri-Metal 542 super cart with dual discharge, gas, narrow front, 4807 hrs, good cond; Deutz good cond; Agri-Val electric hammer mill; NH 900 Agrotron 150 tractor w loader, 10,900 hrs, 4WD, chopper w processor & hay; H&S 7+4, twin auger CAH, runs & drives, needs transmission work; JD chopper box, 16 ft, tandem; Automatic roller 7800 tractor, 4wd, duals, CAH, 15,500 hrs, power mill; NH 40 blower, 1000 pto; 2 JD 716A chopper quad, 3 remotes, runs & drives, needs engine over boxes w side extensions; 16 ft JD chopper box, haul, always in 4wd; JD 4400 compact tractor w tandem gear; EZ Flo 300 gravity wagon; roller 420 JD loader, hydro trpans, 3867 hrs, 4wd, nice; mill, 3 phase motor; silage rake; hopper unload CIH Puma 230, 4WD, 12K hrs, front 3pt & PTO, auger; 2022 Val Metal V59 blower, 1000 rpm, like deluxe cab, 30 mph, excellent cond!; 2 Versatile new!; Kuhn MM300 9 ft merger, flip down ext, 260 tractors; 1750 Kubota compact tractor with nice; cab and snow blower. Also selling loader and Vehicles: mower deck; Vermeer M470 ditcher w hoe; JD 2016 Peterbilt 389 semi. 18 speed, cummins, 336 4044M, 4x4, 9575 hrs; JD 6110M, 4WD, 1384 hrs, rears, 72” bunk, 280” wheelbase, 972K miles, solid CAH, SHARP!; Kubota L2250, 4wd, 1921 hrs, w/ truck!; 1981 Peterbilt 359 day cab semi, 13 speed, Westendorf loader; 400 cummins, single line wet kit, fifth wheel, Combines & Heads block heater, AC works good; 1984 Peterbilt 359, John Deere S690 combine. 4WD, duals, 3000 3406B cat, 13 spd, new reman trans, updated engine hours, 2200 separator. Greenstar ready. rear suspension, 60-in bunk; 2008 Chevy Express 20k in updates and repairs done by John Deere; passenger van, Black, 122k, good cond; 1996 John Deere 640FD draper head. 40 ft. Excellent Dodge p.u.,5.9 diesel, aluminum flatbed, RWD, condition!!; John Deere 608C 8 row corn head w dually, runs & drives, engine & clutch needs work; stalk choppers. Very nice!; Drago Series 1 12 row 97 IH 9400 truck, good cond; corn head, Flagship hookup; JD S680, 4WD, duals, Trailers: 3350/2200 hrs, Green Star ready, nice!; Case IH 2015 Big Tex gooseneck trailer 32 ft, tandem 2208 combine head, 8 row 30” with knife rolls; duals; 2013 Featherlite 7.6 X 34 cattle trailer. TriCase IH 8120 combine, 2010 model, 4wd, good axle, 2 divider gates, very nice!; 1990 Fontaine 38 cond; ft step deck semi trailer; 5x10ft spring suspension Skid loaders trailer frame; 32 ft tandem dual flatbed with Bobcat S650 CAH, hyd quik-tach, 3600 hours, 2 beavertail, new deck boards, working cond; speed. 2016 model, one owner; Gehl V330 skid Bryan 16ft flatbed GN trailer, tri axle; 2004 48ft loader. CAH, 2 speed, hyd quik-tach, 2950 actual aluminum combo step deck, excellent cond; 1978 hours, big tires. Fresh gone through shop. Nice!!; Timpte hopper bottom trailer; Case 1840 skidsteer. 