NEOSHO, Wis. – The Pattersons used to milk 150 cows twice a day, spending more than a third of their day in a 48-stall barn. Long hours created a stressful environment and family members felt like they were always staring at an udder.Realizing their milking setup needed to change, the family broke ground on a parlor and holding area the day after Memorial Day last year. “We had no family life or social life before,” Steve Patterson said. “But with the parlor, that’s improved immensely. We have a life again. The parlor is easier for the cows and a lot easier for us.” Sept. 10, 2021, was the Pattersons’ rst day milking in By Stacey Smart stacey.s@dairystar.com Parlor gives Pattersons their lives back Milking time cut in half, production on the rise for Dodge County dairy
DAIRY
By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com
Turn HEDLUNDS | County dairy farm. Just days before Adam was admitted to the hospital, the couple learned Annie was pregnant with their third child. With then 2-yearold Azra and 1-year-old Analiese at home, Annie’s plate was getting full; little did she know, it was just the beginning.Afterseveral days at the hospital in Amery, it was determined that Adam needed to be in the intensive care unit and placed on a ventilator. The nearest available ICU bed was at the Howard Young Medical Center in Minocqua, and Adam was own there. From the time he entered ICU, he was in isolation, and Annie was unable to visit. While in the ICU and ventilated at Howard Young, Adam did not make the progress doctors wanted.
Things went from bad to worse, and on Nov. 25, 2021, Annie received a call from his doctor advising her that Adam was bleeding profusely from his tracheostomy site. The bleeding appeared to be coming from a lower lobe of his badly damaged lungs.The doctor informed her that if he continued bleeding, they would need to come and say their goodbyes.“Itwas a miracle; the bleeding nally stopped,” she said. Following that event, Adam was heavily sedated and placed into a coma. Because of the bleeding, he had been removed from the ventilator and was relying solely on ECMO to provide oxygen to his body. “He was paralyzed, he was alive, but he wasn’t truly breathing; his chest was not moving,” Annie said. “It was only the ECMO keeping him alive.”
The ght of their lives
Annie and Adam Hedlund milk 100 cows on their dairy farm near Siren, Wisconsin. Adam has been hospitalized since October 2021, suffering with complica�ons from COVID-19 induced pneumonia. Annie has con�nued to run their farm during his illness.
August 27, 2022Volume 24, No. 13 “All dairy, all the time”™
ST R A Sign up for our Newsletterup for our Dairy St r Milk Break Visittodairystar.comsignup!
Hedlund family battles devastating effects of coronavirus
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR Steve Pa�erson (le�) and his son, Jus�n, stand in their double-8 Euro 500 milking parlor which they started milking in last September. The Pa�ersons milk between 140 and 150 cows and farm 350 acres near Neosho, Wisconsin. Turn to PATTERSONSPage6their double-8 Euro 500 parlor, which is equipped with Allex automatic takeoffs and milk weight readers as well as inoorTheheating.stall partitions and other hardware were purchased used from a neighbor. The parlor is a slant style, which Patterson said is a cross between a parallel and herringbone. Cows stand at a slight angle, and the units are put on between the back legs. “Cows are creatures of habit, but they adjusted to the parlor pretty fast,” Patterson said.Patterson and his wife, Sharon, farm with their son, Justin, and his wife, Anna, near Neosho. The Pattersons milk between 140 and 150 cows and farm 350 acres. The family provides all of the labor on their farm except for a hired hand who mixes feed. Sharon works off the farm at the local school distric, and Anna, a registered nurse, works three 12-hour shifts each week off the farm. After building a freestall barn in 2012, the Pattersons continued to milk their herd in the farm’s tiestall barn which required switching cows four times. They milked with six units because it was all the 2-inch pipeline could handle.
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On Oct. 23, 2021, he was transferred to Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee where he was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, in addition to the ventilator, which could further oxygenate his blood.
The Hedlunds milk 100 cows and farm 530 acres on their Polk
PHOTO SUBMITTED
SIREN, Wis. – Over the past 10 months, Adam and Annie Hedlund, of Siren, have learned the unexpected can toss their lives into turmoil without a moment’s notice.In October 2021, coronavirus struck the Hedlund household. As two young, healthy adults, the Hedlunds did not think too much about having COVID-19 at rst. “Adam wasn’t feeling well for about a week,” Annie said. “He went in to the emergency room twice and was sent home. Then on Oct. 10, he was admitted to the Amery Hospital for pneumonia.”Sincethat day last fall, Adam has not yet returned home. Instead, he has been in three different hospitals ghting for his life.
and Mexico will
easier
dairy organizations. USDA updates dairy supply, demand numbers USDA increased the milk production forecast for 2022 and 2023 from last month in its latest supply and demand report. The size
the cow herd also rose for
US,
Loan volume up for AgriBank Net income remained strong for AgriBank in the second quarter, totaling $365.7 million. That’s up slightly from the same quarter last year. Loan volume for the rst six months of the year totaled $125 billion, up $3 billion Don Council of Farmer Cooperatives and CEO Chuck Conner it to write a climate-friendly bill. “We’ll be under a lot of pressures,” Conner said. “The additional funds from this bill will make the farm portion of the bill come together a lot easier and a lot better.” It’s unclear if this funding will make it more difcult secure money for other titles of the farm bill, including the title. Mexico cooperate on dairy policy U.S. and Mexico dairy ofcials have recommitted to a framework agreement on policy In this the countries agreed to preserve and their relationship. U.S. work together on key issues, like National Milk and U.S. Dairy Export Council hosted the meeting with ve major Mexicobased of
The
President
farm
commodities
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conservation
to
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Page 2 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 Dairy Prole brought to you by your North America dealers.Farm bill may get a bipartisan boost By
Producers Federation
both years. The all-milk price for 2022 was lowered to $25.20 per hundredweight. For 2023, the all-milk price is forecast at $22.50 cwt. With lower product prices, the Class III milk price forecast was also reduced.
trade
said these investments make
Dairy herd numbers decline
As of January, Wisconsin had 6,553 dairy cow herds. That’s down 379 herds from January 2021. Meanwhile, the number of dairy cows in the state remained nearly steady. Container movement picks up The Port of Long Beach set a new record for cargo movement in July. The biggest increase in activity was the movement of empty containers. The ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles had a backlog of 10 ships this past week. That’s the lowest number of ships waiting at the ports in well over a year. Dockworkers and their employers are in the midst of contract negotiations, but the work is continuing.
WickColumnistAgInsider Turn to AG INSIDER | Page 5 DAIRY ST R ISSN 020355 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave. Sauk Centre, MN 56378 Phone: (320) 352-6303 Fax: (320) www.dairystar.com352-5647Deadlines 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. 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 • Bobjoyce@dairystar.comLeukam (Northern MN, East Central MN) 320-260-1248 320-352-6303bob.l@star-pub.com(cell)MarkKlaphake(WesternMN)(of ce) 320-248-3196 (cell) Laura Seljan (National Advertising, SE MN) laura.s@dairystar.comfax:507-250-2217507-634-4413JerryNelson (SW MN, NW Iowa, South Dakota) (Central,jerry.n@dairystar.com605-690-6260MikeSchaferSouthCentralMN)320-894-7825mike.s@dairystar.comAmandaHoe er (Eastern Iowa, Southwest Wisconsin) 320-250-2884 • 608-387-1202(WesternMeganamanda.h@dairystar.comStuesselWisconsin)•megan.s@dairystar.comKatiKindschuh(NortheastWIandUpperMI)920-979-5284•kati.k@dairystar.comJuliaMullenbach(SoutheastMNandNortheastIA)507-438-7739•julia.m@star-pub.com Published by Star Publications LLC General Manager/Editor Mark Klaphake320-352-6303mark.k@dairystar.com(of ce) 320-248-3196 (cell) 320-352-0062 (home) Ad Composition - 320-352-6303 Nancy Powell • nancy.p@dairystar.com Karen Knoblach • karen.k@star-pub.com Annika Gunderson • annika@star-pub.com Editorial Staff Danielle Nauman - Staff Writer (608) 487-1101 Staceydanielle.n@dairystar.com•Smart-StaffWriter (262) 442-6666 • stacey.s@dairystar.com Abby Wiedmeyer - Staff Writer 608-487-4812 • abby.w@dairystar.com Maria Bichler - Copy Editor 320-352-6303 Grace Jeurissen - Staff Writer 320-296-2884 • grace.j@star-pub.com Consultant Jerry Jennissen 320-346-2292 Visit your local Wisconsin KUHN livestock dealer today! INVEST IN QUALITY ® www.kuhn.com Farmers'AllentonImplement D & D Farm KalscheurCherokeeChiliArcadiaSupplyImplementChiliGarageColbyBeaverMachineColemanImplementCrossPlains Komro Sales & Service LuxemburgHillsboroDurandEquipmentHillsboroW.H.LienHixtonEronEquipmentJunctionCityMotorCo.LuxemburgLulichImplementMason Persha EastLindstromMayvilleEquipmentEquipmentMondoviSideFarmEquipmentMonroeMidwestMachineryOsceolaNewRichmondTurtleLakeSteinhart'sFarmServicePlatteville Gruett's,PotterInc. Priebe Sales & Service Ripon Tesch Bros. RiestererSeymourImplement&Schnell,Inc.ShawanoEisImplementTwoRiversGibbsvilleImplementWaldo Carl F. Statz & SpiegelbergWaunakeeSonsImplementWeyauwegaTrieboldImplementWhitewaterA.C.McCartneyDurand,ILPeabudy'sNorthPecatonica,IL SL 100 SERIES PROTWIN® SLINGER® Spreaders 1,000 - 2,400 gallon capacities • trailer models • side-discharge FAST. CONSISTENT. VERSATILE. Of the $40 billion for agriculture included in the Ination Reduction Act, roughly half is expected to be used for conservation programs. The infusion in conservation funding is divided between the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Regional Conservation Partnership Program, Conservation Stewardship Program and the Ag Conservation Easement Program. National
additional
issues.
