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DAIRY ST R
June 11, 2022
“All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 24, No. 6
Growing from within Nelson family farms for six generations, counting By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
RICHLAND CENTER, Wis. – The Nelson family takes pride in passing the farm down to the next generation, something they have been able to do six times now. “I guess you do it because you love it and you want to pass it down,” Sherry Nelson said. “You think of it as being yours but essentially it’s not; you’re just being a steward of the land while you’ve got it.” Larry and Sherry Nelson farm with their two sons, Aaron and Andy, near Richland Center where the family milks 200 cows three times a day in a double-12 parallel parlor. Since forming the HuffNel-Sons LLC in 2000, the farm has evolved and updated to increase efciency
for the future generations. “My brother and I are just trying to do what we can to keep it going,” Aaron said. Daily chores are handled between the four family members and two employees. The morning milking is done by Larry, Aaron and Sherry while Andy does most of the feeding. Two employees milk the second and third shift. Sherry is mainly in charge of the younger calves. The rest of the 240 youngstock are cared for by Larry, Aaron and Andy. Anything that needs to be lled in defaults to Andy and Aaron. The family also farms 1,500 acres which is managed by Larry, Andy and Aaron. “We are lucky to have seven grandsons who are all very active with the farm,” Sherry said. “As their ages allow, they take a tractor
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR
Andy, Sherry, Larry and Aaron Nelson stand on their farm May 23 near Richland Center, Wisconsin. The family milks 200 cows.
Turn to NELSONS | Page 6
Bores family serves their community Fire, EMS a tradition for Auburndale farmers By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
AUBURNDALE, Wis. – Four generations of the Bores family have served, and are serving, their community as re ghters and Emergency Medical Service rst responders. “I have always liked the re department,” said Todd Bores. “I went to the trainings with my dad and grandpa when I was a little boy. It was just natural that my kids have done the same, and I’m guessing their kids will be going along to trainings before too long.” Todd and Patti Bores milk 50 cows on their Wood County farm with all of their adult children: Riley, Collin, Reid and Kenni. Collin’s girlfriend, Heather Ertl, and Kenni’s ancé, Houston Olson, also help on the farm as needed. Patti Bores said service is just a part of their lives. “For us, the pagers going off is no different than having to call the vet or something breaks down; you just understand that plans are changed,” Patti said. “It has always been a part of our lives. These guys have never known anything
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
The Bores family – (front, from leŌ) Todd, Paƫ, Riley, Ralph and BeƩe Bores, Houston Olson, Heather Ertl and Collin Bores; (back, from leŌ Reid and Kenni Bores – milks 50 cows on their Auburndale, Wisconsin farm. The family boasts four generaƟons of service in the local re and EMS departments. different. They have never known Dad not being on the re department.” Todd’s grandfather, Arnold, and father, Ralph, were among the rst members of the Auburndale Fire Department when it was established in
1965. Ralph recently retired from the department after 55 years of service, including serving as the department’s president and treasurer. “My dad and I joined the department because they needed help, and that is
just what you did back then,” Ralph said. “The only training we had was the captain from Marsheld came out and we smoked up houses and learned how to put out the res.” Patti said the long-standing family involvement made it a natural progression for the children of each generation to continue the tradition. “Todd grew up in the department, and our kids have literally grown up in the department,” Patti said. Todd joined the re department 28 years ago. Riley has 10 years of service, Collin has 8, and Patti just celebrated nine years with the EMS. Todd is serving as the department’s chief as well as being a reghter and EMS. In addition to being reghters, Riley has several certications including HAZMAT while Collin is also an engineer. Reid is currently a driver and will be taking the classes at Mid-State Technical College this year to become certied as a reghter. Patti and Heather are both involved as rst responders. Heather serves as the EMS director and has plans to begin the reghter classes in the next year. Kenni and Houston typically pick up the slack with chores when the entire family is
Turn to BORES | Page 6
Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 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.
Holding Canada accountable
Dairy Prole brought to you by your Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack met with his Canadian counterpart during the G7 meetings in Germany. Vilsack discussed a dispute panel’s enforcement of the dairy provisions in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. “I had a very frank and specic conversation with her about how disappointed we were in the Canadian response,” Vilsack said. The National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council asked the U.S. government to levy retaliatory tariffs on Canada after Ottawa refused to meet its signed treaty obligations of the USMCA. “I’m hopeful the nature of my conversation with the Canadian minister underscores the signicant level of disappointment,” he said. “I hope Canada is capable of reading between the lines of what’s next.”
WTO members asked to address food security The World Trade Organization will meet for a ministerial conference in mid-June. Ahead of the event, the WTO’s director general said agriculture needs to address the potential food crisis, but gaps remain between key trading partners. Next farm bill hearing scheduled The Senate Agriculture Committee continues their review of the current farm bill in preparation for 2023. The next farm bill listening session will be Friday, June 17, at Arkansas State University. The event will be livestreamed on the Senate Agriculture Committee website. Real estate loan balances increasing Farm real estate debt at commercial banks grew modestly in the rst quarter while production loans remain steady. The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City said real estate loan balances increased at the fastest pace in nearly
North America dealers.
four years and drove an overall increase in agriculture lending. The Federal Reserve Bank said farm loan performance continued to improve but credit needs may rise as higher input costs weigh on prot margins.
Farm co-ops seen as an option for broadband A new report from CoBank argues agricultural cooperatives are in an ideal poBy Don Wick sition to deliver high-speed broadband to farmers. This Columnist move could create a new revenue source for farm supply co-ops and help offset the volatile crop input business. CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange infers the expansion of broadband in rural America will increase adoption of precision agriculture technology. Labeling law The Food and Drug Administration is considering guidance for the labeling of dairy and plant-based drinks. A month ago, FDA Commissioner Robert Califf indicated the agency was moving quickly to address the use of ‘milk’ label on plant-based alternatives. A bipartisan group of lawmakers is now asking the White House not to change the regulations for ‘soymilk’ and other plant-based drinks. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker and Utah Sen. Mike Lee are leading this effort. Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 5
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 3
Hartford, WI
Ehmke sees opportunity in rental arrangement
Cushing, WI
Waupaca, WI
First Section: Pages 23, 25
Components take the lead at Baier Creek Farms
First Section: Pages 12-13
First Section: Pages 8-9
Dairy Agstravaganza to feature lunch, tours, family fun
Elmwood, WI
Public support keeps Byl pushing forward
First Section: Pages 18, 20
Dodgeville, WI
Pittsville, WI
Levetzows welcomed guests to breakfast on the farm
Farm safety, accident response top priorities for Pittsville re chief
First Section: Page 32
First Section: Page 30
Lomira, WI
Type, production, longevity make Subliminal the complete package
Rockland, WI
Random Lake, WI
Caprines, greenhouse provide diversity for Schrocks
Stracks switch to colored breed for higher components, increased efciency
Second Section: Pages 6-7
Second Section: Pages 3-5
Second Section: Pages 18 -19
FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE:
For additional stories from our other zone, log on to www.dairystar.com
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board members: What has been your favorite dairy promotion? First Section: Pages 15-16
Zone 1
Zone 2
Columnists Ag Insider Pages Pa 2, 5 First Fi s Section Fir
Farmer and Columnist Page 35 First Section
Ram Ramblings fro from the Ridge R Page Pa 36 First Section n
Vet Veterinary y W Wisdom Pa 7 Page 37 Firs Fir s Section on First
From the F Zwe Z Zweber Farm P Page 38 Fir Section First
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Come Full Co Da Dairy Circle P Page 39 Fir Section First
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Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 5
ConƟnued from AG INSIDER | Page 2
Sign up now for container assistance program United States Department of Agriculture is taking applications for its new Commodity Container Assistance Program. This program provides funding for exporters to reduce the cost of sourcing containers at ports in Oakland and Seattle. The Farm Service Agency will make monthly direct payments to agricultural businesses and cooperatives based on the number of containers utilized between March 1 and Dec. 31 of this year.
Land O’Lakes cheese being sold in Wisconsin Land O’Lakes is introducing seven new cheese products for select Wisconsin retailers. The available products are extra sharp white cheddar chunk cheese, sharp yellow cheddar chunk cheese, Colby Jack shredded cheese, sharp white cheddar shredded cheese, Mexican blend shredded cheese, sharp yellow shredded cheese and Colby Jack snack cheese. These products will carry the Land O’Lakes label and is produced at the Kiel, Wisconsin, plant. Scoular expansion Scoular has expanded its feed blending facility in Jerome, Idaho. Scoular will begin producing bypass protein products with its new partner, Papillon Agricultural Company, in June. Papillon currently manufactures bypass protein products in New York, Indiana and Wisconsin and will expand into the Pacic Northwest. Name change for MOSES The Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, known as MOSES, has announced a name change. The organization is now known as Marbleseed. The group’s tagline is, “Farmerled, rooted in organic.” A merger for Wisconsin dairy processors Two Wisconsin cheese processors have announced plans to merge. Dairyfood USA and Gilman Cheese Corporation will become one entity. Dairyfood USA President/CEO Daniel Culligan is retiring, and Gilman Cheese President David Deigado will oversee the merged organization. Each company will keep their name.
Tax credits for cheese plant expansion The state of Wisconsin is providing up to $1.5 million in performancebased state tax credits to Masters Gallery Foods. The company is investing $60 million in the expansion of its Oostburg cheese packaging and distribution facility. Over 100 new jobs will be created. The family-owned company has two cheese packaging facilities, one in Plymouth and one in Oostburg.
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Meissner honored The Central Wisconsin Agri-Business Committee has posthumously presented Jerry Meissner of Chili with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Meissner served as president of the Dairy Business Association and gave his time and talent to numerous dairy organizations. Cheese Champions The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association is recognizing ve lawmakers as Cheese Champions. U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin is being honored for her work at the federal level. The WCMA is also recognizing State Sen. Joan Ballweg of Markesan, State Sen. Howard Marklein of Spring Green, State Sen. Brad Pfaff of Onalaska and State Rep. Tony Kurtz of Wonewoc. Former lawmaker passes Cancer took the life of former legislator Sheryl Albers-Anders. AlbersAnders, 67, served in the state assembly from 1991 to 2009 and lived in Cottage Grove. Writing her own obituary, AlbersAnders cited her time as a young person growing up on a farm in Sauk County. Trivia challenge Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia is the scientic term for a brain freeze associated with eating something cold, like ice cream. That answers our last trivia question. For this week’s trivia, what is the term for a heifer who is twin to a bull and cannot reproduce? We will have the answer in the next edition of Dairy Star. Don Wick is owner/broadcaster for the Red River Farm Network, based in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Wick has been recognized as the National Farm Broadcaster of the Year and served as president of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting. Don and his wife, Kolleen, have two adult sons, Tony and Sam, and ve grandchildren, Aiden, Piper, Adrienne, Aurora and Sterling.
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Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
ConƟnued from NELSONS | Page 1
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safety course and are a huge help with putting in crops and harvesting hay and grain.” When Sherry and Larry took over from Sherry’s parents in 2000, the family was milking around 100 cows in two tiestall barns. After two years, a freestall barn was built with 150 stalls. Cows were walked down to the 38-stall barn to be milked, and calves were housed in the 60-stall barn next door. “We started with 100 cows in the freestall and slowly grew from within,” Andy said. “We purchased maybe three or four cows and also bought a couple cows from my uncle’s herd when he sold.” The calves remained in the same setup for nearly a decade before a re destroyed the building in 2011. The Nelsons lost 32 heifer calves in the re but were able to save three. Those three calves all grew to freshen in and one even lived to be 6 years old. “There was quite a hole for a while without 32 heifer calves, but we had quite a few in front of that and behind it. And, we didn’t really notice it horribly,” Sherry said. “We were lucky.” The family has used the remaining 38-stall barn for the calves since then. For the milking herd, change has been almost continuous to improve on-farm efciencies. Originally, the family installed an auto ow parlor in 2004 following two years milking in the tiestall barn with the herd housed in the freestall barn. As cow numbers grew, the parlor proved to be inefcient. It was replaced with a double-12 parallel parlor in 2014. “When we got up to 150 cows, it was taking us a long time to milk and things were starting to wear out already,” Andy said. “We fought the parallel parlor at rst but now we love it.” Sherry agreed. “We love the parlor,” she said. “As soon as the grandkids can reach the start button they are all helping with the milking.” Installing the new parlor also allowed the Nelsons to update to an activity collar system. Information from the activity system gets stored in the computer and is something the farm has come to depend
ConƟnued from BORES | Page 1 called to respond to an incident. The training classes for reghting involve 96 hours of classroom instruction, typically one night per week for a semester and a couple of Saturdays throughout the course spent on training exercises. Training for EMS certication is typically about 70 hours, one night per week at Mid-State Technical College. Both certications include training on things like extrication and weapons of mass destruction, including things like handling potential bomb threats. Continued training is important for the department; Patti said they try to hold mock accident trainings at least every four years. Heather said the training is important. “We really focus a lot on things that will keep us safe as responders,” Heather said. “We just went through a mock accident training recently where they landed a helicopter at the high school. We put a high school kid in and then powered the helicopter up so we could see what that was like in a training situation before we might actually have to experience it.” The mock accident scene included three vehicles where a car hit a dump truck and another car hit the back of the dump truck. In 2017, Kenni played the part of a fatality in a car and tractor accident, where she was ejected through a windshield. Riley said the whole family gets involved in the trainings. “All four of us have been strapped to backboards and ipped upside down at some point in our lives,” Riley said. The entire family remembers one of
on.