1500 original hours. Very Logging: nice!!; Gehl 6640, aux hyd, 4552 hrs, cab, good 2002 Fabtek forwarder, 15,785 hrs, 600 hrs on tires; VTS adjustable bolt on skid steer tracks; engine over haul, 28L tires, good cond; 1969 JD 320E, 3900 hrs, 2 spd, CAH, electric detach; Brown tri axel trailer, 40ft w Serco 7500 log 2021 Gehl R165, 4965 hrs, back up camera, aux loader, Sure Grip grapple; hydraulics, 12 x 16.5 tires; T190 Bobcat 5900 hrs Manure Equipment: CAH, hand controls, narrow tracks, good cond; Knight 8040 Spreader w/8141 conversion; 5250 Kubota SVL 75 track skidloader good cond; gal Houle tank on 1993 Mack truck, sharp unit!; JD 240, 5837 hrs; T650 Bobcat, 2916 hrs, CAH, Kuhn Knight FLC 141 slinger spreader; H&S 235 excellent; JD 50D mini track hoe, 4880 hrs; box spreader; 64S17 high pressure pump and (2) Tillage Equipment 500 ft x 6in mainline manure hoses; Houle tri axel John Deere 230 disc. 24 ft; John Deere 235 disc. tanker; Dry Hill 42 ft manure pump, big 1000 pto, 24 ft; John Deere 980 field cultivator. 46 ft; Glenco 2 yrs old; Bazooka 8” load stand; SS 740 chisel plow, 11 shank; McFarland 4030 ATVs and Lawn Mowers: reel disc, 30’, good cond; Sunflower 5033 field Yamaha Grizzly 660, 4x4; JD ZTR5 lawn mower; cultivator, 33’, new shovels; JD 15’ culti-mulcher; Polaris 500 snowmobile; EGN 5050 track loader JD 960 field cultivator, 28 ft, 5 bar spike drag; 6 dumper; Land Hero track loader dumper; Artic row Miller cultivator w side dress kit; 20 ft heavy Cat 500 snowmobile, good cond; 2017 JD Z930M duty land roller; 8 shank 3pt c; Glencoe 9 shank zero turn mower, 54” deck, 1452 hrs good cond; disk chisel; Attachments Planting: 6 ft tire scraper, good condition; Tree stump Kinze 3600 12 row corn planter, 30”, liquid fert, puller. New!; Silage Special by Snow Hog 14’ 3pt very nice!; Kinze 2600 inter planter. 8 row, 36”, 15 blade, 4 way, brand new heavy duty!; Walco 3pt, row 18”; Kinze 2600 16/31 row planter w monitor; 6’ brush mower; new 6’ material bucket; pallet Spraying: forks; WSP 30 snow blade, 8 ft; snow blower off Top Air TA 1600 sprayer. 80’ booms, 1600 gal, garden tractor; 8.5’ 3pt snow blower; 7’ 3pt snow Raven Invisio Pro controls; 900 gal poly tank on blower; Various new Skid Loader attachments; transport; 2-400 & 1-550 gal poly tank; Miscellaneous: Grain Bins Firestone 1250/45/32 floater tires; wood hauler; Bin #1 34 ft across x 8 rings 32” high. Air floor, 2” stainless pipeline out of 80 cow barn, one sweep auger. Nice condition! Buyer has till June touch inlets & mounting brackets; 13.6x46 JD ten 2024 to remove bins. All bins located at W3662 hole tire & rim excellent cond, one bare rim; 55 Tree Rd Granton; Bin #2 26 ft across x 8 rings KW katolite PTO alternator; JD 70 loader off 790 32” high. Sweep auger, no air floor. Some rust in compact tractor; ag hitch for pickup; 35 water bottom ring; Bin #3 30 ft across x 7 rings 32” high. bowls; NEW Tuff Built self catching head gate Sweep auger, air floor. Fair condition. & chute; processor off FX50 Chopper; 3 phase Grain and Hay Equipment Winco generator; Schweiss 7 ft snow blower; Field line FL440 forage blower. Large 1000 PTO. Cattle chute; Houle 160 CFM trailer type air 2015 model. Good working condition; Miller compressor; Brand new tools 243 pc Craftsman Pro 1060 series 2 forage blower. 540 PTO; Roto tool set, (2) 25ft & (2) 50ft electric cords, (10) 2”× Grind GG10 corn grinder mill. Hyd input auger.

