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DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 24, No. 2
A bright future for dairy Checkoff program enters into partnership with Mayo Clinic By Kate Rechtzigel kate.r@dairystar.com
ROCHESTER, Minn. − On Feb. 24, the National Research and Promotion Program, known as the Dairy Checkoff Program, announced it has entered into a ve-year partnership with Mayo Clinic to explore research and increase consumer outreach efforts to improve public health and increase dairy’s benets. “Partnerships are such an important aspect of the checkoff business plan,” Barbara O’Brien said. “It gives farmers an ability to extend their messaging, extend their investment and ultimately have much greater reach locally, nationally and globally. This new partnership with Mayo Clinic, to me, is a natural evolution strategy in play. Working with an institution of this kind of authority and credibility is game changing for us.” O’Brien is the CEO at Dairy Management Inc. which worked in collaboration with the National Dairy Council and the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy to set up the partnership with the health organization. The partnership will be incorporated at the Mayo Clinic campuses in Rochester; Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona; and Jacksonville, Florida. Teams made up of NDC scientists, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy experts, registered dietitians, Mayo Clinic physicians and health professionals will focus on three areas − researching, communicating and exploring digital platforms. Merilyn Hershey farms with her family on their dairy in Pennsylvania. Hershey is also the chair of the DMI board. Turn to MAYO CLINIC | Page 8
March 12, 2022
A farm for the whole family Hildebrandt siblings dairy together in style By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
SOUTH BELOIT, Ill. – Dairy farming was the career of choice for not one, not two, but for all four children of Ken and Amy Hildebrandt. Their love for the farm led them home, and each child wanted to be a part of the operation because it was their calling in life. Michael, Kevin, Angie and Ray are the third generation to run Hildebrandt Farms near South Beloit where they milk 950 cows and farm 2,000 acres with the help of 14 employees. Michael was the rst to return to the farm in 2011; Kevin came back in 2013, Angie
Turn to HILDEBRANDT | Page 11
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Hildebrandt siblings – (from leŌ) Kevin, Michael, Angie and Ray – milk 950 cows and farm 2,000 acres near South Beloit, Illinois. The farm is owned by their parents, Ken and Amy, and their uncle, Don.
Wisconsin celebrates record-breaking year for agriculture exports Nearly $4B in product shipped out of US in 2021 By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin’s agricultural exports hit an all-time high last year when the state exported more than $3.96 billion in products. This number beats the previous high of $3.8 billion set in 2014. Since that time, Wisconsin agricultural exports faced uctuations based on trade disruptions due to tariffs and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. But, things are turning around. “Exports are up from being down and are trending in the right direction,” Randy Romanski said. “And dairy is trending heav- Randy Romanski ily in the right direction.” WI Department of Romanski is the Wisconsin Depart- Agriculture ment of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection secretary. Dairy product exports were up 14.6% from 2020. Cheese and curd are big drivers in the dairy category and are up about 14%, whey is up 14%, and lactose is up 20%. In other agricultural
categories, meat product exports were up 10.4%, and crop product exports rose by 20.4%. Romanski said Wisconsin is the fth largest dairy exporter in the U.S., following California, Washington, Texas and Florida. “Wisconsin is clearly known as America’s Dairyland, but we’re also pretty fortunate to produce a variety of commodities available for crops,” Romanski said. “We’re a leader in the production of everything from ginseng roots to cranberries to sweetcorn. Those are also really strong export products for the state of Wisconsin, and we’re rst in the nation in those three categories. Prepared vegetables are always a strong export for Wisconsin, and we’re very fortunate to be a leader in the production of potatoes and snap beans as well.” The increase in exports is good news for the state’s economy and the producers of agricultural products, agricultural workers, agribusinesses and other industries that support Wisconsin agriculture, such as transportation. Canada, Mexico and China are Wisconsin’s largest trade partners, but Romanski said there are other emerging markets the state is also focusing on. “Wisconsin’s diverse portfolio of products presents growth opportunities for a lot of products in a lot of parts of the world,” he said. “Opportunities in dairy are strong. Southeast Asia as a whole is a potential growth market for dairy and other commodities. We’re also targeting the Middle East and the U.K. as far as cheese and dairy opportunities.” Turn to EXPORTS | Page 8
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
DAIRY ST R www.dairystar.com
ISSN 020355 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) 352-5647 Published by Dairy Star LLC General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake - mark.k@dairystar.com 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition Nancy Powell 320-352-6303 nancy.p@dairystar.com Editorial Staff Jennifer Coyne - Assistant Editor (320) 352-6303 • jenn@dairystar.com Danielle Nauman - Staff Writer (608) 487-1101 • danielle.n@dairystar.com Stacey Smart - Staff Writer (262) 442-6666 • stacey.s@dairystar.com Abby Wiedmeyer - Staff Writer 608-487-4812 • abby.w@dairystar.com Kate Rechtzigel - Staff Writer 507-696-9213 • kate.r@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Advertising Sales Main Ofce: 320-352-6303 Fax: 320-352-5647 Deadline is 5 p.m. of the Friday the week before publication Sales Manager - Joyce Frericks 320-352-6303 • joyce@dairystar.com Bob Leukam (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-1248 (cell) bob.l@star-pub.com Mark Klaphake (Western MN) 320-352-6303 (ofce) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (National Advertising, SE MN) 507-250-2217 fax: 507-634-4413 laura.s@dairystar.com Jerry Nelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) 605-690-6260 jerry.n@dairystar.com Mike Schafer (Central, South Central MN) 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com Amanda Hoeer (Eastern Iowa) 320-250-2884 • amanda.h@dairystar.com Megan Stuessel (Western Wisconsin) 608-387-1202 • megan.s@dairystar.com Kati Kindschuh (Northeast WI and Upper MI) 920-979-5284 • kati.k@dairystar.com Deadlines The deadline for news and advertising in the Dairy Star is 5 p.m. Friday the week before publication. Subscriptions One year subscription $40.00, outside the U.S. $200.00. Send check along with mailing address to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Advertising Our ad takers have no authority to bind this newspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute nal acceptance of the advertiser's order. Letters Letters and articles of opinion are welcomed. Letters must be signed and include address and phone number. We reserve the right to edit lengthy letters. The views and opinions expressed by Dairy Star columnists and writers are not necessarily those of the Dairy Star / Star Publications LLC.
The Dairy Star is published semi-monthly by Star Publications LLC, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246. Periodicals Postage Paid at Sauk Centre, MN and additional mailing ofces. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378-1246.
Dairy le brought to by your No Pro satisfaction inyou dairy trade Canada is proposing changes to its dairy tariff rate quota system to end the dispute with the United States over market access. In January, the U.S. won the rst-ever United StatesMexico-Canada Agreement dispute settlement case on the dairy trade issue. However, the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council are asking the Biden administration to reject this Canadian proposal. National Milk Producers President and CEO Jim Mulhern said U.S. dairy farmers “are sick and tired” of Canada’s effort to undercut its market access commitments.
All-milk price reaches highest level since 2014 According to the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Prices report, Wisconsin’s all-milk price in January was $23.40 per hundredweight. That is the highest all-milk price since November 2014 when it reached $24.40 cwt. The January price was nearly $6 higher than one year earlier. NFU delegates pass special orders of business The National Farmers Union convention wrapped up with the passage of ve special orders of business. That list includes the need for a fair, open and competitive marketplace; efforts to address the supply chain challenges and climate change. The NFU also implemented policy on the agricultural workforce and dairy policy reform. Kippley elected NFU vice president The NFU has elected South Dakota farmer Jeff Kippley as its new vice president. Kippley succeeds Patty Edelburg, who is from Wisconsin. Edelburg has been the vice president for the past four years. Stay engaged NFU President Rob Larew is urging his members to keep the pressure on Washington.
GA 4230 T & GA 4231 T
North America dealers. dispute settlement
“We are certainly pushing hard on the concentration issue, whether it is in meat markets or input costs,” Larew said. “That plus we continue to struggle domestically with the supply chain and globally with the current war in Ukraine.”
Ag Insider
Senate Ag Committee to start farm bill process in spring The Senate Agriculture Committee will begin its schedule of farm bill hearings this spring. “We’ll kick things off with By Don Wick eld hearings in Michigan and Columnist Arkansas,” said Debbie Stabenow, Senate Agriculture Committee chairwoman. “We’ll start title by title, and it will take several months to get through everything. We want to hear what’s working and what’s not.” Others want what the dairy industry has Recapping the past year, Associated Milk Producers Inc. chairman Steve Schlangen said the dairy cooperative has invested in new technology in its four major cheese plants. On the domestic front, AMPI and Crystal Farms came to terms on an agreement to sell cheese at the retail level. Regarding international sales, AMPI has secured markets in China and the Middle East. “They’re learning to love cheeseburgers, and that’s a good thing because there’s a lot of mouths to feed there,” Schlangen said. Schlangen said it is important to have a market for products. “If you look at what the beef industry is going through and even pork, they would love to have their own farmer-owned
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 3
Coleman, WI
Corner Scoop Creamery boasts premium product First Section: Page 10
Pittsville, WI
Plymouth, WI
Independence, WI
Mauks named Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder
Dejnos take a team approach to farming
First Section: Pages 12, 13
First Section: Pages 23, 25
Granton, WI
Hensel serves as WHA Princess
First Section: Pages 26 - 27
Waupun, WI
Whitewater, WI
Women in Dairy: Kellisa Carlisle
8-year-old show cow near, dear to Schmocker’s heart
First Section: Page 29
First Section: Page 32
North Prairie, WI
Dairy Profile: Richard Van Buren
Genoa, WI
Kipp keeps farming with son by his side
Second Section: Pages 6 - 7
Kids Corner: the The Goedes Third Section: Pages 8 - 9
Third Section: Pages 3 - 4
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE:
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
Describe your protocol for treating pneumonia in youngstock. First Section: Pages 15 - 16
Zone 1
Zone 2
Columnists Ag Insider er Pages Pa 2, 5 First Fi s Section Fir on n
From My Perspective Page 34 First Section
Farmer and Columnist Page 35 First Section
Ram Ramblings s fro from the Ridge R Page Pa 36 First Section on
Vet nary Veterinary W om Wisdom Pa Page 37 Firs Fir s Section ction n First
F From the Z Zwe m Zweber Farm P Page 38 Fir Section First
Come Full Co Da Dairy Circle P Page 39 F Section Fir First
The “Mielke” Market Weekly Pages 10 - 11 Second Section
Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 5
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 2 cooperative where they could have the op does not publish its nancials, but a market for products, and that’s what we spokesperson said AMPI “had a good year and its balance sheet is the strongest it’s have in dairy and AMPI.” been in AMPI history.” Record sales for Land O’Lakes Land O’Lakes is reporting record net WHA elects ofcer team Steve Endres of Waunakee, Wisconsales of $16 billion for 2021. Net income totals $295 million, up from $266 million sin, is president of the Wisconsin Holstein one year earlier. The crop inputs division Association. Ryan Weigel of Platteville, had signicant volume increases. Feed Wisconsin, is vice president, and Erica volumes were up, but earnings were down Ullom of Bloomer, Wisconsin, is secretary. because of high supply chain costs. The supply chain bottlenecks also hurt the WDE mourns loss of Jim Crowley Jr. Jim Crowley Jr., age 71, passed away prot picture for the Land O’Lakes dairy Feb. 17. Crowley was superintendent of business. World Dairy Expo dairy cattle show for more than 30 years. Crowley was a longtime Global food prices reach all-time high Global food prices were at an all-time consultant in the feed industry. high in February according to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organiza- Couples earn national award Wisconsin couples have been chosen tion. The Food Price’s Index increased 3.9%, and the rise puts the index above its as the National Outstanding Young Farmearlier record high in 2011. Vegetable oil ers. Philip and Laura Finger of Oconto prices led the increase, and dairy prices also were recognized for 2021 when the awards rallied. These numbers only partly cover program was canceled due to the pandemic. the recent price spikes for wheat and other The 2022 winner is Joe and Ashley Dudgrains due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. kiewicz of Crivitz. Changes coming for short course The University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course is making changes to be more exible for farmers. It will transition from a two-term, forcredit, on-campus residential experience to a non-credit format that will include an in-person and virtual format. The change takes effect in 2023. Hoffman joins AMPI ofcer team The ofcers for AMPI are Steve Schlangen of Albany, Minnesota, as chairman; Doug Temme of Wayne, Nebraska, as vice chairman; Dave Peterson of Boyd, Wisconsin, as treasurer; and Steve Hoffman of New Ulm, Minnesota, as secretary. Hoffman succeeds Bruce Maas of Walnut Grove, Minnesota, who retired. The co-
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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
Franck family back to milking after derecho
Robots replaced parlor on Iowa dairy By Sherry Newell Contributing writer
NEWHALL, Iowa – The family farm where Ron and Joan Franck watched an Aug. 10, 2020, storm destroy their facilities is home to a milking herd again. After a year of recovering and rebuilding their freestall barn, parlor, heifer barn and silos, the Francks brought their cows home to their farm near Newhall. They began milking with four robots Sept. 1, 2021. The Francks were among a handful of Iowa dairy farmers who experienced severe damage in a derecho, a widespread and fast-moving straight-line windstorm. The one that hit Iowa, and other Midwest states, recorded winds as high as 130 mph and traveled hundreds of miles before and after hitting eastern Iowa. In 1987, the Francks returned to the farm Ron’s father bought in 1972. Their 22-yearold son, Nathan, is now part of the operation, and their 26-yearold daughter, Kelsey, returned home in the aftermath of the devastation and continues to be involved. Three other children – Caleb, 17, Ashley, 15, and Josh, 13 – also play important roles. Ron participated in a robot tour 10 months before the
derecho. “We pretty much decided within a week of the storm that we’d either do robots or get out (of dairying),” Ron Franck said. The family chose to remain dairy farmers. But, it would take many months for the decision to become a reality. From the day of the storm and for the next 12 months, seven farms milked the Francks’ cows at various times, which the family said they remain grateful for. A handful of cows were injured in the storm and a few others were sold, but 190 cows of the milking herd eventually came home. After the initial weeks following the storm, the Francks had one neighboring dairy farmer, Austin Schulte, milk half the herd. Schulte sent his pre-fresh cows and heifers to the Franck farm. The Franck family handled calving for both herds while moving forward on reconstructing the dairy. While the Francks had replacement insurance coverage on the dairy, it was restricted to certain terms. “We couldn’t go buy an 80 or put up a hog barn,” Franck said. “And, we had to submit a plan (to insurance) for approval.” The family also had to
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Franck family – (from leŌ) Ashley, Josh, Caleb, Ron and Joan Franck (right) – get ready to milk 190 cows through four robots Sept. 1, 2021 at their farm new Newhall, Iowa. It was just over one year aŌer a derecho storm destroyed their dairy near Newhall, Iowa. Not pictured are Ron and Joan’s daughter, Kelsey, and son, Nathan, both of whom are currently full Ɵme on the farm.
Turn to FRANCK | Page 9
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 7
Congratulations Franck Family of Newhall, Iowa
On your freestall barn with 4 Lely Robots
Excellent workmanship and support was provided by the following businesses...