“We milk our own cows in the morning so we see the cows then, but we felt better hiring people knowing that we have this system,” Andy said. Andy said the herd health and timely breeding has improved with this technology too. The Nelsons transitioned the cows to three times a day milking around the same time they built the new parlor. The extra milking was added in an effort to improve cow health since they were short on free stall space with 200 cows in 150 stalls. “By milking three times a day it allowed more feeding time by moving them more often,” Sherry said. “With increased activity, their milk production increased which helped to offset the hired help wage. We still do it today.” Sherry said the extra milking allowed them to hire two employees. “We have two hired guys, and they are super,” she said. The livestock facility allowed the cows to calve in on the same premise as the parlor. “We made these improvements just to make our lives a little easier,” Sherry said. The grain bin set up is used for storing extra corn fed to the cows but was mainly built to better market their grain crops, Sherry said. “With drying our own corn and storing it, we can sell it in a more timely fashion,” Sherry said. “It has worked so well that we plan to build another bin later this summer. It was a good decision made by Larry and the boys.” Sherry and Larry try to keep the farm updated so that future generations will want to remain involved in the farm. “There is something about guys and tractors,” Sherry said. “My dad would have been so proud of what we have been able to do.” The Nelsons do not plan to expand their herd anytime soon, feeling comfortable with their current setup. “People would come in and say the small farmer is out,” Sherry said. “My heart was telling me we’re going to make this work. I look forward to what this next generation is going to do.”
their favorite training experiences, where the department was learning to use a thermal detection tool. “Us kids all went down and hid in different spots in the pasture, and they tried to nd us using the thermal detector,” Riley said. “They never found Reid, with either the thermal gun or the dog.” According to Patti, the kids enjoyed that training more than the department members. Being a reghter’s wife or daughter is not always fun and games as all members of the Bores family will attest to. Kenni said they always knew when someone needed help. “When we were little, Mom would pull out a map and show us where the re was that Dad was going to,” Kenni said. “I don’t know that we were old enough to understand that anything could happen.” Being honest always seemed the best way to explain the lifestyle to their children, according to Patti. “We were very honest with the kids,” she said. “The fact that they were always exposed to it helped them understand.” Everyone in the family agreed there is an element of danger as they serve their community in this way, but they said they all accept it while focusing on continued training to help keep them vigilant and safe. Ralph’s wife, Bette, recalled what it was like to be a reman’s wife for 55 years. “I never was on the department, but I had to sit at home and wonder if I was still
Turn to BORES | Page 7
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 7
ConƟnued from BORES | Page 6
going to have a husband at the end of the day,” she said. “Especially the barn res, I worried the most about them.” This past winter, Todd, Patti and Collin spent more than ve hours on Highway 10 dealing with a series of accidents caused by thick fog. “I was with a patient, and Todd was directing trafc,” Patti said. “I didn’t really like it when someone asked if I had seen the truck that almost hit Todd.” Collin agreed that sometimes the public’s reaction to emergency personnel can be troublesome. “People just kept buzzing by us at 60 mph,” Collin said. “You couldn’t see anything out there, but no one really slowed down.” Riley had a close call in a barn re once and was in the barn as it began
N FL O O
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Collin Bores works to clean a chimney during a training exercise near Auburndale, Wisconsin. Bores and his family are very involved in their local re department.
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collapsing. For the Bores family, their dedication to the re department equates to a dedication to their small central Wisconsin community and that the community in turn is dedicated to the department. “It is nice to see what the re department does for the community and what the community does for the department,” Collin said. “We all have to work hand in hand.” That community spirit and dedication is what makes Ralph so proud of his children and grandchildren. “It has been quite an honor for so many in our family to continue with the tradition of serving the community in the re department,” Ralph said. “Four generations, that is quite something.”
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Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
Set up for success
Ehmke sees opportunity in rental arrangement By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
HARTFORD, Wis. – Dec. 1, 2020, was a big day for Brandon Ehmke. Renting a farm ve minutes from the farm where he grew up, it was the rst day he began making his own mark in the dairy industry. “I wasn’t out looking for this, but the opportunity came along, and it was too good to turn down,” Ehmke said.. Ehmke, who is renting the farm on a seven-year lease contract, milks 240 cows and farms 275 acres near Hartford on a farm previously run by two business partners who were ready to retire from dairy farming. Ehmke purchased the herd of 190 cows from Level Acres Dairy and also brought along 40 of his own cows. Ehmke and his wife, Shannon, and their two sons, Braylen and Parker, now call the farm home. Formerly known as Level Acres Dairy, the Ehmkes re-
named the farm B&S Dairy Farms and created an LLC. Ehmke got a loan through Compeer Financial and said the transition went fairly smoothly. “This was a big process with lots of details but having an open mind and working with all parties involved was helpful, and I have no regrets,” Ehmke said. “I signed for the farm right after my 25th birthday. It was quite the present.” Prior to becoming his own boss, Ehmke worked for his parents as well as for a neighbor. “The home farm wasn’t big enough to support everybody,” he said. “The farm sits next to a creek, and there were no opportunities for expansion.” Since taking over, Ehmke has made a variety of improvements to the farm he rents. In the freestall barn, he installed headlocks and added more fans, putting in about a dozen 55-inch fans to bring the total to 15. Ehmke said the fans boost cow comfort, and milk production held steady during
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Brandon and Shannon Ehmke and their sons – (from leŌ) Braylen and Parker – milk 240 cows and farm 275 acres near Harƞord, Wisconsin. The Ehmkes began renƟng the farm Dec. 1, 2020. last summer’s heat while reproduction stayed consistent as well. Ehmke also removed a bedding pack to add 14 more free stalls, creating a pen that houses fresh and treated cows.
The freestall barn now contains 194 stalls. In the double-8 parallel parlor, Ehmke was required to replace the pipeline’s roll-on ferrules with weld-on ferrules. He also epoxied the parlor oor and rebuilt the
crowd gate along with doing other miscellaneous repairs and maintenance throughout the farm. In the next year or Turn to EHMKE | Page 9
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 9
ConƟnued from EHMKE | Page 8 two, Ehmke would like to get rumination and activity monitoring collars for his cows. “About ve years ago, the owners replaced old stalls with new ones and installed new curtains, so even though the barn is 25 years old, it is actually newer than that inside,” Ehmke said. “They took really good care of the farm over the years; it was well maintained. This is a turnkey operation, and turnkey farms like this don’t come up every day.” Ehmke is hitting his production goals on twice-a-day milking with cows averaging 85 to 88 pounds per cow daily with 4.2% butterfat and 3.3% protein. Somatic cell count is less than 100,000. Over the last year and a half, Ehmke has added 40 Jerseys to his herd to help increase components. Since branching out on his own, Ehmke continues to work closely with his parents, raising their heifer replacements and helping them in the eld and with other tasks as needed. All calves are raised on Ehmke’s farm, and heifers are raised at three other locations. “I freshen in all the heifers, and my parents come and get what they need for replacements,” Ehmke said. Earlier this year, Ehmke bought a Milk Taxi and is now feeding whole pasteurized milk to his calves – an investment he said improved calf health tremendously. “When we were feeding unpasteurized milk, it was a nightmare keeping calves healthy and alive,” Ehmke said. “We had some clostridium in calves and were constantly ghting scours and sickness. Now, it’s a night and day difference as scours has dramatically reduced and overall health has improved. Calves look better at weaning age too.”
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The freestall barn now contains 194 stalls at the Ehmkes’ farm near Harƞord, Wisconsin. To make more room in the freestall barn, Brandon Ehmke removed a bedding pack and added 14 stalls, creaƟng a pen that houses fresh and treated cows. Ehmke and several neighbors work together on chopping and other cropping chores and share labor for forage harvesting. On his farm, Ehmke does the fertilizing, a neighbor handles the spraying, and his landlord takes care of planting. In addition to buying some equipment from the farm’s owners, Ehmke has also bought three tractors, a Discbine and a skid loader. Ehmke grows corn silage and haylage and buys grain corn from neighbors or his landlord. He uses the farm’s three silos – two are 20feet by 80-feet and used for corn silage and one is a 20-by-50 used for highmoisture corn – and utilizes feed piles
for haylage and corn silage. Four full-time employees work on a rotating schedule and help with milking, scraping and feeding calves. In addition, two part-time high school students help with chores in the evenings and on weekends. His landlord is involved in the operation, helping Ehmke feed cows in the morning. Ehmke is responsible for herd health management, maintenance, heifer chores and eldwork. Shannon does the bookwork in addition to taking care of the kids, running for parts, and doing other odds and ends. “I worked at various farms to get other perspectives and did relief milk-
ing for some neighbors, and having that experience has helped me be successful in running my own farm,” Ehmke said. “It took the rst whole year to get in a rhythm and get things rolling. It took a little time to get a feel for a different facility and working with different people as well as smoothing out the nancial part of it.” Doing his own thing suits Ehmke well as he enjoys day-to-day farm life. “The next goal is to pay down debt and pay on the line of credit,” he said. “When our lease is up, we’ll reevaluate what we’d like to do next. For now, we have a good setup, and we’re happy here.”
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Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
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FARIBAULT, Minn. − The sandstone caves in Rice County were rst hand dug and used for Fleckenstein Brewery from 1854 to 1918. In present day, they are the trademark of the Caves of Faribault’s blue cheese. “They brewed beer and were forced to shut down during prohibition,” said Reuben Nilsson, general manager and head cheesemaker. “In the mid 1930s, there was this Midwest blue cheese effort going on, and the founder of the plant, Felix Frederickson, was driving through looking for sandstone caves to make the cheese.” KATE RECHTZIGEL/DAIRY STAR Caves of Faribault makes 3.5 mil- Rueben Nilsson stands with four wedges of blue cheese by the lion pounds of cheese a year in Farib- Caves of Faribault cheese plant and the sandstone bluff May 23 ault and is owned by Prairie Farms in Faribault, Minnesota. The plant produces 3.5 million pounds of of Edwardsville, Illinois. All the cheese a year and is owned by Prairie Farms of Edwardsville, Ilmilk comes from Dutchland Dairy in linois. Rolfe, Iowa. The plant, started in 1936, was the rst commercial blue cheese plant dardizing it, just recombining the two streams.” in the United States. At the same time, two truckloads of milk come In the early 1900s, researchers at United States from the farm for the next day’s cheesemaking. Department of Agriculture tried to reverse engineer “At its best, cheese is an expression of what’s goFrench Roquefort cheese with American cow milk as ing on at the farm,” Nilsson said. “One of our foundopposed to French sheep milk, said Nilsson. ers, Jeff Jirik, always said good cheese should taste “Commodity cheddar was not bringing in a whole like the milk, as in you should be able to taste the milk lot of income,” Nilsson said. “These researchers fo- when you eat the cheese, whether it’s blue, Swiss, cused on French blue cheese as something that com- cheddar or mozzarella. That’s something we always manded a much higher wholesale price, and if dairy keep in our heads as we’re working. We want to be cooperatives could produce blue cheese domestically, true to the standards of quality that the farmer is setthat would bring in more money for American dairy ting out.” farmers.” After the cream is added back, cheesemaking and Two blue cheesemaking methods were found mold cultures are added. from this research, one being the Minnesota method “This causes the veining in blue cheese and starts which uses sandstone caves. the cheesemaking process,” Nilsson said. “The caves have a very stable environment as the Rennet is then added which sets the milk to a walls are at 50 degrees year-round, and the sandstone custard consistency, and the cheese is cubed with is porous so water is always moving through the bluff wire harps both horizontally and vertically. Then the which makes the caves self-humidifying,” Nilsson cheese is heated to meet target benchmarks, pumped said. out of the vat and into wheel molds. Before the cheese gets to the caves, it starts out “In blue cheese, you want a lot of openings inside in three 20,000-pound vats. This step begins at 6 a.m. because that is where your veins are going to form,” after sanitation which takes place an hour before. Nilsson said. “We allow the wheels to come togeth“As milk is owing to the vat, we separate the er under their own weight, and we ip the stacks of cream, homogenize it and then recombine the cream cheese as they settle so we get a nice even shape with and the skim milk into the cheese vat,” Nilsson said. a at top and bottom and even sides.” “It’s a full fat or whole milk cheese as we are not stanThe cheese then sits in the molds overnight and is demolded and hand salted for the next two days. After the second salting, the wheel is pierced and then moved to the caves. “Blue cheese needs oxygen for the mold to grow so the piercing allows a little bit of oxygen to enter the interior of the wheel,” Nilsson said. The cheese rst goes into one of the ve curing caves which are cool and humid to keep the cheese from drying out. The cheese will sit there for three weeks. “We’ll then seal the cheese into bags and put the mold to sleep by moving those bags into a colder cave,” Nilsson said. The blue cheese then sits in the seven colder caves for two to KATE RECHTZIGEL/DAIRY STAR
Employees make cheese May 23 at the Faribault Caves in Faribault, Minnesota.
Turn to CAVES OF FARIBAULT | Page 11
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 11
Turn to CAVES OF FARIBAULT | Page 10 four months. “Cheesemaking is skilled manual labor,” Nilsson said. “There is science behind it, but it’s also a very physical, practical thing which allows you to use your head, hands and body to produce something.” Nilsson is one of 65 employees of
“At the end of the day or week, we have 65 people who all came together to produce this award-winning cheese that we ship nationwide.” RUEBEN NILSSON, CAVES OF FARIBAULT
the caves, most of whom come from farms or local communities. They are busiest making cheese four months before Thanksgiving and the Superbowl, said Nilsson. “This was my rst dairy job, and I met the founders of what was then
Faribault Dairy Company. I wanted somewhere I could learn how to make cheese, and they wanted somebody to do some lab work,” Nilsson said. “I wanted to produce something that at the end of the day I could share with friends and family. It’s a very tangible reward for the hard work.” The plant produces four kinds of blue cheese: AmaBlue, AmaGorg, St. Pete’s Select and Felix. Each product is sold nationwide to restaurants and grocery stores as whole wheels, as wedges and crumbles in retail cups, or large bags to food service. “St. Pete’s Select is what we would consider our agship cheese,” Nilsson said. “That gets extra aging. We are tasting it at 60 days and holding back our best vats for additional aging.” Felix recently took a bronze ribbon at the World Championship Cheese Contest in April in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. “At the end of the day or week, we have 65 people who all came together to produce this award-winning cheese that we ship nationwide,” Nilsson said. “For the employees and our plant, receiving these awards is a validation of the hard work that we put in to turning milk into cheese.”