two
enhance
Columnists For additional stories from our other zone, log on www.dairystar.comto Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 3 Schmidt’s cow takes highest honor at Wisconsin State Fair junior show First Section: Page 27 Delavan, WI Women in Dairy: Elizabeth DeLange Second Section: Page 29 Alma Center, WI Goplins involved in community organizations, singing group First Section: Pages 23, 25 Osseo, WI Grassland 2.0 Summit offers sustainable education Third Section: Pages 10 - 11 Dodgeville, WI Dairy Prole: Trent Styczynski First Section: Page 33 Pulaski, WI Lawless uses local ingredients, gives back to community First Section: Pages 10 - 11 Viroqua, WI Fahey wins FFA organic agriculture prociency Second Section: Pages 6 - 7 Edgar, WI Mallow takes over farm following parents’ retirement First Section: Pages 30 - 31 Ixonia, WI Johnson works with parents to continue the dairy First Section: Pages 12 - 13 Hollandale, WI How many days off do you take in a year? First Section: Pages 15-16 FROM OUR SIDE OF THE FENCE: Zone 2 Zone 1 Ag Insider Pages 2, 5 First SectionFiFirPas RamblingsfromtheRidge Page 36 First Section RamfroR FirstPa Farmer Columnistand Page 35 First Section DairyLifeGood Page 39 First Section JustOutThinkingLoud Page 38 First Section JuO F toSomethingRuminateOn Page 34 First Section r on5 toSoR P Firs The Market“Mielke”Weekly Pages 8 - 9 Second Section www.automatedwastesystems.com (712) 439-2081 Watertown, SD (605) 753-0300 Hull, IA
Page 4 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 FOR MORE INFO - CONTACT ONE OF THESE DEALERS... Advanced Dairy Systems 9 State Rd. 29 • Spring Valley, WI 54767 (715) 772-3201 913 W. Main St. • Mondovi, WI 54755 (715) 926-5777 967 West Ave. N • West Salem, WI 54669 (608) 633-6690 2195 Hwy. 23 • Mora, MN 55051 (715) 772-3201 Anderson Dairy Systems, Inc. 1312 13 1/2 Ave. • Barron, WI 54812 (715) 537-3300 Lang’s Dairy Equipment, Inc. 2337 Millennium Rd. • Decorah, IA 52101 (563) 382-8722 1467 West 5th Street • Winona, MN 55987 (507) 452-5532 Leedstone 222 E Co Rd 173, Melrose, MN 56352 (320) 256-3303 24260 Cty. Rd. 27 • Plainview, MN 55964 (507) 534-3161 Athman Dairy Inc. 238 Main Street North • Pierz, MN 56364 (320) 468-2494 Bob’s Dairy Supply 540 E. County Rd. A • Dorchester, WI 54425 (715) 654-5252 Professional Dairy Systems 1449 Homecrest Ave. • Wadena, MN 56482 (218) 632-5416 Leedstone 1720 Freitag Dr. • Menomonie, WI 54751 (715) 231-8090 Precision Dairy Equipment 24548 IA-13 • Elkader, IA 52043 (563) 245-2560 Redeker Dairy Equipment W12287 Liner Rd. • Brandon, WI 53919 (920) 346-5576 Eastern Iowa Dairy Systems 105 3rd Ave. NW • Epworth, IA 52045 (563) 876-3087 Fuller’s Milker Center, Inc. 423 U.S. 61 • Lancaster, WI 53813 (608) 723-4634 278 W. Court St. • Richland Center, WI 53581 Gorter’s Clay & Dairy Equipment 1400- 7th St. SE • Pipestone, MN 56164 (507) 825-3271 Tri-County Dairy Supply, Inc. 4107 N US HWY 51 • Janesville. WI 53545 608-757-2697 United Dairy Systems 210 N. Industrial Pkwy • West Union, IA 52175 (563) 422-5355 S. S. ONE SHOT LET OUR TEAM DO A COMPLETE WASH ANALYSIS • Reduces equipment wear & replacement costs. • Reduces water, energy and chemical use. • Decreases cleaning time. •Increases production capability. BENEFITSHigh$ Performance Single-Cycle CIP Acid Detergent andCompareSave! • 9 EMOLLIENTS - Ultimate teat conditioning • USE PRE & POST • GREEN COLOR for High-Vis Marking HuntilProtectionMaxthenextmilkingDUALCHLORINEGERMICIDEDIOXIDE THE PREMIER GERMICIDE ON THE MARKET economical and morethaneffectiveiodine! SAVE UP TO $1/GALLON over Iodine! and 90 gallonsand 90 For larger dairies we offer 120,150, 250 or 250 gallon capacity. Call for details! Let us help you raise healthy, robustControlcalves!CenterAssemblyPasteurizer Multiple options ranging from 20-250 gallon capacity to fit any dairy size. 20 DFESGF 0086 Progressive Dairyman US HiPerChil 5 Ad 4 66x6 5 indd 1 1/30/20 5:41 PM (800) 887-4634 • Lancaster, WI (608) 647-4488 • Richland Center, WI fullersmilkercenter.comand 90 gallons ControlPasteurizerAssemblyCenter 60, 40 and Wall Mount Control Center IN STOCK! READY TO INSTALL ON YOUR FARM TODAY! 20, 30, 40, 60 and 90 gallons
For this week’s trivia, who was that president? 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.
Farm rental rates get a boost Similar to land values, rental rates increased during the quarter by an average of 15% from one year ago. That’s according to a report from the Federal Reserve ofce in Kansas City. Non-irrigated farmland values increased about 35% since 2019 while cash rents grew by 25% over the same time period. The report said farm income and credit conditions during the quarter remained strong alongside elevated commodity prices. Looking ahead, the Fed said the outlook for farm income is softer due to a notable increase in production expenses.
IDFA hires chief people ofcer Dr. Mia Mulrennan has been named the chief people ofcer for the International Dairy Foods Association. Mulrennan spent the last 10 years as an organizational psychologist and consultant for Fortune 500 companies, including Sun Country Airlines and the Star Restaurant Group. Trivia challenge President William Howard Taft is the last U.S. president to have a cow. The cow, named Pauline, provided milk for the White House from 1909-1913. That answers our last trivia question. In the 1960s, a U.S. president spoke at a national conference on milk and nutrition.
High-speed internet bill introduced Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin has introduced legislation to expand access to high-speed internet in rural communities. The bill would provide regulatory relief for rural service providers. “Reliable highspeed broadband is essential to rural families, students and farmers,” Baldwin said. “Unfortunately, rural telecom companies are getting hit with costly reporting fees that are intended for much-larger companies.”
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 5 LITTLE ROCK, 320-584-5147MN PIERZ, 320-468-2168MN LASTRUP, 320-468-2543MN BUCKMAN, 320-468-6433MN FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK! HYDRATION & ENERGY SUPPORT TO COMBAT STRESS Save $2 Per Bag! when you purchase 40 or more bags Ag bags, twine, net wrap, bunker covers and forage inoculant IN STOCK! 8, 9 & 10 ft AG BAGGER RENTALSBURNDOWNDAYThursday,September 8th 10 am - 2 pm Buckman location Bring 3-4 stalks for the moisture check Prevents the breeding of horn flies in the manure of treated cattle. WIND FLYRAIN&®CONTROL TMR Stabilizer will reduce heating and nutrient degradation in TMRs by retarding mold and yeast growth. Minimize reduced feed intake during summer weather by maintaining cooler, fresher feed. with Altosid ALL YOUR FLY CONTROL NEEDS, ADDITIVES, BAITS, SPRAYS & POUR-ONS StabilizerTMR Side-by-Sides JSV-3400 & JSV-6400Waterers Attachments Don’t shocked.be Brant Groen 320-220-1342 Jim Urman 320-339-1154 Every dairy/livestock farm will benefit from our thorough evaluation! TODAY!CALL Serving the 5-State Area Tell theiradvertiserstheyousawadintheDairyStar! Hey! www.midwestlivestock.com ZUMBROTA, 800-233-8937MN RENNER, 605-274-3656SD MENOMONIE, 715-235-5144WI F A N S | G A T E S | S T A L L S | H E A D L O C K S | R U B B E R | C U R T A I N S | M A N U R E S Y S T E M S Celebrating 50 years in business! SEE US FOR ALL YOUR BARN EQUIPMENT NEEDS! Con nued from AG INSIDER | Page 2 from the end of 2021. The St. Paulbased AgriBank had more loans in the agribusiness and real estate mortgage areas. That partially offset declines in production and intermediate-term loans. US farmland values increase USDA’s land values summary shows farmland values increasing by $420 per acre this year. American Farm Bureau Federation economist Danny Munch that’s the largest yearover-year increase since the survey began in 1997. “Combining it with all of these other production cost increases, it’s a barrier to possibilities for farmers moving forward,” Munch said. Many factors contribute to the jump in land prices. “Part of this increase is going to be linked to the rise in commodity prices that have translated to higher farming values in those lands, especially in heavy row crop Heartland states like Iowa and Indiana,” he said. “There’s also competition with federal government program incentives like the Conservation Reserve Program.” Factors also include urban and suburban sprawl.
Partnering on animal-free dairy products
ADM and New Culture have formed a strategic partnership to develop and commercialize what it calls animal-free dairy products. New Culture’s website says “any cheese is possible and can be made completely animal-free” because of technology. New Culture describes its process as “cow cheese without the cow.” Cheese plant expansion Decatur Dairy and Decatur Swiss Cheese Company Cooperative broke ground on a $6 million addition to its cheese plant. This is a 50-50 partnership between the Brodhead, Wisconsin, dairy and the cheese plant. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection provided a grant for this project.
The Pattersons are loving life in their new parlor, which has resulted in a more efcient and productive farm not to mention a better lifestyle. A win all around, the family is excited to see how much their cows can accomplish in their new milking facility and have plans to get up to milking 170 cows. “I’m just so happy we pulled the trigger on this parlor,” Patterson said. “When I look back, I wonder how we ever got by. It’s a night and difference.”
Patterson said one negative is that the holding area, which holds about 50 cows, is not big
day
“We’reenough.toolandlocked here though to have built it any bigger,” he said.
Page 6 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 www.LangeAgSystems.com Specializing in Livestock Equipment and Construction, New and Used Bagging Machines, Silage Bags, Bunker Covers and Grain Storage! Electronic Dairy Board Repair Service Specializing in: WestfaliaSurge, BouMatic, & DeLaval pulsators & Takeoffs, circuit boards, Mueller milk tank circuit boards. Call: (c) www.circuit406-590-7764xer.wixsite.com/boumaticboardrepair Repair vs. ReplaceBlue Hilltop, Inc. Dana Berreau 507-879-3593 / 800-821-7092 Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151 Your Mixer, Spreader, Hay Processor Headquarters We carry: STARWOOD RAFTERS, INC. 715-985-3117 W24141 Starwood Ln. • Independence, WI 54747 Website: www.starwoodrafters.com 888-525-5878 WHICH BARN IS BEST FOR YOUR HERD? Birds just love this barn. The webs in these trusses are easy nest areas for birds. They also restrict air flow which leads to poor ventilation and moisture buildup in the building. The arched rafters create a more open barn allowing better ventilation. Also since there are no open webs in the trusses, there are no places for birds to nest. Starwood Rafters Uses Pole Sheds • Free Stalls Riding Arenas Pavilion MachinerySheltersStorage • Spans up to 72 ft. • Up to 12’ spacing depending on the load you desire • Bird nesting control • Better ventilation & visability • No feed alley post obstruction • Additional ceiling height Starwood Rafters Lam-Ply Truss ANOTHER QUALITY PRODUCT FROM STARWOOD RAFTERS Con nued from PATTERSONS | Page 1 “It was a drag,” Patterson said. “We were milking 9 to 9.5 hours every day. We would start at 5 a.m. and milk until who knows when, and in the evening, we’d start at 5 p.m. and be out here until 10 at night sometimes. It wasn’t much of a life. Who wants to be out in the barn that late? There’s more to life than milking cows.”
The turn-of-the-century building was rusting out, the air circulation was poor, and the pulsation was on its last leg. “We like our cows to be comfortable, and the old barn was not doing much for cow comfort,” Patterson said. “The barn was so worn out, and I didn’t want to spend money on outdated facilities. You either have to get up with the times or get out.”Patterson plans to convert the barn to calf housing and do away with outdoor hutches.The Pattersons have also seen an increase in milk production over the last year. Cows are currently averaging 81 pounds per day – about a 10-pound jump from their prior milking facilities. Patterson said they have more room to go up and anticipates cows will be milking 85 to 90 pounds each by Thanksgiving. “Cows had to go through one lactation in the parlor before they started milking more,” he said. “Now, even through the heat, we’ve seen consistency in production. Milk held steady even in STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR Cows at the Pa erson farm are milking 10 pounds more per day in the parlor and the family an cipates produc on will con nue to rise. big downturns. I know we’re going to achieve a much better herd average with the parlor, and I haven’t even started feeding this year’s feed yet.”
Patterson appreciates the additional time he and his family now have which he said allows for better management practices. From timely eldwork to focused cow care, the Pattersons are able to complete quality work throughout the farm.“Instead of making haylage in the middle of June, we had it off at the end of May,” Patterson said. “Better cropping schedules have led to better feed quality. We’re also able to spend more time with the cows doing health checks, giving pills, etc. We don’t feel rushed trying to get things done. We’re keeping cows healthier and taking the right steps to prevent them from getting sick.”
The parlor slashed milking time in half, and now, the Pattersons spend 4.5 to 5 hours milking each day. “With milking 16 cows at a time, they move through pretty quick,” Patterson said. “Even if we get a late start, we’re done by a reasonable hour.” Justin milks the rst group while Patterson scrapes the barn. Patterson then helps Justin milk the second group. With the parlor came freedom to devote more time to other chores on the farm and the ability to enjoy life a little more.“We had to do it,” Patterson said. “The barn was shot.”