Ron and Joan Franck (right) and their children (left to right) Ashley, Josh, Caleb Looking forward to the future, Congrats Francks! Precision Dairy Equipment 24548 Hwy 13N Elkader, IA 52043 563-245-2560 pdeoffice@alpinecom.net
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Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
ConƟnued from MAYO CLINIC | Page 1
ConƟnued from EXPORTS | Page 1
“It’s unique because it’s focusing on the health and wellness aspect,” Hershey said. “We know as farmers that we have a powerhouse nutritional product, but we don’t understand the depth of how that helps us.” Hershey said the partnership, through science and research, will help people understand what milk does for the immune system and a person’s overall health and wellness. “This is something consumers are asking and it’s information that we can provide them,” Hershey said. The rst area the partnership will focus on is research. Teams will discover how dairy foods and whole milk dairy impacts cardiovascular health and metabolic conditions as well as dairy’s role on the body and mind, sleep, digestive health and immunity. “It’s a two-way partnership,” Hershey said. “They’re looking at us for our science, and we’re looking at them for their credibility.” The second area of the partnership is communicating dairy’s strong body of evidence, new research and insights with the scientic community, health and wellness professionals and consumers. O’Brien said science is the foundation that the checkoff program was built on, but this partnership with Mayo Clinic takes science to a new level. “We’ve been based in university labs and programs building credibility, but this is a science partnership of a different kind,” O’Brien said. “The Mayo (Clinic) has 5,000 scientists and physicians who work hand and glove, so you’ve got the bench science complemented by the practical physician input. It’s going to continue to validate the work we’re doing in chronic disease and fat, but it’s also going to explore some of the new areas − immunity, energy digestion and the molecules in milk.” The third area of the partnership is communicating via digital platforms on dairy’s role in managing people’s wellness. “Consumers, today, if they are not feeling well or if they get a question from a physician about a health situation, they’ll go online,” O’Brien said. “Mayo is one of those top names.” Hershey agreed. “If people are going to search there, then let’s meet them there,” she said. Both Hershey and O’Brien have a history with medical hospitals and know the important role the institutions play in everyday life. “My husband actually went to Mayo in his late 20s because of a health issue,” O’Brien said. “There are just so many families touched by this institution.” Hershey agreed. “We had a board meeting the other day and 95% of the hands went up,” she said. “I personally have not gone through Mayo Clinic, but we went through a medical facility when we were having issues with our son when he was younger, so I understand what it is like to count on a medical hospital at that level. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been affected or not, people know the name, what they can do and what they stand for.” Both O’Brien and Hershey are excited for the future this new partnership will bring and are excited to share the news with fellow dairy farmers. “It’s just exciting to have a new partnership at this level that can help us in this area of research, help us tell our story and help consumers to know the value and the incredible powerhouse we have in a glass of milk,” Hershey said.
For the rst time, state funding has and facilitates opportunities that connect been allocated to DATCP’s International exporters with international markets and Agribusiness Center, which is prov- buyers. The DATCP will also offer export ing helpful in promoting Wisconsin expansion grants to give businesses a agricultural exports and developing an boost in doing business internationally. “I’m really pleased to see the way international portfolio. Gov. Tony Evers proposed $1 million per year in his Wisconsin products and producers rebudget, and $558,400 was approved by bounded after what we’ve seen happen the Wisconsin Legislature for 2022. The the last couple of years, and I’m really excited to springmoney will be used board off of this to help Wisconwith the funding sin agribusinesses the governor has and organizations made available,” grow dairy, meat Romanski said. and crop product The DATCP is exports. Furthercreating the Wismore, the funding consin Ag Export will provide greater Council – an adexibility in how visory group of 15 Wisconsin prodmembers and ve ucts are promoted, ex-ofcio members allowing for the who will help impromotion of all RANDY ROMANSKI, plement a ve-year products wherever WI DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE plan outlining how markets are availto target the available. “We’re actively getting those funds able dollars. Working with the industry to out the door and into the hands of busi- identify the best opportunities, Romanski nesses to help with travel, marketing, said they hope to have producers, agriadvertising and translation services cultural exporters, legislators and other expenses which will better prepare them stakeholders on the council. “The interest in Wisconsin products, to enter the international marketplace,” Romanski said. “The money will also be specically food products, is growing input toward trade show pavilions. For ex- ternationally as Wisconsin is recognized ample, we just had a group in the Middle for its quality and quantity of products,” East at the 2022 Gulfood trade show.” Romanski said. “There’s an appetite The IABC will work collaboratively for our products. The budget gives us with the Wisconsin Economic Devel- substantial money to help drive interopment Corporation to implement the national market development, and I’m Wisconsin Initiative for Agricultural really excited to be able to do this with Exports plan. This plan provides ex- Wisconsin businesses.” ibility to respond to exporting challenges
“I’m really pleased to see the way Wisconsin products and producers rebounded after what we’ve seen happen the last couple of years ...”
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 9
ConƟnued from FRANCK | Page 6
“DHIA is a good management tool to use to keep track of our herd and make the best decisions with the individual cows to stay profitable as possible.” What are some of the DHIA tests you use?
I look at and use all of the reports that come after monthly tests. Herd summary, SCC Áex report, lactation, reproduction and calf management reports.
Which is your favorite test and why? The herd summary and SCC report are
my favorite. The herd summary report gives me an overall look or a snapshot of the dairy on where we are today and which way we are going. The somatic cell count report can alert me to some potential mastitis or high SCC problem cows so that maybe we can do something to correct the problem before it gets worse.
How does testing with DHIA beneÀt your dairy operation? DHIA is
a good management tool to use to keep track of our herd and make the best decisions with the individual cows to stay proÀtable as possible. We also have to Ànd out who my favorite cow for the month is (the top producer on test day).
Tell us about your farm. We milk 50 cows in a tiestall
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Franck family’s dairy is destroyed Aug. 10, 2020, when a severe storm crossed eastern Iowa. The freestall barn and parlor, along with the heifer barn and silos, were damaged beyond repair. A year later, the Francks started up four robots in a barn built on the same footprint as this one. remove what was left of the farm’s buildings. “To tear the buildings down, there is quite a bit involved,” Franck said. Their insurance, nancing and plans were in place by mid-November 2020. The Francks then rebuilt on the concrete of the original freestall barn and kept the alleys and curbs. Four Lely A5 milking robots were installed. Two robots are
“We’ve been able to get really good production right off the bat.” RON FRANCK, DAIRY FARMER
side by side in a tollbooth style, and two others are set up in an L shape. A sort pen is located behind each. “We’re all up to speed on the robot area,” Franck said. “Other parts will have to wait.” Scrapers are not installed, and fans and curtains are in place but waiting on controllers for automation. A pump was added for manure handling, replacing the previous gravity-ow system. The lost dry cow, pre-fresh and heifer barns have not been replaced. “We basically took most of the insurance money to put in the robot setup,”
Franck said. No part of what the Francks did was easy. When storm cleanup, planning and nancing was completed, they faced the difcult days of startup with the robots. For four consecutive days, Franck said his phone app recorded 40,000 steps. But, he is happy with how the cows are performing now. “We’ve been able to get really good production right off the bat,” he said. “The cows are way more calm. They’re going to be cooler with the tunnel ventilation. There is LED lighting. It’s just a nice environment. This whole thing was stressful. We didn’t really have a clue what we were doing. We dealt with so many things we never had before.” He admits his family is trying to understand how the challenges of the past 18 months have affected them emotionally and mentally. But Franck and his wife said the ordeal strengthened their faith as well as that of their children, and showed them faith in others. For instance, people provided meals for the family for nearly a month after the storm. “We had a great local base of support from family, church and community, and we needed one,” Franck said. “It was even more remarkable when you think about the fact that, in this area, virtually everyone had at least some damage. There are aspects that are positive, but it’s hard to see in the middle of it all.”
barn that my dad dad built in 1978. Our current herd average is 26,521 pounds of milk, 1,153 lbs. fat, and 846 pounds protein. We raise all our heifers and Ànish out the bull calves as well as buy some extra bull calves to Ànish out. We farm about 400 acres, which consist of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. We rely on all family, help from my wife, Theresa, when she is not busy working as a school nurse, as well as our four children; Isaac when he is not working at River Country Coop, Rachel who is Francis and Theresa Rynda attending college at UW River Falls, Ryndaranch Noah who is a sophomore at TCU High 50 cows • Montgomery, MN School and Levi who is a 3rd grader at Testingwith DHIA over 25 years Holy Redeemer Catholic School.
DHIA: Now MORE than ever Sauk Centre, MN Buffalo, MN 763.682.1091 www.mndhia.org
LED LIGHTING Sales & Installation “Since we first purchased LED Barn Lights in 2018 we have continued to update our existing barn lighting and seen even more savings on our energy bills.” ZIEGLER’S SAVED OVER 50% WITH REBATES!
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PHOTO SUBMITTED
Cows are housed in a freestall barn that was built using the footprint that remained from the barn destroyed in an Iowa storm in 2020. While the concrete and curbs remained in much of the barn, the Francks chose to install four robots to replace the parlor they previously used to milk 210 cows near Newhall, Iowa.
(800) 887-4634 • Lancaster, WI (608-647-4488 • Richland Center
fullersmilkercenter.com
Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
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DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
Gayle Maye operates Corner Scoop Creamery in Coleman, Wisocnsin. The ice cream shop serves unique avors of homemade premium ice cream made with 12% cream.
Corner Scoop Creamery boasts premium product By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
COLEMAN, Wis. – Creating a business revolving around homemade ice cream was not something Gayle Maye and Peter Nasgovitz ever planned on. But, they are glad to have unleashed their creative side through a unique art form at the Corner Scoop Creamery in the northeastern Wisconsin town of Coleman. “It is one of those weird stories, how we got started with this,” Maye said. “We didn’t have anything to do with ice cream; we both worked full time.” Maye and Nasgovitz’s cousin, Steve Brye, owns a dairy farm in Coleman, and he had purchased ice cream equipment. Maye began experimenting with the equipment and then attended an ice cream training school in St. Louis, Missouri. Maye said Brye had thought of building a creamery and shop on the farm. But, the current location in Coleman was purchased in 2017, and the remodeling projects commenced. A limited liability company was formed for the Corner Scoop Creamery in 2017, but the shop itself was not open until July 7, 2019. “We really have never had a good year yet to be able to really base any business trends on,” Maye said. “We opened half way through 2019 and suffered through two storms that caused signicant damage shortly after opening. Then, we went through the shutdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020; and in 2021, we had to temporarily shut down a couple of times due to staff members contracting the virus. I am hopeful 2022 will be that rst good year.” Despite the challenges, Corner Scoop Creamery has been developing a steadfast following of local patrons and enjoying an inux in sales thanks to the vibrant tourism industry of northeastern Wisconsin, which also serves as the gateway to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. What draws people to Corner Scoop Creamery is the vast variety of homemade, hard-scoop ice cream, Maye said, along with a line of specialty coffee, varied lunch menu and homemade baked goods. The ice cream is made on site using 12% premium cream. “Most ice cream is made with an average of 6% to 8% cream,” Maye said. “We try to use premium ingredients across the board. … We bring in our pecans from Texas once a year, and we roast all our own nuts.” Maye purchases a cream-based mix because of the requirements for pasteurization. Being a certied kitchen allows Maye to make all of the baked goods that are used as add-ins in many of the avors at Corner Shop Creamery. “The brownies, the ooey gooey butter cake, any of those things that are add-ins are all made onsite,” Maye said. “We do buy our cookie dough add-in. It is very hard to get consistent, high-quality cookie dough
without using eggs.” The process to make the ice cream starts with the cream base, followed by mixing in the avoring such as strawberries. Then, that is churned in the ice cream maker. In many of the avors, add-ins are swirled in by hand as the ice cream comes out. The ice cream is frozen to 15 degrees below zero for at least one day. Before use, the ice cream is moved to a staging cooler to bring it to a temperature suitable for hand-scooping. The ice cream is made in 3-gallon batches and then is packaged in 1-gallon containers for in-store use and also in pint and quart containers for carryout purchases. On average, the shop has on hand 160 to 170 gallons of ice cream a day and typically has about 19 avors in the store at any given point. What makes Corner Scoop Creamery appealing is the long list of unique avors, Maye said. “We work really hard to create a premium product,” she said. “A lot of research and development goes into creating and developing recipes for new avors. We take suggestions from customers for new avors too. Our line of alcoholic ice creams has really made us unique as an ice cream maker.” Maye said creating the perfect recipe for a consistent product takes a lot of testing and repetition. “Getting the freezing point and consistency right can be difcult when working with fruit and with alcohol,” Maye said. “The added moisture of the fruit and the sugar content can make a big difference. The high cream percentage also makes things a little trickier.” Always in the ice cream coolers are alcoholic ice creams such as Wisconsin Old-Fashioned and Brandy Alexander. Other popular avors include Ooey Gooey Butter Cake, Mighty Mint Oreo, Eye-Opening Espresso and Sassy Strawberry. Maye also develops specialty seasonal avors such as Pot O’ Gold Pistachio for the month of March. “I enjoy meeting our customers,” Maye said. “And, it is amazing to be able to do something creative and turn it into a successful business opportunity.”
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
At any given Ɵme there are 19 avors of homemade premium ice cream available at Corner Scoop Creamery in Coleman, Wisconsin.
Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 11
ConƟnued from HILDEBRANDT | Page 1
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STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Cows are housed in a 800-stall cross-venƟlated freestall barn at the Hildebrandts’ dairy near South Benoit, Illinois. The barn was part of the expansion done at Hildebrandt Farms in 2017 when cow numbers more than doubled. in 2015 and Ray in 2019. The Hildebrandts range in age from 31 to 24, with Michael being the oldest and Ray the youngest. Their return inspired an expansion in 2017 which more than doubled the size of the herd – taking the Hildebrandts from 400 cows to 950. New facilities were built, including an 800-stall cross-ventilated freestall barn and a 40-stall DeLaval rotary parlor. Over time, the farm has also grown in land. “It’s been quite a change from a management standpoint going from 400 cows to over 900 cows,” Michael said. “It’s completely different in that we have more employees, we started milking three times a day, and we have a lot more heifers and calves.” The Hildebrandts outgrew their indoor calf barn and went back to raising calves in outdoor hutches. The change in parlor style took some getting used to as the technology of the rotary was much different from their double-10 herringbone which they still use to milk fresh cows and hospital cows. The Hildebrandts also transitioned from a bulk tank to a chiller and direct load tanks. “Cows like the rotary parlor,” Michael said. “It’s been a good t for us.” Each sibling has their own niche on the farm. Michael is the herdsman, Kevin is in charge of human resources and repairs, Angie takes care of calves, and Ray is responsible for feeding. Ken, Amy and Ken’s brother, Don, own the farm and oversee the operation. “My mom used to do all the calves, but since Angie has taken over that area, Mom is doing more of the bookwork now instead of my grandma, Ann, who is phasing out of the operation,” Michael said. “My dad and uncle, Don, still do everything from working in the shop to milking cows or mixing feed.” All of the Hildebrandt siblings returned to the farm after nishing college. Michael and Kevin attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course. Michael attended for two years and Kevin for one year as he also went to diesel mechanic school for a year. Angie and Ray went to the University of WisconsinPlatteville. Angie graduated with a degree in animal science and dairy science and Ray for agricultural business and dairy science. The expansion, and a new generation stepping up to manage the farm, brought
about many changes on Hildebrandt Farms. They went from milking twice a day to milking three times a day and using milk weights as a management tool. The family also went to a double ovsynch breeding program and began breeding heifers with sexed semen using A.I. Previously, heifers were bred by a bull. In addition, they started feeding pasteurized milk to calves. Making better culling decisions and breeding more animals to beef are some of their future goals. “We won’t need as many replacements in the future, so it just makes sense to use more beef semen,” Michael said. Kevin and Angie both got married last year, and Michael is getting married this summer. The Hildebrandt siblings look forward to raising their own families on the farm someday. “We get along pretty well, and we all have the same vision,” Michael said. “We bounce ideas off each other, and with each of us having our own area that we specialize in, we’re not stepping on each other’s toes.” With their children choosing the farm as their occupation, Ken and Amy are set up well to eventually transfer the operation into the hands of the following generation. “We’re very happy the kids chose to farm with us,” Amy said. “It’s nice having everybody home. They were all part of the expansion, and everyone gets a vote on things. We built this for them, because they wanted to dairy farm.” The expansion is also for co-owner Don’s children if they want to farm in the future, Amy said. Don’s children are in high school and help feed calves after school. The farm has a long family history. Forced out of the Chicago area because of development, the Hildebrandts’ grandparents moved from Buffalo Grove in 1979 and began milking cows at the current location with their sons in 1981. Because their parents gave them a chance to farm, Ken and Don wanted to give their kids an opportunity to farm as well. “Our kids make the decisions, and now we get bossed around by them,” Amy said. “I ask Angie questions about the calves now instead of vice versa. We’re all still working together, but we’re stepping back and letting them take over. And, I think they’re running the farm better than we did.”