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Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
Facing pressure from anti-agriculture activism Public support keeps Byl pushing forward By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
CUSHING, Wis. – Sara Byl has spent her life on her family’s Northernview Farm immersed in an industry she is proud to be a part of. Until recently, she had never imagined the obstacles her family is facing. Byl milks 275 cows with her parents, Michael and Joyce Byl, near Cushing in Polk County. In March, Laketown Township in Polk County passed a large livestock ordinance using 700 animal units as the denition for a concentrated animal feeding operation. Northernview Farm is not dened as a CAFO by the state of Wisconsin, but the farm may be faced with complying with the ordinance established in the township. “I wouldn’t qualify as a CAFO in Laketown Township right now, but what about in the future?” Byl said. “My son is 10; what if he wants to continue on the farm? Expansion might be in our future, and this ordinance hinders that. Not to mention, if we might sell someday, who wants to buy a farm that is capped?” The township requires any farmer surpassing the 700-animal unit threshold to develop plans that would
encompass the impact the farm has on the area. These include information on property value assessment; waste management; odor and toxic air pollution; water usage; animal population control and depopulation plans; infectious disease, biosecurity and animal health; animal transportation; plans to ensure any construction meets the needs of a re safety analysis; that nearby rural re departments can handle a potential increased re volume; the availability of adequate water supplies to ght res and a plan for dealing with the runoff created by ghting a re; ensuring that roads are capable of handling a potential increase in trafc volume; and compliance assurance with testing, sampling and monitoring. Those applying for the township’s CAFO permit are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $1 per proposed animal unit as well as compensate the township for all legal and consulting services as well as any other expenses deemed reasonably incurred by the township in considering the application, whether or not the permit is approved. The applicant is also required to compensate the township for costs incurred in verifying and enforcing compliance of approved permits. This potential change began when an Iowa-based company wanted to establish a hog CAFO in Burnett County’s Trade Lake Township. Discussion ensued among community members and township board members about how the townships might
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Byl family – (from leŌ) Michael and Joyce Byl and Sara Byl and her son, Noah – operates Northernview Farm near Cushing, Wisconsin. They milk 275 cows. oversee animal agriculture within their boundaries. The townships included Laketown, Eureka, Luck and Bone Lake in Polk County as well as Trade Lake Township in Burnett County. Byl was appointed as a large livestock committee member along
with one other farmer, two citizens and one township board member. “I did my best to bring in lots of pro-agriculture statistics,” Byl said. “In the beginning, I thought there might be a way to work together as a group. Turn to BYL | Page 13
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 13
ConƟnued from BYL | Page 12
CELEBRATE June Dairy Month THANK YOU DAIRY FARMERS FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO!
IS IT TIME TO EXPAND OR UPGRADE YOUR DAIRY OPERATION? PHOTO SUBMITTED
Northernview Farm is home to 275 head of milking cows near Cushing, Wisconsin. I thought it would be a great way to educate on all the ways farmers protect the environment and at the same time feed this nation. But in the end, they had only one agenda on their minds and that is to restrict growth and have local control.” Byl increased her efforts to educate her fellow committee members about animal agriculture. She arranged a nearly four-hour tour of Minglewood Inc., a dairy farm operating as a CAFO in southern Polk County, and encouraged the group to embrace proactive measures such as creating a watershed conservation group. “We are all concerned about water quality,” Byl said. “We all have families here, and none of us want bad water quality. I suggested dismantling the large livestock committee and creating a watershed committee; doing something positive to hold all of us accountable instead of just attacking agriculture, but they were not interested in that.” When the nal report was drafted, Byl was upset to nd that rather than being a document of fact and research based off their meetings, the report, she said seemed to be nothing more than an essay based on the opinions and fear tactics of one member of the committee. “All that time and everything we learned at Minglewood, the entire tour was summed up in one sentence, saying only that the committee visited the CAFO farm,” Byl said. “None of the facts or information I had brought to the committee were included. It was more or less an attack against animal agriculture.” Fighting the brewing war in her own backyard against animal agriculture has become nearly a fulltime job for Byl on top of farming.
Byl has been logging hours spent researching, making phone calls and sending emails. However, the ght has not been without its rewards. “Five years ago, if you would have told me that this would be happening here, I would have said no way,” Byl said. “But once the agriculture supporters have found out what this movement is, what is really going on ... they have come together like you would not believe. It is something to be proud of, how everyone has really rallied together.” That support is what Byl said helps her and others. “As this movement keeps spreading in this area to new townships, I hear of farmers and agriculture supporters gathering and pushing on these town boards to not engage in this discussion with the activists,” Byl said. “That is really a great thing.” Byl is not about to let her way of life be taken from her without a ght. Along with her parents, another Laketown Township family farm and a family of local business owners, Byl is working with Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce Litigation Center to le a notice of claim to have the township rescind the ordinance. The group claims the ordinance harms them as farmers, businesses and property owners and as taxpayers. The basis of the claim is that the ordinance contains at least 16 provisions that are preempted by state law and therefore illegal. The township has until August to respond to the notice. “Through this whole process, not once have these people ever pointed ngers back at themselves,” Byl said. “It has just been attack, attack, attack; that agriculture is the whole problem. In our area, we have good, clean water. This is an anti-agriculture movement led by activists.”
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From Our Side Of The Fence Patricia Kling Director 14 years Taylor, Wisconsin Why is serving on the board important to you? To represent farmers and to voice the opinion of farmers as to how we should try to promote and just understand the whole promotion. It’s complicated. You don’t realize until you get on the board how involved it is. It’s more than just making an ad and selling a product. The research and development that goes into products is a lot. The Center for Dairy Research is wonderful for Wisconsin. From your point of view, what has been the most impactful dairy promotion? The cows on parade were a wonderful way to help the industry. It was also a good way to help other people who do not think they are related to the dairy industry realize how closely tied dairy is to everything. Like hides from the cull cows being made into shoes, the cows on parade helped get messages out like that. If you wear shoes, you are related to the dairy industry. It was a good way to bring those concepts to life. What is something the organization does that you did not know prior to serving on the board? I did not realize we reached nationally to get Wisconsin cheese into different states. How do you plan to keep your district dairy farmers up to speed on what is going on in the promotion? I direct them to the website where they can nd videos, information and other resources. There is also a newsletter because some people still like to read things in print. Why is it important to have an organization like Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for the industry? To make sure our checkoff dollars are being utilized in the best way. We meet six times per year to approve budgets and things are pretty open across the board. What is one goal you have while serving on the board? To be able to be involved in the industry from more than a farmer’s perspective. It’s nice to see what’s going on the other side because when you’re on the farm all the time you don’t see everything. It opened my eyes to how much goes on and how great our Wisconsin cheesemakers are.
Dairyy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 15
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board members:
What has been your favorite dairy promotion?
Sara Bahgat-Eggert Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin District 4 director; National Dairy Promotion and Research Board 2.5 years representing Polk and Barron counties
understanding of this now.
How do you plan to keep your district dairy farmers up to speed on what is going on in promotion? I hope to engage everyone at some point. Serving on this great board is an honor. I am a small dairy Why is serving on the board important producer myself. I know how important to you? I wish to think all aspects of the information is to us. I want to talk about – dairy industry are important, especially the whether over a coffee, a private phone call, family farm. It is important that we keep speaking engagement or showing up for an striving to bring our dairy industry forward event – anything that will help get the into help our next generation keep farming. formation out to our farmers. I am always With this in mind, I was elected to the board in hopes to open to ideas. gain more knowledge to help others succeed with this. Why is it important to have an organization like From your point of view, what has been the most im- Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for the industry? These pactful dairy promotion? As a board member, we all organizations are always seeking a way to help and imwork together to bring as much promotion as possible. prove ways to market the milk for the industry. I canDairy Farmers of Wisconsin is a fantastic organization not say enough on how hard these folks work behind by itself. DFW does partner with other dairy boards the scenes for dairy farmers. The passion and dedicaacross the nation. All these are the power behind promo- tion they have is as much as the dairy producer has. Did tion. Making Every Drop Count is a promotion to that you know that 90% of all milk produced in Wisconsin is is new and exciting, dealing with the dairy industry on used to make cheese? That is very impressive. We have the global market. The state of Wisconsin is very strong, the most up-to-date research in the world as far as our and DFW helps with creameries, exporting Wisconsin dairy industry goes right in our own state at the Center cheese and milk products overseas. They work with re- for Dairy Research. tailers to move Wisconsin cheese across this nation with the Badge of Wisconsin on our cheese labels; keeping What is one goal you have while serving on the dairy strong for Wisconsin. board? My goal is to gain as much knowledge to help fellow dairy farmers succeed and help improve milk What is something the organization does that you quality overall. I would love to see Wisconsin send more did not know prior to serving on the board? I did not dairy products overseas and keep our farms safe. know how the check off dollar was spent. I have a clear
Brenda Schloneger Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin District 1 director Two years Shell Lake, Wisconsin
on the board, I had no idea what DFW was doing for us. The Got Milk? campaign was the only thing I knew of that was promoting dairy. I also had no idea what a great group of people we have working for us.
Why is serving on the board important to you? I never considered running for the board, but when I was asked, I felt that now I could t it into my life. District 1, where I am, is the farthest from Madison so it is more of a time commitment to get to the meetings. I have learned so much about what DFW does. Farmer representation is so important.
How do you plan to keep your district dairy farmers up to speed on what is going on in promotion? Since I have been on the board, I have started attending our local dairy promotion group.
From your point of view, what has been the most impactful dairy promotion? One of my favorite things that DFW does is make connections with buyers (stores or restaurants), processors and farmers. What is something the organization does that you did not know prior to serving on the board? Before being
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Why is it important to have an organization like Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for the industry? Farmers have to be organized to promote our wonderful dairy products. What is one goal you have while serving on the board? It seems like the best thing I can do is to understand what DFW does and participate fully at the meetings. I am a bridge between the farmers and DFW. Turn to OUR SIDE | Page 16
Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
ConƟnued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 Rick Roden Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin District 18 board of directors 2.5 years Trenton, Wisconsin Why is serving on the board important to you? I am always willing to learn, and when I rst got on the board, I wanted to learn more about how our checkoff dollars are being used. Also, it is important for farmers to know how to help promote products made from the milk we dairy farmers produce. From your point of view, what has been the most impactful dairy promotion? The Adopt a Cow program. Our farm participated in this program which allowed schools to adopt a baby calf virtually, and we gave updates as the calf was growing. Four of our calves were pictured in many schools throughout Wisconsin as kids were educated about the life of a calf. What is something the organization does that you did not know prior to serving on the board? The biggest thing I didn’t realize is how good of a relationship DFW has with the Center for Dairy Research and how they work together. How do you plan to keep your district dairy farmers up to speed on what is going on in promotion? I try to attend some of the June Dairy Month events and volunteer when I can. I would like to try to improve my communication with more of my counties that are farther away. Why is it important to have an organization like Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for the industry? DFW does a great job of promoting Wisconsin cheese. When 90% of the state’s milk is made into cheese, and 90% of our cheese is exported outside of Wisconsin, to be able to put the “Proudly Wisconsin Cheese” label on our cheese products or “Proudly Wisconsin Dairy” label on other dairy products helps the sales of Wisconsin dairy products thrive. What is one goal you have while serving on the board? I would like to continue to educate myself about all the things that DFW does, so that when people call or email me, I can have answers right away for them.
Dan Hinz Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin District 11 director, Outagamie and Winnebago counties One year Pickett, Wisconsin
that could be a good t for them. During the pandemic, these were changed to virtual buyer missions. It is great to see these staff members at DFW working with the grocers to put Wisconsin cheese on shelves all across the nation.
Why is serving on the board important to you? Dairy farming is my life, and as a board member, I strive to promote our great cheesemakers across Wisconsin. Everyone knows Wisconsin as the state of cheese. I have enjoyed many dairy promotion activities in Winnebago County as the county’s dairy promotion chair, and now I am getting to know more programs on the state level.