The Pattersons purchased a 3,000-gallon bulk tank and are now on every-other-day milk pickup. “We were on every-day pickup before, which was more expensive,” Patterson said. “The parlor was a big lifestyle change, and we’re all easier to live with because of it. It’s better for the cows too. They’re not standing around waiting in groups. It’s a shorter trip to the parlor and a lot less stress overall.”
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Adam was kept in the coma until early January when they began the process of allowing him to wake up. Adam did not handle coming out of sedation well. As Adam came out of sedation, doctors felt his lungs were continuing to deteriorate. They put Adam on an extensive rehab regiment, preparing him to be placed on the list for a double lung transplant. The doctors told Annie that was the only way Adam would leave the hospital. Adam made progress in his therapy and was standing and taking steps by the end of January. He was placed on the transplant list in March and underwent a double lung transplant April 5. The transplant was traumatic due to the extensive damage to Adam’s“Hislungs.lungs were stuck to his chest cavity with all the scar tissue,” Annie said. “They basically had to be scraped off. There was a lot of blood loss again. The surgeon said he had Con
In May, while his dad was hospitalized in the southeast corner of the state, the Hedlunds’ son, Atlas, made his entrance into the world in the northwest corner of the state. The family was together virtually for the birth. Atlas was placed in the newborn ICU due to high levels of bilirubin, just three points away from needing his own blood transfusion.After 10 months of hospitalization, Adam continues to battle his way home. Because of the severe blood loss he has suffered, he has been placed on full-time kidney dialysis. A biopsy of his right lung shows minor signs of rejection, and Adam is undergoing photopheresis to treat the rejection issues. He remains ventilated and in ICU. “They are working on weaning him off the ventilator, a process that he is hating,” Annie said. “Once he is off the ventilator, they can move him out of ICU.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The Hedlund kids (from le ) Azra, Atlas and Analiese – get ready to video chat with their dad Adam, who has been hospitalized since last October. done over 200 transplants and never had one so complicated, that Adam’s was the worst he’d experienced.”Aftertwo weeks, Adam’s new right lung showed signs of bruising and trauma, and Adam was relisted for a second right lung transplant. He received a new right lung April 23. That surgery was successful, and six months to the day after starting ECMO, Adam was removed from the machine.Atthe time of Adam’s transplants, Annie was in the ninth month of her pregnancy, facing the prospect of giving birth without her husband at her side. “I hoped every day that he would be able to be there for the birth of the baby,” Annie said. “And every day I realized that was not going to happen.”
Throughout Adam’s illness, Annie has kept the farm going with help from family and friends. Adam’s dad has come out of retirement to help her on the farm, and they have a hired girl who helps with milking and feeding calves. Feed mixing has been split between Adam’s close friend and his brother-in-law. A neighboring farmer took care of spreading manure for the family last fall. Annie’s and Adam’s moms help watch the kids, giving Annie time to attend to the farm and travel to visit Adam.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 7
nued from HEDLUNDS | Page 1
PHOTO SUBMITTED Annie and Atlas Hedlund visit their husband and father, Adam Hedlund, in the intensive care unit at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Adam is recovering from a devasta ng experience with COVID-19 induced pneumonia that resulted in him undergoing two lung transplant surgeries.
Annie has taken Atlas to meet his dad, but Azra and Analiese have not seen their dad since he left home the day he was admitted to the hospital in Amery. “We are able to do video chatting with Adam and the girls, but while he has been ventilated, he cannot talk,” Annie said. “When he is moved out of ICU, I will take the girls to see him.”
Members of the Hedlunds’ church are planning a benet for the couple to help offset some of the surmounting medical bills. “Adam is so strong,” Annie said. “How he is still alive is literally a miracle. Even his doctors have no idea how he has made it this far.” A benet for the Hedlunds is scheduled for Sept. 10 at the Coon Lake Park in Frederic. A GoFundMe account has also been established for Adam, and donations may also be made by searching for Adam Hedlund www.helphopelive.org.at
Page 8 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 MORE LISTINGS ONLINE! www.windridgeimplements.com USED EQUIPMENT ON HAND Cresco (563) 547-3688 Decorah (563) 382-3614 Elkader (563) 245-2636ECD ‘22 Erskine 900594-Log, Brush & Rock 84” Grapple Rake #20954W ‘22 JCB 525-60 Agri Plus - T4 TeleHandler #ELN-04202023 ‘22 Erskine 901505 - Dual Rotary Brush Mower 84” #20959W ‘13 JCB 541-70 Agri Plus TeleHandler 4755 hrs., #16769 ‘22 Erskine 900318 Industrial 84’ Grapple Rake #20958W ‘22 MDS 5520-MB158-84 84” Skid Steer Manure Bucket #20996W $82,995 $128,000 $6,240 $9,240 $5,750 $11,985 D C E C $79,995 DD ‘12 JCB 3230-65 Xtra Fastrac Tractor 4WD 4091 hrs., #19160 $78,500 D D D ‘12 JCB 3230-65 Xtra Fastrac Tractor 4WD 3431 hrs., #19159 ‘04 JCB TeleHandler508C 4647 hrs., #21437 $36,500 HARD WORK DEMANDS A HARD-WORKING DIESEL. A more additivecompletepackage for a more complete burn. Keeping your o -road engines on point.Diesel that doesn’t mess around. Madison, SD (605) 256-4516 © 2022 CHS Inc. Cenex® is a registered trademark of CHS Inc. RICE, Minn. – A Minnesota-bred Holstein bull recently achieved the breed’s pinnacle score of Excellent 97 at Semex in Canada. Melarry Fuel-ET, one of only ve Holstein bulls to ever reach that status in the history of Holstein Canada, achieved the status at 6 years old. Fuel was bred by Spencer Hackett of Melarry Farms in Rice, home to a herd of 140 registered Holstein cows. Hackett operates the farm with his wife, Stacey, and their sons, Brook and Christopher, and their families along with his parents, Melvin and Darlene.“Itwas a shock and exciting to hear the news,” Hackett said. “Fuel is the result of years and years of breeding by our family, produced by a cow family that is deep and consistent.” Willemke Binnendijk, Holstein Canada’s director of on-farm experience for Ontario and the western provinces, was one of the classiers involved in raising Fuel to Excellent 97. “We classied 52 bulls that day at Semex, and Fuel was a standout among the bulls we saw,” Binnendijk said. “I was struck by his incredible size, width and strength; yet, he still shows much renement. I was very impressed by how correct he is. We had him walk around a bit for us, and he moves very well. He was already scored 96 points, and it was not a hard decision to raise him to 97.” Fuel hails from what Hackett describes as his herd’s bread-and-butter cow family. Fuel completes 12 generations of Melarry breeding, dating back to the early According1980s.to Hackett, Fuel is an example of what he has been working to accomplish throughout his career as a registered Holstein breeder. He calls his breeding philosophy diverse, explaining that his goal is to make bulls for all markets.
Hackett is a believer in the science of genomics and how it relates to the animals he breeds.
Melarry Fuel-ET recently achieved a classica on score from Holstein Canada classiers of Excellent 97, the highest score possible. Pictured with Fuel, from le , are Simon Primeau, Semex manager of animal care; Willemke Binnendijk, Holstein Canada director of on-farm experience for Ontario and the western provinces; Bruno Jubinville, Holstein Canada director of on-farm experience for Quebec and the Atlan c provinces; and Mike West, Semex product development specialist.
Turn to MELLARY FUEL |
Page 9
By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com Minnesota-bred bull achieves breed’s pinnacle score
Melarry Fuel rises to the top
“Breeders are looking for a lot of different things; some want more moderate sized cows while others want more frame and style,” Hackett said of the markets he is trying to breed bulls to t. “The main thing is they all have to produce a lot of milk. I am proud to Fuel achieve a classication score of EX-97 with 1700 pounds of milk on a proven bull proof.”
That focus on breeding for strength is one of the reasons Hackett loves the cow family Fuel hails from. “They are all very complete cows, and they all breed very true,” Hackett said. “They are the best cow family on the farm; they just never had quite high enough genetics in the days before genomics.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF HOLLY MCFARLANE
“Genomics founded this herd,” Hackett said. “With the old (Total Performance Index), my cows were never high enough on deviation. When genomics rst came along in 2007, we tested a few from that family and found their genomic information was way
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 9 Please submit resumes to: If you are interested, we would love the opportunity to meet with you. All applications are kept confidential. AG REPORTER WANTED IN SOUTHEAST MINNESOTA mark.k@dairystar.com Responsibilities: • Work with the editorial manager and team to develop content for each print • Write content following AP Style • Ability to travel minimally for editorial content, including on-farm interviews with photographs, industry events and conferences • Conduct daily work with a team-oriented approach • Represent Dairy Star at industry events and in dairy-related organizations Qualifications: • Experience in writing and AP style • Strong dairy/ag background • Ability to adhere to a deadline • Excellent communication skills, both internally with the team and across the industry • Self-motivated and dependable to accomplish projects and develop content • Organizational skills and ability to multitask is a must • Willingness to learn and adapt Star Publications is looking to add to their team and seeking an ag reporter to cover southeast Minnesota for the Dairy Star and Country Acres. This position is availableBENEFITS:immediately. Star Publications offers an assortment of benefits, including competitive pay, health and dental insurance, Simple IRA and paid time off. JOB $40,000FULL-TIMETYPE:SALARY:-45,000PERYEAR 20, 30, 40, 60 60 d 90 gallonsand 90 For larger dairies we offer 120,150, 250 or 250 gallon capacity. Call for details! Let us help you raise healthy, robust calves! ControlPasteurizerAssemblyCenterMajestic View Dairy Sara Recker-Calf Manager Lancaster, WI “We just installed the new Westward Control Center a few weeks ago after having our previous one for 12 years. We like using pasteurized milk because we have healthiercalves and it is cost effective. Our new control center is also easy to use and takes less time to pasteurize than our old one.” ca“Wpce and 90 gallons ControlPasteurizerAssemblyCenter 20, 30, 40, 60 and 90 gallons Multiple options ranging from 20-250 gallon capacity to fit any dairy size. 60, 40 and Wall Mount Control Center IN STOCK! READY TO INSTALL ON YOUR FARM TODAY! (800) 887-4634 • Lancaster, WI (608) 647-4488 • Richland Center, WI fullersmilkercenter.com higher than their numbers in the old index system.” Fuel descends from a family of 10 Excellent and Very Good dams with a sire stack that includes bulls such as Morningview MCC Kingboy, Mounteld SSI DCY Mogul, Charlesdale Superstition, Solid-Gold Colby, Keystone Potter, Calbrett-I H H Champion, Olmo Prelude Tugulo, Norrielake Cleitus Luke, Sir C Valor and CalClark Board Chairman. “Fuel’s fourth dam was a Colby, so we tried to catch a little index there and used Super on her,” Hackett said. “Then we ushed that cow to Con nued from MELLARY FUEL | Page 8 PHOTO SUBMITTED The Hacke family – (from le ) Chris, Stacey, Jenn, Liliana, Khloe, Kane, Brayden, Kylee, Aubrey, Brook, Spencer holding Beau and Amanda – of Melarry Farms in Rice, Minnesota bred Canada’s newest EX-97 Holstein bull, Melarry Fuel, who is owned by The Semex Alliance of Ontario, Canada. PHOTO SUBMITTED Pictured are eight of the Excellent cows in Melarry Fuel’s pedigree, along with his Very Good 86 full sister. Mogul. Those calves hit the ground right about the time genomics came along. Those Moguls were all at the top of the breed.”Keeping in line with his philosophy to sell only his best, Hackett sold the top Mogul daughter privately and sold the second highest in the World Classic Sale during World Dairy Expo. He kept the third of the three, which was Fuel’s granddam, to work with himself.That Mogul was mated with Kingboy, producing Fuel’s“Wedam.bred the Kingboy to Duke,” Hackett said. “Wehad all the type, so we went with a big production bull.” That mating produced two bull calves. Another stud chose what appeared to be the better calf, with better calving ease and health traits. Semex eventually took the other calf – Fuel. Fuel himself is an S-S-I Montross Duke-ET from Melarry Kingboy Fudgie-ET, an Excellent Kingboy daughter of Melarry Mogul Freck-ET EX-90“FuelDOM.came back with a lot of milk and high calving ease,” Hackett said. “Then he got his proof and it was pretty good. He was the No. 2 (Lifetime Prot Index) bull in Canada for a while. He is still over 1,700 pounds of milk on his proof, which is prettyHackettgood.” does not have many Fuel daughters in his herd right now but has heard good things from other breeders and industry professionals about them as a group. “I had a Holstein USA classier tell me once he saw a group of Fuel daughters in California,” Hackett said. “He said they were big, strong front-ended cows, really good, sound, functional cows, milking really well.”