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“I love using the 1-1/4” fiberglass rods for putting up electric fences. Using the swivel connectors for bracing corners is fast, super easy, economical, and doesn’t require expensive machinery to make it this easy! Makes for a nice looking and solid fence!” Jordan Meyer, Caledonia, MN Electric Fence Post
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“We installed freestalls and gates from TJ Fencing after seeing how reasonably priced they are compared to other options. I will never install a steel post again either after using their posts which will never rust. I really like the products I have from TJ Fencing and plan to put more of their freestalls in my next barn” - KG4 Farms, Ridgeway IA
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563-586-2023
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Michael Hildebrandt feeds hay to calves on March 2 on his family’s farm that he manages with his siblings near South Benoit, Illinois. Hildebrandt is the dairy’s herdsman and was the rst of his brothers and sister to return to the farm fullƟme in 2011.
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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
Climbing their way to the top
Mauks named Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
PLYMOUTH, Wis. – Building a registered herd from scratch in a little over 10 years and seeing success in the show ring pushed Bryan and Brittney Mauk to the top of the list of young Holstein breeders considered for a prestigious award. During the Wisconsin Holstein Association convention Feb. 18-19 in Fort Atkinson, the Mauks received the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award – an honor given to deserving dairy producers ages 21 to 40. “I was surprised and honored that we won,” Bryan said. “We think a big thing that sets us apart is that we began as a grade herd. We started buying some really nice, high-scoring older cows that we ushed to slowly build up our registered herd.” The Mauks milk between 55 and 60 cows and farm 400 acres near Plymouth. The herd at Mauk-E-Way Farm includes 12 Excellent and 18 Very Good cows with a rolling herd average of 24,500 pounds of milk, 998 pounds of fat and 782 pounds of protein. About one-third of the herd is Red and White Holsteins. “The reds are our favorite,” Brittney said. “Sheboygan County seems to like their Red and White Holsteins, and that was kind of an inuence for us.” Bryan worked off the farm for a short time after high school before returning in 2009 to farm full time with his dad, Kyle.
Brittney and Bryan’s mom, Sarah, hold full-time jobs off the farm. Brittney is a commercial lines underwriter for Acuity Insurance, and Sarah is a loan processor assistant at Collins State Bank in Random Lake. Bryan and Brittney have ve children, Natalie, 11, Braxton, 9, Jayden, 6, and twins Rori and Rayah, 4. The Mauks believe their showing record is what got them noticed as an upand-coming registered Holstein breeder. They became competitive at high-level shows, bringing animals into the ring with the type it takes to place at the top. “We’ve had really good success in the show ring, earning quite a few junior all-American nominations for both black and white and Red and White Holsteins,” Bryan said. The Mauks’ show resume includes six state show winners and three national show winners. Last year was a big year for Natalie, who showed a Red and White March calf named Remington. It was Natalie’s rst year showing at World Dairy Expo where she stood sixth out of 44 and was third-place junior exhibitor. “It was one of the largest classes at Expo, and the heifers barely t in the ring,” Brittney said. “It’s hard to stand out in a class that big and good but we did, and it was our highest placing at Expo to date. That was our proudest moment.” Bryan got the itch for registered cattle from his wife, who was also his high school sweetheart. Brittney grew up with registered Jerseys, and Bryan, who was also friends with her brother, helped milk cows on her parents’ farm. After being exposed to registered cattle, Bryan began looking into registered Holsteins, knowing it was his future as a farmer. With their hearts set on developing a
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
BriƩney and Bryan Mauk stand in the barn with two of their ve children, twins Rayah (leŌ) and Rori, where they milk about 60 cows near Plymouth, Wisconsin. The Mauks recently won the DisƟnguished Young Holstein Breeder award from the Wisconsin Holstein AssociaƟon. great herd of registered Holsteins, the Mauks began investing in good bloodlines that could help achieve their dream. Working with concrete cows to build their portfolio of purebreds, Bryan made smart breeding choices to capitalize on the excellent genetics they now own. “We breed for type and udder,” he said. “Milk is generally not on the forefront of
our bull selection. We do look at it a little, we like to see it, but we’ll never sacrice type for milk. However, I will sacrice milk for type.” The pinnacle of their career thus far occurred in 2021 when the Mauks were asked to supply the Red and White Holstein class
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Rosedale Hopeless Romantic was purchased in partnership with their neighbor and produced the Mauks’ rst national show winner. She is also the dam of three of the four cows that appeared on the cover of Hoard’s Dairyman last year. “She was by far our cheapest purchase but has done the most for us,” Bryan said. “Within two weeks of buying her, we ushed her to sexed semen. She has some great daughters, and we think that’s a branch that is going to take us to the next level. This family was pretty accomplished in a short period of time.” The Mauks ush and do PHOTO SUBMITTED vitro fertilization. When breedNatalie Mauk shows MS Mauk-E-Way Remington- ing cows, the Mauks’ use of Red, a spring calf, at the Wisconsin Championship sexed and conventional semen show in 2021. Remington was named Jr. All-Wis- is about 50/50. consin and All-Wisconsin of the Red and White Bryan appreciates the ne show and was also Jr. All-Wisconsin and reserve selection of Red and White bulls and Red and White carrier All-Wisconsin for the Holstein show. bulls, which he also feels comfor the Hoard’s Dairyman judging contest. fortable using on black and white Holsteins. “I don’t feel we’re sacricing anything “That was a big deal and a high point by doing that,” Bryan said. “But I go for the for us,” Bryan said. best mating, not necessarily red, even if it’s Brittney agreed. “It was really cool, and it’s what got a Red and White cow.” The Mauks added onto their tiestall barn our farm name out there,” she said. “Having cows of that quality gave us the credentials in 2012, increasing from 38 stalls to 60 and needed to receive an award like Distin- added two box stalls to be used for calving and show cows. Stalls in the addition are guished Young Holstein Breeder.” Several foundation cows helped the larger, ranging from 51 inches long to 60 Mauks make their mark. Luck-E Talent Kiki inches. They installed tunnel ventilation EX-93 was purchased from the Engels in Il- as well, which is Bryan’s favorite feature. “It did a lot to enhance cow comfort,” linois, and her daughter was the Mauks’ rst junior nominated all-American. She also he said. “The fans really keep cows cool in had two granddaughters that went on to do the summer.” The Mauks also added a calf and heifer the same. Kiki has numerous daughters and granddaughters on the farm, and the Mauks raising facility which is attached to the main barn. Last fall, the Mauks put in a said these animals have a bright future. “This family has made a good impact TMR mixer and also recently added dualfor us,” Brittney said. “We like nding these chamber waterbeds to approximately 20 really deep, solid pedigrees we can work stalls. Brittney said they are always looking with to take us where we’d like to go. We for ways to improve. “Whether that be herd genetics, cow look for proven, older cows. They might be past their prime, but they have lots of future comfort or other upgrades, we never settle and continue trying to improve the cattle potential in their offspring.” we have,” Brittney said. “It would be nice Bryan agreed. “The work is done for us,” he said. “We to win a class at Expo someday.” Bryan agreed. just come in and make more daughters.” “We would also like to show more A more recent purchase made in 2020 was Jacob’s Doorman Barbela EX-90. She cows,” he said. “We’ve only shown two at came from Canada and is the daughter of the national level so far.” This young couple pursued their pasthe famous cow, Jacob’s Britany EX-96. “Barbela’s story is just getting going, sion and are reaping the rewards as they but we’re hoping she’s going to be the next move up in the ranks of notable Holstein big story for us,” Bryan said. “She has nu- breeders. Attracted to big, beautiful bovines, merous daughters on the ground, and we’re the Mauks remain committed to breeding going to be selling a few in spring sales this high-quality registered Holsteins and are year. We currently have 10 calves from her driven to make their herd the best it can possibly be. with many more on the way.”
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Former dairy princesses: How do you continue to promote dairy in your life?
Amber Keenan Viroqua, Wisconsin Vernon County 2018 Vernon County Dairy Queen
Rosli Bragger Independence, Wisconsin Trempealeau County 2012 Buffalo County Dairy Princess
Why should young women get involved in a dairy princess or ambassador program? The dairy industry is shrinking at an alarming rate. All women, especially young women, should be involved in dairy advocacy. It is a great opportunity for a scholarship, showcasing dairy knowledge and educating the community. The dairy princess/ambassador program opens the opportunities for young women to learn, collaborate and grow in the dairy industry. There is strength in numbers, and dairy princesses and ambassadors should count as two. If you were the coordinator of a dairy advocacy program now, what event would you incorporate? Dairy advocacy will always remain close to my heart, even though I no longer am directly connected to my family farm. I would advise any Wisconsinite to educate themselves on current and relevant events to meet with, and collaborate with, farmers. In fact, this month, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and the Wisconsin Farmers Union have banded together to showcase farmers and their dedication to the dairy industry. They are hosting events in Abbotsford March 23, Cashton March 24 and Eau Claire March 25. What is the most important message people need to hear about the dairy community or dairy products today? There are so many words and emotions that could describe the strain Wisconsin dairy farmers have felt in recent years. In 1996-97, Wisconsin had approximately 26,000 dairy farms, and today, less than 6,500 remain. Nationally, there are less than 30,000 dairy farms left. There is no industry like the dairy industry. We are hard-working, proud and efcient. Dairy producers cannot export or sell their products domestically. We have become so good at production that we have become our own demise. We must nd strength in the numbers we have and formulate a way to manage our growth and production to keep every farm we have left. There is strength in numbers, and we need every dairy farmer. How do you continue to promote dairy in your life? Even though I am now a healthcare worker, I will always be a farm girl. I take every opportunity to share my wealth of knowledge and experience from the dairy industry. I will always promote the health and wellbeing of the farmers around me as they are the heart of Wisconsin. I take even the smallest opportunities at work, in school and in the community to share the amazing things dairy farmers do. I also take opportunities to produce and correct misinformation at every turn. I have also found that it is OK not to know the answer and to reach out to local dairy farmers or dairy advocacy groups. They will give you all the information you need. Tell us about yourself. I grew up on a dairy farm in Buffalo County, Wisconsin. I was lucky enough to show dairy cattle in 4-H after receiving a calf grant to buy my own Brown Swiss heifer. I was the dairy princess for Buffalo County in 2012. I am a registered nurse and am pursuing my master’s degree in nursing. My parents always encouraged me to go as big and as far as I wanted but to always remember one thing, “When you get where you are going, remember where you came from.” I will always remain supportive of the dairy industry because once a dairy princess, always a dairy princess.
Why should young women get involved in a dairy princess or ambassador program? Being a part of the dairy princess/ ambassador family is a huge benet to anyone who gets an opportunity to participate. As a representative, they will learn many valuable lifelong skills like leadership, public speaking, poise and professionalism. Throughout their journey, they will become an important part of their community and show that they are there to represent the dairy industry with pride. If you were the coordinator of a dairy advocacy program now, what event would you incorporate? I would try to incorporate school visits into our year and attend the World Dairy Expo in Madison. The school visits are important as they provide an opportunity to teach other youth and educate them on an important, pivotal industry, especially in their hometowns where dairy is a major industry. WDE is also an event to include as it will allow the ambassadors to learn about the newest and most exciting things coming up in the industry so they can communicate them back to those in their community. What is the most important message people need to hear about the dairy community or dairy products today? Know where your food comes from. To support Courtney Moser Westby, Wisconsin Vernon County 2017 Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess
your local dairy farmer means more than just buying local milk and cheese. To support the industry, you must also support the veal industry, grains and the other local farmers that provide the feed and other necessary products to dairy farms. How do you continue to promote dairy in your life? Working in the culinary industry, I use dairy almost every day whether I am at work or at home. Butter, cheese and milk are staples in my home, and I try to shop local brands when I can. I have had the pleasure to work with products from Organic Valley and Jones Dairy Farm in my industry and have even received scholarships from Jones Dairy Farm while I was completing my education. Tell us about yourself. Dairy has always been a part of my life. I grew up on a dairy right outside Viroqua with my parents and three older siblings. Even after we moved into the city, we still had strong ties within the dairy farming community. As I grew up and started working, I learned from my time at the Driftless Cafe just how important local food is. I learned the importance of knowing where your food comes from and to support others in your community. I went on to pursue degrees in baking and decorative arts as well as culinary arts at Madison College where I learned to work with many things and received scholarships from Jones Dairy Farm in Fort Atkinson. Now that I have completed my education, I am working full-time at Festival Foods in the bakery. social platforms to showcase the many aspects of dairy farming, food production and retail sales. By sharing videos of various farm chores, steps in milk processing and what it really takes to serve a glass of milk with your dinner each night, it could only enhance the connection made between agriculturalists and consumers.
Why should young women get involved in a dairy princess or ambassador program? I encourage people to be involved with dairy promotion What is the most important message activities for a variety of reasons. When people need to hear about the dairy I consider my own journey in serving as community or dairy products today? It is Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess imperative we, as a dairy industry, continue in 2017, one of the main reasons I decided to apply to promote the goodness and health benets of dairy was my interest in giving back to the association that products and share the plethora of ways dairy can be had provided me with great opportunities and helped incorporated into nutritious and delicious snacks and shape me into who I was then and continue to be now. meals. With so many labels being shown to consumI wanted to not only give back by sharing my time and ers, it is also of great importance we rally together talents, but I also wanted to further share my knowledge and emphasize the good work farmers, ranchers and and passion for the dairy industry and Holsteins in producers of all shapes, styles, sizes and approaches particular. Another consideration for applying for dairy are doing to produce high-quality, safe and nutritious princess and ambassador positions is the experience products. you gain with public speaking, connecting with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds and developing How do you continue to promote dairy in your life? great personal growth. As the digital marketing strategist for Valley Fudge and Candy in Coon Valley, Wisconsin, I am proudly If you were the coordinator of a dairy advocacy sharing the story of Wisconsin butter as it is used to program now, what event would you incorporate? create delicious and creamy fudge. It’s a fun and unique As generations become further removed from agri- approach to merchandising one of our beloved dairy culture and we see a greater shift to social media, as a Turn to OUR SIDE | Page 16 program coordinator, I would incorporate the use of
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ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 products, and it goes to show how diverse our industry really is. Plus, it’s a pretty sweet job. Tell us about yourself. My roots in agriculture run deep as I was raised on my family’s dairy farm, Dream Prairie Holsteins, and was involved in the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association, FFA and 4-H programs throughout my childhood. I have always felt a call to help share the story of agriculture, so I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in journalism and communication with focuses on multimedia journalism and organizational and public relations as well as a minor in leadership from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa. Following my December 2020 graduation, I joined the Valley Fudge and Candy team and have enjoyed being involved in the retail side of our dairy products. I am excited for the ways I will continue promoting our great dairy industry and other integral industries of agriculture. farmers have to care the same.