How do you plan to keep your district dairy farmers up to speed on what is going on in promotion? As the dairy promotion chair in Winnebago County, I know what is going on in our county. I have talked with dairy promotion committee members for the other county and plan to help with their June dairy breakfast. I also want to be out in my district more, learning the faces of the dairy producers, explaining the importance of their checkoff dollars and to see From your point of view, what has been the most im- what else the DFW can do for the producers in the state. pactful dairy promotion? Cheeselandia is a newer program that has taken off. These people are con- Why is it important to have an organization like Dairy sumer advocates who inspire other people to get them Farmers of Wisconsin for the industry? DFW is our adexcited about Wisconsin cheese. Members do some vocate for Wisconsin dairy farmers, helping to build trust in house parties and community events. Many virtual and the state’s dairy farmers and our dairy products. Checkoff in-person events have happened with Cheeselandians. dollars are well spent promoting the dairy industry – mainly cheese – to a diverse population. What is something the organization does that you did not know prior to serving on the board? Buyer missions. What is one goal you have while serving on the board? I Did you know that Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin has mar- am fairly new to the board. In one year, I have learned a lot keting managers working behind the scenes with national about DFW by working with the board and the great staff at grocery chains’ key decision makers? They bring them to DFW. I am ready to become more engaged now that I have Wisconsin, show them a Wisconsin dairy farm and Wiscon- learned about many of the programs. sin cheese plants, and show them some specialty cheeses
Gail Klinkner Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin District 21 director Three years Viroqua, Wisconsin Why is serving on the board important to you? In my rst term, I learned a lot of information about the great work that is done throughout the state of Wisconsin and the United States to drive sales of Wisconsin dairy products and build trust in our dairy farmers. It is necessary to be involved in the direction that our dollars are spent to ensure we are known for our outstanding dairy products far and wide. Further, I want to ensure the dairy industry is thriving for the next generation. From your point of view, what has been the most impactful dairy promotion? The excitement that has been created around June Dairy Month is one of the most impactful promotions that DFW continues to spearhead. This promotion brings our communities together to not only celebrate the dairy industry, but educate our consumers of all ages about the dairy industry, dairy nutrition and sustainability issues. What is something the organization does that you did not know prior to serving on the board? Before serving on the board, I did not realize to the extent that our dairy farmer dollars were working for us. The staff at DFW is
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always looking for an outstanding return on investment when they are spending our money. They understand the work that goes into producing our product and are cautious when spending our checkoff dollars to promote our dairy products. How do you plan to keep your district dairy farmers up to speed on what is going on in the promotion? I am always available via email or phone when questions arise. Further, I am always willing to attend events that farmers are having to share updates and answer questions. Why is it important to have an organization like Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin for the industry? DFW is continually working to build trust in the dairy farmers and provide clarity about nutrition. The reach that this organization has is second to none. They take the work of how we are going to sell our product out of the equation. With their backing, the consumer considers Wisconsin the state of cheese. What is one goal you have while serving on the board? My goal is always to support my dairy farmers. I enjoy hearing what is being done with our check off dollars and how we can continue to improve those uses. I would also like to continue to have conversations with producers about the check off and the value it brings to our industry.
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Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
Breeding Prole
Components take the lead at Baier Creek Farms Trevor Baier Baier Creek Farms Elmwood, Wisconsin 600 cows Describe your facilities and list your breeding management team. We milk in a double-12 parlor. Our cows are housed in a sand-bedded, tunnel-ventilated, 4-row freestall barn. We work with Tom Knegendorf of Full Throttle Genetics, and we use ABS bulls. What is your current pregnancy rate? Right now, it is 33%. This is down from our usual 37%. What is your reproduction program? Do you use a synchronization program? How do you get animals pregnant? We use a double ovsynch program. The biggest advantage that we get from doing a double ovsynch is that we are now checking for the corpus luteum to be released every week before giving Lutalyse. We do a double Lutalyse shot as well. Describe your breeding philosophy. We lean more toward components and calving ease when selecting bulls. I don’t believe pretty cows make any more money. We decide what the herd needs and breed to improve the herd. It is up to the breeder to implement the program.
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR
Charlie and Trevor Baier look over breeding records in the barn office May 27 at their farm near Elmwood, Wisconsin. The Baiers have a current pregnancy rate of 33%.
Turn to BREEDING PROFILE | Page 20
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ConƟnued from BREEDING PROFILE| Page 18 What guidelines do you follow to reach the goals for your breeding program? We pushed back our withhold to 75 days, because we were drying cows up too early. We were on Posilac and bull bred until 2010. We had 100 pound of milk per cow per day, but we were not getting anything pregnant. What are the top traits you look for in breeding your dairy herd, and how has this changed since you started farming? Feet and legs are important because cows have to have a good set of wheels on them to be able to last six or seven lactations. We have improved on that front, and our cows have been around for three more lactations than in the past. We are only breeding for 90% replacements because of the cost of raising heifers. If I end up with gaps in my herd, I will purchase cattle. There are enough reputable farms locally to do that. What are certain traits you try to avoid? I do not like big cows. Smaller stature cows survive better. Jersey cross cows are nice because they are half the size but give just as much milk. Our breeding pens are grouped by size instead of age.
so far for the year is 51%. In April, it was 58%. What is the greatest lesson you have learned through your breeding program? Originally, we were afraid to spend money on extra shots, but the double ovsynch and double Lutalyse program pays for itself with its results. Animals that produce more milk show less heats so the synchronization program guarantees a heat in the time frame. What is the age of your heifers at rst service? We recently put this back to 420 days minimum.
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR
Trevor Baier, Tom Knegendorf and Charlie Baier walk the barn May 27 at Baier Creek Farms near Elmwood, Wisconsin. The Baiers and Knegendorf work together to manage the farm’s breeding program. Describe the ideal cow for your herd. We used to look at pounds in the tank. We have since realized that higher components are better than quantity. I like a cow with high components. Slow walking with a tame demeanor. They are less likely to injure themselves. What role does genetics have in reaching the goals of your
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what to breed, and Tom picks from there. The top 30% of cows and top mature cows get sexed semen. All heifers get sexed semen. The rest of the herd gets beef. We do not use any conventional semen.
What percentage of your herd is bred to sexed, conventional and beef semen? ABS gives suggestions on
What is your conception rate? How does this differ with different types of semen? Our conception rate
How does your heifer inventory affect your breeding program? Our heifer inventory is our entire breeding program. We take the mating program and decide how many heifers we need per month. We take that number and calculate a percentage of beef and breed the top 30% to sexed to get 25 heifers a month. It is too expensive to raise extra heifers. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is run by myself and my dad, Charlie, and my cousin, Steve, and his dad, Rod. Our farm was homesteaded in 1857, and Steve and I are the sixth generation of dairymen in our family.
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JD DB60, 2012, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Row Command, #535120 .....................$194,900 JD 1770NT, 2013, 24R30”, Flex Fold, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, Row Command, #273978 ...........................................................................$79,900 JD DB60, 2014, 24R30”, Flex Fold, Row Command, #186455.....................$185,900 JD 7200, 1989, 12R30”, Flex Fold, 1.6 Bu Hopper, #532545 ........................$1,1500 JD 1750, 2006, 6R30”, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #276309..........................................$25,900 JD 1770NT CCS, 2010, 24R30”, Flex Fold, #532533.....................................$94,500 JD 1770NT CCS, 2010, 16R30”, Flex Fold, Row Command, #533005............$83,999 JD 7200, 1990, 4R38”, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #533127..........................................$10,900 JD 1770, 1999, 16R30”, Flex Fold, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #186432 ........................$28,500 Case IH 1200, 6R30”, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #531372 ..........................................$18,500 JD 1750, 2009, 6R30”, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #532469..........................................$24,000 JD 1790, 2003, 16/31 Row 15/30”, Flex Fold, #532534 ...............................$53,000 JD 7200, 1993, 12R30”, Wing Fold, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #190107 .....................$22,900 JD 1775NT, 2017, 16R30”, Flex Fold, Row Command, Electric Drive, #532571 .............................................................................$183,000 JD 7200, 1991, 16R30”, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #275813........................................$12,900 JD 1760, 2006, 8R38”, Flex Fold, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #532944 ..........................$19,900 JD 1770NT CCS, 2008, 16R30”, #532331 ....................................................$59,500 JD 1770NT, 2009, 24R30”, Flex Fold, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #532536....................$69,000 JD 7200, 1988, 12R30”, Flex Fold; 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #532919 .......................$11,000 JD 1770NT, 2009, 16R30”, Flex Fold, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #275635....................$53,500 JD DB60, 2009, 24R30”, Wing Fold, Row Command, #532035 .....................$95,500 JD 1760, 1996, 12R30”, Flex Fold, 1.6 Bu Hopper, #533185 ........................$24,500 JD 7000, 4R36”, 1.6 Bu. Hopper, #535874.....................................................$4,900 JD 1700, 2014, 4R30”, #275821..................................................................$15,900 JD DR24, 2020, 24R30”, Row Command, #274275 ....................................$319,900 JD 1720 CCS, 2010, 12R38”, Wing Fold, #276333 .......................................$29,900 White 6700, 22” Row Spacing, 1.6 Bushel, #186494 .................................$10,900 JD 7300, 1992, 12R30”, Wing Fold, 3.0 Bu. Hopper, #535296 ......................$10,900
DISKS
JD 2680H, 2021, 40 ft, #535842................................................................$144,900 Frontier DH1180, 2015, 6 ft, Rigid, #535890...............................................$2,900 JD 230, 24 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #532915 ..................................$2,950 Case IH RMX340, 2009, 35 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #181151 .....$29,400 JD 2680H, 2021, 40 ft, 3-Section Folding, #532802 ..................................$147,000 JD 630, 20 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #535135 ..................................$5,950 JD 2623, 2012, 40 ft, 5-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #523876 ....................$49,900 JD 2625, 2013, 33 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 11”, #275921 ..................$39,900 JD 637, 2011, 42 ft, 5-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #523980 ......................$29,500 JD 235, 26 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #532913 ..................................$5,650 Wishek 862nt, 2014, 26 ft, #276355..........................................................$39,900 JD 2680H, 2019, 35 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #535875 ...............$122,500 JD 2625, 2014, 40 ft, 5-Section Folding, Spacing: 11”, #532507 ..................$44,000 JD 235, 2000, S23 ft, 3-Section Folding, #533463 .........................................$5,250 Landoll 6230-36, 2013, 35 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #532829 .....$32,000 JD 2680H, 2019, 24 ft, 3-Section Folding, #534969 ....................................$82,900 Krause 8200-28W, 2010, 28 ft, 3-Section Folding, Spacing: 9”, #275204...$22,900
FIELD CUTLIVATORS
JD 2210, 2008, 45.5 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #189582 .....................$39,900 Wil-Rich Quad X, 49 ft, 5-Section Folding, #533469...................................$29,000 JD 2210, 2009, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #276172 .....................$49,900 Case IH 4900, 30 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #532912 ...........................$3,650 JD 980, 1998, 27 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #533020 ..........................$11,900 JD 2200, 2002, 34 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #185898 ........................$19,000 JD 2210, 2009, 55.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #531369 .....................$44,900 Wil-Rich Excel 42’, 1999, #276243 ............................................................$14,900 JD 2210, 2012, 58 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #533062 ........................$47,900 Wil-Rich QUAD 5, 1998, 42 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #191850 .........$19,500 JD 2210, 2009, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #535118 .....................$34,900 JD 2210, 2012, 45 ft, 5-Section Folding, #275591 .......................................$44,900
JD 2210, 2004, 27 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #531751 ........................$29,900 JD 2230, 2018, 60.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, #532409 ..................................$144,900 JD 2210, 2017, 55 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #531861 ........................$79,900 JD 2210, 2006, 57 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #181942 ........................$32,500 JD 2210, 2005, 60 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #533969 ........................$41,000 JD 2230, 2021, 60.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #190850 ...................$129,000 JD 2210, 2012, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #532028 .....................$46,500 Wil-Rich Quad 5, 47 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #532076....................$11,500 JD 2210, 2014, 65.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #275557 .....................$65,900 JD 980, 1997, 41 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #533970 ............................$8,900 JD 960, 1991, 37 ft, 3-Section Folding, #533457 ...........................................$5,750 JD 2210, 2016, 60.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, #190843 ....................................$74,500 JD 980, 1999, 18 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #535084 ..........................$10,900 JD 985, 1995, 56 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #533106 ..........................$14,500 Case TM 14, 55 ft, 5-Section Folding, #532837 ...........................................$23,000 JD 1010, 30 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #184934....................................$3,900 Wil-Rich QX-2, 2016, 60 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #185704 ..............$78,000 Case IH 4300, 2001, 38 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #186653 ...............$11,995 JD 985, 2000, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #535303 .......................$15,500 JD 980, 1998, 36 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #532504 ..........................$11,500 Case IH Tigermate 200, 2011, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #185702 ......................................................................................$46,000 Case IH TM14, 2005, 50.5 ft, 5-Section Folding, C-Shank, #187546 ...........$26,900 JD 980, 1994, 32 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #532854 ............................$7,500 JD 2210, 2005, 38 ft, 3-Section Folding, C-Shank, #191986 ........................$28,000
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JD 2310, 2013, 45 ft, 5-Section Folding, #535073 .......................................$64,900 JD 200, 2002, 45 ft, #533971 ........................................................................$9,900 JD 724, 1992, 30 ft, 3-Section Folding, #536000 ...........................................$9,900 Kuhn Krause 6200-45, 2013, 45 ft, 5-Section Folding, #275588 ...............$59,900 Glencoe 6000, 22 ft, 3-Section Folding, #536113.........................................$7,450
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Disarming the Pied Piper Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
Over the past two months, there is a story I have been following that has shaken me to my very core. It is one that should shake every single person involved in animal agriculture as well. I was slow to recognize this story as I saw bits and pieces oat across my social media feed while waiting for water tanks to ll. Once the light bulb came on, I started digging a little. I had no idea the things I would learn and
hear, or the people I would meet, in the weeks to come during my trips to northwestern Wisconsin. Every conversation leads me to the next person with a story to tell regarding how they will be impacted by what is happening in their community. In 2019, an Iowa company began the process of bringing a large CAFO hog farm to southern Burnett County. Some local residents rallied behind a group of area activ-
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ists with many past connections to anti-animal agriculture groups and activities. What began under the guise of stopping that particular hog farm from being built now appears to be an attempt to eventually shut down animal agriculture at least in Polk and Burnett counties. Committees were By Danielle Nauman formed under the guise of Staff Writer research and fact-nding. Local farmers were even appointed to some of the earliest committees. What soon became apparent to those farmers was the true intention of those spearheading this movement. Eventually people from six townships joined together, with township approval and funding, to create the Large Livestock Partnership Committee. Each of the member townships – Bone Lake, Eureka, Laketown, Luck and Sterling in Polk County and Trade Lake in Burnett County – appointed a representative and committed up to $3,000 of taxpayer money to fund the committee. This committee completed a report and drafted a proposed ordinance. The ordinance, which the committee said is operational, denes a concentrated animal feeding operation as being 700 animal units as opposed to the 1,000 animal units standard set by the state. The regulatory burden of complying with these ordinances will place undue pressure on dairy farmers, a nancial burden most will be unlikely to bear. The ordinance has been presented to all six townships. Laketown and Eureka have adopted the ordinance at 700 animal units, while Trade Lake adopted a more restrictive version at 500 animal units. Bone Lake and Luck have heard the presentation and are considering the ordinance, but have not yet voted. Sterling has yet to have the ordinance presented. The reports and proposed ordinance are worth reading, even if you may be seeing red by the end. This is no longer something we read about in another state, something we can shake our head at. This is here in our backyard. These people are our neighbors living among us. It can happen anywhere. For animal agriculture, the rhetoric spread by the groups ghting what they consider to be factory farms is a virus much worse than any pandemic we have faced. But, there has been a silver lining to the strife. Farmers – large, small and medium – have united in the ght to protect their livelihoods from the reaches of the proposed and enacted ordinances and the fear-mongering misinformation being doled out by activists. Fighting the anti-animal agriculture rhetoric has become the focal point. There is no longer room for the argument of big dairy versus small dairy or conventional production versus organic production. This is not about size, scale or means, it is simply about whether or not you are involved in animal agriculture. The people driving these ordinances and propagating the gross distribution of untruths that they attempt to call facts are consummate community organizers. They know how to appeal to the emotions of people who lack the connection with and background knowledge of modern-day farming and food production. They appeal to their senses and play on their naivete and, like the Pied Piper, lure them with the false information they spread about animal agriculture. I started out referring to this as being an anti-CAFO ordinance. I was wrong. It is so much more and goes so much deeper than a public misconception about largescale animal agriculture. This is indeed war on animal agriculture, and one that will trickle town and eventually affect agriculture as a whole. This is a battle being waged against not only our livelihoods but our very way of life. As an industry, we all need to become more aware and more involved in government at our local levels. Township and county boards are typically the drivers of ordinances that most affect our daily lives and the daily operations of our farms. Do you know when and where your township and county boards meet? Do you know who is representing you on those boards? Do those individuals represent your ideas and ethics? Do they understand what operating your business requires? If you cannot answer yes to those questions, you probably need to get to know your township and county board representatives. Make your opinions heard. Go to the meetings and support candidates who support agriculture. If that voice does not represent you, you might need to become that voice. My dad always used to say, “Evil will prevail when good men do nothing, so I must do something.” It is time we all start doing something.