The reports that Hackett has heard about Fuel daughters come as no surprise to him, knowing Fuel’s heritage. “My grandpa always told me not to force the cream to the top, just let it rise to the top,” Hackett said. “That is how you know you’re working with the good ones.”
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR Steve Lawless stands by the pizza oven Aug. 16 at Si n’ Pre y Pizza Farm near Viroqua, Wisconsin. Lawless runs the pizza farm as a nonprot to support local farmers and businesses. Page 10 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 717.354.5040 | New Holland, PA to Horning Kernel Processors to experience faster throughput, higher nutrition and increased profits 320-200-1221 Visit us at Coveringwww.justinaddy.comAvon,MNMN,SD,IA,&WIDrink Milk Graduate of the Dairyland Hoof Care Institute Proud member of We do wide grooving and mini grooving Help keep your cows safe. Hoof trimming since 2003 WE OFFER COMPLIMENTARY: UDDER SINGEING TAIL TRIMMING Keep your cows cleaner, healthier & save time! MINI GROOVER Grooves concrete that has been already grooved. CALL FOR ALL YOUR CONCRETE GROOVING NEEDS VIROQUA, Wis. – A desire to get out to the country and give back to the community is bringing folks to Sittin’ Pretty Pizza Farm near Viroqua. Steve Lawless hosts pizza nights on his farm on Fridays. Guests eat wood-red pizza and listen to a local band. The goal of each pizza night is to raise $500 PEOPLE MOVING PRODUCT By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
“It’s a big help to not have to make the dough every week,” Lawless said. “And like so much of the community, they are really supportive of what we are doing.”Sauce is made in house by the pizza baker, Zachary Matthes. The recipe is simply peeled Roma tomatoes blended with salt. Canned tomatoes were used to get started but now there is a tomato patch at the farm that is used whenever possible.
Lawless also provides a pizza with seasonal toppings as well. Right now, there is a sweet corn and cherry tomato pizza with olive oil, parmesan and chives.On a typical night, the farm will use one 40-pound block of mozzarella cheese and 2-3 pounds of parmesan.There is always a live band on the outdoor stage. Guests can gather around the band while they eat or sit inside on the long banquet-style lunch tables. It is all geared toward connecting the community.
There are three main varieties of pizza available on most Fridays which include a basic Margherita, sausage and a white sauce pizza. The white sauce pizza uses a cream sauce and is topped with mushrooms, mozzarella, parmesan and chives.
“People are sitting at the same table, eating the same food and enjoying the same experience next to somebody who they maybe didn’t know before,” or 12th St., Sioux Falls, SD
Once a pizza is ready for the oven, the chef needs to move fast. The oven gets up to 700 degrees, and the pizzas need to be rotated every minute to avoid burning. When it is done cooking, the pizza is boxed and either taken to-go or eaten in the party barn.
www.pfeifersonline.com 5
The sourdough for the crust is provided by Rhythm Bakery in Viroqua. As a way to further support the efforts of Sittin’ Pretty Farm, the bakery provides the dough to Lawless at cost.
“The pizzas are more of a traditional Italian pizza so not a lot of ingredients,” Lawless said. “It’s almost like less is more.”
Lawless is a former school teacher of 30 years and owner of Sittin’ Pretty Pizza Farm. The farm has been hosting pizza nights for the last year and focuses on local ingredients to support other local farmers. The main cheese source for the pizzas is Pasture Pride Cheese from Cashton, a company that only takes milk from local farms.
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800-597-2394
605-338-6351 5301 West
On a typical Friday night, around 70 pizzas will roll through the wood-red grill. The process begins with a refrigerated sourdough crust. A homemade sauce is added along with the rest of the ingredients.
Lawless uses local ingredients, gives back to community Turn to LAWLESS | Page for a local charity. “The pizza farm is a community outreach as part of our mission to help the local charities and nonprots,” Lawless said. “I’ve just kind of created a space that has the sense of hospitality that I grew up with.”
Lawless said sausage seems to be the most popular variety because it is the only pizza with a meat topping. The sausage comes exclusively from hogs that Lawless has raised at a nearby farm and processed at Solar Meats LLC in Soldiers Grove.
“It’s great to nd a local butcher,” Lawless said. “It’s not an easy thing to nd these days.”
Sitting pretty with pizza
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ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR Steve Lawless stands in the commercial kitchen Aug. 16 at Si n’ Pre y Pizza Farm near Viroqua, Wisconsin. They make around 70 pizzas on a typical Friday nights. been attractive to me.” Lawless said growing up on a farm in Iowa gave him a sense of work ethic and Heneighborliness.istryingto create the same culture at the pizza farm as a way to mark his parents’ passing. “My folks were part of that Depression/World War II generation, and so much of what they lived was how to give back and serve,” Lawless said. “That always resonated with me. And now to be a restaurant that supports our local farmers, and source cheese from a local cheesemaker, that all ts into our community outreach mission and how we connect into our community and give back to it.”
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 11 C Classic 300E Regular ures youRegular maintenance assures you of the be nd keepsof the best performance and keeps your operation running at it’s peak.your operation running at it’s peak. Classic300E MaintenanceMaintenance kits available or bring your unbring your units to Centre Dairy to have theto have them done for you. Microtouch anMicrotouch and Permanent Mount PMount Pulsators C Regular ma n assures you of the best pe e and keeps your operation running at it’s peak. Maintenance kits available or bring your units to C ir to have them do e Microtouch and Permanent Mount Pulsators C F U … S TIME TO MAINTAIN CENTRE DAIRY EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY INC. Henning Area 218-849-0211 Jon Stein 320-352-5762 • 1-800-342-2697 40625 State Hwy. 28 • Just West of Hwy. 71 • Sauk Centre, MN Regular m ssures you of the best performance and keeps your operation running at it’s peak. Maintenance bring your un to have the and P nt Mount Pu ONCE FALL FIELD WORK WRAPS UP… IT’S TIME TO MAINTAIN C Call Centre Dairy at 800-342-2697 to schedule your units TODAY! Regular m ssures you of the best performance and keeps your operation running at it’s peak. Maintenanc bring your un to have th d Microtouch and Mount Pu ONCE FALL FIELD WORK WRAPS UP… IT’S TIME TO MAINTAIN YOU MAINTAIN YOUR FARM EQUIPMENT... Don’t forget to maintain your milking equipment! CALL US FOR A PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE CHECK! uluulsatorslssatorsa VaccumRegularPumpsmaintenance assures you of the best performance and keeps your operation running at it’s peak. We currently use the lactation, reproduction, and somatic cell reports along with the Herd Summary. We also have a list of cows every month that a pregnancy test is run on using the milk sample. Which is your favorite and why? Kim’s most used report is the somatic cell report. She prides herself that we can usually keep the SCC below 125 and CMT tests any cows that are high on this test. How does testing with DHIA bene t your dairy operation? The bene ts of DHIA testing include SCC premiums from the creamery, and culling decisions based off facts and history of a cow instead of guessing, be it SCC, components, or reproduction problems. Tell us about your farm. We run 325 acres that is mostly corn and alfalfa with a few acres of soybeans. We are transitioning from milking cows to feeding steers. Sauk Centre, MN Buffalo, www.mndhia.org763.682.1091MN DHIA: Now MORE than ever We use thelactationreproductionand somaticcell reports What are some of the DHIA tests you use? “Decisions based off facts.” Jim & Kim Duban 125 cows • Montgomery, Minnesota 29 years with DHIA Lawless said. “And to have the sense that they’re giving back to the community in some way I think is just a feel good all around.”Lawless is considering plans to grow the business by allowing other local chefs or farmers to utilize the commercial kitchen. His idea is there may be people with a good product who are not able to open up a kitchen full time but who may love to cook and serve“Thepeople.options as far as making a living are pretty limited if you farm on a small scale,” Lawless said. “So people trying to do small-scale vegetable production and adding value by processing their work into a retail product has always Con nued from LAWLESS | Page 10
Johnson works with parents to continue the dairy
Second generation strong
Johnson has worked through management changes in the last seven years. The farm saw an increase in production when the cows moved to a freestall barn. There was also a reduction on somatic cell count, at one point getting down to 91,000. “I showed my dad that and his eyes bugged out because you never got those numbers in a stanchion barn,” Johnson said.
Page 12 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 The way to dairy.TM www.lely.com 1-888-245-4684 SEE LELY AUTOMATION AT WORK! Argall Dairy Systems, Inc. invites you to an open house at Vosberg Farms, Inc. in Cuba City. Register for the event and enter for your chance to win a Lely Luna cow brush. Receive the address after registration. See Vosberg’s retrofit dairy facility, featuring two Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking systems and the benefits of automated milking. RSVP today! We look forward to seeing you! Register and enter for your chance to win a FREE Lely Luna cow brush at www.lely.com/ArgallOpenHouse or scan the QR code with your smartphone camera. Join us on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Vosberg Farms, Inc., 2702 Cty. H, Cuba City, WI 53807 Argall Dairy Systems, Inc. 171 Countryside Dr Belleville, WI 53508 608-424-6110 Argall YOU’RESystems,DairyInc. INVITED TO AN OPEN HOUSE AT VOSBERG FARMS, INC.! HOLLANDALE, Wis. –
Dan Johnson stands outside the parlor July 25 at his farm near Hollandale, Wisconsin. Johnson milks 140 cows and crop farms 280 acres with his parents.
Johnson runs the farm with his father while his mother works off the farm as the Iowa County treasurer. Johnson is the rst one to the farm every day and arrives by 4:45 a.m. His day begins with scraping the freestall barn before milking. In the meantime, his dad arrives and feeds calves while Johnson begins milking. His dad continues to bring cows to the holding area in between mixing feed and scraping the rest of the freestall barn. By the time the animals are fed and barns are scraped, Johnson is just about done milking, and the pair can move on with their day by 7:15 a.m. “It goes quickly,” Johnson said. “That’s my time when no one else bothers me.” Johnson said initially it was a challenge to work with his father every day. “It’s his farm rst and everybody told him that I have to fail somewhere before I’m going to learn,” Johnson said. “Now, during milking time, the only time I see him is when he brings me cows.”
Turn to JOHNSON | Page 13 a machine shed to make space for the parlor. The family previously turned a different shed into a freestall barn while continuing to milk in the stanchion barn. When the parlor was added, they connected the two buildings which added more stall space.Johnson and his parents researched parlors before settling on the parallel design. They knew they did not have a lot of room because they were using an existing building so the parallel parlor made the most“Isense.just thought parallel was the simplest,” Johnson said.An additional 50 cows were purchased from a large dairy near Brodhead.
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Dan Johnson has been helping his parents on the farm all his life. When they approached him about joining the operation full time in 2015, it seemed like the logical thing to do.“They brought the idea to me, and I’m here all the time anyway so I thought I might as well join full time,” Johnson said. “I am set up as an employee.”Johnson milks around 140 cows with his parents in a free stall and parlor setup near Hollandale. They crop farm a total of 280 Johnson’sacres.parents, Bill and Connie, bought the farm in 1994. They milked 65 cows in a stanchion barn until 2015 when Johnson joined the operation. A double-8 parallel parlor was installed as part of an expansion.“Iwashelping out the farm already, but 60 cows weren’t going to take care of two families,” Johnson said. The Johnsons redesigned By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
JOHNSON | Page 12
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR
The farm has found success in custom hiring a lot of the eldwork to be done as well. The neighboring crop farmer helps chop silage. He also plants all the corn and combines it when the timing is right, which is another change that was implemented in the last few years. The Johnsons used to harvest their corn at 22% moisture. They have changed to harvesting at 14%-15% moisture because Johnson said the adjustment saves the farm costs on drying the crop and is better for the herd.“Cows have picked up a lot more and are producing more,” Johnson said. “It’s combined and goes straight from the eld to the silo. There’s no trucking cost or drying cost.”