Serenity Hetke Ladysmith, Wisconsin Rusk County 2016 Wisconsin State Ayrshire Queen Why should young women get involved in a dairy princess or ambassador program? In my years as a senior exhibitor at cattle shows, my parents encouraged my behavior with an impactful quote. “Somewhere in the show barn, there is a little kid who wants to be just like you. You owe it to them to be the best that you can be.” As a little girl, my older sister was the Wisconsin State Ayrshire Queen. I idolized my sister, so I was certain that position was the pinnacle of existence. It was because of my belief that the princess program was so fantastic that I continued to dedicate time and energy into showing Ayrshires. I was intentional about getting to know the leaders in the organization and understanding what the queen’s tasks were. When the time came for me to apply, I did so whole-heartedly and dedicated effort to the position. The program helped me build a dream and a goal to reach, and in the end, it paid off. The program also gave me an opportunity to build my resume and soft skills, and these skills cannot be underestimated. Many of these programs offer an opportunity for high school or college-aged women to get experience in leadership positions that cannot be found in many other areas in life. If you were the coordinator of a dairy advocacy program now, what event would you incorporate? If I were coordinating a dairy advocacy program, I would incorporate a diverse farm tour campaign for the applicants. Many young people have an extensive expertise about their farm. What I would want to accomplish is for individuals to see other farms. In order for a person to effectively advocate, they need to see things from many points of view. I would want to bring applicants from dairy backgrounds, large and small, to beef farms, hog facilities, cranberry bogs, snap bean plants and anywhere else in agriculture. With seeing these operations, they will be able to see all of the differences but notice that in order to be productive, all
What is the most important message people need to hear about the dairy community or dairy products today? Safe. Fear is a big word, and it is a common emotion among people in our world. People want to trust their resources because without a solid resource, they don’t feel safe. It is so important for people to understand that the dairy community, and agriculture in general, is a safe space. Every step of the process needs to be understood as safe. From the way we, as farmers, interact with the land, to the way we treat the cattle, to the prepping and packaging facilities that the end product goes through. All of these steps need to be safe in order to gain trust from consumers. It is important for farmers to be aware of what consumers want and be sure their practices are evolving to meet the needs of the industry. How do you continue to promote dairy in your life? I promote the dairy industry by building relationships with people. When people know someone who is involved in a certain subject, they tend to show a positive attitude about that subject. I have friends who utilize me as a resource for the food they buy because they trust that I know what is good. Of course, I always advocate for dairy in every scenario. It is important to build relationships and build trust. Tell us about yourself. I come from a small herd of registered Ayrshire cattle in rural Wisconsin. I grew up with the opportunity to show those cattle at various levels and locations. Although my passion for cattle started in the show ring, it has now led to a love and adoration for the soil and the health benets that the cattle bring to the soil. Watching the pastures change and grow with the cattle on it, when compared to row crops, is amazing. I am a student at the University of WisconsinRiver Falls where I study dairy science. No matter where I end up in life, I will always have a warm spot in my heart for the dairy industry and what it has to offer people. I look forward to being a lifelong learner of agriculture.
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Crystal (Siemers-Peterman) Sinn Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin Sheboygan County 2011 Manitowoc County Dairy Princess, 2013 Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess Attendant, 2017-18 Alice in Dairyland Why should young women get involved in a dairy princess or ambassador program? Becoming a dairy princess or ambassador is a great way to share enthusiasm for the dairy industry. Whether you grew up on a farm or in the city, sharing your “why” is important to continue to make dairy farmers and the dairy industry’s voices heard. Not once have I ever regretted a day sharing my love and passion for the dairy community. It’s also a great way to work on skills that will become important later in life including public speaking, managing time, empathizing with those who think differently, making small talk and dressing professionally. If you were the coordinator of a dairy advocacy program now, what event would you incorporate? I’m very inspired by all the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math activities and curriculum that schools and businesses are creating across the country. These activities teach critical thinking skills and help instill a passion for innovation while learning how to solve problems. To me, dairy and STEM seem like the perfect partnership. Perhaps dairy princesses and ambassadors could help with the STEM activities at a school. Activities could range from demonstrations, experiments to crafts, and the more hands-on, the better. What is the most important message people need to hear about the dairy community or dairy products today? Behind every dairy product there is a team of people who showcase the highest level of care and commitment every step of the way. From the farm to the processing plant, dairy is safe. Dairy is vital to the economic success of our communities. How do you continue to promote dairy in your life? Some of my favorite ways Paige Soukup Valders, Wisconsin Manitowoc County 2017-18 Manitowoc County Dairy Princess
to promote dairy are in my place of employment which is a company that produces award-winning cheese. At my workplace, many of my colleagues do not have close connections to dairy or the wonderful people the dairy industry encompasses. I’m always sharing pictures of cows, dropping random cow facts and using most of my volunteer hours to give back to organizations that have provided so much to me in my life. Sartori has a unique program, Cheese University, that we share with our customers. It dives deep into the history and science of cheesemaking. It also goes into great detail with the many factors that impact milk quality in cheesemaking: animal welfare, dairy cow diet and sustainability. Cheese University is a one-stop tool that answers the questions where our customers desire knowledge. Additionally, I also travel a lot for work. I’ve noticed that when I make healthy, dairy selections, many of my colleagues make similar choices. You can’t go wrong with protein-packed Fairlife, cheese snacks or drinkable yogurts. Tell us about yourself. I grew up on my family’s registered Holstein and crop farm in Cleveland, Wisconsin. I always knew I wanted to follow my passion for the dairy industry as my involvement in 4-H, FFA and the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Association were instrumental in my upbringing. In May 2017, I graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and food business management and a minor in marketing. After college, I served as Wisconsin’s 70th Alice in Dairyland. Through my connections as Alice, I knew I wanted to work for a Wisconsin cheese company. I followed those interests to northern California as a retail sales representative for Sartori Cheese. Today, I work on the ingredient and food service side of the business as a technical sales representative and regional account manager in Plymouth, Wisconsin. I enjoy spending time outside with my husband, Ean, and traveling back and forth to Minnesota where my husband’s family resides. My hobbies include turkey hunting, deer hunting, hiking and showing cows with my mother. What is the most important message people need to hear about the dairy community or dairy products today? The most important message to share with consumers is about where their food comes from. How their food is created and where it comes from can sometimes become misconstrued to the public. Showing consumers how much farmers truly care and telling their story is an important message for everyone to hear.
Why should young women get involved in a dairy princess or ambassador program? Young women should get involved in this type of program to be able to share their passion for the dairy industry. This opportunity is rewarding because of all the connections and people you meet from farmers to the public. Your job as the dairy princess or dairy ambassador is to have fun shining a light on the positivity of the dairy industry and all it has to offer.
How do you continue to promote dairy in your life? I am involved as a volunteer with the Manitowoc County Dairy Promotion Committee in planning breakfast on the farm and other events throughout the year that promote our county’s dairy industry.
If you were the coordinator of a dairy advocacy program now, what event would you incorporate? If I was a coordinator, I would like to create an event to educate children about the dairy industry. It’s benecial for children to understand where their food comes from and how it gets there. An event such as having children tour a dairy farm, seeing where the milk comes from and then where it goes, from the milk truck to a milk or cheese processing plant, and seeing it formed into the food they eat and the milk they drink, would be educational and fun for them.
Tell us about yourself. I reside in Valders, where I grew up, and work as an agent with Rural Mutual Insurance and Farm Bureau Financial Services. My passion for the dairy industry started at a young age as I grew up showing dairy cattle, but I quickly realized it was much more than that. I enjoyed sharing my passion for the agriculture industry, especially dairy, with my peers and others. I wanted to further that by being an advocate and sharing with the public my passion for this industry and was grateful for the opportunity I had to be the Manitowoc County Dairy Princess.
Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 17
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Breeding Prole
Enchanted Dairy maintains 29% preg rate with tried, true practices Jacob and Brooke Carrow Enchanted Dairy LLC Little Falls, Minnesota 2,100 cows Describe your facilities and list your breeding management team. Enchanted Dairy has three different sites where we manage roughly 2,100 dry and milking cows. With that, we raise our own youngstock on the farm which adds roughly another 1,750 heifers. The cattle are housed in a variety of facilities that range from an open lot pen pack to naturally-ventilated freestall barns to cross-ventilated
barns. On the crop side, we raise roughly 4,800 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and hay to keep the cows fed. We also work closly with our neighbors to supplement our forage needs on the farm. What is your current pregnancy rate? Our pregnancy rate is 29%. What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? How do you get animals pregnant? We are a tail paint herd, so our cows are walked daily for heat detection. Our program is a three
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Brent Betker, Brooke Carrow and Jacob Carrow are team members of Enchanted Dairy LLC near LiƩle Falls, Minnesota. The dairy maintains a pregnancy rate of 29%.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Breeder Brent Betker tail chalks a cow March 1 at Enchanted Dairy LLC near LiƩle Falls, Minnesota. The pens are walked daily to check for heats.
pre-synch Lutalyse shot followed by Ovsynch 54. All of the cows 44-50 days in milk will get a shot of Lutalyse, and none will be bred. All of the cows 58-64 DIM will get another shot, and 60% will be bred off this shot. And, 40% of the cows 72-79 DIM will get a shot, and 80% will be bred
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off this shot. The remaining 10% of cows 84-91 DIM will go into the Ovsynch 54 protocol. So, in summary, 80%-90% of our cows are bred off two to three Lutalyse shots, and the remainder is off Ovsynch.
Describe your breeding philosophy? Like the Enchanted Dairy saying goes, “The cows are our business partners.” We treat them good and breed them with quality genetics and they will treat us well. Turn to BREEDING PROFILE | Page 20
Bongards’ Creameries
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Argall Dairy Systems, Inc. 171 Countryside Dr., Belleville, WI 53508 1415 Evergreen Rd., Platteville, WI, 53818 608-424-6110 www.argalldairy.com
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 19
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FOUR HILLS DAIRY, BRISTOL, VERMONT The Hill Family, Britney Hill, herd manager 2300 cows, 84 lbs/cow/day, SCC avg. 130,000 “We have been using Udder ComfortTM for a long time. Today, we use the Udder Comfort BatteryOperated Backpack Sprayer to apply it quickly and easily on all animals in our fresh groups daily,” says Britney Hill, herd manager and part of the next generation operating Four Hills Dairy, Bristol, Vermont. They milk 2300 cows, calve 10 animals a day and apply Udder Comfort 5 days to fresh groups. They also love it for their award-winning show cows.
“With the new Udder Comfort Battery-Operated Backpack, we can do all in our fresh groups without slowing parlor throughput. The Backpack is convenient, efficient, easy to maneuver, and the battery charge lasts,” Britney reports. “With Udder Comfort, our fresh cows are more comfortable and our fresh heifers adjust to milking much faster with better letdown. Doing our fresh groups year-round keeps our SCC around 130,000,” she adds.
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Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
ConƟnued from BREEDING PROFILE | Page 18 What guidelines do you follow to reach the goals for your breeding program? Every 60 days, we run a herd percentile ranking report through ABS. So, cows are ranked 1-99, and we use these numbers to determine cows that will get bred Sexcel and cows that will get bred beef InFocus. We use HPR and DIM to determine a threshold and what we bred Sexcel and InFocus to achieve our replacement heifer goal. What are the top traits you look for in breeding your dairy herd and how has this changed since you started farming? We use all A2A2 bulls, and from there, we look at high Net Merit bulls. On the production, we look for high percentage pounds of fat and protein and then daughter pregnancy rate and calving ease.
Then, as far as conrmation, we look for smaller stature cows the t the parlor and average on all other traits. What are certain traits you try to avoid? We try to avoid tall stature, poor fertility and poor conrmation. Describe the ideal cow for your herd. The ideal cow is one that comes in without any transition issues, milks good, stays healthy, breeds back well and is not oversized, over-conditioned and expensive to feed. What role does genetics have in reaching the goals of your farm? Good genetics are important. Not only do we use the HPR ranking for selecting which cows we breed our replacements
from, but the cows are also mated so we are using the right bull for the cow. What percentage of your herd is bred to sexed, conventional and beef semen? 25%-30% are bred to Sexcel and the rest are bred using InFocus. What is your conception rate? Our conception is currently at 44%. Sexcel and InFocus are both running 44%. What is the greatest lesson you have learned through your breeding program? One thing we learned is that the success of the breeding program is a team effort. Good, healthy cows that are fed good feed breed back quicker. Everyone is doing a good job in their areas. What is the age of your heifers at rst service? Heifers are bred at 375 days. How does your heifer inventory affect your breeding program? Our replacement heifer goal drives our breeding program to the point of how much Sexcel and beef InFocus we use.
Tell us about your farm. We are a family-owned operation that has a history of milking cows in central Minnesota for three generations and possibly a fourth generation with our boys, Asher and Carter. Brooke and I have JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR had a minor role with Enchanted Breeder Brent Betker reviews a list of cows March 1 at Enchant- Dairy over the past 10 years, and ed Dairy LLC near LiƩle Falls, Minnesota. on Jan. 1, 2021, we purchased the herd.