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 23
Bringing June Dairy Month back to the farm Dairy Agstravaganza to feature lunch, tours, family fun By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
WAUPACA, Wis. – For the rst time in nearly 20 years, June Dairy Month festivities in Waupaca County are returning to the farm with the launch of a new event called Dairy Agstravaganza. An idea created by the Trinrud family of Whitetail Valley Dairy, Dairy Agstravaganza will feature lunch, farm tours and a variety of activities for people of all ages. From milk to ice cream to cheese curds, there will be no shortage of dairy products to consume at the event which takes place June 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Trinruds’ farm. “Our goal is to make this event an affordable day of family fun, food and entertainment while sharing with the public how our farm operates daily and teaching them about the dairy industry,” said Ruth Trinrud. Trinrud farms with her husband, Brad, and their children, Jensen and Grifn, near Waupaca. Brad agreed about the focus of the event.
“We want to inform the general public where dairy products come from and what it entails to produce them,” he said. “This event is an opportunity to educate people and be involved in the community.” Established in 1902, Whitetail Valley Dairy is a fth-generation farm on which the Trinruds milk 300 registered Holsteins and farm about 1,600 acres. Brad and Ruth farmed with Brad’s parents, Dale and Evalie Trinrud, until 2010 when they became sole owners of the operation. Cows are milked three times a day in a double-10 herringbone parlor, and the farm’s rolling herd average is 32,026 pounds of milk with a 4.1% butterfat and 3.2% protein content. The Trinruds employ four full-time milkers and three additional part-time people. In the fall of 2020, the family introduced Whitetail Valley Beef, a business venture that sprouted from an abundance of beef calves on the ground. “We had been using beef semen to cut back on heifer numbers and had room in our calf barn, so we decided to start raising some of the beef
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
The Trinrud family – (from le�) Ruth, Brad, Griffin and Jensen – milk 300 cows and farm between 1,500 and 1,600 acres near Waupaca, Wisconsin. The Trinruds are hos�ng Dairy Agstravaganza to promote June Dairy Month June 25, a new on-farm event in Waupaca County. calves,” Ruth said. “When (the coronavirus pandemic) started, we had beef animals that were 300 to 400 pounds and thought, ‘Why not nish these out and open a beef store?’”
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Page 24 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022• Page 25
ConƟnued from TRINRUD | Page 23 of Lakes also sells Whitetail Valley Beef, and a local bar does a meat rafe which also moves product for the Trinruds. Raising 100 head of beef cattle to nish, the Trinruds built a barn last year to exclusively house their beef animals. Always looking to improve, the Trinruds also put in a 3.5-million-gallon manure pit last summer, which has relieved them from hauling manure every few days. They are also in the process of moving their grain bin setup to provide more space on the farm. Also in 2021, the Trinruds put in a new bulk tank nearly double in size when they replaced their 2,750-gallon tank with a 5,000-gallon tank. “We did these improvements to make our lives easier,” Ruth said. “There are always projects on the farm to look forward to.” Dairy Agstravaganza is free to the public, and Cedar Crest ice cream will
Whitetail Valley Dairy is hosƟng Dairy Agstravaganza June 25 near Waupaca, Wisconsin.
Other highlights of the day include farm tours, a video production showing the milking process and daily farm operations, kids’ activities, an education tent, live music by Rob Anthony, a silent auction and basket rafes. The Wisconsin Spudmobile will be onsite as well as Alice in Dairyland Julia Nunes. A truck from Rustic Java Coffee selling smoothies and coffee will also be on hand along with the Waupaca County K-9 unit and re department. The Trinruds’ beef store will be open that day as well. “We will also have cheese curds from the Wittenberg Lion’s Club,” Ruth said. “They’re phenomenal.” Ruth’s sister, Ronda, came up with the name of the event, which is expected to draw 3,000 people. “It took some legwork to get it going, but we really wanted to bring June Dairy Month activities back to the STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR Dry cows at Whitetail Valley Dairy enjoy the spring weather May 23 near Wau- farm,” Ruth said. “We have a good core group of committee members and did paca, Wisconsin. The Trinruds’ milk 300 cows. a lot of fundraising to help pay for the event. We’re fortunate to have a couple
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also be served free of charge. Lunch featuring a hamburger or brat made with Whitetail Valley beef will be available for purchase and will also include locally made potato chips, string cheese, milk and a pickle.
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
dairy promo events in the county and wanted to do a few things to make it different from breakfast on the farm which is held at the Waupaca County fairgrounds.” Sponsored by the Weyauwega-Fremont FFA, the 29th annual breakfast on the farm will be held June 19 from 8 a.m. to noon and will feature breakfast, kids’ games and other activities. During Dairy Agstravaganza, Ruth and her family are hoping to connect with consumers and bring people closer to the dairy industry through on-farm, hands-on education and fun. The Trinruds are eager to share their diversied dairy operation with the community during what promises to be an extravagant day. “People in town are really excited about Dairy Agstravaganza,” Ruth said. “I’m looking forward to it all coming together and seeing the families and little kids enjoying the day. We would love for this to become an annual event, and hopefully another farm would be willing to host it next year.”
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Farm-fresh milk at the dairy breakfast Nasonville Creamery bottles Ensigns’ own milk for event By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
DORCHESTER, Wis. – As soon as they learned they would be hosting the 33rd annual Abbotsford FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast, Evan and Taylor Ensign set about making plans for something they felt would be truly unique to their breakfast: serving milk produced by their own herd of cows. “It has always been a thought that Evan has had,” Taylor said. “We have been working with Nasonville Creamery since March. They have been very willing to help make this happen.” The Ensigns have shipped to Nasonville Creamery since they rst began dairy farming, and Evan’s family has been with the company for nearly his entire life.
DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
The Ensigns – (from leŌ) Taylor holding Edlin and Evan holding Tommy – dairy farm near Dorchester, Wisconsin. The Ensigns hosted the Abbotsford FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast June 5.
Evan said he was proud of the effort. Nasonville Creamery arranged for a special “Unfortunately, it was cost-prohibitive to pickup of the Ensigns’ milk early the morning of June 2 to be bottled and returned to the Ensigns’ develop a special label, labeling the milk as from farm in time for the breakfast Sunday morning, our farm,” Evan said. “But, the fact that we were DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR June 5. The milk was bottled into 2,220 16-ounce able to serve milk produced right here by our Youngstock graze in the pasture on May 31 at En- bottles, with 1,600 being chocolate milk and the Turn to ENSIGN | Page 27 remaining 700 being white. sign’s Rolling Acres in Dorchester, Wisconsin.
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ConƟnued from ENSIGN | Page 26
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Milk is collected by Nasonville Creamery. The creamery arranged a special pickup to boƩle 2,200 16-ounce boƩles of milk produced on the Ensigns’ farm to be served at the dairy breakfast.
cows is what matters to me.” The Ensigns, along with their children Edlin, Tommy, Dustin and Nakailah, reside on Ensign Rolling Acres near Dorchester close to the Marathon-Taylor County line. They milk 50 cows and farm about 275 acres of crop land, 80 of which they own. Evan was raised on a dairy farm. After attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course program, Evan began working on a neighboring dairy farm. “I worked there for eight or nine months,” Evan said. “I learned a lot working there, but I also realized that working in a large dairy setup like that wasn’t what I really wanted to do.” Following that experience, Evan returned home to his family’s farm to work as a herdsman, caring for his step-father’s registered Holstein herd for the next three years. Then the opportunity to move to the farm that Taylor grew up on presented itself ve years ago. “It was a chance to get out on our own to make our own decisions,” Evan said. “It’s the reason why most of us become dairy farmers, to do our own thing.” Taylor’s family raised beef cattle on the farm they moved to. There was some work to be done to transition the farm back to a working dairy farm, but it was a challenge the young couple embraced as they set about making the place their own. “My parents had done their share of the upkeep, caring for the farm,” Taylor said. “Now it is our turn.”
The Ensigns rotationally graze during the warm months. Cows are fed silage and grain in the barn during the summer months and haylage during the winter. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Taylor taught agriculture at Colby High School. Following the end of the 2019-20 school year, she resigned from the position to work on the farm full time alongside her husband, and to focus on their family. With her history of teaching in the Colby School District, the Ensigns have been active volunteers working with the Colby FFA Alumni Dairy Breakfast, but they did not shy away when they were approached by the Abbotsford FFA Alumni to host their breakfast. “I have always enjoyed working with dairy breakfasts,” Taylor said. “I like the teaching aspect, interacting with consumers and letting them see rst-hand what a small family dairy farm is like.” The Ensigns have been busy this spring as they spruce up their farm for the breakfast. The Abbotsford FFA handled all of the details for planning and preparing the actual meal. A 40- by 80-foot tent was put up, and additional seating was made available in a shed. In total, 1,685 paid adults were served at the breakfast. In addition to featuring milk from their own farm, Nasonville Creamery cheese curds were also served, along with locally produced maple syrup made by a family in nearby Athens.
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 29
Women In Dairy Eliza Ruzic Greenwood, Wisconsin Clark County 65 cows Family: My husband, Phillip, Lucas, 11, Jane, 8, and Lucy, 6. Tell us about your farm. Our farm includes 60 milking dairy cows, 375 acres of corn, soybean, alfalfa and a few fair project animals including two pigs and two steers. What is a typical day like for you on the dairy? There is no typical day for me, because I work full time off the farm, which includes some travel. When I’m home, I milk with my husband in the morning, get the kids ready for school and then either work from my home ofce or support nutritionists and farms throughout the state as an account manager for Zinpro Corporation. I also breed cows on our farm, assist with treatment and vaccinations as well as hoof trimming as needed. What decision have you made in the last year that has beneted your farm? We made the decision to sell our heifers and calves this past February. We were able to keep our springers and have an agreement with a neighboring farm to source replacements going forward. It has eliminated a substantial amount of work and coordination with feed inventory and managing a second location of animals. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. My most memorable experience working on the farm would have to be working with, and showing fair animals, throughout the years. I loved showing dairy and swine as a kid, and it has been gratifying watching my kids take pride in their fair projects as well. What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? The thing I have enjoyed most is meeting people throughout the county, state and country. I have met some of my best friends in the dairy industry, and I love how we all have a common bond of love for dairy even if farming practices may not be the same from one farm to the other. What is your biggest accomplishment in your dairy career? My biggest accomplishment in my dairy career has been raising my kids on a farm while working full time off the farm. I often get asked how and why I do both, but I wouldn’t have it any other way to raise my kids. I hope I am teaching them by example that if you have the drive to do something, nothing can stand in your way if you are willing to work for it. What are things you do to promote your farm or the dairy industry? Some things we have done to promote our farm and the dairy industry are hosting the Greenwood dairy breakfast in 2015 as well as serving on the committee for dairy breakfasts since then. I also have written a blog called Meal Making Mommy and share things on social media including Facebook and Instagram. I also volunteer for Food for America and try to answer questions on a one-on-one basis.
What advice would you give another woman in the dairy industry? Keep doing the best you can with what you have where you are. I try not to let the little things get to me, and don’t ever underestimate yourself. You can do anything you want to if you are willing to make the decisions to get there. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? In my spare time, I like to watch my kids and husband play sports, run, direct our church choir, relax at our pond, and bake and decorate cookies and cakes.