PHOTO SUBMITTED/DAIRY STAR
The Johnson family (from le ), Isabella Johnson, Jensen White, Summer Peterson. (Back) Bill Johnson, Dan Johnson, Kris n White, Melissa Busch, Connie Johnson, of Milk-A -Way Dairy took photos outside their parlor which was built in 2015 as part of a farm expansion to make room for the next genera on.
A double-8 parallel parlor was added as part of an expansion to bring the second genera on into the opera on in 2015 at Milk-A-Way Dairy near Hollandale, Wisconsin.
The cows also adjusted well to automatic takeoffs in the parlor. Johnson said it was a learning curve for him until an expert showed him to let the machine do its job.
“We’ve talked about the difference in the feed cost and facilities when you can buy one for the same price or a little more,” Johnson said. With the volatile milk market of the last couple years, Johnson said he is grateful to be shipping milk to Klondike Cheese. “We would jump over backward for them,” Johnson said. “They are world-renowned.”Throughoutthe past couple years, Johnson said that despite struggles with a Covid-19 economy they have continued to be paid for quality premiums. The plant also expanded to include a yogurt factory which Johnson nds encouraging. “I feel better when the milk prices are dropping knowing that they’re still adding on,” Johnson said. “You know they’re going somewhere and there is a future.”Johnson said being on the farm full time is important to him to see the farm“Wecontinue.still need milk and feed,” Johnson said. “It’s important to me to keep the dairy going.”
The farm is working toward buying replacements instead of raising calves. They have had good luck with buying bred heifers in the past, Johnson said.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 13 www.brynsaas.com Lots of Used Mixers • Variety of Manure Pumps and Tanks All on Hand! 1660 Jordan West Rd., Decorah, 563-382-4484IA 2022 Artex $115,000CB2004Better Bilt Manure Tank $12,500 GEA SP-R-12 Manure Pump $10,200 GEA SP-3B-T-8-12 Manure Pump $15,000 GEA SP-3B-9 Manure Pump $9,000 2012 P J Trailer MFG. 23’ $4,900 VERTICAL TMRS LLC 0%Financing1 Cash Back Available2 Make more hay with reliable New Holland hay and forage equipment, featuring our full line of round and square balers, mower-conditioners, windrowers, rakes and more. They’re all ready to go for the season ahead—and most are available now with outstanding savings. Take our Roll-Belt™ round balers. Renowned for producing the industry’s densest bales, they deliver consistently high bale quality with features that speed you through fields when your crop is ready. Check out all the great deals going on now. Hurry, offers end soon3 Stop in today or visit nhoffers.com. DENSER BALES. A&C Farm Service, Inc. Jct. Hwys. 55 & 23 • Paynesville 320-243-3736 | www.acfarmservice.com For Commercial use only. Customer participation subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital America LLC or CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. See your participating New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. Down payment may be required. Not all customers or applicants may qualify for this rate or term. CNH Industrial Capital America LLC and CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. standard terms and conditions apply. Canada Example: The interest rate will be 0% for 12 months. Total contract term is 12 months. Based on a retail contract date of July 1, 2022, with a suggested retail price on a new Roll-Belt™ 560 of C$117,678 customer provides down payment of C$23,535 and finances the balance of C$94,143 at 0% per annum for 12 months. There will be 12 equal monthly payments of C$7,845.25. The total amount payable will be C$94,143, which includes finance charges of C$0. Taxes, freight, setup, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in suggested retail price. Offer is nontransferable. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. Cash back amounts vary and are applied at time of sale. Cash back offers are only available when financing purchase with CNH Industrial Capital America LLC or CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. Offers end September 30, 2022; subject to change or cancellation without notice. © 2022 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland are trademarks registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. Call or stop in for more information! 17 used balers to choose from! Vermeer 605SM New Holland BR560 John Deere 568 New Holland BR7090 Six to choose from! Vermeer 605N New Holland BR460
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We are blessed to work with a combination of my parents, one of my brothers, and TJ and Katie, who are not related. It’s really nice when we can hold down the fort and give one another a little break. Our employees do an excellent job at helping as well. What kind of extra preparation do you need to do on your farm before going on vacation?
What has been the best trip you have ever taken?
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 15
The advantage to vacations is that you come back to the farm refreshed and ready to meet the obstacles and challenges you face on the farm every day. Everyone needs to reset. We do a family vacation every year; we think it is important to be with our family and appreciate the memories that are made.
Who lls in for you when you leave?How do you nd this labor? I have a hired hand that I found through a friend. She used to live just down the road and grew up milking. This is just a side hustle for her to make some extra cash.
Marty and Kathy Nigon Greenwood, Wisconsin 85 cows How many days off do you take in a year? We get about two to three weeks of vacation a year. Who lls in for you when you leave? How do you nd this labor? We hire our daughter to help our hired hand with chores when we are gone. We are lucky we have a family member we can hire to ll in; otherwise, it is very difcult nding someone to help.
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What kind of extra preparation do you need to do on your farm before going on vacation? I normally get everything laid out and cleaned up the best I can. I lay out buckets for calves and youngstock. I get all the chore notes and numbers written down. Extra parts are always around for the milkhouse or things she might need if things go wrong. We’ve never been more than an hour or two away so I try to keep things simple. If there’s an issue, I can come home. This fall will be our rst out-of-state trip so it will be interesting.
What has been the best trip you have ever taken? Right before we started milking, we took a trip to Hawaii for our honeymoon knowing we wouldn’t be leaving any time soon. After that, we left one time for a week without our girls to go see family in Montana. We typically don’t go on a lot of trips. Just small trips for things like weddings or rodeos.
What are the benets of getting away on vacation? It’s good for people to get off the farm even if it’s once in a while or a family trip once a year. It almost resets you. The time away makes you remember how grateful you are to farm and makes you miss it. When the weather is challenging or it’s a long winter farming, you can burn out fast. It’s important to have farm kids get out and see the world. I’m farming with my three daughters 24/7 so they don’t go to day care. It’s important to me for them to get out, see things and socialize a bit. Tell us about your farm. I milk 30 cows on our dairy and do all the day-to-day tasks. My husband works off the farm and is normally on the road Monday-Friday. We have three daughters. I milk mostly Brown Swiss with a handful of Jerseys. I started milking to stay home with the kids but also to have some sort of an income. We are growing our beef herd as we sell fat steers throughout the year for extra income. When my husband is home, he does crops and xes and maintains machinery. He also helps with bedding and feeding that I haven’t gotten to during the week or helps me get things ready for the next week while he’s gone so there is not as much to do with all three kids.
What are the benets of getting away on vacation?
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To prepare to be gone was a lot of work. I had to try to guess what supplies the calves would need and get caught up on bookwork. We have to try to leave everyone in as good of a position as possible. But, we know that things are going to happen and that we have capable people who care just as much about the farm as we do. We are blessed that way.
Our favorite vacation was probably when we went to Hawaii. It was one of our most relaxing vacations and so beautiful. We went with family that had been there before so we didn’t have to plan too much. They knew exactly what to do and where to go, so that made it relaxing. Going with family also made it more memorable and enjoyable.
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What has been the best trip you have ever taken? We really love getting away every once in a while and seeing something we have not seen before. Every vacation is my favorite. We went to Glacier National Park in July. The scenery was incredible. You see beautiful pictures of it, and it really is that beautiful in person. I always love coming home after a vacation. That might be my favorite part.
Destinee Vesbach Viroqua, Wisconsin 30 cows How many days off do you take in a year? We have only been milking at our place for ve years, and this is the rst time I have had an actual hired hand available. When I want off, I give her a call and just get her scheduled to milk. Up until this year, it was only a handful of milkings and that’s if we could nd someone. We would just milk a little early if we needed to go somewhere or call my father-in-law who milks down the road. This summer, I’ve tried to make it a point to take one milking off a week to take our kids to go do something throughout the summer.
What are the benets of getting away on vacation? Vacations are fun. They are a break from everyday life. We like to see something we have never seen before. In the end, vacations make us grateful for home and thankful to live where we do. Tell us about your farm. Our farm is a 500-cow dairy in southwest Wisconsin. It is made up of my parents, TJ and Katie Roth, my brother, Steve, and my family. My husband has his own plumbing and HVAC business. We grow our own crops for feed. We feed our cows with it, and we also feed out our crossbred animals for meat. We have about 15 employees at any given time. Our goal is to be good at what we do and to be a place where people enjoy working and take pride in their work.
at: 800-462-4125 or StarBlends.com Feeding your animals like they’re our own
What are the benefits of getting away from the farm?
Jill Wiederholt Platteville, Wisconsin 500 cows How many days off do you take in a year? We try to take a week off every year and a weekend or two throughout the year for vacation. Who lls in for you when you leave? How do you nd this labor?
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What kind of extra preparation do you need to do on your farm before going on vacation? We have to make sure all the pens are cleaned, so they will be OK while we are gone. We make sure all feed and supplies are available on the farm that will be needed or used while we are gone. We make sure there are complete instructions on how to do certain chores so they will remember to do them correctly. In our situation, it is a little easier because we actually have a permanent hired hand on the farm now. When we were younger, we did not have that, so taking vacations then was a lot harder.
Tell us about your farm. We farm 1,000 acres of land, of which we own 484 acres. We milk 85 cows and raise our youngstock, selling the steers around 700-800 pounds. We raise the heifers for replacements on our farm. We raise corn, soybean, alfalfa and wheat. We also plant and sell pumpkins, sweet corn and cut owers off our roadside stand. The pumpkins are a project our son, Luke, and his wife, Amy, are in charge of. This year, Amy planted, and has been selling, cut owers. It is a new adventure, and it seems like is going pretty well for her. But like everything, it is a learning experience. We produce about 775 gallons of maple syrup a year which is an enjoyable family business. During the summer months, we also sell colored mulch to people in our surrounding community. Star Blends has been helping Midwest farm families by providing, high-quality feed, dairy nutrition, and commodity contracting for more than 20 years. state of the art mill can accuratelyblend anything from a custom pre-mix to complete feed, in balancing diets, or work with your private nutritionist or dairy consultant. Blends y e Side O f T h e F e n c eOf The Fence
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What are the benets of getting away on vacation? It is important as farmers that you take the time to remove yourself from the farm once in a while to let loose, destress and enjoy life. If you have kids, it is even more important to show yourself outside of working on the farm all the time. My son spends a lot of time on the farm with me. He needs to see me away, having fun and experiencing other things besides work. Plus, it is good for all of us to walk away and have some time to reect and reconnect with ourselves and our families. I feel fortunate that my folks are farming with me so it makes it easier for me to go right now as when I am gone, they are here. Tell us about your farm. I farm with my folks, Michael and Joyce Byl, and my 11-year-old son, Noah. We milk 300 Holstein cows and farm about 900 acres of corn and alfalfa that we use for feed. We raise our replacements. I have been full-time farming since I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville in 2003. I have a brother and brother-in-law who help with the eldwork and during chopping. I have two other sisters who are willing and able to help along with their families and a sister-in-law with throwing tires, doing bookwork or helping with other projects. I am blessed to have such a close family, and it is important to us all that our farm keeps going for the fourth generation. venues they have there. What are the benets of getting away on vacation? Getting away gives you another perspective off the farm on what the rest of the world is doing. Many businesses or industries have many of the same challenges we have on the farm. I hope to come back refreshed and see things a little different after vacation. We require employees to take at least one day off a week, and they are welcome to take vacation time as well. We just ask them to give a couple weeks’ notice ahead of time. Tell us about your farm. Heeg Brothers Dairy LLC is in Colby, Wisconsin. In 1999, the partnership was created between me and my brothers, Mark and Gary. At that time, we built a new freestall barn and parlor. After farming on separate farms, the families decided to combine dairies and milk at one location and raise heifers at our parents’, August and Joanne’s, farm in Unity, Wisconsin. Mark is the farm’s general manager, Gary is the heifer manager, and I am the dairy and human resource manager. We all share eldwork responsibilities and our father, August, who is 89, serves as the milk hauler. Also, Mark’s son, Nathan, and Gary’s son, Cory, are employed at the dairy, making three generations working together. The dairy has 1,225 cows, including dry cows, and 1,060 heifers with a rolling herd average of 30,521 pounds of milk, 1,190 pounds of fat and 951 pounds of protein and a somatic cell count of 135,000. All cows are on sand bedding, and we have fans around the barns to cool cows. We raise our heifers. From birth to 4 months, calves are raised at the dairy and then moved to the heifer facilities in Unity, where they are raised before returning to the dairy two months prior to calving. We strive for consistency with the cows and employees, and we try to keep things as simple as possible. We farm 3,300 acres of corn, alfalfa and soybean. The farm employs 22 full-time employees. We do all our own eldwork and get a custom operator for hauling manure and spraying the crops.