JENNIFER COYNE/DAIRY STAR
Brent Betker prepares to breed a cow March 1 at Enchanted Dairy LLC near LiƩle Falls, Minnesota. The herd is bred using sexed or beef semen.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 21
1.8% FINANCING FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS on Self-Propelled Forage Harvesters and Heads
JD 9600 2019, 820 hrs., $ #186948
424,500
JD 8600 2018, 775 hrs., $ #270859
379,900
JD 8800 2017, 1521 hrs., $ #524820
JD 8700 2017, 2083 hrs., $ #186945
JD 8500 2016, 1452 hrs. $ #151485
JD 8300 2016, 370 hrs. $ #270227
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JD 8600 2016, 2079 hrs., $ #187538
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Equipment and pictures added daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com
DISKS
JD 650, 1997, 32 ft, 3-Section Folding, #185256 ............................................$18,000 Krause 8200-28W, 2010, 28 ft, 3-Section Folding, 9”, #275204 ..................$22,900 JD 637, 2010, 37 ft, 3-Section Folding, 9”, #191801 .....................................$25,900 Case IH RMX340, 2009, 35 ft, 3-Section Folding, 9”, #181151 .....................$29,400 JD 637, 2011, 42 ft, 5-Section Folding, 9”, #523980 .....................................$29,500 JD 2625, 2013, 33 ft, 3-Section Folding, 11”, #275921 ...................................$39,900 Wishek 862nt, 2014, 26 ft, #276355 ...........................................................$39,900 JD 2623, 2015, 45 ft, 5-Section Folding, 9”, #525927 .....................................$45,900 JD 2623, 2012, 40 ft, 5-Section Folding, 9”, #523876 .....................................$49,900 Degelman PRO-TILL 40, 2016, #191161 ...................................................$95,995
FIELD CULTIVATORS
Case IH 4300, 2001, 38 ft, 3-Section Folding, #186653 ...............................$11,995 JD 980, 1998, 44 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #276171 .............................$14,900 Wil-Rich Excel 42’, 1999, #276243 ..............................................................$14,900 JD 2200, 2002, 34 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #185898.........................$19,000 Case IH TIGERMATE II, 2003, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding,#186586 ..............$19,000 Wil-Rich QUAD 5, 1998, 42 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #191850...........$19,500 Case IH TM14, 2005, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #187546 .............$26,900 Case IH TIGERMATE II, 2004, 60.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #186585$28,000 JD 2210, 2005, 55.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #274609........................$29,900 JD 2210, 2010, 65 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #273967...........................$32,900 JD 2210, 2008, 42 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #531703...........................$39,900
PLANTERS
JD 7200, 1991, 16R30”, Vacuum, 1.6 Bushel Hopper, #275813.......................$12,900 Case IH 1200, 6R30”, Rigid, Vacuum, 1.6 Bushel Hopper, #531372 ...............$18,500 JD 7200, 1993, 12R30”, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bushel Hopper,#190107 ......$22,900 JD 1770, 1999, 16R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bushel Hopper,#186432 ........$28,500 Wil-Rich willrich pt-2200, 2007, 24R22”, Wing Fold, #191659 .................$41,000 JD 1760, 2014, 12R30”, Wing Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bushel Hopper, #531820 .....$48,000 JD 1765NT, 2017, 8R30”, Rigid, Vacuum, 3.0 Bushel Hopper, #186495 ..........$51,900 JD 1770NT, 2013, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 1.6 Bushel Hopper, #273978 ..$79,900
JD 1765, 2020, 12R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, 3.0 Bushel Hopper, #531611 .......$85,000 JD DB90, 2006, 36R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #531337..................$89,900 JD 1795, 2019, 24R20”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #186466 ................ $169,900 JD DB60, 2014, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill , #186455 .............. $185,900 JD 1775NT, 2015 24R30”, Exact Emerge, Central Fill, #275625 ................... $224,900 JD 1775NT, 2020, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #186454 ........... $264,900 White 6700, 22”, Rigid, Vacuum, 1.6 Bushel Hopper, #186494 .....................$10,900 JD 1700, 2014 4R30”, Rigid, Vacuum, Mini Hopper, #275821 .........................$17,900 JD 1720 CCS, 2010, 12R38”, Wing Fold, Vacuum, Central Fill, #276333..........$29,900 JD DR24, 2020, 24R30”, Exact Emerge, Central Fill, #274275 ...................... $319,900
SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTERS
JD 5830, 1992, PRWD 3928 hrs., cut. hd. hrs., #186284.................................$34,900 JD 6950, 2000, PRWD, 4622 hrs., 3153 cut. hd. hrs., #272295 .......................$54,900 JD 6850, 1998, No PRWD, 3841 hrs., 2790 Cut. hd. hrs., # 531752 .................$66,000 JD 7500, 2007, PRWD, 2900 hrs., 1921 cut. hd. hrs., #190442 .................... $103,000 JD 7550, 2008, PRWD, 7320 hrs., 2789 cut. hd. hrs., #275592 .................... $104,900 JD 7750, 2011, No PRWD, 4900 hrs., 3200 cut. hd. hrs., #191547 ............... $129,000 JD 7480, 2013, PRWD, 4866 hrs., 3695 cut. hd. hrs., #191845 .................... $134,000 JD 7980, 2015, PRWD, 2455 hrs., 1720 cut. hd. hrs., #527149 .................... $170,000 JD 7980, 2013, PRWD, 2114 hrs., 1413 cut. hd. hrs., #527155 .................... $175,000 JD 7580, 2014, PRWD, 2941 hrs., 1764 cut. hd. hrs., #182276 .................... $185,900 JD 7780, 2013, PRWD, 3231 hrs., 2109 cut. hd. hrs., #274502 .................... $189,900 CLAAS 960, 2014, PRWD, 2812 hrs., 2200 cut. hd. hrs., #271035 ............... $189,900 JD 7780, 2014, PRWD, 3035 hrs., 1973 cut. hd. hrs., #180600 .................... $190,400 NH FR850, 2013, PRWD, 2269 hrs., 1485 cut. hd. hrs., #188806 ................ $228,000 JD 8400, 2015, PRWD, 2103 hrs., 1158 cut. hd. hrs., #186943 .................... $238,750 JD 8600, 2016, PRWD, 2079 hrs., 1230 cut. hd. hrs., #187538 .................... $289,000 JD 8500, 2016, PRWD, 1452 hrs., 862 cut. hd. hrs., #151485 ...................... $295,000 JD 8600, 2016, PRWD, 1807 hrs., 1088 cut. hd. hrs., #187536 .................... $300,000 JD 8800, 2016, PRWD, 2579 hrs., 1679 cut. hd. hrs., #175182 .................... $304,900 JD 8600, 2016, PRWD, 1482 hrs., 995 cut. hd. hrs., #144025 ...................... $315,000 JD 8700, 2016, PRWD, 1590 hrs., 1103 cut. hd. hrs., #525709 .................... $324,000 JD 8600, 2018, PRWD, 1100 hrs., 545 cut. hd. hrs., #524926 ...................... $325,000
JD 8700, 2017, PRWD, 2083 hrs., 1237 cut. hd. hrs., #186945 .................... $325,500 JD 8300, 2016, PRWD, 370 hrs., 187 cut. hd. hrs., #270227 ........................ $329,900 JD 8600, 2018, PRWD, 1472 hrs., 660 cut. hd. hrs., #188792 ...................... $342,000 JD 8800, 2017, PRWD, 1521 hrs., 862 cut. hd. hrs., #524820 ...................... $355,000 JD 8700, 2018, PRWD, 1726 hrs., 991 cut. hd. hrs., #187542 ...................... $373,000 JD 8600, 2018, PRWD, 775 hrs., 381 cut. hd. hrs., #270859 ........................ $379,900 JD 8300, 2021, PRWD, 52 hrs, #191810 ...................................................... $409,000 JD 9600, 2019, PRWD, 820 hrs., 507 cut. hd. hrs., #186948 ....................... $424,500 CLAAS 960, 2021, PRWD, 95 hrs., 69 cut. hd. hrs., #275198 ....................... $629,900
SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYERS
ROGATOR 1184, 2010, 120-Foot, Stainless, 4610 hrs., #191681 ..................$53,500 JD 4920, 2006, 120-Foot, Stainless, 3688 hrs., #187626 ...............................$71,000 ROGATOR RG1100, 2013, 90-Foot, Stainless, 3250 hrs., #191700..............$97,000 JD 4830, 2013, 120-Foot, Stainless, 3997 hrs., #531608............................. $143,500 HAGIE STS12, 2012, 90-Foot, 4100 hrs., #276184 .................................... $149,900 CASE IH PATRIOT 4430, 2012, 120-Foot, 2770 hrs., #531726................. $159,000 JD 4630, 2013, 80-Foot, Poly, 1030 hrs., #275374 ...................................... $159,900 JD R4030, 2016, 120-Foot, Stainless, 1865 hrs., #531624 .......................... $179,900 JD R4038, 2016, 90-Foot, Stainless, 2400 hrs., #274783 ............................ $194,900 JD R4038, 2016, 120-Foot, Stainless, 3038 hrs., #275257 .......................... $199,900 JD R4038, 2016, 90-Foot, Stainless, 2200 hrs., #275266 ............................ $219,900 JD R4038, 2017, 90-Foot, Stainless, 2190 hrs., #275254 ............................ $219,900 JD R4045, 2017, 120-Foot, Stainless, 2950 hrs., #275252 .......................... $229,900 JD R4038, 2018, 120-Foot, Stainless, 2064 hrs., #531886 .......................... $272,900 JD R4038, 2020, 120-Foot, Stainless, 683 hrs., #275047 ............................ $359,900 JD R4045, 2018, 120-Foot, Stainless, 1175 hrs., #275627 .......................... $364,900 JD R4045, 2019, 120-Foot, Stainless, 1575 hrs., #421298 .......................... $399,500 JD R4045, 2020, 120-Foot, Stainless, 1332 hrs., #275782 .......................... $399,900 JD R4038, 2021, 120-Foot, Stainless, 200 hrs., #191080 ............................ $429,000 JD R4038, 2021, 132-Foot, Stainless, 235 hrs., #191060 ............................ $449,900 JD R4038, 2021, 132-Foot, Stainless, 380 hrs., #191034 ............................ $450,000 JD R4044, 2021, 132-Foot, Stainless, 367 hrs., #191061 ............................ $459,900 JD R4044, 2021, 132-Foot, Stainless, 261 hrs., #191079 ............................ $479,000
Locations throughout minnesota & western wisconsin! CALL TODAY! (320)365-1653 SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY WITH PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS AT: www.mmcjd.com
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
Could a retrofit be the right fit for you?
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Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: IOWA Kramer Bros. Monticello, IA 319-465-5931 Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United Dairy Systems, Inc. West Union, IA 563-422-5355 WISCONSIN Advanced Dairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713
DeLaval Dairy Service Kaukauna, WI 866-335-2825 Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Professional Dairy Services Arlington, WI 608-635-0267 Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470
MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA Advanced Dairy of Mora Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Brookings, SD 800-636-5581 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416
is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2022 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. Nothing in this document shall constitute a warranty or guaranty of performance. www.delaval.com
Pride in my roots, dirt on these boots
A lot can change in a year, but nothing prepares you for what can change in a matter of weeks. Hello, I am Grace Jeurissen, and like my mother has told me, “You’re just a y by the seat of your pants kind of girl.” Well ying is great if there is a ticket to somewhere exotic, or they give out free snacks. My ight, however, took me on a layover to Sauk Centre and presented me the opportunity to grow myself professionally in an industry I love. As of February, I am By Grace Jeurissen a new writer for the Dairy Staff Writer Star. I will be picking up some different things in the next few months, but my rst hired writing experience has been with the newspaper in your hands right now. Other than the trusted papers they assigned in college about hard facts and rhetoric appeals, I have very limited experience in the profession of writing. I do, on the other hand, have a solid 21 years of living on my family dairy farm and a gift of gab, inherited from my father. Moving away from home and especially the farm is hard. Apparently, apartments don’t allow large dogs with hooves as pets. That was a rather disappointing realization of adulthood. After graduating high school in 2019, I spent my summer representing dairy in Minnesota as a McLeod County Dairy Princess and Princess Kay nalist. I remember an event that required the princesses to participate in a hand-milking competition. An older retired farmer shook my hand after I won my division and said, “I have to shake your hand because by golly, you’re the only girl I’ve seen get down and get into milking like a real farmer.” I took that compliment as he was glad to see someone who can represent the industry with hands-on experience. Here I am almost three years later sharing other farmers’ stories. For the last two years, I have been studying agribusiness at Ridgewater College in Willmar. I graduated in December and took a short mental break from the chaos of six college classes. I took my time to appreciate what my family farm had to offer me. I love working on the farm and learning from my dad every
I am grateful for the opportunity to milk during the week because it has become a stress reliever, believe it or not. day, but like most young people, I knew I needed to experience something else for the time being. Don’t think I’m stepping away because I got sick of pulling teats twice a day. In fact, my second week of working and living in Sauk Centre I got a second job doing relief milking for a local farm family. I am grateful for the opportunity to milk during the week because it has become a stress reliever, believe it or not. Farming has been such a large part of who I am. I don’t think I could ever fully remove farming from my life. One of my favorite memories was riding on the backs of cows while Dad milked in the tie stalls of our original farm. Being present and building those relationships with cattle, my family and other aspects of dairy farming have shaped me and given me a sense of respect for the people I am writing about. I look forward to each interview because every farm and every person is so unique. I am grateful to be working with Dairy Star. I can bring new ideas to the publication. Maybe it is my cut and dry way about things, but a graceful, tell them how it is type of writing is what I am going for. Farming is difcult and stressful, but there is an innocent goodness in dairy that pushes through every hardship. I am proud to be from a dairy farm. I am even more proud to be able to write about how incredible and unique every farm and family is.
Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 23
Dejnos take a team approach to farming
A culture of connectedness
By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
INDEPENDENCE, Wis. – The team of employees at Dejno Acres contribute to the everyday tasks on the farm. As the workload grows, so does the team, and Monica Dejno is focused on leading with compassion. “It’s a real team approach,” Dejno said. “Everybody here, from the nutritionist to the
person who milks one time a week to those who are on a fulltime basis, are all part of who we are. Without all of them, there is a void that needs to be lled. We are all important regardless of how much we do or don’t do, or how much we are here or not here.” Dejno Acres is a 350-cow dairy near Independence. Dejno started working at the farm as a milker when she was 16 years old. After graduating from Western Technical College with a degree in agribusiness, she returned to the farm and married the eldest Dejno son, Andy. Dejno’s role on the farm
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Dejno family – (front, from leŌ) Andrew and Mary; (back, from leŌ) Bethany, Jake, Andrew, Monica and Max – stand in the freestall barn at their farm near Independence, Wisconsin. The family works with a team of employees to run their 350-cow dairy.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Monica Dejno interacts with a cow Feb. 24 at her farm near Independence, Wisconsin. Dejno started working on her in-laws’ farm when she was 16 years old.
continued to develop as the farm grew. While she continues to milk cows, Dejno is now also in charge of herd health, managing the employees and
working with the veterinarian and nutritionist. She said she does it all with the help of the entire team. That team includes her
mother-in-law, Mary, who is in charge of the nances and helps with calves; her Turn to DEJNOS | Page 25
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 25
ConƟnued from DEJNOS | Page 23 father-in-law, Andrew, who helps with eldwork and running errands; Andy and his oldest son, Jake, who manage the day-to-day decisions regarding feed, crops and youngstock; Jake’s wife, Bethany, who raises the calves; and her own mother, Vicky, who helps Dejno with her duties. Dejno and Andy also have a 16-year-old son, Max, who is involved in the farm when he is not in school. “I think part of what makes us unique and part of why we are all still together is we all have an area which we specialize in, and we kind of stay out of each other’s way,” Dejno said. “When somebody needs help, we are all more than willing to help out in an area, but the daily decision making is done by that person in that area. We help out, but we don’t step on each
a handful of part-time employees. Many of the part-time employees are adolescents. “This farm has always brought in high school kids to try to teach skills and develop work skills and communication skills to get them ready for a job or for college,” Dejno said. “We are not educators in the way of academics, but my goal is to try to give them the experience of what it’s like to have a job.” Dejno said it is important for young people to understand where their food comes from. “I love watching kids who have had no work experience whatsoever develop skills and form passions about what they’re doing, compassion for who they’re doing it for and a broader understanding of what it means to get food to the table,” Dejno said. Dejno said the team has overcome its share of struggles, including a barn re in 2011. They built a new facility after the re with the plan to grow internally. Dejno said the lifestyle and the effort of the team makes the MONICA DEJNO, DAIRY FARMER hard times worth it. She has been grateful for the other’s toes.” opportunity to be home with Max Dejno said they are blessed with good neighbors and close family when he was younger and to allow her and friends who help as well. All of employees to do the same. “This is more than a job,” Dejno her husband’s siblings participate in said. “To be able to watch your kids projects and assist at harvest time. Some of her nieces and nephews even grow every day and be immersed in what you are doing, to have them help occasionally as well. In addition to family members, understand from a young age that there is one full-time employee and there is creation and creation does
“They say people are replaceable, but people with the skills, compassion and passion for what this takes are really hard to nd.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Bethany Dejno feeds grain Feb. 24 at Dejno Acres near Independence, Wisconsin. Dejno is in charge of the farm’s calf program. die. Whether it’s the plants that are dying when you harvest them, the animal that is nalizing its life, or new life sprouting from the ground and a newborn being born.” Dejno said the success of farming is possible with a team that understands the importance of their work. “This creation that we care for, without the team being present to provide for them, they are going to die,” Dejno said. “They are reliant on you, but you are also reliant on them to
provide back to you so you can provide to them. You have a cycle of reliance on each other for the greater good of it all.” Simply put, everything is connected. Dejno relies on her team to help her run the farm, and they rely on the farm to provide a job. “An operation this scale, you can’t do it alone,” Dejno said. “They say people are replaceable, but people with the skills, compassion and passion for what this takes are really hard to nd.”