27ft ratchet straps; Linde forklift, 8000 lb, diesel, Large 1000 PTO. Used one season. Like new!!; runs ok; H&S FB7418 18 foot front and rear unload cart.

SALE CONDUCTED BY:

Oberholtzer Dairy Cattle & Auction Co.

Auctioneer: Mark Oberholtzer, WI license #2882-052 • John Oberholtzer 715-216-1897 Mark Oberholtzer 715-773-2240 • John Ivan Oberholtzer 715-219-2781 • Office 715-255-9600 www.oberholtzerauctions.com

Page 22 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Mid-American Hay Auction results for Dec. 7

Lot no.

571 580 594 598 599 601 602 608 609 612 614 615 616 623 624 626 627 628 629 635 639 645 650 655 660 666 703 570 596 606 613 617 625 638 640 646 648 651 654 659 665 670 691 704 707 590 607 620 649 652 671 672 675 699 700 605 621 632 696 681 636 679 633 634 673 684 685 686 581 587 668 682 683 689 690 574 576 595 618 653

Desc.

Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares

moisture protein RFV 16.35 14.06 118.93 14.79 9.16 96.59 13.21 14.26 109.85 13.62 13.8 119.13 16.55 12.63 96.65 16.05 13.27 100.31 14.79 9.16 96.59 15.22 10.35 102.22 13.14 19.67 154.19 15.73 13.84 106.87 12.68 9.57 87.9 13.69 8.76 96.14 13.28 5.3 81.47 11.15 18.68 109.9 12.31 19.65 136.08 15.67 25.12 183.01 13.69 10.36 94.53 12.25 10.7 98.22 12.18 8.81 103.72 17.93 17.9 111.11 19.41 17.04 113.89 16.1 13.87 108.12 19.11 6.67 75.42 14.07 6.57 66.5 14.81 10.05 88.76 13.82 10.09 101.61 20.43 19.51 165.44 19.22 8.99 75.73 16.08 15.2 107.59 18.75 9.04 83.07 13.8 8.34 78.2 14.82 19.84 147.76 15.73 13.84 106.87 15.42 9.76 87.02 16.65 20.85 152.12 15.06 18.2 119.35 13.6 10.71 87.13 14.05 13.4 93.3 17.05 21.11 165.49 13.43 15.39 96.51 16.54 14.8 110.68 12.57 19.85 146.91 19.01 19.09 125.36 16.97 17.96 168.32 17.59 16.46 113.22 15.89 18.88 144.91 10.38 19.28 117.83 14.75 20.45 139.89 17.86 21.26 179.89 NO TEST 19.32 24.52 148.98 18.37 21.92 131.26 16.99 19.27 151.96 15.59 17.9 120.07 14.3 23.72 158.72 15.56 21.32 166.97 13.54 19.22 123.18 14.7 20.48 122.8 21.57 23.04 140.39 21.54 22.05 134.68 15.69 20.22 137.22 21.55 20.14 138.61 14.05 21.52 168.17 15.56 21.32 166.97 15.02 8.58 65.51 15.39 19.16 143.2 14.08 5.98 68.11 12.5 6.1 72.92 14.01 20.4 137.49 11.42 18.92 141.01 17.18 25.17 198.81 12.76 9.14 107.16 14.72 19.14 142.06 13.85 20.5 162.1 14.22 2.58 154.09 15.44 24.42 235.88 13.81 19.87 152.19 11.36 20.91 137.1 14.03 21.55 150.23 17.82 23.48 218.76

cut.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 5 1&4 2&4 3&4 3&4 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3

Ld. size 13.05 21.02 10.64 19.33 20.66 21.51 22.02 22.39 25.43 20.39 26.72 21.81 22.21 25.17 26.94 25.47 26.4 25.77 21.58 22.75 27.48 22.18 22.64 7.84 8.95 25.28 14 16.2 21.94 16.69 21.69 22.86 23.56 16.6 22.92 17.64 25.77 8.94 26.59 9.87 31.71 19.73 26.52 30.17 8.01 23.79 25.75 24.23 25.94 6.54 9.15 9.3 24.42 15.91 28.71 22.15 17.65 17.8 8.75 25.88 15.55 25.99 19.61 22.02 7.29 27.02 25.08 23.93 24.72 24.59 28.86 21.91 25.88 26.5 27.05 25.36 25.89 21.38 20.9 23.44

price $135.00 $150.00 $150.00 $135.00 $150.00 $135.00 $125.00 $130.00 $160.00 $135.00 $150.00 $135.00 $100.00 $115.00 $150.00 $170.00 $150.00 $135.00 $135.00 $110.00 $135.00 $150.00 $120.00 $75.00 $60.00 $135.00 $45.00 $105.00 $170.00 $120.00 $75.00 $155.00 $85.00 $120.00 $175.00 $150.00 $125.00 $175.00 $160.00 $150.00 $200.00 $200.00 $140.00 $185.00 $150.00 $150.00 $185.00 $135.00 $175.00 $75.00 $60.00 $50.00 $185.00 $250.00 $200.00 $175.00 $170.00 $160.00 $140.00 $135.00 $150.00 $140.00 $165.00 $160.00 $60.00 $200.00 $165.00 $150.00 $175.00 $160.00 $225.00 $275.00 $185.00 $225.00 $225.00 $275.00 $200.00 $160.00 $225.00 $310.00

Lot no.

662 669 585 592 693 694 695 583 589 688 698 701 578 579 584 658 676 678 687 706 566 573 575 577 661 663 664 677 697 572 593 667 692 657 705 622 604 643 567 603 611 619 630 631 637 641 680 708 568 569 582 586 588 597 600 610 642 644 647 591 656 702 565 709 674

Desc.

Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Small Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Rounds Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Large Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Medium Squares Large Rounds Large Rounds

moisture protein

14.84 15.1 11.62 10.46 11.75 8.97 10.78 10.98 11.51 17.6 15.41 20 15.28 11.55 11.82 15.4 16.55 19.15 15.43 16.03 15.92 15.29 17.55 15.74 18.28 13.74 13.07 12.15 14.51 15.43 12.89 14.63 15.64 14.95 20.48 15.73 15.2 12.35

RFV

19.33 167.98 21.91 229.51 21.66 171.41 20.9 164.25 22.29 178.25 22.41 177.38 21.95 151.2 15.54 116 13.76 102.38 21.52 146.73 21.08 170.87 18.95 128.62 21.07 141.51 19.4 130.69 15.74 111.94 17.44 159.46 19.26 149.67 21.53 166.77 15.25 94.22 14.83 96.5 21.47 174.93 20.5 156.43 24.41 233.73 20.93 111.35 20.85 150.14 19.34 149.24 19.99 148.8 19.89 164.62 19.7 154.81 23.1 226.35 25.41 206.79 24.69 191.09 16.14 89.09 19.82 143.06 21.08 89.61 13.84 106.87 18.09 146.49 20.94 152.93 STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW STRAW CORN STALKS BARLEY STRAW

cut.