that
Jay Heeg 1,225WisconsinColby,cows
Jazmyn is 16 years old, and Chase is 12 years old. We try to take at least one family vacation each year. As the kids get more involved in showing, sports, 4-H and FFA, it becomes more difcult to plan when to go on vacation and how long it will be. This year, we went on vacation right after our county fair and before football practice starts. Who lls in for you when you leave? How do you nd this labor? Our herdsmen and family help ll in for me when I’m gone from the farm. Just like all farms, we need to plan around our cropping schedule. I am grateful for the employees and the team on the farm. What kind of extra preparation do you need to do on your farm before going on vacation? I prepare the lists of cows to be moved for the week and try not to have much for feed changes before I leave, if possible.
I do not have a set number of days I take off a year. I would say I probably take off a week a year. I consider this to be when I am not around or able to be here to help if something goes wrong. I do take mornings or afternoons off if I have things I need to go to. I am blessed with parents who are actively farming and a great group of employees so it makes it easier if I need to be gone for a concert for my son, meetings or activities.
done on what day. What has been the best trip you have ever taken? We usually go camping or stay in a hotel close to home so I can be here if something happens. But this year, my son, who was in the fourth grade, got a National Parks pass at school. He wanted to use it so I started looking at where we could go, and the Badlands was our closest option. So, we went there, the Corn Palace, Wall Drug and made our way to Keystone, South Dakota, where we enjoyed Custer State Park, Mount Rushmore and so much more. We were gone for six days, and we had such a blast. It is my favorite trip so far because it was just my son and I, and we created so many memories that I will never forget.
How many days off do you take in a year? My ICheryl,wife,andhavetwochildren.
Who lls in for you when you leave? How do you nd this labor? I have some amazing employees. Even though they’re all part-time, they understand they are a vital part of our team, and they are all more than willing to work extra to allow me or my dad to take time off. I have no worries when I leave because I know my cows are in the best hands. One of my employees is a neighbor, and one has been with me for about seven years. I have also found a few employees from posts on Facebook. What kind of extra preparation do you need to do on your farm before going on vacation? I feel guilty about leaving. While I know it’s important to take time away for my mental health and to spend quality time with my family, I hate leaving extra work for my dad and my employees. I try to make sure any extra work is done before I go. I also try to prepare notes and lists of any problem cows or work needs done
while I’m Page 16 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 Con nued from OUR SIDE | Page 15 ’22 Case IH Farmall 115a 2WD, cab & air Call for Price Brillion 16’ Pulverizer NEW! $13,500 ’07 New Holland FP 240 Chopper No heads, processor $11,000 #NB3002 #MF5206 #AX2845 www.knowlesproduce.com #CT9506 #BP3987 #HF2229 W2189 County Road Y Lomira, WI 53048 920.583.3747 ’17 New Holland Big Baler 330p 21,350 bales $81,000 ’16 Meyer F585 Mixer $31,000 ’97 Ag Bag G6010 10’ bagger $17,900 Sara Byl 300WisconsinCushing,cows
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How many days off do you take in a year?
What has been the best trip you have ever taken? This trip was fun to explore new places with the family. We went for six days and decided this year to drive to Niagara Falls. We didn’t have an exact itinerary but basically loaded in the truck and left. The plan was to see new places that we haven’t been. We traveled up and around the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, crossing Mackinaw Bridge and visiting Mackinac Island. We then went on to Niagara Falls and took in the sites. Then to Canton, Ohio, to the NFL Hall of Fame. From there, we cut across Ohio and Indiana to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana. We did the Dairy Adventure tour and took in the many
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What has been the best trip you have ever taken? In January 2019, my husband and I took a ve-day vacation to Florida. That was the one vacation where I felt truly relaxed and came home feeling truly replenished. We had our second child later that year and things have been complete chaos ever since but in the best way.
SchroederRachel 90WisconsinWatertown,cows How many days off do you take in a year? I try to take off one long weekend per summer to go up north on a small trip with my kids. The Minocqua area has been pretty special to my husband, Jesse, and I since we started dating, so we love taking our kids up there for a long weekend. Our family also loves steam trains, so traveling somewhere to visit train museums is also something we love to do. I also try to take a long weekend off during the winter for either a girls’ trip or a getaway with my husband. It’s a nice time of year when there’s not a lot of extra work to be done and it’s easier to leave. I try to take every Sunday morning off so my family can go to church together. I appreciate that my employees and my dad understand how important this is to me and my family. My dad has been taking a week off once a year for the past few years for his vacation, but other than that, he doesn’t take many mornings off.
to be
What are the benets of getting away on vacation? The greatest benet is to completely relax and reset your mind and body. Taking a day off doesn’t do that because the farm is so close and it’s always on your mind. My dad and I spend at least part of our day every day at work. We don’t get to punch the clock and reset when we go home. We are always thinking, planning and dealing with problems at any hour of the day or night. Unless you are far enough away where the problems are out of your control, your mind can’t relax. Vacation is also a time I can truly focus all of my time and attention on my husband and kids. There’s nothing more important to me than trying to make memories with my kids and making sure they know that even though I work a lot, I was always there for them and did the best I could. Tell us about your farm. My dad, James McManama, and I are the two owners and only full-time employees of our 90-cow dairy and 500-acre crop farm. My husband works off the farm as a diesel technician, and my mom has retired from more than 30 years as a radiology technician. I have two young children, ages 5 and 2. We have some pretty amazing part-time employees – Austin, Lauren, Christian and Dan –who help me with milking and extra eldwork. But all major decisions and work is done by my dad and myself. My whole family is so important when it comes to me being able to farm and take vacations. My mom, sister and mother-in-law help me out so much with the kids so I can work, and because our families are so close, they’re also the ones ready to take the kids at the drop of a hat so Jesse and I can spend time together.
Who lls in for you when you leave? How do you nd this labor? My dad and mom are actively farming with me so that makes things easier being there is someone in charge when I am gone. I have a handful of great employees who have been with us for a few years now. It makes life a lot easier when you have good help. What kind of extra preparation do you need to do on your farm before going on vacation? I always try to plan things around crops. I don’t want to be gone during chopping silage or corn silage or if I have a busy calving month. I look at all of that before I make any plans. If we go somewhere, I try to look ahead to that week and make it as easy as I can for OvSynch and breeding. I am lucky as right now I have an employee who will give daily shots for me as long as I mark the cows and write detailed lists of who gets what and when. I will call our local Genex representatives to come breed while I am gone. Otherwise, I have someone feed my calves for me at noon and feed the heifers. I make sure everything is lled up, bedded, cleaned and everything is as convenient and easy as I can make it for them. I make lists of what needs to get away. My dad is also great about letting me truly take time off by not calling or texting me about problems. I always make sure to let everyone know I’m available if needed, but I rarely get calls or texts while I’m gone.
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Michael Kolb stands in the freestall barn on his 450 cow dairy near Paynesville, Minnesota. Kolb takes pride in the effort his family puts toward harves�ng and storing quality forages to include in their ra�ons. average of 30,000 pounds, a 95-pound tank average with 4% fat and 3.3% protein. By the time their bodies process the ration, they have utilized a majority of the nutrients in the diet. My heifer and dry cow diets consist of different rations using corn silage, soybean meal, mineral supplements, oatlage and grass hay. We have a bit of meadow lands that we harvest the grass from and use in the diets in place of using wheat straw which is pretty common in transition diets. It’s a way to use all available resources on our operation. Our heifers have been freshening well and transitioning into peak production, some averaging 33,00 pounds in their rst year. What quality and quantity do you harvest of each crop? We harvest around 2,500 tons of haylage each year. The quality we generally put up is 55%60% moisture, 22%-24% protein, relative feed value of 165 and relative forage quality of 180. We have about 7,000 tons of corn silage. The moisture is 65%68%, 40% starch and a corn processing score of less than 80%. Describe your harvesting techniques for alfalfa and corn silage. We use Shredlage technology in our Claas chopper to help with processing. It does a great job of cutting up forages into bite-size pieces for the cows. We regularly sharpen blades on our chopper to ensure we are getting a clean cut while processing. I also set my kernel processor to a minimal gap to process the corn. What techniques do you use to store, manage and feed your forages? We grow our alfalfa on a four-year rotation, and we Turn to FORAGE | Page 20
Page 18 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 Harvesting Quality Forages Hydraulic Doors By the most trusted name in the industry 855.368.9595 Best Warranty in the Industry Zero Headroom Loss Brad Herickhoff, 320-351-4872Owner Effective drainageective Professional design. Reasonable rates. Check out our website!new Michael Kolb Paynesville, Minnesota 450 cows Describe your farm and facilities. We are a family run crop and dairy farm. We milk 450 cows in a parlor and house them in a freestall barn that is bedded with recycled manure solids. What forages do you harvest? We harvest haylage, corn silage and oatlage. How many acres of crops do you raise? We farm 300 acres of oat, 300 acres of alfalfa, 1,100 acres of corn and 350 acres of soybean. Describe the rations for your livestock. I run a lactating cow diet that consists of ne ground dry corn, high moisture corn, ne ground oat, liquid molasses, protein mineral mix, haylage and corn silage. My goal for my lactating cow diet is to make all components of the feed highly digestible for the cows. This has helped me reach a rolling herd Attention to detail is key GRACE JEURISSEN/DAIRY STAR
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 19 “We love Udder Comfort™ for all fresh cows and any cow with any sign of a mastitis issue. It’s extremely rare that we have to treat a cow for mastitis. Udder Comfort works better than anything else, quickly removing edema for that quality udder, helping cows reach their potential with high quality milk,” says Andrew Evans. “We also use it a lot when showing, before, during, and after,” adds Abbie. They milk 42 cows in Little Meadows, Pennsylvania. Most of the A Joy Swiss herd are from the first 2 calves Abbie purchased as a young 4-Her with the dream of milking her own herd. Now, 23 years later, the 2022 Outstanding Young Brown Swiss Breeder has bred over 30 EX with 12 in the herd and records over 30,000. Scan QR or use link to read their story. https://wp.me/pb1wH7-jr — Andrew and Abbie Evans A JOY SWISS Abbie and Andrew Evans LITTLE MEADOWS, PA 2022 Outstanding Young Brown Swiss Breeder RHA 18,600M 4.2F 3.4P SCC below 100,000 “… works better than anything else.” Quality Udders Make Quality Milk Abbie and Andrew Evans with 3 generations (top, l-r) at the Mid-Atlantic Brown Swiss Invitational where they were Premier Breeder, and at home (bottom, left) with A Joy Braid Crown Royal OCS 3E94, 4 times nominated AA with records over 30,000. They milk 42 cows on a rented farm with several juniors leasing and their young nephews anxious to show. For external application to the udder only, after milking, as an essential component of udder management. Always wash and dry teats thoroughly before milking. Calluddercomfort.com1.888.773.7153tolocateadistributornear you Maximum Results Minimal Cost Celebrating over 40 Years in Business 1010 Hoeschler Dr. • Sparta, WI 54656 Phone: 608-269-3830 Toll Free: 1-888-863-0227 Email: prestonde@prestonde.com Does your milking equipment need maintenance? DAIRY EQUIPMENT INC. We service all equipment!dairy Give us a call to schedule a visit. PO Box 160, Albany, MN • (320) 845-2184 • Fax (320) 845-2187tfn Catch the Dairy Star’s Mark Klaphake with Joe Gill at 6:45 a.m. the 2nd & 4th Fridays of the month on KASM! Joe Gill • Farm Director SERVING CENTRAL MINNESOTA FOR OVER 50 YEARS FARM INFORMATION STATION
What management or harvesting techniques have you changed that have made a notable difference in forage quality? Other than sharpening and adjusting equipment regularly, employee management has been big. The hardest part about making quality forages is nding a way to help people understand how their actions affect the quality. Once we found a way to communicate the importance of the way we do forage harvesting and why we do things a certain way, our stored feed quality improved a ton. Describe a challenge you overcame in reaching your forage quality goals. Last year, our chopper blew its turbo while starting corn silage. We got that xed, then our hydrostatic drive went out. We had to wait two weeks to get the part. We ended up using a rented chopper and had to continue adjusting some of the parts to get the right cutting length. You can see the difference in the pile from where we started to where we ended. The particle length with the rented chopper was longer than I would like, but we turned it around quickly. The rest of the pile looks good. This just goes to show how important it is to get your equipment adjusted right.