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Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
Promoting her passion
Hensel serves as WHA Princess By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
PITTSVILLE, Wis. – Maddy Hensel considers herself lucky to have stumbled upon her passion at a young age. As a little girl, Hensel found herself tagging along when her older sister Hannah decided she wanted to show dairy animals. “I didn’t grow up on a farm, but my sister got started showing one year, and I watched her,” 16-year-old Hensel said. “I eventually just fell in love with it myself and developed a passion for both registered Holsteins and for the dairy industry.” Hensel is taking her passion, and the potential for outreach, to new heights as the 2022 Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess. “This is a great opportunity to represent not only the Holstein breed but the entire dairy industry,” Hensel said. “Hannah served as both the Wisconsin Red and White Princess and the National Red and White Queen. I watched the opportunities she had with those positions and decided to go after the same opportunities for myself.” Hensel is looking forward to promoting the registered Holstein cow and the people who share her own passion for the breed. Along with the WHA Princess Attendant Elena Jarvey, Hensel will make appearances
at a variety of WHA events as well as a number of dairy breakfasts, Holstein shows and other public appearances. Hensel said she is most looking forward to the educational aspect of the position, which includes classroom visits to teach about the importance of dairy products and the dairy industry. Many experiences have shaped Hensel into the young woman who will promote the breed for the next year. “I got involved in doing dairy quiz bowl with the Wood County Junior Holstein Association when I was in third grade,” Hensel said. “I became addicted to how much I learned about the dairy industry doing quiz bowl. Then I started doing other contests like dairy jeopardy and the speaking contests.” Hensel was part of the junior dairy quiz bowl team from Wood County that represented Wisconsin at the 2021 National Holstein Convention in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, last summer. She has traveled to ve national conventions, participating in the speaking and dairy jeopardy contests. She is looking forward to traveling to her sixth convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as the WHA Princess. “I really enjoy being able to travel to new places and meeting new people who share the same love for the Holstein cow,” Hensel said. Hensel maintains a close dayto-day connection to the registered Holstein cow by milking each morning before school at Tree-Hayven Holsteins in Auburndale. Turn to HENSEL | Page 27
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Maddy Hensel (right) of PiƩsville, Wisconsin, is named the 2022 Wisconsin Holstein AssociaƟon Princess at the organizaƟon’s annual junior convenƟon. She is pictured with princess aƩendant Elena Jarvey (leŌ) of Pulaski, Wisconsin.
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ConƟnued from HENSEL | Page 26
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Maddy Hensel leads Heatherstone Good Time-ET. Hensel is serving as the 2022 Wisconsin Holstein AssociaƟon Princess. “I really like that I can take all of the knowledge I have learned from dairy quiz bowl and apply (it) every day,” Hensel said. “I like getting my hands dirty, being involved with the animals I show every day.” Hensel credits both Adam Borchert, owner of Tree-Hayven Holsteins, and her dairy bowl coach Matt Dorshorst with being mentors and encouraging her to continually push herself to do more and to do it better. “Adam and Matt have taught me everything about the dairy industry,” Hensel said. “But most importantly, they make it fun and enjoyable. They have really driven my passion for the Holstein cow.” Hensel said the notion of being a public gure as the WHA Princess would have overwhelmed her a few years ago, but her experiences prepared her to take on the competition. She started the process by submitting a resume and an application. At the WHA Junior Holstein Convention in Appleton Dec. 28-31, 2021, she participated in both an individual and a group interview, and competed in the speaking contest as a requirement of the princess contest. In front of the convention body, she answered an impromptu question about how she would respond to a child who asked if a calf would be used for beef. “I believe the best way to handle that situation is to be honest,” Hensel said. “I would explain to the child about the dairy industry and how dairy calves
typically end up in milk production, but that the possibility always remains that they could be used as feeder animals for beef production too.” Because of the increased visibility and the opportunities to connect with consumers, the WHA has turned the position of princess into a learning experience for the young women who take on the role. “We have a committee of mentors that we work with; they set the expectations for us for the year,” Hensel said. “They teach us about professionalism, communicating with the public and the expectations for a dress code. We spent a training weekend with the committee, and we learned a lot. They are a great resource for us, and we have already learned so much.” Promoting registered Holsteins is not the only thing that keeps Hensel busy. In school, the Pittsville High School junior is active in FFA, FCCLA, FBLA, National Honor Society and student council. She also plays soccer, runs track and is the kicker on the high school’s football team. In addition to milking cows in the mornings, Hensel works in the afternoons doing a youth apprenticeship at Memory Lane Farm in Marsheld, a small farm run for educational purposes. Future goals for the young advocate include plans to attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study agriculture communications and pursue a career in some facet of promotion.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 29
Women In Dairy Kellisa Carlisle Granton, Wisconsin Clark County 39 cows Family: My husband, Greg, and our 18-month-old son, David Gage. Tell us about your farm. I primarily have Jersey cattle. It is the breed I have always had a strong passion for thanks to growing up helping my nana with her herd of Jerseys. I rent a 45-stall tiestall barn that was built in 1969 and stands on land that has been in the Rowe family since 1892. My grandfather, Donald Rowe, and my uncle, Steven Rowe, also farmed in this barn. I also rent 85 of the 125 acres of land from my grandfather. What is a typical day like for you on the dairy? I do not live on the same property as the barn so my morning starts with driving to the barn after dropping my son off at Nana’s, about a mile down the road from the farm. I have never been much of a morning person, so I start milking around 11 a.m. Once I am done milking, I give the cows their grain and hay or put them out to pasture depending on the time of year. Next, I give the milk calves their milk replacer and grain. If any of the older heifers are in the barn, they get their hay and grain last. I then pick my son up for the afternoon. We either run errands or head home. I come back up to the farm for night chores around 8 p.m. I start by feeding haylage, corn silage and grain. I then move on to cleaning the pens, cleaning the barn and then milk again at 11 p.m. After night milking, I feed the calves that are on milk their second meal of the day. What decision have you made in the last year that has beneted your farm? We decided to put LED lights in the barn. It has helped to brighten everything up and made everything a lot easier to see while working with the cows. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. I have my favorite memories from each farm I have
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been a part of, and they all have impacted me in different ways. Picking just one, I would go with spending a week at World Dairy Expo in 2014 with Java Farms. It was an amazing experience where I made many connections and learned a lot about the dairy industry. It was not the kind of learning you can get while in a classroom though, but the kind you can only receive from interacting with people within the industry. I had already known where I was going to school the following fall and was able to get a recommendation at WDE for the family I interned with during college. It was a one-of-a-kind experience that I will always be grateful to the Wood family from Java Farms for giving me. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? I will be able to raise my son outdoors with me and share with him my passion for the dairy industry and all of the life lessons that go along with it whether that be problem-solving skills, the harsh reality of the circle of life or teamwork and responsibility. What is your biggest accomplishment in your dairy career? Having accomplished my dream of becoming a dairy farmer. It was not an easy road by any means. I have been around dairy cattle most of my life, but it wasn’t as simple as growing up on my parents’ farm. Nana and Papa Bill had to sell their herd of Jerseys when I was in kindergarten. So, when I was old enough to start showing in 4-H, I raised a Jersey heifer, Piper, in my front lawn in a calf hutch. That fall Piper went to a family friend’s farm where she was housed until she moved to my uncle’s farm when she got close to calving. My small herd grew and stayed at my uncle’s farm until he sold his cows in 2013. I then had to nd a farm to house my cattle until I was able to start farming on my own. My cattle called the Woods’ farm home until I was able to bring them back to the Rowe family farm in 2016. I was able to start milking in August 2016 after graduating from Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College Dairy Herd Management program in May
of that year. My family and I had a lot of maintenance to do at the barn to get it ready for milking again, but it was all worth it. What are things you do to promote your farm or the dairy industry? I show at the Clark County Fair and the Central Wisconsin State Fair. I enjoy interacting with the fair-goers and answering questions they have about cattle and the dairy industry. I also enjoy letting anyone pet my cattle. I also help local youth take my cattle to our county fair. I love helping them learn how to properly lead the animals and how to take care of the animals all while teaching them about the dairy industry. I enjoy giving farm tours to families from around the world. I always have a lot of fun sharing my love and knowledge of dairy farming with people
who are unfamiliar with the industry. What advice would you give another woman in the dairy industry? Make the connections. You never know when you will need them or be able to use them, whether that be people your age or from older generations. Also, if you are trying to work with a company and they are unwilling to work with you because you’re a woman and you’re running the farm, move on. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? Right now, when I get spare time, I love to spend it with my family. It’s amazing to be watching all the new things my son discovers day to day. When the weather is nice, spending time outside or going to community events is great too.
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An emergency forages for ruminants
Study shows buckwheat serves as alternative feed source By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Having an ample supply of feed is necessary for raising livestock. Among the common forages used to feed cattle, buckwheat offers benets as an emergency feed source. “Buckwheat has an extremely short growing season,” said Dr. Silvia Abel-Caines. “This means if it is a late spring, maybe there is still water in the eld and you are running late with your spring cropping, buckwheat can give you a solution.” Abel-Caines is a nutritionist with Organic Valley.
The benets of utilizing the buckwheat plant for a cover crop and an emergency forage solution were outlined by Abel-Caines at the Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service Conference Feb. 25 in Wisconsin Dells. Abel-Caines conducted a eld trial with a local farm to show how buckwheat served as an emergency forage. The trial started in 2020. The goal with the eld trial was to replace 25% of the farm’s ration with buckwheat. Twenty acres of buckwheat was planted June 2, 2020. The trial also monitored when the best time to harvest the buckwheat was to maximize the yield while not sacricing quality. Samples were taken every week until the plant reached 5 inches in height. Then, sampling increased to twice a week to help determine the best time to harvest. During the trial, Abel-Caines said the eld conditions
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250HO15664 R E V O LU TIO N
1,049
7HO15167 G AM E D AY *
1,082
14HO15865 P E R LE *
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14HO15154 B IG S H O T
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250HO15152 AH E A D
7HO15112 TAOS
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were dry; the area had not seen any rain for two weeks prior to planting. The eld received rain one week after planting. The crop was 2 inches tall by June 14, 2020. “It started out slowly, but the good thing was once we got a little bit of rain, these plants took off,” AbelCaines said. The appearance of the ower on the plant indicates a change in nutrient density, which happened in the eld trial July 5, 2020. Abel-Caines recommended 25%-50% owering at harvest for buckwheat. Abel-Caines said the eld trial suffered hail damage which affected the yield. She said the buckwheat yielded 2 tons to the acre. The moisture content was 65%-70%. Abel-Caines said there are strengths to the buckwheat plant, including the short growing season. “I was amazed at how fast it went from one stage of the plant to the next one,” Abel-Caines said. Abel-Caines was also impressed with the crop’s ability to thrive in wet or dry conditions. “There are conditions where you have too much moisture in the soil and buckwheat will do ne,” AbelCaines said. “Now if the seed remains completely wet and soaked for more than ve days, then you might have a problem.” Abel-Caines said many people use buckwheat as a cover crop because the roots, which are ne and not very deep, have the ability to use available nutrients. “It is very interesting to see how this plant is able to increase the availability of phosphorus and magnesium,” Abel-Caines said. “These are minerals that are feed components for dairy production.” Buckwheat can negatively impact soil and animal health. For example, buckwheat will not tolerate soil hardpan due to the ne roots that poorly penetrate compacted soil and it has a tendency to volunteer in the following crop if seeds are left to mature before harvesting. Abel-Caines said this is not a problem if the crop is harvested for forage. Abel-Caines also said when buckwheat was fed to cattle, light-colored cattle developed a skin rash after being exposed to the sun. Abel-Caines said this was not a problem if the inclusion was kept to 30% or less of the diet. This is also why Abel-Caines stressed the importance of using buckwheat as a supplemental forage. “I am not suggesting that we feed 100% buckwheat,” Abel-Caines said. “This is supplemental and emergency forage that is better used at the end of the winter season if we need something quick.” When putting together a ration with buckwheat for the trial farm, Abel-Caines supplemented buckwheat as a baleage with the farm’s existing baleage and 16% grain. The farm was also grazing the cows in a pasture. During the rst week, 12 pounds of buckwheat was added to the ration. “As with any new forage, it needs to be introduced slowly into the ration especially if you are transitioning between the winter ration and a grazing season,” AbelCaines said. Milk production was monitored throughout the trial and stayed the same throughout the presence of buckwheat in the ration. Abel-Caines intends to continue the eld trial and follow up with the effects of buckwheat on the soil. Ultimately, Abel-Caines said the eld trial has so far proven buckwheat to be an effective emergency forage. “It is very palatable,” she said. “It tastes good, has high sugar content and is very digestible.”
1,049
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 31
Richard and Wanda Van Buren and family Waupun, Wisconsin Dodge County 35 milk cows How did you get into farming? I was born and raised on the farm. My parents bought the farm in 1968. In 1999, my wife, Wanda, and I partnered with my parents for the farm, and we bought full ownership in 2013. It’s something I’ve been passionate about my whole life. What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? The amount of small dairies that are going out of business. It’s hard to see people you know with similar operations selling their herds. Another concern is the milk and commodity prices. What is a recent change you made on your farm and the reason for it? Starting a partnership with my son, Alex, where he raises steers with me. He helps with milking and other farm chores when he’s not at the nearby dairy he works at. My daughter, Tiffany, would be part of it as well, but she’s currently at South Dakota State University studying dairy production and agricultural communication. It’s important to me that my kids are involved in our operation and have a way to be part of production agriculture. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I’m passionate about what I do. There’s a lot of people who can’t say they are passionate about what they do. I can’t say I’m happy with everything that happens every day, but at the end of the day, I enjoy being involved in the dairy industry and don’t see myself doing anything else.
my daughter helps when she’s home, and my dad comes to help when none of them are available. Having strong, reliable communication is important to us as well as allowing each other time off. Everyone knows how to do almost everything, so if someone needs a break or can’t be there, someone else is able to do it. What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? While I milk cows twice a day every day, I can do something different every day too. It’s never the same day to day between milking. Sometimes we’re doing eld work. Sometimes we’re xing equipment. Sometimes, if we’re not busy, we take the day to go on the snowmobiles or the boat. It’s a freedom that a lot of other people don’t have in their day-to-day jobs.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Van Buren family – (from le�) Rich, Wanda, Alex and Tiffany – milk 35 cows and raise 65 head of youngstock and steers near Waupun, Wisconsin. What is the best decision you have made on your farm? The best decision we have made is switching to using big bales from small square bales for all outside feeding for our animals. It has made making hay a lot less time consuming. We used to need people to move wagons from the eld to the barn along with several people to help unload and stack bales in the barn. With the big bales, we can load and unload them with the skidloader. What are three things on the farm that you cannot live without? A skidloader makes it easier to feed animals, makes cleaning and bedding pens easier, and we use it for rock picking and tree brush removal for the crop side of our operation. We use ATVs to round up cattle because our cows go on the pasture in the summer months. We use them to pull feed wagons
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around and for faster checking of fence lines and crops around the farm. We purchased a feed grinder in 2019, and it has helped cut down on processing and delivery costs from the feed mill and allows us to make different feed batches for our animal groups. What strategies do you use to withstand the volatile milk prices? I focus on making and feeding quality feed to keep production up, keeping my animals healthy to limit vet visits and culling poor cows. We also raise and sell steers and sell any crops we aren’t using for feed so that helps too. How do you maintain family relationships while also working together? All of our employees are family. My wife and son help out daily,
What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Do your best to mentor youth and get young people involved. They are the future of our industry, and we all had someone cheering us on when we were getting started. Also, have something you are passionate about that isn’t the farm. It’s good to have something to get your mind off of the farm and have a way to relax. What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? I don’t plan to get any larger in the dairy area. I hope to keep Alex involved in the steers and cropping side of our operation. My daughter wants to recreate our logo and start social media pages for us. How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? Our family enjoys snowmobiling, riding ATVs and pontoon boating. I’m currently president of the Waupun Drift Jumpers snowmobile club, and my wife and I are active in the Waupun Area FFA Alumni Chapter.