3 3 4 4 4 4 4 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 1&2 2&3 2 1 3&4

Ld. size

25.74 22.43 25.3 25.45 24.54 24.5 10.83 23.45 20.3 28.28 22.83 9.1 24.41 25.22 23.75 23.65 23.93 10.61 28.81 8.41 8.85 26.05 28.18 21.49 23.38 47 8.74 24.36 23.79 26.54 23.59 24.88 25.96 23.08 20.63 22.36 30.05 19.77 2.42 19.92 17.97 34 20.2 20.68 34 34 34 14 6.49 24.31 26.74 24.13 24.66 26.06 24.36 27.22 23.43 25.57 26.74 78 54 26.92 74 34 38

price

$200.00 $300.00 $235.00 $250.00 $255.00 $265.00 $260.00 $185.00 $160.00 $160.00 $210.00 $160.00 $215.00 $190.00 $175.00 $185.00 $170.00 $180.00 $185.00 $185.00 $210.00 $200.00 $275.00 $160.00 $200.00 $75.00 $275.00 $235.00 $225.00 $285.00 $225.00 $225.00 $245.00 $210.00 $150.00 $85.00 $160.00 $175.00 $95.00 $100.00 $110.00 $40.00 $100.00 $105.00 $55.00 $50.00 $55.00 $45.00 $100.00 $75.00 $120.00 $125.00 $130.00 $100.00 $135.00 $85.00 $120.00 $110.00 $85.00 $53.00 $50.00 $135.00 $45.00 $25.00 $45.00

Hay sales starts at 12:30 p.m. and are the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the months of September through May.

January 4, 2024 January 18, 2024

For more information, contact Kevin Winter 320-352-3803, (c) 320-760-1593 or Al Wessel at 320-547-2206, (c) 320-760-2979

Schedule Your Combine And Heads Today For A Post Harvest Inspection and Clean-up Receive 10% OFF all parts needed and labor discounts if scheduled for winter services

Quality Services With Warranty

We sincerely appreciate all our customers, neighbors and friends.

We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

FARIBAULT 1-800-491-3724 | LEWISTON 1-507-429-6731

YOUR AUTHORIZED AREA PATZ DEALER | NEW & USED AVAILABLE

www.storysalesandservice.com

HarvTech LLC

35958 30th Ave • Stanley, WI 54768

715-644-0954

Helping You Defeat Downtime

Offering Exceptional Service & Quality Parts with Budget Friendly Prices

Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 23

THE MIDWEST LEADER CONTACT US TO FIND A DEALER NEAR YOU!

KSI SUPPLY, INC.

WWW.KSISUPPLY.COM YEAR-ROUND DELIVERY

N6111 County Road OJ, Plymouth, WI 53073

920.449.5361

throughout the U.S.

OFFICE@KSI-TEAM.COM

Merry Christmas from all of us!

for Quality Feed Storage and Silage Supplies

Early Order Sale!

The Best Time to Buy is NOW! HYTIDOUBLE

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Page 24 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Shouldering the weight

Holmes takes the helm of family’s dairy

By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com

ARGYLE, Wis. — When Travis Holmes’ father passed away unexpectedly in 2021, he tried hard to keep the farm running smoothly. But with 400 cows and over 1,000 owned and rented acres, it was hard to do.

“I was grinding, but I wasn’t keeping up,” Travis said. “Dad always took care of managing and feeding the cows and the billing.”

Two years later, with his wife Stephanie and extra hired help, things are running smoothly again.

Travis and Stephanie milk cows near Argyle with the help of Travis’ uncle, Jim, and their employees. Cows are milked three times a day in a parlor and housed in free stalls. Farm ownership has come in stages for Travis and Stephanie.

Travis returned to the farm full time after college in 2007, and the family added 100 cows. In 2013, Travis and Stephanie bought 25% of the limited liability company and were in partnership with his parents. A year after his dad passed away, they purchased the remaining 75% of the LLC which was the cattle, machinery and feed. As of Dec.1, they also own the real estate, making them the sole owners of the entire operation.

Stephanie handles the bookwork since quitting her off-farm job in May 2022 to work full time on the farm. She also helps with eldwork in the sumPHOTO SUBMITTED mer and any regular chores that people need help Claire (from leŌ), Riley, Hunter, Travis and Stephanie Holmes gather on their farm near Argyle, Wisconsin.

The Holmeses milk 400 cows and farm over 1,000 acres. with year-round.

Turn to HOLMES | Page 25

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Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 25

ConƟnued from HOLMES | Page 24

BUNKER SILOS

Height Available: 5’, 8.6’ & 12’

ALSO AVAILABLE:

AL’S

AVAILABLE IN ONE OR MULTIPLE BAY DESIGN

• Feed Bunks • Cattle Slats • Holding Tanks • Cattle Guards

CONCRETE PRODUCTS 1-800-982-9263

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THE NO COMPROMISE FABRIC STRUCTURE DAIRY, MACHINERY & HAY STORAGE

Commercial Agri Buildings

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Heifers stand in the sunshine Dec. 11 at Travis and Stephanie Holmes’ farm near Argyle, Wisconsin. The Holmeses received the gold level award for reproducƟon this year from the Dairy CaƩle ReproducƟon Council.