The Kolb farm plants conven onal corn, and interseeds orchard grasses into their alfalfa elds to assist in replacing tonnage as the stands thin. Michael Kolb believes that the orchard grass also makes the haylage more diges ble for the cows. going out the back end of my cows. This is what works for our herd, and I’m thoroughly pleased with the results.
Page 20 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 Custom t to your new or existing building Motorized or Manual Options Highest UV inhibitor and lock stitch style sewing for longer curtain life Get the full value of air quality control curtains at the touch of a button minutes WWashingPressureTillingClearingPenClearingLandRemovalSnow MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER WITH THE RIGHT SKID STEER ATTACHMENT D M R A T T A C H M E N T S A L E SDMR ATTACHMENT SALES 320-292-0219 dmrattachmentsales@gmail.com D M R A T T A C H M E N T S A L E S 27876 218th Ave. | Richmond, MN 56368DMR ATTACHMENT SALES D M R A T T A C H M E N T S A L E SD M R A T T A C H M E N T S A L E S interseed grass to replace tonnage as the stands thin. I believe the grass makes it more digestible for the cows. We try to cut just before the alfalfa blooms. For corn silage, we plant conventional corn and harvest at around 65% moisture. We use bunkers to store corn silage and haylage for the milking cows. The bunkers are double covered with plastic, and also have plastic down the walls. We get very little spoilage. I drive the packing tractor and everyone calls me the bunker police because I monitor forage processing and packing. We store oatlage and corn silage in packed and covered piles for the heifers and dry cows. How do quality forages play into the production goals of your herd? When we placed more emphasis on the quality of our forages, our cows responded well. By processing the forages better the cows are able to utilize the feed better. As the forages move through the rumen, they are supposed to feed the bacteria in the rumen. We stopped focusing on making “jet fuel” haylage and adjusted the diets in other ways. Our cows have increased production, and there is less wasted feed Con nued from FORAGE | Page 18 GRACE JEURISSEN/DAIRY STAR
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 21 Equipment and pictures added daily • Go to www.mmcjd.com Locations throughout minnesota & western wisconsin! CALL TODAY! (320)365-1653 SEE OUR COMPLETE INVENTORY WITH PICTURES AND DESCRIPTIONS AT: www.mmcjd.com 2020 John Deere 9800 1199 hrs., #536344 2015 John Deere 8600 2129 hrs., #166134 $329,900$373,000 $409,900 $304,900$532,800$238,100$386,000 Financing subject to pre-approval through JD Financial. Some restrictions apply. See dealer for details. 1-YEAR INTEREST WAIVER ON SELECTON SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTERS CHISEL PLOWS JD 2410 2008, 31 ft., 3-Section Folding, #531872 ..................................................... $36,900 Wil-Rich 5800 2012, 47 ft., 5-Section Folding, #532568 .......................................... $29,900 JD 2410 2005, 28 ft., 3-Section Folding, #534430 ..................................................... $22,900 Kewanee 180 1970, 11 ft., Rigid, #538090 .................................................................$1,500 White 435, Rigid, #539336..........................................................................................$5,000 DISKS Case IH RMX340 2009, 35 ft., 3-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #181151 .................... $29,400 JD 2625 2013, 33 ft., 3-Section Folding; 11” Spacing, #275921 ................................. $39,900 Wishek 862NT 2014, 26 ft, #276355 ........................................................................ $39,900 JD 2623 2012, 40 ft., 5-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #523876 ................................... $49,900 JD 637 2011, 42 ft., 5-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #523980 ..................................... $29,500 JD 2625 2014, 40 ft., 5-Section Folding; 11” Spacing, #532507 ................................. $44,000 JD 2680H 2021, 40 ft., 3-Section Folding, #532802 ................................................$147,000 Landoll 6230-36 2013, 35 ft., 3-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #532829 .................... $32,000 JD 230 , 28 ft., 3-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #532915............................................... $2,950 JD 2680H 2019, 24 ft., 3-Section Folding, #534969 .................................................. $82,900 JD 2680H 2019, 35 ft., 3-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #535875 ..............................$122,500 Landoll 7833-40 2017, 40 ft, #539210 .................................................................... $95,500 Summers Series 10 Disk, 3-Section Folding, #539213 ........................................... $24,500 Krause 7400, 45 ft., 9” Spacing, #540426................................................................. $19,000 Wishek 842NT 2011, 30 ft., 3-Section Folding; 11” Spacing, #541911 ..................... $39,900 Degelman Pro TIll 33 2018, 33 ft., 3-Section Folding, #542310 .............................. $95,900 Case IH 330 2010, 30 ft., 3-Section Folding, #542361 .............................................. $36,900 JD 650 1992, 29 ft., 3-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #542847 ..................................... $14,500 JD 235 , 25 ft., 3-Section Folding; 9” Spacing, #543348............................................... $7,500 Ezee-On 4600, 37 ft., 3-Section Folding, #544452 ................................................... $29,000 RIPPERS JD 2730 2019, #189743 ..........................................................................................$113,500 JD 2730 2014, #190066 ............................................................................................ $59,900 JD 512 2004, #190077............................................................................................... $13,900 JD 2720 2013, #190974 ............................................................................................ $42,900 Case IH 875 2015, #274482 ...................................................................................... $52,900 Case IH 875 2015, #275117 ...................................................................................... $52,900 Kuhn Krause 4850-18 2011, #276259 .................................................................... $29,700 DMI Ecolo tiger 730B, #523880 .............................................................................. $14,500 Case IH 2500 2014, #531612 .................................................................................... $15,500 JD 2720 2014, #531621 ............................................................................................ $35,900 Case 730 2009, #532798 ........................................................................................... $37,500 Brent CPC, #532876 ................................................................................................... $6,500 JD 2700 2009, #533731 ............................................................................................ $19,500 DMI ET5, #534414 ...................................................................................................... $8,500 JD 2730 2017, #535082 ............................................................................................ $69,900 Kuhn Krause 4850-15 2012, #540899 .................................................................... $31,500 JD 2700 2012, #542309 ............................................................................................ $16,000 DMI 530, #542846 ...................................................................................................... $8,250 JD 2700 2004, #543878 ............................................................................................ $13,500 JD 2730 2019, #544451 ............................................................................................ $99,500 SELF-PROPELLED FORAGE HARVESTERS JD 8600 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1482 hrs., 995 CH Hrs., #144025................$275,000 JD 8600 2015, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 2129 hrs., 1420 CH Hrs., #166134..............$238,100 JD 7780 2014, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 3035 hrs., 1973 CH Hrs., #180600..............$176,800 JD 8400 2015, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 2103 hrs., 1158 CH Hrs., #186943..............$238,750 JD 8600 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1807 hrs., 1088 CH Hrs., #187536..............$300,000 JD 8600 2018, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1478 hrs., 660 CH Hrs., #188792................$342,000 JD 8300 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 370 hrs., 187 CH Hrs., #270227..................$329,900 JD 7780 2013, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 3247 hrs., 2109 CH Hrs., #274502..............$189,900 JD 8800 2017, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1523 hrs., 862 CH Hrs., #524820................$355,000 JD 8700 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1608 hrs., 1103 CH Hrs., #525709..............$324,000 JD 6850 1998, Kernel Processor, 3841 hrs., 2790 CH Hrs., #531752 ........................... $66,000 JD 8600 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 2428 hrs., 1408 CH Hrs., #532553..............$254,000 JD 8700 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1261 hrs., 933 CH Hrs., #532572................$426,500 JD 7500 2004, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 2865 hrs., 2000 CH Hrs., #532727..............$159,900 Claas 940 2020, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 650 hrs., 480 CH Hrs., #532728...............$399,900 JD 7500 2007, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 4671 hrs., 3152 CH Hrs., #532807..............$159,900 JD 7980 2014, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 3400 hrs., 2366 CH Hrs., #532823..............$157,000 JD 7980 2013, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 3204 hrs., 2022 CH Hrs., #532824..............$152,000 Claas 900 2008, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 4648 hrs., 3609 CH Hrs., #533151...........$119,900 JD 7500 2007, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 5000 hrs., #535846 ..................................... $95,000 JD 7550 2011, PRWD, 2114 hrs., 1557 CH Hrs., #536003 .........................................$187,500 JD 8600 2016, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1305 hrs., 815 CH Hrs., #539356................$309,000 JD 7800 2006, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 4000 hrs., 2533 CH Hrs., #541361................ $84,000 JD 9800 2019, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1882 hrs., 1300 CH Hrs., #543355..............$390,000 JD 9700 2020, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1039 hrs., 653 CH Hrs., #543646................$503,000 JD 6810 1997, Kernel Processor, 4288 hrs., 2974 CH Hrs., #544057 ........................... $39,900 JD 8800 2017, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1698 hrs., 904 CH Hrs., #544616................$339,900 JD 7180 2014, Kernel Processor, PRWD, 1072 hrs., #544762 ...................................$173,000 $497,000 2019 John Deere 9600 1216 hrs., #532049 2016 John Deere 8800 2582 hrs., #175182 2017 John Deere 8800 1088 hrs., #541392 2018 John Deere 8700 1808 hrs., #187542 2016 John Deere 8300 370 hrs., #270227 2021 John Deere 8400 30 hrs., #275280 320-365-1667#188806, 2461 hrs.
My wife, Jenny, and I have three animal loving children, and we also have an array of animals to suit their afnity. On our 10-acre hobby farm, we have a Boer goat, two fainting goats, three bunnies, two dogs, three leased dairy animals that are not quite a year old, 27 laying hens and 30 pullets.Having this many animals allows our kids great experiences and teaches them takentheirareandresponsibility.Theyhavemorningnightchoresandaskedtomakesureanimalsarewellcareof.Wetryto emphasize to our kids the animals are indeed theirs. Last week, our kids had to deal with the toughest aspect of having animals – saying goodbye.Oneof our bunnies, Oreo, who was 6 years old, died. Jasper, our youngest of three, asked if I would go with him to feed the bunnies some grass and water when we noticed Oreo was laying on the ground ailing its legs like it forgot how to walk. We tried to pick Oreo up and help her regain her balance; it was for not. It was quite clear that Oreo was dying. After we nished chores and had supper, we came back out to check on Oreo. She had died.