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Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
Rocking like a rolling stone
8-year-old show cow near, dear to Schmocker’s heart By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
WHITEWATER, Wis. – All of the cows at Go-Sho Cattle Company are important to Nina Schmocker, but a cow named Stone sticks out as the favorite. Tall, long and sleek would aptly describe this EX-95 homebred Holstein who makes her home on Schmocker’s farm near Whitewater. Her full name is Go-Sho Like a Rolling Stone, but she goes by Stone for short. A stellar show record accompanies 8-year-old Stone, who is a member of Schmocker’s small herd of show cattle. “Stone is very important to us,” Schmocker said. “She’s the reason I started milking cows here after we almost lost her a couple times.” The Schmockers originally housed their cattle offsite, and Stone lived at several locations before returning to Schmocker’s farm. As a heifer, Stone was leased for a year to a 4-H member in Fond du Lac, and following that, she lived in Illinois. “When she freshened as a 2-yearold, she didn’t do well in the freestall barn,” Schmocker said. “We moved her to another farm, and she got a huge infection in the fetlock on her front foot. She’s highly allergic to penicillin and can’t be treated the conventional way, so we took her to the vet school in Madison where she had surgery. It took her a solid year to recuperate from that infection.” These events brought Stone back to living with Schmocker, who proceeded to get a portable pump and pail system for milking. Schmocker’s husband, Dave, revamped a box stall for Stone who was almost 3-years-old at the time and pregnant with her second calf. “This is why Stone is so special to me,” Schmocker said. “She’s been through so much.” Farming on a small scale, Schmocker has made a name for herself in the showring, breeding and nurturing elite cattle with a specic goal in mind – showing and succeeding at a high level. Dave is a hoof trimmer, working on elite cows and bulls all over Wisconsin and beyond while also tting animals for shows. The Schmockers have two daughters, Tessa, 15, and Stella, 12.
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Schmocker family – (from leŌ) Tessa, Nina, Dave and Stella – stand with Stone (leŌ) and Sabofarm Beemer Jasmine EX-93 aŌer Stone won grand champion of the district 6 open and junior shows and Jasmine won reserve grand champion of the junior show in 2020. The Schmockers’ farm is located near Whitewater, Wisconsin. “They love to show and that’s the reason we do this,” Schmocker said. “We show everywhere from the county fair to World Dairy Expo. My 5-year-old niece, Sadie, shows too, and she’s out here every day feeding the calves.” Dedicated to her cows, Schmocker specializes in show-quality genetics. Only select cows that hold promise in her show string make the cut. “I have few cows, but they’re all high-quality,” Schmocker said. “If they don’t cut it for us as a 2-year-old, we nd a place to house them, or we sell them. … They don’t stay here if they’re not near and dear.” Stone is that kind of cow. Snagging titles left and right, in 2021 she was grand champion of the junior Holstein show at the North American International Livestock Exposition, an honor she also earned in 2017. Last year, she was also reserve supreme champion of the junior show and rst place lifetime production cow. Also in 2021, she was nominated junior all-American 150,000-pound cow and reserve junior all-American lifetime production cow. “We had a great year last year with Stone,” Schmocker said. Stone went EX-95 in February 2020 – the same year she was named grand
champion of the Wisconsin Holstein junior state show, grand champion of the district 6 open and junior shows along with receiving best udder and best bred and owned honors, and nominated junior all-American aged cow for the second year in a row. In 2019, Stone was the second place aged cow at the WDE junior show, reserve grand champion of the Wisconsin junior state fair and grand champion of the district 6 show. Stone was also nominated reserve junior all-American 4-year-old in 2017 and junior all-American Senior 3-year-old in 2016. Stone will be starting her 2022 show season at the Wisconsin Holstein Association Midwest National Spring Show April 27-30 in Madison. Stone is sired by Pine-Tree Sid, and her dam is Go-Sho Alittle RockNRoll EX-90 – a cow that earned back-to-back champion titles at the Mexican National Show under a different owner, being named grand champion in 2015 and intermediate and reserve grand champion in 2014. Schmocker grew up on a nearby dairy farm with mostly grade cattle. As a teenager, she took time to register a favorite cow of her mom’s so she could show her. A love for registered cattle and showing soon ignited, and after graduating from high school, Schmocker purchased Stone’s great-granddam from Thal-View Holsteins. She was a heifer at the time and eventually went on to score EX-90. However, show success for this family came in later generations. “Stone’s granddam, Go-Sho Bonvoyage Royale, was scored EX-94
and was one of our rst great cows,” Schmocker said. “She was like one of the family.” Stone has seven daughters. Two reside at the Schmockers’ farm – a rst-lactation heifer and a springing heifer. Stone will turn 9 in April, and Schmocker has plans to ush her. “She didn’t get bred back this lactation when we wanted, but hopefully we can breed her back for 2023,” Schmocker said. Stone’s highest 365-day record was made as a 7-year-old when she produced 37,433 pounds of milk, 1,483 pounds of butterfat and 1,098 pounds of protein. In her last production report that came out July 12, 2021, Stone was at 157,006 pounds of lifetime milk. “We feed conventional feed like dry hay and dry grain mix, which keeps a cow in optimal body condition for showing,” Schmocker said. “That’s our focus. A show cow has more rib than your typical cow and better quality of udder and skin. The cows get no fermented feed other than at shows and during the winter when we feed corn silage to help them maintain energy.” Stone has her own box stall in the barn and also spends time outside with her herdmates. “Stone is friendly, but she can be mean if she wants to,” Schmocker said. “She doesn’t like to be ddled with. I think it relates back to when she had surgery and was poked and prodded a lot. Stone has overcome crises in her life to accomplish big things so far in her career, and she’s very special to me.”
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BW change is associated with production in AMS farms By Marcia Endres
University of Minnesota
The number of dairy farms using robotic milking systems in the U.S. is growing relatively rapidly. These systems can automatically, and in a consistent manner, complete all necessary milkingrelated tasks performed by human labor in conventional milking systems, including cow preparation, milking machine attachment and post-milk teat disinfection. One advantage of RMS is the information collected on each cow by the robot software each time a cow enters the robot box, which allows dairy producers (and researchers) to have individual cow information for cows housed together in pens of usually over 100 animals. As an example, using individual cow data from RMS farms in Minnesota and Wisconsin, we have recently investigated the relationship between the change in body weight in early lactation and milk production of dairy cows. This study was a chapter of graduate student Mateus Peiter’s Ph.D. thesis. The early lactation represents a challenging period for dairy cows, as they are faced with calving and the sudden onset of a new lactation. The feed intake of cows in the early post calving period rarely meets the rapid increase of nutrient requirements for milk production, resulting in a negative energy balance. To meet the energy demand for milk production, adipose and muscle tissues are mobilized leading to losses in body condition and weight. However, this tissue mobilization can vary in magnitude among cows. Retrospective daily cow body weight and milk production data were collected from the RMS software on 33 farms. We chose total 90-day milk production as a productivity measurement for being post lactation peak for most cows on RMS farms (based on one of our previous studies) and therefore capturing the period when cows are most productive. In addition, 90-day milk yield had a Pearson’s correlation coefcient of 0.95, 0.99 and 0.99 with total milk yield over the rst 30, 60 and 120 days in milk, respectively. On average, cows in all three parity groups lost body weight during the rst
21 days in milk. As shown in Figure 1, the seven-day BW change was not associated with 90-day milk production for rst lactation cows (P1); however, the association was negatively quadratic for cows in second lactation (P2) and cows in third or greater lactation (P3+). Cows in P2 and P3+ that maintained BW over the rst seven days in milk had greater 90-day milk yield. The 21-day BW change had a negative quadratic relationship with 90-day milk yield for all parity groups. First lactation cows with a 21-day BW change of −8.2% (lost BW) and P2 and P3+ cows with 21day BW change of about −4% (lost BW) were more productive over 90 days in milk. Based on these ndings, it seems that cows with the ability to maintain their BW or lose less than 10% of their rst day in milk BW over the rst 21 days in milk are more productive during early lactation. However, cows with excessive BW loss in the transition period may be the ones that experience severe negative energy balance and potentially other transition cow issues, which end up having a negative impact in their productivity. The curve turning point (i.e., greatest 90-day milk yield) decreased along with parity number. First lactation cows who lost an average of 8.2% of their rst day in milk BW produced an estimated 6,839 pounds over the rst 90 DIM; P2 cows achieved the greatest average production at 9,409 pounds when 21-day BW change averaged at −4.2%. Lastly, the turning point for cows in P3+ (10,075 pounds) was achieved when 21-day BW change averaged at −3.6% of their rst day in milk BW. Cows that maintained (over the rst seven days in milk) or lost up to 3.6%-8.2% of BW (over the rst 21 days in milk) were more productive during the rst 90 days in milk. Findings of this study highlight the importance of closely monitoring BW of dairy cows during the challenging early lactation period. In addition, these ndings may help improve existing algorithms for the identication of animals at risk for health disorders and for the prediction of future milk production of dairy cows in herds using RMS.
Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 33
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Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
Let us pursue excellence
Last month, I talked about the concept of how we get better. I suggested establishing a team of select individuals (family members, lender, agronomist, breeding representative, etc.) to provide input to your discussions. Remember, these folks are there to help, offer input and From My Perspective make suggestions. They are not there to make decisions but perhaps to challenge you. Do not be offended if they don’t agree with what you thought was your plan. We all need to have an open mind and a willingness to improve our operation and a desire to keep up with the industry. We live in a new world today than 10 years ago and, in fact, very different By Tom Anderson Columnist than two weeks ago. The world is now a place most of us have not seen in our lifetime and likely thought we would never see in the 21 century. Years ago, I traveled to Germany prior to the destruction of the Berlin Wall. The vast depression, the disappointed looks of sadness on everyone’s face, the imposed anxiety and the military sharp shooters on the top of the buildings on every street corner surely provided a reason for the lackluster society I was familiar with. Once you have experienced that, your viewpoint of what we complain about in this country seems a bit selsh. We have a country which is concerned about our economy, environment, personal health and safety, and the education of our children. Yes, we likely disagree on the means to which we set those standards, but let’s be real. Where have you been in that discussion? Have you been a positive inuence or always nding the negative? Have you shared positive or negative views on your favorite social media device? The future of a democracy lies in the ethics and integrity of its citizens and leaders. Back to farming. Is your farm operation a positive or negative environment? Do your employees have rapid turnover, or have they been with you for a long time? Do you consider them family, as one farm suggested to me this week, or someone you wish would just do their job? As we prepare for spring planting and crop season, perhaps we can consider some of the following items for an agenda: Is my farm a positive workplace for all? If not, how do I create that environment? Consider areas of production, nancial aspects, business relationships and employee relationships, etc. Have you set goals? Are you comparing to the average producer, or are you comparing your benchmarks to the producers in the top 25%? Are your goals written down, and have they been discussed with farm and family members? Do you have the right insurance for your operation, and does it include replacement cost? Does your farm have re extinguishers in every building? Do you have your crop insurance in place for 2022? Do you have an updated will or trust? Do your family members know what the documents say and where the documents are located? Who is your trustee or personal representative, or power of attorney? Do you have a health care directive? Is there a safe deposit box at the bank, and where is the key? Who is listed on the safe deposit box? Remember, it takes a court order and a lot of time to get into this box if it does not include a family member’s name. Do you have a list of the safe deposit box contents? Do you have life Insurance and are the beneciaries up to date? I have witnessed several situations where documents were not changed after a death or divorce. That did not create a positive environment. Is life insurance a part of your estate and transition plan? As you can see, there are a lot of essential items to have in place. To have a healthy farm and business, all of these should be reviewed on a regular basis. I saw a shirt yesterday that caught my eye. It said, “Pursue excellence and success will follow.” Wow, what a goal. We need strive for excellence in every facet of our farming operations, in our families and in our society. Excellence is a continuously moving target, which will require us to always monitor and implement steps for continuous improvement. Tom Anderson is a Farm Business Management faculty member at Riverland Community College.
Young agriculturalist
We have a small group of high school students who work for us in the evenings and on weekends. One of these students, Seth, has been working here for nearly four years. He started when he was a freshman, a 14-yearold city kid. He learned to milk, feed calves and enjoyed being at our farm. Seth has hung on working while we transitioned from the tie stall barn to the robotic milking system. Like all kids his age, Seth embraces technology and loves to work with the robots and the apps that go with them. Seth’s role has gone By Tina Hinchley beyond milking and Farmer & Columnist working with cows and has spread into another area of his interest, machinery. He was happy to take a tractordriving safety course to be able to drive the skid loader and the tractors. He is all smiles when he drives whether it is for picking rocks, raking hay or moving tires from the bunker. The best day on the farm for Seth was when he was allowed to move the combine when he was pressure washing it. In so many ways, Seth has grown with the farm. Asking him what he plans to do in the future, Seth was almost taken aback by the question. Was I saying he would have to leave the farm? Not at all. But, we believe everyone needs to continually learn more. Duane, Anna and I have the ability to teach him all we know, but there is so much more to dairy farming and agriculture that we are not able to share with him. Anna mentioned that the University of Wisconsin Farm and Industry Short Course might be a great option for him. Seth has been participating in an early work release program that is offered at his high school. He is a senior, and this is the last semester. He is supervised by his high school counselor, Stacy Gloede. Seth spoke to her about this program, and she quickly had a group of seniors attend a FISC preview day at the UW-Madison. I asked her to tell me what she thought about the program. Stacy replied, “This was an excellent experience for the students. They were able to hear from current students and learn about different pathways their education could go in agriculture. We were also able to meet with professors and tour the dorms, barns and classrooms. Students enjoyed the tour and were inspired and motivated to pursue further education. Something they did not think was an option for them in an area that they were passionate about.” When I asked Seth what the tour was like, he said there was a lot more to the program than he thought. They were treated to a breakfast at Lowell Hall and got to check out the dorms. Then they went to the machinery shop where there were tractors and farm equipment. They toured the barns and feed room and learned about the research that happens with the cows. Seth was so excited. He put in his application and applied for scholarships too. Seth was accepted into the FISC program and will be attending in the fall of 2023. Then, I got a text message from Duane and Seth that
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 35
the FISC program is going to be restructured. They were both listening to the Mid-West Farm Report with Pam Jahnke, and she was interviewing Jennifer Blazek, the director of FISC. Jennifer and Pam were talking about the changes that would be taking place with the FISC program. It will be more exible for students and their families with making the course a non-credit program. Students will be able to have face-to-face classes and hands-on experiences but will not be required to take all of the classes that were in the credited program. Students will take the classes that interest them and their future needs as beginning and young agriculturalists. This will continue to give the student the condence in the career areas that best t their lives. I asked Seth what he felt about the change, and he was even more excited about going to the program with the non-credit courses. He was not interested in staying in the dorms and was happy to know he would be able to work at our farm to earn money while he attended the classes that most interested him. I took a moment to call Jennifer and told her Seth was excited for the exibility this change would allow. Jennifer was happy to hear that, and she is interested in
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hearing what others think about the change. She shared with me that during the coronavirus pandemic, when the courses had to go online, there were more students able to participate in the FISC program because they didn’t have to live on campus and could do the course work when it worked for them. In the past, enrollment in the program had been declining, and this was interesting to see more people able to participate. The university needs to make changes and pivot programs to meet the needs of as many students as possible. There is a lot of planning that will need to take place before the fall schedule is released. There will be in-person classes along with online opportunities. Jennifer mentioned the courses will have certicates upon completion to recognize the students’ achievements and also give them more opportunities in their future on farms or to have on their resumes. Tina Hinchley, and her husband, Duane, daughter Anna, milk 240 registered Holsteins with robots. They also farm 2300 acres of crops near Cambridge, Wisconsin. The Hinchley’s have been hosting farm tour for over 25 years.