WE ALSO SELL REPLACEMENT TARPS!

Single and Truss Arch available from 20’-120’ wide Flo-Coat® Galvanized Steel Tubing Supplied by Allied Tube & Conduit Heaviest gauge steel in the industry Pre-engineered truss buildings

NELSON’S AGRI STRUCTURES

Dean Nelson • Central and Northern Minnesota • Grove City, MN • 320-857-2633, Cell 320-699-3297

RIVERSIDE HOOP BARNS, INC.

Jim handles the herdsman work, they are bred. and the employees take care of milkThe heifer facility was built three ing and calf chores. Travis has been years ago and has made a difference the main feeder since his dad has been in their breeding program because the gone, along with managing the daily calves are 75-80 pounds heavier at operations. weaning. This allows them to be more Having team meetings has been mature at calving and become better instrumental to the progression of the dairy animals overall. operation, Travis said. His dad started The Holmeses have earned working with a dairy consultant in awards through the Dairy Cattle Re2009, and team meetings have contin- production Council for a few years ued since. in a row since building the improved “That’s the only way I got to be heifer facilities. This year was no exin the LLC,” Travis said. “We plan ception, with a gold level award. to keep it a LLC so that it’s easier “A lot of our neighbors have won to bring our kids in that award with us later.” the years,” “They work really over The team of Travis said. “They veterinarian, nutriuse the same vet, tionist and breeder hard to make sure nutritionist and are a three-legged the nutrition piece breeder that we do.” stool, along with the Herd health consultant. Stephais there. Some of checks are done nie said they work weekly, and cows together to keep re- our numbers have are bred articially production numbers through a combinauctuated a bit, but tion of ovsynch and satisfactory.

“They work realchalking. The the cows are also tail ly hard to make sure herd consists of the nutrition piece mainly Holsteins. milking more.” is there,” Stephanie Travis always said. “Some of our STEPHANIE HOLMES, DAIRY FARMER thought he wanted numbers have ucto expand and add a tuated a bit, but the cows are also robotic milking system, but since takmilking more.” ing over, he has found that he is conThe Holmeses raise their replace- tent where they are at. ment calves. They are started out in “We can pay our bills comforta calf barn, with overow going to ably, and we can run to our kids’ hutches. Then they are moved to a stuff,” Travis said. “We can make it three-sided heifer shed down the road exible.” and brought back to the farm once ★

★

25

★★★★

★★

★★

★

★★★

★

★★★★★

★★

★

Target Your Customers!

The Dairy Star is sent only to DAIRY FARMERS!

If you would like to advertise in the DAIRY STAR, call 320-352-6303 for more information.

US Hwy. 75 At IA/MN Stateline • Steen, MN • 507-392-2870 • Fred A. Tilstra & Sons

LAKESIDE HOOP STRUCTURES, LLC

Eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin • Harris, MN • 651-248-6302 • Craig Moline

ASK US ABOUT GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR HAY STORAGE

Merry Christmas

As we tie up another year, we’re reminded of just how fortunate we are to do business in this warm and welcoming community. Thank you for your year-round support and friendship. We wish you and yours a

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year.

MAIN OFFICE 2337 Millennium Rd, PO Box 140 Decorah, IA 52101

563.382.8722

LEWISTON OFFICE 295 East Main Street Lewiston, MN 55952

507.452.5532

Page 26 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023 • Page 27

Hey! Tell the advertisers you saw their ad in the Dairy Star!

Premier Livestock & Auctions LLC

Salsa dip

Office: 715-229-2500 Ken Stauffer 715-559-8232 Rocky Olsen 715-721-0079 Travis Parr 715-828-2454

N13438 STATE HWY 73 • WITHEE, WI 54498

From the kitchen of Kathleen Hafemeister of Hustisford, Wisconsin Shredded sharp cheddar cheese Tortilla chips

8 ounces cream cheese Any brand of pineapple salsa

Spread softened cream cheese on a microwave-safe plate with higher sides. Pour pineapple salsa (I like Newmanʼs Own) over the cream cheese.

Top with nely shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Melt in microwave. Great with tortilla chips.

SELLING MARKET CATTLE ONLINE BIDDERS AND BUYERS AND CALVES 4 DAYS A REGISTER AT CATTLEUSA.COM WEEK, MON.-THURS! WWW.PREMIERLIVESTOCKANDAUCTIONS.COM COME CHECK OUR STATE OF THE ART FACILITIES!

SELLING OVER 3000-3750 HEAD EACH WEEK, AND OVER 1000 CALVES!

HOLIDAY HOURS

We will be closed Monday, December 25th for Christmas!

Barn will open at 6:00am Tuesday 26th to receive your cattle.

Merry Christmas from our barn to yours!