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Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
Minor named Hero of Hope
Farm safety, accident response top priorities for Pittsville re chief By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
PITTSVILLE, Wis. – Farm safety has been something Jerry Minor has made a priority since the early 1980s, and that focus led him to be selected as the second recipient of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Hero of Hope award. Minor, who grew up on a Wood County dairy farm, has served as a reghter in his community for
44 years, including 21 years as chief of the Pittsville Fire Department. “I was totally surprised,” Minor said. “I had never previously heard of the award, and when they called me about it, I didn’t understand what they were talking about. … It is nice to be recognized for a unit of work, but everything that we have done, it is not just me but the result of the work of many others in both agriculture and within our department.” The Heroes of Hope award is a subset of the #FarmNeighborsCare campaign run by WFBF to bring recognition to members of rural communities who have helped others. Members of the agriculture community are encouraged to nominate those who they feel have made a positive impact on those around them. Nominations are made anonymously. “Jerry is the person that calms your fears, dries DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR
PiƩsville Fire Chief Jerry Minor demonstrates equipment used in a grain bin rescue. Minor was selected as the second recipient of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau FederaƟon’s Heroes of Hope Award. your tears and makes your worst days a little better,” said his nominator in the nomination letter. “For those of us who work in rural communities, he is a hero of hope answering the call to serve others in ways we can never thank him enough.” Along with Minor, other nalists recognized by the WFBF include Sara Byl of Polk County, Gretchen Kamps of Lafayette County, and Randy Roecker and Brenda Statz of Sauk County. Farm safety holds a place of importance in Minor’s life because his department is typically the rst line of response when a farm accident occurs. He said that being prepared and knowing how to respond as safely as possible is the key. “Just like when a reghter is lost, losing a farmer is devastating for the community, especially a small community like ours,” Minor said. “It has a ripple effect on the community, the organization and the farm. A lot of times the chances of the farm staying active after suffering a farm accident are small.” That is why Minor said he is dedicated to preventing farm accidents through awareness as well as keeping his staff and those in other departments well-trained to respond to whatever type of incident they might encounter. “A farm accident is considered a low-frequency, high-risk incident,” Minor said. “We don’t see a lot of them, not enough to keep us procient; not like auto accidents or other incidents we respond to.” Minor has been involved with farm safety and the National Farm Medicine Center for much of his career as a reghter, going back to 1981 when the center rst started. “Back then, there were more re department members with experience on the farm. They knew what the potential hazards might be, how to operate the equipment and how to maneuver around the farm,” Minor said. “Today, very few people on the department have that background. That is part of why our focus on training is so important.” Besides incidents involving equipment with moving parts, farm accidents might include toxic atmospheres, conned spaces or injury sustained from working with large animals, to name a few. “Not only is the farmer injured or in danger, the reghter working on the rescue is in danger of injury as well,” Minor said. “The goal any time is to not let what happened to the patient happen to us.” To help achieve that goal, Minor works with the NFMC to develop training programs for reghters. He has traveled throughout the country and Canada to conduct safety trainings in conjunction with the NFMC. Trainings are frequently held on local farms. Minor said the exchange of information at these events is important. “The reghters learn how to respond, and the farmers might learn how to prevent some of these incidents from even occurring in the rst place,” Minor said. For being selected as this year’s Hero of Hope, Minor will receive $500 cash, a Yeti cooler, $50 to Kwik Trip and a Culver’s meal package valued at $50. All the Hero of Hope nalists will be recognized in an upcoming issue of Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s Rural Route magazine.
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Jeremy Nennig Ogdensburg, Wisconsin Waupaca County 42 cows
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 31
What strategies do you use to withstand the volatile milk prices? Being organic has stabilized the milk price. Our co-op has a quota system, and the supply management has helped stabilize and maintain a consistent price. Though I wish it were higher.
How did you get into farming? I began part-time farm jobs in high school at age 15. In 2010, I applied to manage a farm as an employee with the intentions of purchasing. During my employment, we transitioned the farm to organic, and I purchased the farm in 2014.
How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? I get part-time help with crop planting and harvesting. It’s pretty easy to maintain relationships because they aren’t here every day, and the people who do help enjoy it.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? The consolidation of processors, equipment dealers and even co-ops is a big concern. Keeping our food processors small and local makes more sense from a food quality and supply standpoint. As equipment dealers consolidate, competition becomes nonexistent. What is a recent change you made on your farm and the reason for it? Last fall, I decided not to harvest any corn silage. The cows are fed legume grass haylage, dry hay and dry ground corn. It allowed me to remove organic soybean meal from the ration while maintaining my modest production goals and actually increasing as we have learned to feed without corn silage. Organic soy is at record-high prices, so to not purchase that was huge. Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. Problem solving and critical thinking are skills every farmer needs to possess. Problem solving comes up on
What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? The change of pace every day. No two days are ever the same. What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Considering there are many different ways to farm, embrace what works for you and your operation and enjoy it. PHOTO SUBMITTED
Elizabeth and Jeremy Nennig and their children – (from leŌ) Emma, Maci and Josie – milk 42 cows on their organic farm near Ogdensburg, Wisconsin. a daily basis. We all know that things almost never go to plan, and we have to improvise in many ways to complete whatever task is at hand. Also, critical thinking ties into the problem solving, as we have to be planning for tomorrow, next week and even six to 12 months ahead in many situations. What is the best decision you have made on your farm? Using the Natural
Resources Conservation Service to set up grazing lanes and get proper fencing has been huge. It has made grazing so much more enjoyable, efcient and easier to manage. What are three things on the farm that you cannot live without? God, family and good weather. These are the three things that make life better for me.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? I don’t have a lot of big plans at this point. Loose housing would be something I’d like in the future. How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? Unfortunately, at this point in our journey, we don’t do a lot off the farm. Spending a random 1520 minutes playing with the kids is enjoyable. Otherwise, holidays and scheduled events are about the extent of our off-farm fun.
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Page 32 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
Opening the barn doors again
Levetzows welcomed guests to breakfast on the farm By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
DODGEVILLE, Wis. – Those of Model Dairy Farms are no strangers to hosting on-farm events. Kyle Levetzow last hosted the dairy breakfast in 2008 and again welcomed the public for the Iowa County Dairy Breakfast June 4. “I enjoy opening up the farm and having visitors,” Levetzow said. “We take a lot of pride in what we do.” Breakfast was served to 2,117 guests this year. While there was a light rain throughout the day, Levetzow said there was still a good crowd. Model Dairy Farms has previously hosted a steak feed for the Iowa County Cattlemen’s Association, various events for the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and those passing through the area. “Because of our location, we get people stopping on a random Sunday sometimes,” Levetzow said. “It’s kind of a touristy area on the way to the (Wisconsin) Dells.” Levetzow milks 330 cows near Dodgeville. The farm milks three times a day in a 16-stall rotary parlor with the help of their 10 employees. “I take a lot of pride in watching employees do well,” Levetzow said. “Watching people succeed is always as satisfying as the cows milking well.” Levetzow crop farms around 2,000 acres. He credits high-quality feed for the health of the cows and milk production. The highest milking group of cows average 140 pounds of milk per day. “Our high-quality feed is the No. 1 thing for getting milk,” Levetzow said. “It helps get our dry matter intake in them.” Levetzow also believes cow comfort plays a role in his success thus far. By keeping cows comfortable and using high genomic type bulls, the farm is able to market between 80-100 fresh heifers every year for the last ve years. The fresh heifers are selected based on the results of genomic testing. Levetzow has managed Model Dairy Farms since he bought the farm from his parents, Marvin and Sue, in 2006. Prior to that, Levetzow had left the family farm to milk on his own for four years. After surviving the volatile markets of the 1980s and a barn re in the 1990s, Levetzow’s father was ready to hand over the reins. Levetzow wanted to keep the name Model Dairy Farms alive, because the farm had been in the family for over 100 years. In the last 16 years, Levetzow has focused on growing the dairy to remain sustainable. “Our crop acres have consistently gone up every year with new rented land,” Levetzow said. “I’m sure we will continue to grow in order to survive; that seems to be the name of the game.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Levetzow family – (front) Earl; (back, from leŌ) Bo, AmyBeth, Kyle and Tessa – stand on their farm near Dodgeville, Wisconsin where the Iowa County Dairy Breakfast took place June 4. The farm hosted over 2,000 people for breakfast. For the sake of growth and sustainability, Levetzow hopes to shift the farm to automation. “I think robotics is the perfect solution for milking cows,” Levetzow said. “If our dairy is going to continue being a dairy in the future, I think that’s what we’ll be doing.” However, with the way the economy has been in the last couple of years with building costs rising, Levetzow said the plans have been tabled for now. Another change Levetzow is considering is feed storage. With all the plastic that bags use, he is considering a more sustainable avenue such as piles or bunkers. He also believes he may be able to decrease some operating costs by harvesting quicker and not relying on a bagger. This year’s Iowa County breakfast was a rst since 2018. The event was previously canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic and lack of volunteers to put on such a large event. Levetzow believes farms are the fabric of a community and it is important to host on-farm events like the dairy breakfast. “The dairy breakfast is important because people need to be exposed to this,” Levetzow said. “I don’t think people grasp what ‘every day’ means unless you
live or grew up on a dairy farm.” Levetzow believes it is important to use the event like breakfast to help educate consumers about the business side of running a modern dairy farm. Model Dairy Farms focuses on efciency and quality which Levetzow said requires a lot of investment and sophistication. “I would like to put more numbers out there,” Levetzow said. “Like the reason we milk 350 cows is because one tractor can cost $350,000. And, we need four of them to be efcient.” Levetzow hopes the breakfast showed consumers how important farming is to their economy. “Farming, in general, and all small businesses are important to our communities,” Levetzow said. “It’s not just dairy farms, but crop farms and other small businesses in town that we try to support.” Ultimately, Levetzow is simply happy to see the breakfast return to the farm. Iowa County had hosted the breakfast at the fairgrounds previously and has considered hosting the event at an equipment dealer. “To me, a dairy breakfast should be on the farm,” Levetzow said. “I realize people might not want to come here every single year, but it should be on a farm.”
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Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 33
Fighting for agriculture Olson stands up for anti-agriculture ordinances By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
CLAM FALLS, Wis. – Brad Olson decided he was not content to sit by and let others speak for him on matters of concern that came before his township government. Olson milks 40 cows on his farm in Polk County’s Clam Falls Township. After 15 years of service on the Polk County Board and serving as the chair for the Polk County Towns Association, he is poised to begin a fourth term with the county board. Recently, Olson has been in a position to help lead the ght against an anti-animal agriculture movement that has been growing throughout his area. Proposed large livestock ordiBrad Olson nances, which were defeated at the county level, have now ltered down to township governments. “This has really been a hot-button issue in our area for several years now,” Olson said. “The one thing I have learned is that if you are persistent and you don’t give in, you can win.” Olson said there is an ongoing effort to enact regulation on farms in Polk and Burnett counties. The effort comes in the wake of a proposed large CAFO hog farm that an Iowa-based company planned to locate in the Burnett County’s Trade Lake Township which borders Polk County. “Like it or not, 70% of the dairy and beef, over 98% of the pork and over 99% of all the poultry comes from a (concentrated animal feeding operation),” Olson said. “That is just the way that it is. You don’t have to like it; you just have to realize small farms cannot feed an evergrowing population. I don’t have to like Walmart, but I have to realize that they have the right to exist.” When the rhetoric about limiting large-scale animal agriculture in their community started to grow, Olson said many shrugged off the regulation. Slowly, people began to realize the limitation was not only about hogs. Olson said the movement has bigger underpinnings. “Their goal is they still want my little red barn with the cows out on the pasture,” Olson said. “But, I don’t feed the world. There are only 30,000 dairy farms left in the United States. I have done the math. On average, we all feed 11,000 people with dairy products. I milk 40 cows. I don’t feed 11,000 people.” What Olson has learned through his experiences navigating the protection of animal agriculture has given him a new view on how the actions taken by statewide lobbying groups can affect what happens on the local level in terms of ordinance creation. “They are telling us the legislation says one thing, but it actually says something completely different, which is very, very troubling,” Olson said. Olson pointed to discussion at a recent Dairy Business Association meeting held in Amery where he heard conicting interpretations of collaborative language in legislation, citing 2021 ACT 223 Section 1 36.25(6)(f) as saying, “The position (hydrogeologist) shall focus on developing groundwater resource information primarily at county or local scales and assisting state and local governments, industries, and the public in
interpreting and using this information.” “A joint press release from DBA, Clean Wisconsin, The Nature Conservancy and Wisconsin Land and Water specically said, ‘A new hydrogeologist position at the (University of Wisconsin)-Madison Division of Extension to develop groundwater resource information, such as soil depth-to-bedrock maps that help farmers tailor cropping practices,’” Olson said. “Act 223 is a great thing, with the exception of that one thing; but that one thing has the potential to haunt agriculture for years and years to come as a tool used against ag. So, was it a good thing? Why do we need to partner with these anti-ag environmental groups? Why can’t our ag groups partner together for things that are good? Looking at every bill and asking, ‘What do the antis want in this bill?’ Then we need to remove it. We shouldn’t be tied to legislation that they are, because ultimately it is bad for agriculture.” Olson said that while there is always a time and place for compromise in government, the defense of agriculture is neither. “I was told early on at the county to just give them something and they will go away,” Olson said. “I will give them nothing because they won’t go away. That is my issue with our ag lobbying groups being tied in with these other environmental groups. You think by giving them something, you are winning. But they are in this for the long haul. Thinking you can work with groups whose only intent is to destroy your business is, to me, the denition of insanity.” Olson pointed to the major agriculture advocacy groups’ stances on climate change as an area where they attempt to appease dissenters. “The statewide dairy advocacy groups’ climate change policies are to prioritize managed grazing and promote regenerative agriculture,” Olson said. “I’m going to think that most people that belong to a group like DBA are not managed grazers, like I am. But if you really understand what regenerative agriculture is, practices like using animal waste as fertilizer to lower the use of commercial fertilizer and cover crops; then you understand there is no bigger user of regenerative agriculture than large livestock producers. They need to make that known.” For Olson, the ght to derail the proposed anti-agriculture ordinances at the county level would have been an easier one to win had the state’s proagriculture groups walked in and presented a large, unied presence. “This would have ended much sooner than it did if everyone had known that agriculture was there,” Olson said. “Not every organization needs to show up at every meeting, but if those organizations banded together with a unied voice, that voice carries huge. The other side shows up, and they are loud. We need to be there too.” As a dairy farmer milking 40 cows, Olson’s dedication to this cause might seem odd on the surface. “I get asked routinely why I’m ghting the battle for CAFOs. I’m not,” Olson said. “I’m ghting the battle for agriculture, because every time they are going to peel back a layer. Look at Trade Lake (Township), the layer is no longer 1,000 animal units; it’s 500. If that language moves into Polk County, we will lose probably half our dairy farms, if not more. They will go out of business if they have to meet those types of strict guidelines. There is no way to nancially do it. It doesn’t stop there either; at one point, it was suggested in Burnett County that 25 animals be considered a CAFO. These groups truly want our demise. Remember, farmers feed the world. Activists feed no one.”