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Sounds of my life Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
The switch gets ipped Milk pump gives a moan and a purr Pulsators pick up their steady beat Heartbeat of my parlor
Chains rattle as I bend to milk Another mother-to-be enters the pen Guttural bellow, labor pains strong Ready to push, she knows when A chorus of new calves bawls As the mothers pass by One cow gives that certain bellow Danger, warning, time for me to y Ready-made meals in the barn
Draw in pigeons and starlings The constant bird chatter, the messes These things are not winged darlings A soar of eagles cries from the eld Declaring a feast, each takes a turn They swoop overhead, lling the trees Voices, songs, so much to listen and learn Cora’s voice, authoritative and knowing Commands her cow herd as she plays Changing her tone, adding a British accent, This is a hilarious phase After putting up the “I’m clean enough” war For the better part of an hour
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Henry’s singing can Ramblings from the Ridge be heard Coming out of the steaming shower The snores, snifes and sneezes From the couch and my sleeping spouse Body working to ght the cancer demon Rumblings heard across the house
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Ira in good spirits, walks past At rst you wonder what he’s trying to do Ah, turkey season is near, he’s practicing A chirp, a click, a gobble or two Silence is Dane’s sound Curled up, immune to distraction Whisked away by the pages of a book Hours of reading bring satisfaction Quiet yips and yelps heard at my feet Sleeping, dreaming Peanut A twitch, inch and a wiggle Such a sweet, devoted mutt A clatter from a spoon, As I zone out and stir my tea, Beeps from the oven, Good thing it reminds me These are the sounds of my life, They keep me informed Sounds from my little world That let my heart be warmed Jacqui and her family milk 800 cows and run 1,200 acres of crops in the northeastern corner of Vernon County, Wisconsin. Her children, Ira (14), Dane (12), Henry (7) and Cora (4), help her on the farm while her husband, Keith, works on a grain farm. If she’s not in the barn, she’s probably in the kitchen, trailing after little ones, or sharing her passion of reading with someone. Her life is best described as organized chaos – and if it wasn’t, she’d be bored.
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A lot of Cs SCC, BTSCC, BTC, SPC, PIC, LPC and CC are all tests that reect the quality of the milk a farmer sells. Let’s look at them in more detail. SCC means somatic cell count. Somatic refers to the body, so these are cells coming from the body. Most of the somatic cells found in milk are white cells, Veterinary Wisdom blood which are there in response to an infection. It is reasonable to assume that cows with a high SCC did, at one time, likely have one or more quarters infected with By Jim Bennett a pathogen, Columnist but cows can have elevated somatic cell counts at any time without having any detectable infectious organisms in the udder. BTSCC is the bulk tank SCC. This is not the same measurement as a Dairy Herd Improvement Association SCC, which is the weighted average of the SCCs of all the cows in the herd. However, the two are usually pretty close in magnitude. BTC, or bulk tank count/culture, is a count and speciation of all the organisms present in a known quantity of bulk tank milk. It is usually reported as CFUs (colony forming units) per cc of milk. One CFU will normally have thousands to many millions of bacteria within. A typical BTC report will quantify the numbers of Staph aureus, coagulase-negative Staph,
Strep ag, non-ag Streps, coliforms and non-coliform gram negatives. The report may or may not include Prototheca and Mycoplasma counts. BTC can be used as kind of a report card on cow and milking time hygiene. Most of the environmental organisms, which are typically non-ag Strep, coagulase negative Staph and coliforms, get in the milk from the teat skin. Proper cleaning and drying will reduce contamination of bulk tank milk by these organisms. For the contagious organisms, including Staph aureus, Strep ag and Prototheca, most of the organisms in bulk tank milk come from the milk in the udders, so you can use the BTC to help determine if you have cows infected with these organisms. Note that there is crossover between contagious and environmental organisms. For example, Strep ag only grows in milk, so it is never an environmental, but non-ag Streps can grow in fairly high levels in some udders and is wildly found in cow manure, so the actual source of infection could be either another cow or the environment. Because of the high levels in the environment though, it is much more likely that the source is from there than from a cow. Prototheca is found in the environment, but it seems to behave as a contagious organism, meaning the more common source of infection is another cow. SPC, or standard plate count, is the required count you get from the ofcial lab once a month. It is simply a count of the total CFUs of all organisms present on an agar plate at 48 hours and represents the number of CFUs per ml of milk. In theory, your SPC should roughly equal the total count on your BTC, because they are counting the same organisms. The regulatory limit is 100,000, while industry standards are
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Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 37
below 10,000, and samples from clean farms can be in the hundreds or low thousands. High SPCs typically arise from cleaning or incubation problems. Bacteria can double in numbers in 20 minutes at room temperature, so even a short failure of refrigeration can result in an elevated SPC, for example. While it is possible to have a high SPC caused by excess shedding from udders, this almost never happens. LPC, lab pasteurized count or thermoduric count, counts the number of colonies that survive pasteurization. LPCs are often required by cheese manufacturers. Normal counts are usually below 200. Pasteurization kills most mastitis causing organisms, so high LPCs are also not normally caused by shedding from udders. A variety of organisms may cause high LPCs; most are organisms found in the environment of the cow. Some organisms may form biolms, which are thin, slimy lms that protect the organism from disinfectants. It may be possible to see or feel biolms in tanks, lines or other equipment. LPCs are usually elevated because of cleaning problems or chronic buildup of biolms or bacterial growth in milking systems. PIC, or preincubation counts, are performed by incubating milk at 55 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 hours and then counting the CFUs using SPC methods. This process selects for psychotropic, or cold-loving bacteria. PI counts should be below 10,000 and are important for ensuring good shelf life and reducing off avors of milk. High PICs are often caused by Pseudomonas bacteria. Pseudomonas are notoriously difcult to kill with disinfectants. They are also commonly found in stored water, like cisterns or plastic holding tanks, for
example. So, while high PICs are often associated with cleaning problems, contaminated water supplies can be part of the problem. CC, or coliform counts, are just a count of coliform CFUs on an agar plate and are part of the BTC procedure. By themselves, CCs represent bacteria that were on the teats when the units were attached, and high counts usually mean dirty cows, poor prep procedure or both. CCs should normally be below about 50. All of the Cs count bacterial CFUs, except SCC and BTSCC. This is an important distinction. Your SCC does not immediately rise because someone did a poor job of prepping cows. Your BTC, SPC and CC will rise, though the SPC will not usually go beyond regulatory limits. SCC is not the appropriate monitor to compare parlor prep between shifts, for example. BTC, or just CC, are more appropriate tests for this situation. SCC looks for infected cows. Of all the Cs, the only other test that reliably indicates infected cows are the contagious part of the BTC. While sometimes it may seem that all of these Cs are a pain in the neck when a farmer just wants to sell milk, each one has a specic purpose. Understanding what they look for and what they mean can help keep those Cs low. That understanding may also help manage udder health on the farm. Bennett is one of four dairy veterinarians at Northern Valley Dairy Production Medicine Center in Plainview, Minnesota. He also consults on dairy farms in other states. He and his wife, Pam, have four children. Jim can be reached at bennettnvac@gmail.com with comments or questions.
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Towing tanks Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022
I spend some time each morning reading the news highlights and guessing the day’s Wordle on my phone. Usually, it’s while having my typical before-chores breakfast consisting of a glass of milk and preferably a cookie. If there are no cookies to be had then something similarly sweet and, according to my wife, questionably nutritious. After reading through the news which was dominated by updates on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I scrolled Facebook to see if any of my friends were up to anything interesting. They weren’t, or at least not the previous night nor at 5 a.m. that morning. But, I saw a video a friend shared of a farmer in Ukraine supposedly stealing a Russian missile launcher and towing it down the road with a tractor. I’m no expert in Russian military equipment, so I had to take the person’s word on what the camo green tank looking thing was that was being towed down the road behind a Claas tractor. That video surprised me and made me laugh at the absurdity of someone towing a tank like a hay wagon down the road. Just imagine
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if the Canadians decided to invade Minnesota because the shing is so much better down here and they wanted our many lakes as their own to sh when they pleased. To hook up to a tank with a big maple leaf on the turret and drive off while the soldiers were busy trying to gure out whether to take Interstate 494, I-394 or I-694 to get where they wanted to be would be a pretty daring undertaking. Granted, if we painted over all our road signs like the Ukrainians have, there’s a good chance the Canadians would get lost as soon as they got to the Twin Cities and would nd themselves out of fuel before reaching whatever destination they were headed to, making it considerably easier to steal their vehicle while they took a walk of shame to the nearest gas station. Hopefully our polite neighbors to the north never feel the need to acquire our lakes, and I sincerely hope the Russian army quickly fails in their attempt to conquer Ukraine. If there is anything I’ve learned from studying history and reading soldiers memoirs, it’s that there is nothing glamorous or noble about wars. It’s a messy business that upends the lives of both the aggressors and defenders. When people die and infrastructure is destroyed all in the name of redrawing an imaginary line on a map, no one wins. It will likely take decades for the damages done to structures and land to be repaired and generations for some families to recover after losing loved ones and their businesses. What started as a lighthearted column seems to have gotten rather somber as I think not just about the small victories one can score with a couple log chains and a tractor but also the losses that can occur in a conict. I’ve had the chance
to chat with a few farmers from Ukraine. I found out it’s pretty similar to here in climate, land type and farming practices. Their dairy barns are a bit different than ours, but the cows didn’t From the Zweber Farm look much different. I once chatted with an agronomist on Twitter who shared a picture of a line of landmines through one of the elds he was scouting for insects because they were prepping for a possible invasion By Tim Zweber by Russia. That must have been around Farmer & Columnist 2014 when Russia annexed Crimea. I thought it the strangest thing to have a beautiful wheat eld with a bunch of ags in it where you best not drive because those aren’t marking rocks. Throughout the world, farmers are some of the most resourceful folks I know of. I’ll be thinking of them and all the people of Ukraine this week as news of their ght for their country makes its way to us. Hopefully the Russians have so many of their tanks stolen by Ukraine’s farmers that they give up and head back home to their families. It is an unlikely way for the war to end, but I’m not sure what else to hope for. Until next time, keep living the dream in a country where you don’t have to swerve around landmines to apply fungicide to the wheat. Tim Zweber farms with his wife Emily, their three children and his parents Jon and Lisa by Elko, Minnesota.
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Mind expansion in person Being in the same room while talking with friends and listening to speakers in person has not happened very often over the last two years. The past couple of weeks have been different. It has been fun to attend meetings, a college dairy club banquet and farm seminars. While virtual opportunities are handy for those of Come Full Dairy Circle us who need to keep up with on-farm demands, nothing beats interacting with people in the same place. A fun February event was the University of Minnesota Gopher Dairy Club Recognition Banquet. At the midday gathering, friends were honored, mentors attended and spoke, and our three kids were all in the same room for a couple of hours at the same time. Rolf, my brother-in-law, Eric, and I attended. We arrived early to visit with folks before the banquet started. At our table were our daughter, Emily, her boyfriend, Anthony, and three dairy club members. It By Jean Annexstad was refreshing to hear about their lives and experiences Columnist as we enjoyed the meal, speakers and scholarship award presentations. Many nuggets of wisdom and advice were given, including keynote speaker dairy pioneer, farmer and educator Bonnie Ayars telling the students to always make their beds, among other sage advice she gave for living life well. A second event was the very next day. I wavered about attending the Carver County Dairy Day, but I am so glad I took the time to hear more speakers and visit with friends and experts in the trade show area. Apparently, I wasn’t ready to stop talking after the banquet the day before. Dairy Day was time well spent with interesting speakers and conversations. I picked up materials to take back with me and made a screenshot to share with Mike and Rolf of salient points from University of Minnesota Extension dairy specialist Jim Salfer’s speech on strategic advantages for smaller dairies. I jotted some good notes from the keynote speech from Corey Geiger, who spoke about dairy as an economic engine. Geiger is well-versed in dairy trends as the managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman. Some of his key takeaways were that in the U.S., dairy cows spend ve-to-six days per month producing milk for the export market, of which Mexico is the No. 1 customer and China is the No. 1 importer of our products. The dairy industry in California accounts for 443,000 jobs, and the dairy industry accounts for $45.6 billion in economic activity in Wisconsin, he said. Iowa data shows each cow is a $25,000 economic engine. Geiger said the level of domestic dairy product consumption has been increasing steadily since 1960. U.S. consumers eat 655 pounds of cheese per capita today, on a steady upswing since 1994. Fluid milk, conversely, is in a 62-year tailspin, Geiger said. He then delved into interesting trends of milk component changes, semen sale changes, genomics testing and the need for database collection and analysis. Next was renewable energy and how it relates to dairy digesters and renewable energy. There was a lot to think about when I returned home to do chores that day. Next on my agenda, I was asked to take part in a market research Zoom call to probe, “How do you make buying decisions?” Not in person but still fun. From that, I learned that other dairy farmers put a lot of thought into, and can articulate, their decision-making process really well. Purchasing trends include using Google to research products. We talk to our fellow dairy farmers about what works for them, and we also consider cost. We consider how to further our goals, and support and service for the product are all still important. A nal meeting last week was a further peek into continuous living cover crops and cropping systems being developed by the University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative. It was held a few miles from our farm and included an update on Kernza, the rst commercially-viable perennial grain in the U.S. This grain, with a long, dense root system, can greatly reduce nitrate-nitrogen leaching and can deliver other environmental benets to soil, water and climate, according to Ben Penner, farmer and vice president of Perennial Promise Growers Cooperative. The cooperative is now interfacing with General Mills to develop and market products made with Kernza. The cooperative is developing grower planning resources, including planting, growing, harvesting and marketing expertise for area farmers. Learning about the potential of a new crop and all of the steps involved was a think-outside-the-box experience for me. It could also be something to consider as a dual-use grain and forage crop for those with interest in crops in the early-adopter phase. Hopefully, there will be other events to attend and nuggets of information to learn in the coming weeks and months. Take advantage of what you can. Jean dairy farms with her husband, Rolf, and brother-in-law, Mike, and children Emily, Matthias and Leif. They farm near St. Peter, Minnesota, in Norseland, where she is still trying to t in with the Norwegians and Swedes. They milk 200 cows and farm 650 acres. She can be reached at jeanannexstad@gmail.com.
Dairy Star • Saturday, March 12, 2022 • Page 39
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