HAY & STRAW AUCTIONS Wednesdays at 9:30! Hay & Straw sold by the bale!

Taco spaghetti

From the kitchen of Kathleen Hafemeister of Hustisford, Wisconsin 8-ounce package spaghetti 1 pound hamburger 1-ounce package taco seasoning 15-ounce can of corn, drained 10.5-ounce can cream of chicken soup

8 ounces sour cream 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided 1 cup tortilla chips, crushed

Scan the QR codes to find our pages or follow us @dairy_star_newspaper

DAIRY ST25R Y E A R S

FACEBOOK

@DAIRY_STAR_NEWSPAPER INSTAGRAM

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

Feeders will start selling at 10:00am and calves will follow!

Expecting a lighter run due to the holidays! Call with your consignments.

SPECIAL HOLIDAY DAIRY COW & DAIRY HEIFER AUCTION REPUTATION CONSIGNMENTS

FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA! 2 5

FEEDER CATTLE AUCTION

Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at 11:00 am

Break spaghetti in half before cooking. Cook spaghetti about 12 minutes.

Drain and put in lightly sprayed 9-by-13 pan. Combine soup, sour cream and 1 cup shredded cheese. Spread over spaghetti. Brown hamburger.

Stir in taco seasoning and 3/4 cup water. Simmer approximately 5 minutes or until thick. Add corn. Cook and stir until heated, about 5 minutes. Spread over soup mixture. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and tortilla chips. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

C E L E B R A T I N G

All special auctions are on CattleUSA.

X (FORMERLY TWITTER)

12 Fresh Holstein Dairy Cows. Parlor/freestall. Out of 33,500#

RHA, 97# 4.3BF 3.4P 79scc. 30+ years AI breeding. Reputation consignor. Extensive vaccination program. This load includes fresh cows and a few bred back cows. Coming from an overstocked dairy! 100% guaranteed sound. Reputation consignor, out of one the top herds of MN! Topping the auction every time! Coming from Shadycrest Holstein, Utica, MN 10 Holstein Dairy Cows, milking well! Fresh 2-3 year olds, parlor/ freestall. Cows will sell on test, milking heavy, most milking 85130#. Most are recent fresh with a few bred back. Reputation consignor. Coming from Sponenburg Dairy, Pulaski 12 FANCY Holstein Dairy Cows, all fresh 2-3 year olds, freestall/ ROBOT (good robot cows) cows will sell on test, extensive vaccination program, AI sired, extensive vaccination program.

Coming from KieÁand Holsteins, Utica Minnesota DAIRY HEIFER CONSIGNMENTS! Dairy Heifers to sell after the milking cows.

High demand for your dairy heifers! Expecting 300-400 of dairy heifers! Call with your consignments!

20 Holstein Open Heifers, 700-800# vac x3, AI sired, reputation consignor 12 Holstein Springers Heifers, AI sired and bred, freestall/ headlock adapted 8 Holstein Short bred heifers, bred 1-3 months, AI sired, full vaccination program CALL WITH YOUR CONSIGNMENTS Always a great selection of dairy cattle at Premier Livestock and Auctions!

DRIVE-INS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! PLEASE HAVE IN BY 10:30 AM

HOLIDAY SELECT SHEEP & GOAT AUCTION Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 11:00 am

Accepting Sheep & Goats Wednesday evening 5-8:30pm.

Overnight sheep & goats selling Àrst.

Have all sheep & goats in by 9:00am Thursday morning.

Weekly Highlights at Premier Another busy week at Premier Livestock and Scan the code Auctions with over 3,200 sold. Tuesday we for a direct link had our special feeder cattle auction. Fairly strong market despite all the downward to our website! pressure from the futures markets, and lower fed cattle prices. 575 feeder cattle sold. Most new crop beef calves $175- 270#. Holstein strs light test most $130-176. On Wednesday we sold 377 dairy cattle. Quality once again second to none !! Auction featured an excellent 165 cow Organic Herd. Herd straight thru averaged $2,585. Top quality Holstein fresh cows, lots and lots of them from $2,700-3,750. We had one load of 25 fresh Jersey Crosses from Kempers average $2,995. Other Good quality Holstein dairy cows, mostly $1,700-2,675. Top quality Holstein springing heifers $1,750-3,100.

Common and blemished cows & springing heifers $1,700 and down. Thank you to all of you who support Premier Livestock.

Page 28 • Dairy Star • Second Section • Saturday, December 23, 2023

Spreading GREAT DEALS!

From Field to Farm The Penta line of Dump Trailers are designed to get your crop from the field to your farm. Ranging in size from 1050 Cubic feet to 2475 Cubic feet there is one ready for you. Farmer focused features like better visibility in the box and the unique reverse tilt for better filling, all built as tough as you.

Farm Feeding The best quality feed needs the best quality mix. Penta TMR Mixers are designed, tested and farm proven to deliver the best mix on the market. Our Hurricane Auger allows forage to circulate faster through the mix for quicker processing and mixing times.