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Agriculture is anything but stagnant Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
It was July 1, 1981, when I began my teaching career at Plainview High School. I was single and living in a small upstairs apartment in a nearby town. I was excited to begin a new venture but really had no idea of what the future held for me. To put things into perspective, the high school had two Texas Instrument computers, both found in the back of the math room. One day, I went to the mall in Rochester, and while walking through JCPenney, I saw an alumnus who introduced me to this thing called a microwave. told me what an amazing machine it was and how it could heat food in a very short time without getting the plate hot. “Yeah right,” I said. Well, I bought this medium suitcase sized machine and tried it out. It was amazing. I did not know how to cook and still do not. My wife said I can’t boil water, which is nearly true. However, back in the fall of 1981, before the
years of my amazing wife, I shared with my parents what a great device this microwave thing was. Of course, they didn’t believe me, so I took it home to their place over Christmas break. I never got it back. I had to buy a new one. It lasted for them for more than a decade. The big, bad thing called the internet arrived in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. It was for sure going to cause the end of the world, and no way could kids have access to such a monster as dial-up internet in the school system. When I joined the Riverland farm management group in December 1997, I had only two farms with a computer. Twenty-four years later and we can not imagine our lives without a microwave, internet, computers and cell phones. How times have changed in less than a quarter of a century. Data circles the globe in seconds, and information is doubled and tripled in a short period of time. Google anything, and I am sure it will have an answer for you.
New technologies mean new jobs, new skill sets and opportunities but also a whole new set of responsibilities. Even the freedom and rights that come with democracy can’t come without limits and responsibility. We have a right to drive a car, but the laws limit us From My Perspective to certain speeds. We have rights to express our opinions but are limited so not to defame others in the process. Technology is much the same. It provides all sorts of advancements, processing of information, access to knowledge and ability to make faster informed decisions, but we must By Tom Anderson Columnist not lose the moral compass and ethic value that makes farming or a democracy work just because we adapt technology. I have noticed a lot of soil erosion this spring. The absence of waterways and contour planting seems to have given way to the technology of larger equipment. It is sad to see the ditches so full of soils, perhaps because a 12- or 24-row planter is easier to operate in long straight rows. Metrolina Greenhouses in North Carolina, now celebrating 50 years of business, has a motto – “Innovation, automation or stagnation.” Today’s agriculture is anything but stagnant. We have surely seen innovation and automation in GPS cropping systems, robotic milking, ultrasound pregnancy testing and auto-steer tractors. I saw the ability to now light treat weed seeds as they exit the rear of a combine to make them incapable of future germination. Yet with this technology advancement comes responsibilities and obligations to the community and the environment. How do we adapt to this rapidly changing technology and yet maintain our value system? How do we transition our farm businesses from a generation of not knowing what a computer is to one where cars and tractors will all but drive themselves, and the answers to many questions can be sought by asking your cell phone? May I suggest that the answer may lie in human relations. A legacy of a business or a farm will not be created solely by technology but instead by creating an environment in our homes and workplace that instills and cultures a value system. Family members and employees know their input matters. Family members are told and know they are loved. I see families struggle with the balance of business, technology adaptation, prots versus value systems and family life. Can we separate the day-to-day business discussions with the value of getting together for a regularly scheduled family meal or event? A family business treads a ne line: family versus business. The next generation is a quick adaptor of technology but at the end of the day desires even more the value of having input acceptance, guidance and love from the older generation. Have you asked the next generation what they want for the future of the farm business? Have you discussed a value system for your operation? When asked, they usually are not afraid to share. Tom Anderson is a Farm Business Management faculty member at Riverland Community College.
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June is dairy month The month of June started off with World Milk Day June 1. This day celebrates the benets of milk and dairy products. In addition to the amazing nutritional benets, the day also applauds how dairy supports the livelihoods of more than 1 billion people worldwide. My daughter, Anna, posted some older photos and videos of us milking in the tiestall barn. There was one where I was lling up calf bottles that were in a pail while a cat was on the edge drinking from the stream as I poured colostrum out of the oor bucket from a By Tina Hinchley fresh cow. It seemed like Farmer & Columnist it was yesterday, but it was eight years ago. National Cheese Day was June 4, and I spent the day in Madison helping at Cows on the Concourse. This event is held on Martin Luther King Drive just off of the Wisconsin Capitol square where the farmers market is held every Saturday. The crowd that strolls around the capitol looking to purchase fresh vegetables, plants, cheese, baked goods and fresh cut owers saw so much more this Saturday. The people pet cows and calves. Children participated in some fun games with peddle tractors, a scavenger hunt and shook up some cream to make butter. There were the famous toasted cheese sandwiches and milk served by volunteers to support the event. Jerseys, Holsteins, Guernseys and Red and White Holsteins stole the hearts of so many that ventured down from the farmers market. Smiling cow fans reached through the gates to touch these beautiful cows and calves. They asked questions and learned about different breeds of dairy cows.
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 35
After nishing chores on Sunday morning, we all hopped into the truck and headed off to Horicon to go to the Dodge County Dairy Brunch at the Kuhlman farm. The Kuhlman farm event was the rst brunch this June that we drove an hour to get to, and it was so delicious. There were scrambled eggs with cheese and ham, deep fried cheese curds, pancakes, cheese sticks, milk, and cranberry and orange juice. While we enjoyed the great farm brunch and strolled around to see the cows, we ran into friends and family. Eventually we had to leave, and once again, we had families waiting for a tour when we returned.
Afterward, I mentioned to this group that I would be at the Dane County Dairy Breakfast June 11 at the John Haag Farm. Next weekend, I will be painting cow spots on the kids and turning them into little heifer and bull calves. There will denitely be one little girl going to the Haag farm to eat a delicious, nutritious, dairy good breakfast and get some cow spots. 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.
Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of the author and do not reect the opinions and views of Dairy Star staff and ownership.
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J Jerseys, Holsteins, H l i G Guernseys and Red and White Holsteins stole the hearts of so many that ventured down from the farmers market. One of the favorite animals was the 6-week-old Jersey calf that was prancing around. Ella was a 3-month-old Red and White Holstein that was near her older sister who is 15 months old. The cow experts were on hand, encouraging great conversation and sharing their knowledge. What a great event to educate people living in urban environments to see what dairy farmers get to enjoy every day. After I nished in Madison, I came back to the farm and had a group of visitors waiting to see our farm. I had a few local families who were going to try to get to a dairy breakfast or two after I mentioned we were going to an event the following day. Promoting these events to encourage more people to go on a dairy adventure is an easy thing that I can do to help with attendance at these events. I give every family a cheese map to show where in Wisconsin the dairy plants are that they can visit where cheese and ice cream are made and tell them to look up Wisconsindairy.org to nd the dairy breakfast events they can go to during June Dairy Month.
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My cocoon
Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
There are many things in all of our lives that are out of our control. My need to nest on the weekends to be ready for the week ahead exists because it is something I can control in a world with so much uncertainty that I cannot control. As you can probably imagine, I am a fairly self-reective human. I often analyze why I gravitate toward certain activities when the stress gets layered on thick like straw on a bedding pack. I also have a love for words, hence the reason writing and reading are two of my passions. I was reading Jacqueline Winspear’s book, “The Care and Management of Lies,” last summer and came across a sentence that so eloquently describes my very attitude toward cooking I had to write it down. One of the main characters, Kezia, is at home running their English farm in her husband’s absence. He has been sent off to ght in World War I. Kezia writes to him of delectable meals she is making for him. Her letters
make her husband and his fellow soldiers forget about the war on their doorstep and only think of her meals. These meals are largely imaginary, because the war effort has left her lacking for ingredients. Amidst all the stress of her world, Kezia nds herself at peace in the kitchen. Winspear writes, “Instead she sought solace in the kitchen, which cocooned her, brought her into its rhythm.” The kitchen. It truly does possess a rhythm all of its own. I love this quote. I recognize in myself that this is exactly what I do when I am frazzled with life. It is important to me I keep the people around me happily fed, and it forces me to get up and putter about even when the more compelling choice would be sinking into the couch with a remote in my hand. It is as if my body knows what I am doing and takes over, similar to how milking my hospital cows allows my brain to go into rote mode. I focus on the casserole, the pie, the dessert – whatever it may be – and let the stress
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of my current life situation fade away to a dull noise in the background. I am in control in the kitchen. I feel safe there. I let the motion of stirring, the very physical act of kneading bread, the whir of the mixer, the open and shut of the oven door, the smells that are carried outside through the open windows, all of these things take over. Then, I block out the Ramblings from the Ridge things I can’t control. The hair loss, the achy body, the fatigue, the sheer weight of the word cancer. Much like the cows don’t care about cancer, neither does the kitchen. While that may seem like I am anthropomorphizing these things, at the very By Jacqui Davison basic level I mean this Columnist to say that the cows don’t give me a strange look when I show up sporting my new bandana. I don’t have to worry that the mixer is acting up because it feels the stress of the situation. In the barn, in the kitchen, I am still me. Occasionally not at my nest, but usually at my most comfortable, tucked in my cocoon. On that note, I leave you with a family favorite recipe that screams June Dairy Month meal. Every child devours it, so it has passed formal inspection around here. Also, for any of you who saved the homemade bread recipe I shared last year, I have a couple of fun ways for you to tweak it. As you divide the dough into thirds, roll out one section to become cinnamon rolls and one section to transform into tasty garlic rolls. For the cinnamon rolls, spread the dough with butter and sprinkle generously with brown sugar and cinnamon. For the garlic rolls, spread with butter, sprinkle with a bit of garlic powder, and toss on chopped wild onions or chives and a bit of mozzarella cheese. Roll both up like a jelly roll and cut into 1-inch or so rolls. Place in a greased 9-by-13 baking pan, cover and let rise until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until golden brown. These are a mouth-watering treat at the farm and never last long. Cheesy beef hotdish 2 pounds ground beef 15 ounces tomato sauce 16 ounces spaghetti 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 8 ounces sour cream 8 ounces cottage cheese 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese Brown the burger, drain, add the sauce and set aside. Boil spaghetti, drain. Add the cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese to warm noodles. Stir until combined. Grease a 9-by-13 pan. Place spaghetti mixture in pan rst, then the meat and sauce mixture on the top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top of the meat. Place on a cookie sheet to prevent spills because the pan will be quite full. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for at least 45 minutes. 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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Fertility program or service program?