From farm to field The Penta (Hagedorn) line of Manure Spreaders allows you to make the best use of your organic nutrient resources. The Hagedorn Spreaders processes the manure finer with the best spread pattern. This lets your field make better use of this rich resource.

888-844-7788

USED SKIDSTEERS

‘17 Gehl RT250, ISO/Dual H-Ctrls, Dsl, Camso Tracks HXD 450x86x58, Both Standard And Hi-Flow Hyd, 2 Spd, Hydra Glide, 295 hrs, Warranty Till 6-30-26 Or 1000 Hrs. - $48,500

‘19 Mustang 2700V, ISO Ctrls, 72HP Dsl, 2700 Lift Cap, C/H/A, 2 Spd, Hydra Glide, 14 Pin, Back Up Camera, 200 hrs - $61,500 ‘19 Manitou 2200R, ISO Ctrls, Dsl, 2200 Lift Cap, C/H/A, 2 Spd, 50 hrs ........ $57,500 ‘20 Mustang 3300V NXT2, ISO/JS ctrls, dsl, 3300 lift cap, C/H/A, 2 spd, Hydra Glide, 5,090 hrs.......................................... $36,500 ‘18 Mustang 1650RT, H/F Ctrls, Dsl, 2350 Lift Cap, C/H/A, 2 Spd, 975 hrs ...... $50,900 ‘13 Mustang 2056 II, Case Ctrls, Dsl, 2150 Lift Cap, C&H, 2 Spd, 2,350 hrs ...... $32,500 ‘18 Gehl RT165, JS Ctrls, 69HP Dsl, 15” Tracks, 2000 Lift Cap, C/H/A, 2 Spd, 950 hrs............................................. $44,900 ‘19 Gehl RT165, ISO/JS Ctrls, Dsl, 15 1/2 All Season Tracks, Lift Cap 1800 @ 35% And 2400 @ 50%, C/H/A, 2 Spd, 1,720 hrs. ........................................ $43,900 ‘22 Gehl RT215, ISO/JS ctrls, dsl, square bar 17” tracks, 3000 lift cap at 50%, C/H/air, 2 spd, Hydra Glide, 1,375 hrs ......... $53,500

USED SKIDSTEERS

‘18 Gehl RT165, ISO JS Ctrls, Dsl, 1650 Lift Cap, C/H/A, 2 Spd, 990 hrs ...... $47,500 ‘17 Gehl V270, ISO Ctrls, Dsl, 2700 Lift Cap, C&H, 2 Spd, 3,950 hrs ...... $40,500 ‘17 Gehl R220, H-Ctrl, Dsl, 2500 Lift Cap, C&H, 2 Spd, hrs ..................... $33,500 ‘22 Gehl R220 T-Bar H-Ctrls, 2500 Lift Cap, C&H, 2 spd, 3890 hrs ............. $38,800 Gehl 4840, T-Bar Ctrls, Dsl, 1750 Lift Cap, No Door, Side Windows, Heat, 2 Spd, 4,450 hrs.......................................... $19,500 ‘99 Gehl 4635SX, T-Bar Ctrls, Dsl, 1425 Lift Cap, Comes With 66” And 72” Buckets, 7,431 hrs .......................... $10,500 NH L225, ISO/Hand Switchable Ctrls, Dsl, Standard And Hi-Flow Hyd, 2500 Lift Cap, C&H, 2 Spd, 2,460 hrs..................... $29,800 ‘20 Deere 332G, ISO/Dual H-Ctrls, Dsl, 3600 Lift Cap, C/H/A, 2 Spd, 975 hrs............................................. $61,000 ‘06 Bobcat MT52, 20HP dsl, tipping load 1600 lbs, standard auxiliary hyd, 411 hrs............................................. $22,500

MANURE HANDLING

‘09 Kuhn Knight 8132, 425 Truck Tires, 3200 Gals............................... $25,500 ‘13 Kuhn Knight 8124, 2400 Gal, 500 bu, Frt. & Rear Splash Guards ..................... $16,500 ‘17 Kuhn Knight 8124, 19L X 16.1 Flotation Tires, 2400 Gals, 500 Bu, Frt & Rear Splash Guards, Low Usage ......................... $34,500 ‘23 Kuhn Knight PS280, Accuspread Spinner Beater (Litter), Athne Scales-ISObus, Light Kit, Headland DeÅector, Auto Chain Oiler ............................................... $116,000 ‘12 Hagedorn Hydra-Spread Extravert 5440, 684 Cu Ft Heaped, 440 Cu Ft Struck, Sequence Valve Flow Control, Wood Rails, Stone Guard, Endgate ....................... $41,500 ‘15 Hagedorn Hydra-Spread Extravert 5440, 684 Cu Ft Heaped, 440 Cu Ft Struck, Sequence Valve Flow Control, Wood Rails, Stone Guard, Endgate ....................... $41,500 NH 795, 11R-22.5 Tires, 400 Bu, Upper Beater, Hyd Drive Apron, Endgate ................. $8,250