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 37
In a recent review in the Journal of Dairy Science (Volume 105, No. 5, 2022), Fricke and Wiltbank discuss the history and purposes of timed articial insemination programs. The development of the ovsynch protocol radically changed reproductive management Veterinary Wisdom by providing a tool to increase the A.I. service rate. Cows normally ovulate every 21-24 days, but ovsynch allowed farmers to control ovulation by injection of GnRH and prostaglandin. Ovsynch can thus be thought of as a service or submission protocol. Later, modied protocols By Jim Bennett such as double ovsynch Columnist were developed. Double ovsynch, when used for 100% timed A.I. for at least the rst breeding, increases the service rate to 100%, but also increases the number of pregnancies per insemination. Thus, programs such as double ovsynch can be thought of as fertility programs. Ovsynch alone, by itself, does not increase pregnancies per A.I. or fertility. One can say the same about activity systems. Activity systems increase the service rate by doing a better job of detecting heat, but they do not increase fertility, so they are best dened as service programs. Presysnch-ovsynch, in combination with cherry picking of heats prior to nishing the protocol, is a service program as well, because pregnancies per A.I. are not improved versus normal, standing heats. The reason this happens is because the cows that come in heat early are inseminated, and the conception rate at that insemination will be less than if they were bred on 100% timed A.I. by nishing the protocol, thus negating the effect of
presynchronization. Double ovsynch typically gives more pregnancies per A.I. than standing heat or even a presynch-ovsynch program with 100% timed A.I. This is because double ovsynch can resolve the anovular condition in many cows and tightly synchronizes follicular growth so that the ovsynch protocol is initiated on day 6 or 7 of the cycle in a high proportion of cows. In most published trials, double ovsynch increases pregnancies per A.I., or fertility, by about 10 percentage points, e.g. from 44% to 55%, or about a 25% increase in fertility than A.I. following detected estrus. The proposed mechanism of this increase is because of better follicular size (smaller) and better oocyte quality in double ovsynch because double ovsynch increases the level of progesterone during follicular development, which prevents prolonged follicular development. Furthermore, using two prostaglandin injections two days apart helps create better luteal regression and thus lower levels of progesterone at breeding, which has been shown to increase fertility as well. Two other benets of fertility programs are reduced twinning and decreased embryonic death and abortions. Twining is reduced due to reduced double ovulation from better quality oocytes. Embryonic loss and abortions are reduced because of better embryo quality. Average days open in U.S. dairy herds decreased about 35 days from 2000 to 2020, and conception rates increased from about 34% in 2005 to more than 47% in 2020, according to the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding. Data from our own practice show the same trends. This is a remarkable improvement in reproductive performance. Most of this improvement is due to adoption of fertility programs rather than service programs; though other improvements in management of the dry and lactating cow should be given some credit as well. Perhaps you are considering changing your
Thank you
reproductive protocols because someone has told you a different protocol is better. For example, purchasing an activity system might be a good idea because it can increase service rates. It will not increase the service rate at any given days in milk for rst breeding compared to a 100% timed A.I. program, however, because you cannot beat 100%. It can increase the service rates for subsequent breedings though, and that might make it valuable to your dairy. It will very likely decrease rst service conception rates compared to a double ovsynch protocol, because it is not a fertility program. You should understand that before you make the decision to purchase. Thus whether you are considering
The program you choose needs to be tailored to what you are trying to accomplish ... switching from presynch-ovsynch to double ovsynch, or from double ovsynch to activity, think about what you are trying to accomplish. Better rst service conception rate? Lower drug and labor costs? Greater service rate? Better pregnancy rate? The program you choose needs to be tailored to what you are trying to accomplish, because service protocols and fertility protocols are designed to meet different goals. They are not the same. Your veterinarian can explain the difference in more detail if you want more information. 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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Hay brings rain Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
It’s time to make some hay. I love cutting and putting up hay, especially the rst crop. After a long winter, this year seeming especially long, it’s nice to start putting away feed for the cows instead of feeding it to them. Wondering if I have enough feed to make it to that unpredictable date when the pastures are in enough that I can stop feeding stored feed for the summer gets old pretty quick. This year getting the cattle on pasture was a couple weeks later than I prefer, and the grass didn’t come through winter in as good of shape as I wish it had. But, thanks to a decent hay year and a lot of purchased bales, we had plenty on hand to not be worrying about the extra days of feeding stored feed. I’m always happily surprised by how much time is freed up when the cows go out to pasture. We rotationally graze. After decades of building fences and lanes a bit at a time and buying miles of poly wire and many, many posts, we have it set up so that in a few hours I can ready a little under a week’s worth of grazing for the cows. Once break fences and water tanks are in place for a
few days of grazing, it’s just a matter of locking them out there after milking and bringing them back to the barn when it’s time to milk again. Cows harvesting their own food and hauling their own manure is a beautiful thing because all that time we don’t spend on those tasks seems to go into putting up feed for the long winters we have. Makes me wonder what farmers do with all their time in areas where they can graze most of the year. We didn’t plow anything up last fall even though there was at least 36 acres that needed to be cycled out of hay for a year to plant back down to a better mix of legumes to grass. I couldn’t have picked a better year to put off plowing too long then having the ground freeze before getting the job done. This spring has not been a good one for working heavier clay soils with many wet spots like we have here. The current plan is to haul the heifer shed and some stored manure on one of the elds and plant it down after we take the rst crop off. Whether the weather will allow that is yet to be determined, but that’s the plan anyhow.
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I didn’t get around to writing this column outside my head before it was time to start hay and gured it was no big deal, because usually as soon as I get some hay down, the clouds will build up to the west, and I’ll have a day or two where no hay is getting done leaving plenty of time to write my Dairy Star column. Surprisingly, we had ve good days before that happened, and thus, my column is a day late. The rain didn’t disappoint though. It showed up as From the Zweber Farm soon as I got to the eld with the Discbine this afternoon and proceeded to sprinkle on me while I nished cutting 25 acres I did the outside rounds on last night. Kind of annoying as we had eight acres that would have nished lling a bag laying ready to chop in another hour or so. By Tim Zweber Such is life as they say. Farmer & Columnist On the plus side, I got to reward my kids’ hard work helping put up hay and milk cows this week with a trip to the rock-climbing gym I had promised we’d take when we eventually got rained out. They also helped prepare all the equipment before we started by greasing and airing up tires while I did repairs on things we found might fail if we didn’t take care of them before getting going. They denitely deserved a night off to go have some fun doing something active that didn’t include tractor step climbing and PTO swinging. Hopefully your hay crop is coming along well and the rain waits until you want a day off rather than soaking your nearly dry hay. Until next time, keep living the dream, and watch that forecast before dropping more hay than you can afford to watch sit in the eld waiting for it to dry. Tim Zweber farms with his wife Emily, their three children and his parents Jon and Lisa by Elko, Minnesota.
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8
Endings lead to beginnings
Farms, perhaps even more than other business pursuits, have plenty of examples of beginnings and endings. The life cycle of the crops we grow every year is continuous from planting to harvest. Calves are born, grow, mature into cows, many give birth several times, lactate and eventually leave the herd. Some cows we miss. Others not so much. Adored farm dogs and cats are part of farm life as our companions to daily routines. Even when they have been gone for years, these pets are remembered fondly. Come Full Dairy Circle Windbreaks that surround the farm offer their protection and are wildlife havens. We take them for granted, until one day we nd those trees have died or blown down, needing to be sawed up and hauled away. Their absence leaves a blank space on the horizon that seems unsettling and out of place. On the people-side of things, there are starts and nishes as well. Our family and farm have experienced the retirement of many trusted dairy advisors and expert helpers in the past few months By Jean Annexstad and years. I guess we are approaching a certain Columnist age when our peers are reaching this segment of their lives. We do already miss or we will soon miss our veterinarian, bank lending specialist, agronomist, nutritionist, genetic advisors, milking equipment technicians and many people who market the products we use. A lot of these people, who have become our friends, have recently nished with their lifelong careers or will be moving on to what’s next in life very soon. They have certainly earned time for relaxation and pursuit of other interests after all of their years of dedication to their work. Though it is sad to see them go and we will miss their humorous banter and their unique knowledge of our farm’s goals, struggles and preferences because they have worked with us for so many years, there will be newcomers. These people will bring their own talents and insights as they step up to the plate to advise us in various ways. The dairy industry changes at a more rapid pace than when we started 35 or so years ago. We now need an even higher level of knowledge and expertise of people who have spent the past few years learning cutting-edge technology, data analysis as well as a collaborative approach to identifying, tackling and solving the daily problems we face on our dairy. When our offspring who have recently obtained their college degrees (or will within a few more months) come home to our farm for a few days to help us, it seems we accomplish more in those 24, 36 or 48 hours than we do during the rest of the days of the week. Besides all they can accomplish with their younger muscles and youthful energy, their presence leads to some good discussions into management ideas and computer help plus insight into how we could streamline our efforts and save labor in the future. They also bring a positive attitude that rubs off on everyone. We appreciate what they have learned and what they offer to help our farm improve and move forward. We are glad they are pursuing the start of their careers away from home for a time. They will learn so much from other bosses, co-workers and managers. They can bring all of the skills, ideas and know-how they have soaked up with them if they choose to dairy farm someday. Besides our own kids, we can reap benets from working with those stepping into roles of people we’ve worked with in the past few decades. We look forward to this even as we miss the well-honed expertise of those moving on. It will of course take some time to establish relationships with new people, and not everything will go perfectly as they learn their new roles and apply what they’ve been studying and practicing to real-time situations. Their learning curve will likely be steep. It will pay off to be patient as all of us learn to work together. It is said that time does not stand still. We will need to begin a plan to transition our dairy to a new generation at some point in the future. The foundation is solid, but there are always improvements to make. It is good to have youthful enthusiasm to spark this process while we keep on with all of the day-to-day tasks. What can we do now to expand on the positive aspects of our farm? Which changes will keep improving the business aspects that keep our farm protable and enjoyable to operate in the future? Hopefully the younger people in our own family and advisors we will work with can help us to research and pursue potential answers to these questions. We have condence in them. 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.
Don’t be shocked.
Every dairy/livestock farm will benefit from our thorough evaluation! Brant Groen 320-220-1342 CALL Jim Urman 320-339-1154
Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022 • Page 39
BENEFITS OF USING DIRECTIONAL DRILLING INSTALLATION INCLUDE:
Ŷ Continuation of Normal Operation Ŷ Avoidance of identi¿ed Infrastructure Installation Ŷ Maintain Integrity of Driveway, Roadways, Buildings, and Natural Features Ŷ Little to No Disturbance to Wetlands or Other Sensitives Areas Ŷ Many Unique Installation Capabilities Vs. Open Cutting/Digging (Entering underBuildings or Tanks) Ŷ Minimal Site Restoration
PRODUCT INSTALLATION
Ŷ Water Lines/Water Mains Ŷ Drainage/ Tile Lines Ŷ Forced/ On Grade Sewer Ŷ Manure Transfer Lines
Ŷ Gas Lines Ŷ Power Wire/ Lines Ŷ Communication/ Fiber Optic
Land Improvements
Drain Tile Design/ Installation • Ditch Cleaning & Grading • Fenceline Clearing
Changing weather and higher inputs got you down?
Using Drain Tile to manage excess moisture in the soil pro¿le is the foundation for increasing pro¿tability per acre. - Less compaction - Better soil Structure - Allows more days per year for ¿eld operations - More Yields with same or less inputs
Call Us to Discuss Your Project Now! Chad Van Asten
920-450-2844
www.SevenOaksTeam.com
We can Supply your Bulk Feed and Bedding! Animal Feed Products:
• Canola Meal • Corn Gluten Pellets • Dry Distillers Grain • Feed Quality Wheat Straw • Hominy • Oat Hulls • Soy Hull Pellets • Soybean Meal • Western Dry baled hay & Local dry baled hay • Wet Corn Gluten Feed • Wet Distillers Grain • Whole Fuzzy Cottonseed
Co
us to n ta c t
day to see h
Animal Bedding Products: • Bedding Straw • Green Cut Sawdust • Kiln Dried Sawdust • Screened Freestall Sand
We understand that running out of product has a negative impact on your margins. We have developed a network of storage facilities to draw from in case of a supplier shortage or breakdown, with a large trucking base to ensure timely delivery.
ow we can improve your
bottom
li n e !
TODAY!
Call 320-352-6303 to place your classied or mail to: Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378.
MIKE HAESE
MECHANDISER
920-372-8549 ext: 1595
www.SevenOaksTeam.com
Page 40 • Dairy Star • Saturday, June 11, 2022
LED light improves teat visibility
Effective, proprietary chlorine dioxide solution
Antimicrobial brushes inhibit bacterial growth
A brush with greatness FutureCow® Prep System: the most consistent cow prep for any herd size. The future of your herd’s milk quality starts with consistency. Prep each cow the same way at every milking session with the FutureCow® Prep System from GEA. With the lightest brush on the market, FutureCow® provides optimal teat cleaning, stimulation and mastitis prevention. Whether it’s the first hour of milking or the very last, ensure greatness in one easy step with the FutureCow® Prep System.
Your Local GEA Milking Equipment Dealers Advanced Dairy Solutions Centre Dairy Equipment Richland Center, and Supply Inc. WI 608-647-4488 Sauk Centre, MN• 800-772-4770 320-352-5762 • 800-342-2697 Central Ag Supply, Inc. Baraboo, WI • 608-356-8384 Fuller’s Milker Center, LLC Juneau, WI Lancaster, WI••920-386-2611 800-887-4634
Monroe Leedstone,Fuller’s Inc. Milker Center, Inc. Sioux Dairy Equipment, Inc. WestfaliaSurge J Gile Dairy Equipment Lancaster, WI • 800-887-4634 Monroe, WI •Cuba 608-325-2772 Melrose, MN Rock Valley, IA City, WI • (608) 744-2661 320-256-3303 • 800-996-3303 712-476-5608 • 800-962-4346 Leedstone, Inc. Sioux Dairy Equipment, Inc. Equipment Glencoe, MN Colton, SD Service 800-944-1217 Kozlovsky Dairy Melrose, MN Rock Valley, IA 320-864-5575 • 877-864-5575 Edgerton, MN Chemical Sales Kaukauna, WI •920-759-9223 320-256-3303 • 800-996-3303 712-476-5608 • 800-962-4346 Plainview, MN • 800-548-5240 507-920-8626 Weston, WI • 715-298-6256 Glencoe, MN Menomonie, WI • 715.231.8090 Colton, SD 320-864-5575 • 877-864-5575 Richland Center,Equipment WI • 608-647-4488 Central Ag Supply Inc.Service 800-944-1217 Stanley Schmitz, Inc. Centre Dairy and Supply Inc. Monroe WestfaliaSurge Juneau, WI • 920-386-2611 Chilton, WI • 920-849-4209 Sauk Centre, MN Midwest Livestock Systems, Inc. Edgerton, MN Midwest Livestock Systems, LLC Monroe, WI • 608-325-2772 Baraboo, WI • 608-356-8384 320-352-5762 • 800-342-2697 Menomonie, WI • 715-235-5144 Chemical Sales 507-920-8626 Zumbrota, MN • 800-233-8937 Tri-County Dairy Supply Owen, WI • 715-229-4740 Menomonie, WI • 715-235-5144 Preston Dairy Equipment Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems Janesville, WI • (608) 757-2697 Island, MN • 800-233-8937 Renner, SD • 800-705-1447 Sparta, WI Pine • (608) 269-3830 Epworth, IA • (563) 876-3087 Sioux Falls, MN • 800-705-1447 Beatrice, NE • 800-742-5748