MANURE HANDLING

‘12 NH Duratank 3400S, 3400 Gallons ................................... $16,500 Balzer 3000, Truck Tires, 3000 Gals, Injectors 3 Shank With Covered Disc, Tank Replaced ......................................... $13,900 Jamesway Vacu-Pump, 6” transfer pump, 11L-15 Tires, 540 PTO ........................ $3,400

www.pentaequipment.com

TELEHANDLERS

MISCELLANEOUS

Hagedorn Hydra-Spread Extravert 5290, 425 Truck Tires, 290 Cu Ft, Vert Beater - $34,900 12 Kuhn Knight VT168, 680 Cu Ft, 3’ LH Conveyor $42,000

‘19 Hagedorn Hydra-Spread Extravert 5440, 540 bu, vert beater, hyd push, endgate, 4’ rock guard - $46,000

NEW ‘23 H&S 5242 - 4200 Gallons, Discharge DeÅector Cylinder, Electric Valve - Call For Price And Details

NEW ‘22 H&S 3243, 430 Bu, Hyd Drive, Electric Controller, New! Call For Price And Details

TRACTORS

‘19 Gehl AL750, Dsl, Full Turn 6127 Lift ‘18 Mahindra EMAX 20S HST, 20HP Capacity, C/H/A, 3 Spd, Power Q-Tach, Dsl, 4WD, Hydro, 198 hrs, King Radio, Suspension Seat, Block Heater, Kutter And 48” Tiller Included ......... $14,700 950 hrs............................................. $78,500 ‘21 Kioti CS2520, 25HP Dsl, 2 Spd, ‘21 Manitou MLA5-60, C/H/A, 3 Spd w/ Suspension Seat, 205 hrs ............... $16,500 Speed Ctrl, Air Ride Suspension Seat, TRUCKS Back-Up Alarm, Bucket Not Included, 200 Hrs ....................................Call For Price ‘19 Freightliner FL70, Linesman II 48’ bucket by Hi-Ranger mod.5FI-48BI, 373,763 USED TMRS/MIXERS miles, Cummings dsl, Turbo, 6 spd manual, 1 rear axle, 33,00 GVW, 9526 frt axle wt, 21,000 rear axle wt, air brakes, power steerings, heated mirrors................. $15,000

JAY-LOR 3650, 650 Cu. Ft., RH Flip Down Conveyor ............................... $15,500 ‘22 Meyer F700, 693 Cu Ft, 36” LH Side Discharge Conv ....................... $57,500

HAY & FORAGE

‘16 H&S BW1000, 11Lx15 Tires, 6’ Bales, 13,500 Bales on counter - $24,900 ‘89 NH 311, Model 170 Thrower, Small Square Baler ...................................... $6,500 ‘19 McHale V6750, 4x5.5’ bales, surface wrap, auto wrap, bale kicker, cutter rotor, 900 bales ......................................... $49,500 3 Point Wheel Rake .............................. $900 Tubeline TL1700SR, Square Bale 3’x3’ Up to 7’ Long, Rd Bale 4’x4’ To 5’x6’, Twin Bale Wrap Stretchers............................... $28,500 Kuhn SR300-12, 12 wheel, tandem axle ..................................... $12,500

‘20 Kioti K9 2400, CVT Dsl, Canopy, Hyd Dump, Frt & Rear Windshield, 72 hrs, 245 miles ......................................... $16,900 Woods M5-4, 5’ Width, 3 point mount, Single Tail Wheel ................... $1,250 King Kutter L60-40-SC-FH, 540 RPM, 60” Rotary Brush Cutter, 3PT Hitch, 40HP$2,350 Cabelas RC2072 Slip Clutch, 3 pt mt, 6’ Width, Frt & Rear Chains, Single Tail Wheel, Made By Woods .................... $2,900 Extreme 69” Brush Cutter, 11-20GMP$3,250 Virnig Pallet Forks ................................ $650 ‘18 Grouser Tracks, 18 Pads, Fits JD 320G or Loader with a 44.2” Whl base, All new bushings and pins ............................. $2,300 Grouser 12” Tracks, Fits Cat 246B .... $1,200 Tracks, Fits 2054, 10x16.5 Tires, Has Rubber Pads ............................. $ 1,000 Westendorf 4300, Brush Cutter ......... $1,200 Black Max, 22” Blower fan, 76” Width, Hyd Drive with Skid Mts, 21-25 GPM Hyd Requirement ...................................... $3,800 TMG Industrial RT120 tiller, 540 PTO, 48”, 3 Pt............................................. $2,800 Farm King F1663G, 74”, 3 pt, Hyd Rotation ..................................... $3,000 Bobcat Grapple, 72” Dual Root ......... $4,500 Steel Tracks 12” Tracks with Rubber Pads & Whl Spacers, Came OɈ 2200R Mustang .. $700 Bale Spear ............................................. $500 Pallet Fork ............................................. $500 Renegade R68 68” Snow Blower, Single Auger Hyd Spout Rotation, Low Usage .$3,400 Snowblower ......................................... $900