Jasper immediately started crying and talked about why he loved the 3-pound Oreo so much. We got Oreo and her sister, Willow, shortly after they were born. Jasper went on to recall fond memories of Oreo with his brother, Mason. Many involved transporting the bunnies to the trampoline and either jumping or petting them there.Other memorable times included washing the bunnies or having search parties when they burrowed out of the cage. But, the bunnies had it made, and the boys made sure of that.
Page 22 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 EasternIOWA Iowa Dairy Systems Epworth, IA 563-876-3087 Sioux Dairy Equipment Rock Valley, IA 712-476-5608 | 800-962-4346 CentralWISCONSINAgSupply Inc Juneau, WI 920-386-2611 Baraboo, WI 608-356-8384 Fuller’s Milker Center, LLC Lancaster, WI 800-887-4634 Richland Center, WI 608-647-4488 | 800-772-4770 J Gile Dairy Equipment Cuba City, WI 608-744-2661 Kozlovsky Dairy Equipment Kaukauna, WI 920-759-9223 Weston, WI 715-298-6256 Leedstone Menomonie, WI 715-231-8090 Midwest Systems,LivestockLLC Menomonie, WI 715-235-5144 Monroe WestfaliaSurge Monroe, WI 608-325-2772 Preston Dairy Equipment Sparta, WI 608-269-3830 Stanley Schmitz, Inc. Chilton, WI 920-849-4209 Tri-County Dairy Supply Janesville, WI 608-757-2697 MINNESOTA & SOUTH DAKOTA Centre Dairy Equipment and Supply, Inc. Sauk Centre, MN 320-352-5762 | 800-342-2697 Leedstone Melrose, MN 320-256-3303 | 800-996-3303 Glencoe, MN 320-864-5575 | 877-864-5575 Plainview, MN 800-548-5240 Midwest Systems,LivestockLLC Zumbrota, MN 800-233-8937 Renner, SD 800-705-1447 is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2022 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. All facts and figures are the result of data collected on test farms and pilot farms. Data compared to DeLaval Champion. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. www.delaval.com reduction in exit cycle time with SynchroSweepDeLaval™56%Upto cowoptionscontrolflow3max ceiling 102SynchroArcrequirementheightforDeLaval™” obstructionsatcowexitZERO Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLaval Holding AB © 2022 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. All facts and figures are the result of data collected on test farms and pilot farms. Data compared to DeLaval Champion. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. www.delaval.com DeLavalwww.delaval.com Parlor P500 milking system Learn how the P500 parlor helped Highland Dairy reach their parlor efficiency goals. KramerIOWA Bros. Monticello, IA 319-465-5931 Prairie Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United Dairy Systems, Inc. West Union, IA 563-422-5355 AdvancedWISCONSINDairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713 DeLaval Dairy Service Kaukauna, WI 866-335-2825 Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Professional Dairy Services Arlington, 608-635-0267WI Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470 MINNESOTA & SOUTH AdvancedDAKOTA Dairy of Mora Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Brookings, SD 800-636-5581 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416 For more than 70 years, the Johnsons have been milking cows at Highland Dairy in Glade Spring, Virginia. Third-generation dairywoman, Rena Johnson, decided to upgrade the dairy so she can milk cows for decades to come. The DeLaval P500 parlor was the key to helping her do just that. SCANmore!LearnHERE
After Jasper’s tears, he shared the news with his siblings. They decided we should nd an appropriate spot to bury Oreo. After all, Oreo had been a part of more than half of Jasper’s life. We’ve buried many different animals on our 10 acres that sometimes I wish I would have made a plot so when I’m burying one I don’t accidently dig up Weanother.subsequently found a spot near some sumac and trees and dug a hole. But before we could place Oreo in the hole, Jasper, while hugging his mom, had to share some more details why he loved this black and white bunny so much.Before the last shovel of soil had been thrown on Oreo’s site, the conversation ipped. Jasper started talking about owning another bunny. He talked about the color, the breed and the pen he would put the bunny in and how good of care he would give it. The experience for him and for our whole family is a reality check on the circle of life for our animals. It also emphasizes the importance of enjoying the times they have with their animals because, like with Oreo, they don’t know when that last day is coming. But, with the passing of an animal, there is alsoThisopportunity.mightbe a chance to bring in a different breed of bunny or perhaps try raising a completely different animal. There are very few animals my kids haven’t liked so anything is in the realm of possibility.Whatever Jasper decides to do next is up to him, but I’m sure he will be a great steward of whichever animal he chooses. By Mark Klaphake Editor to Oreo
Saying goodbye
Turn
“We’re a pretty good group.”
The group sings in four-part harmony with a piano accompaniment. Brad was only 3 years old when the group began. He would help his mother, Jackie, set up for rehearsals. Then, Brad joined the group when he was in middle school. Jackie is still the director.The group now has around 17 members from surrounding communities. Brad is the youngest member at 31 years old. The rest of the men are all more than 60 years old. Eric said their age does not slow them“Adown.lotof us have new hips and knees, but we can still sing,” Eric said.
“We’re still singing,” Eric said. Goplins involved in singingorganizations,communitygroup
GOPLINS | Page 25
OSSEO, Wis. – Between milking cows, raising a young family and volunteering for community organizations, one might think there would be no time left in Brad Goplin’s life for a singing group. But, they would be wrong.Brad milks 60 cows in a tiestall barn with his dad, Eric, and his uncle, Paul, near Osseo. Brad and Eric also keep active in a singing group called Stouthearted Men. The group usually sings for church services, weddings and funerals. Every year, they also perform a Christmas concert. “I was kind of born into it,” Brad said. “There is some satisfaction after a concert when people come up and tell me I have a really good singing voice and I should keep singing. It’s rewarding.”Ericstarted the group 27 years ago when he was asked to sing a solo for a local event. He thought a solo sounded boring so he recruited a small group of other men who joined him in singing three songs, including the song, “Stouthearted Men.”
The stouthearted dairymen
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 23 Call 563-920-1273 Over 20 yrs experience • Looking to expand!Over 20 yrs experience • Looking to • Set up for pumping long distances • Tanks & Hose System Available • No till applicator and John Deere mapping PUMPINGMIDWEST II LLC (715) 285-5317Ken Anibas • www.anibassilo.com N6423 Commerce Lane, Arkansaw, WI siloman@nelson-tel.net • kevinatanibassilo@yahoo.com “Your Complete Farm Service Company” Serving You Since 1973 ) 2855317285-5317 TAKE ADVANTAGE TODAY Now through August 31, 2022, quali ed buyers can receive 0% interest for up to 60 months or cash back on the purchase of select new Vermeer forage equipment, including balers and large trailed mowers. Now through August 31, 2022, qualified buyers can receive 0% interest for up to 60 months or cash back on the purchase of select new Vermeer forage equipment, including 604 R-series balers, 605N and 605N Cornstalk Special balers, and TM1210 and TM1410 trailed mowers, among other models, through Vermeer Credit Corporation (U.S.) or De Lage Landen Financial Services, Canada Inc. (Canada). See your local Vermeer dealer for additional details on this and other special offers from Vermeer. Maximum finance amount up to 100%, depending on payment plan and credit approval. Minimum transaction $2,500. Financing offer valid in U.S. and Canada only. U.S. rate listed, Canada may be different. All rates, terms and Canada only. U.S. rate listed, Canada may be different. All rates, terms and conditions are subject to change and credit approval. 0% FINANCING FOR UP TO 60 MONTHS OR CASH BACK ON SELECT MODELS
By Abby Wiedmeyer abby.w@dairystar.com
ABBY WIEDMEYER/DAIRY STAR Brad (le ) and Eric Goplin take a break Aug. 3 in their barn near Osseo, Wisconsin. The father and son milk 60 cows and par cipate in a four-part harmony singing group called Stouthearted Men. to
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Eric attended the one-room school house growing up where there was also a community club, and the neighbors would get together and hold various Theprograms.family’s involvement in their communities and the musical club is a way for the Goplins to give“Musicback. in the rural communities was a big deal 100 years ago,” Eric said. “All these kids now go through these high school music programs and then give it up. I don’t get that part of it.”
“It’s fun, but then if I didn’t do it, who would? And it’s one small way to promote industry.”the GOPLIN,
Brad Goplin sings a solo with the group Stouthearted Men which he is in with his dad, Eric, and several other members. The Goplins milk 60 cows near Osseo, Wisconsin. Union and president of the Trempealeau County Dairy Promotions. “It’s fun, but then if I didn’t do it, who would?” Brad said. “And it’s one small way to promote the industry.”
DAIRY FARMER
Brad even wrote some original lyrics to the tune of Roger Miller’s “King of the Road.” He calls his version “King of the Farm,” and the lyrics include lines like, “Milking cows is a breeze with my new hips and knees.” He sang the song for a local competition and now gets requests for it. “I don’t have all the lyrics written down so sometimes I sing that during milking so I can remember how it goes,” Brad said. Even though farming keeps him busy enough, Brad plans to continue his community involvement, including being one of the Stouthearted Men.
Besides keeping active in the singing group, Brad is also on the board for the Jackson County Fair, vice president of the Trempealeau/Jackson Farmer’s PHOTO SUBMITTED
BRAD
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 25 507-879-3593 – 800-821-7092 Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151 – www.bluehilltop.com 507-879-3593 – 800-821-7092 Box 116, Lake Wilson, MN 56151 – www.bluehilltop.com Blue Hilltop, Inc. HAYBUSTER H -1030 BIG BITE The latest introduction to the Haybuster PTO tub grinder family is the H-1030 model. It also has a 10’ tub and comes equipped with tub tilt and heavy-duty hammermill, that is located in the rear of the tub. It also has a dual-auger system to discharge material efficiently to the hydraulic folding stacking conveyor. The H-1030 requires a minimum of 150 hp up to 315 hp tractor. The newly designed electronic governor protects the tractor and machine from overloads, allowing the tub grinder to grind efficiently and consistently. 38241 County 6 Blvd. Goodhue, MN 55027 (651) 923-4441 HAY & FORAGE, STALK CHOPPERS ‘11 NH H7450 discbine, drawbar hitch ....................... 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Coming In CIH 5100 Grain Drill 12’ w/6” Spacing, no small seeds....................................................... 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Coming In Gleaner 9250-35 Draper Head, 2010 ..................... Coming In Gleaner 8200-35 Flex Head w/ Orbit Reel 2009..... Coming In Gleaner 8200-35 Flex Head w/ Crary Air Reel........ Coming In Geringoff RD630 Corn Head Consigned ................... $14,000 Gleaner 300 Series Pick-up Header Melroe Pickup New Belts ...................................................................... $4,500 Gleaner 313 Pick-up Header ........................................ $3,500 SKIDS, TRACK TELE-HANDLERS,LOADERS,&EXCAVATORS ‘00 Bobcat 341 Excavator w/3’ bkt, cab w/Heat 11,660 lbs ................................................................. $28,000 ‘20 Bobcat S740 Skid Steer Cab Hvac, 2-Speed ... Coming In Bobcat S550 Skid Steer Cab Hvac, 6,341 Hrs, 2020, H/F Control, 2-Spd ............................................................. In Shop Bobcat 753 Skid Steer, Open Cab, 5,700 Hrs ........ Coming In Bobcat T770 Track Ldr, Hvac Cab, H/F Controls .... Coming In Bobcat Toolcat 5600 With 3,000 Hrs ........................ $26,000 ‘99 Deere 270 skid steer, H/F ctrls., open ROPS, 14-17.5 tires .............................................................. $19,500 TILLAGE/FIELD CULTIVATORS DMI Tigermate 21.5’ Field Cultivator, w/5-Bar Spike Tooth ................................................... $9,500 Dmi Tigermate 32’ Field Cultivator w/3-Bar Coil Tine $9,500 ‘10 Sunflower 1435-29’ Disc .................................. Coming In Wil-Rich 3400 Field Cultivator w/4-Bar WR Coil Tine, 28’6”............................................................................ $9,900 ‘12 Wil-Rich 5800 Chisel Plow .................................. $21,000 Wil-Rich 5800 Chisel Plow 45’ ............................... Coming In Con nued from GOPLINS | Page 23 “Some of us guys have to sit now for a concert.”Bradsaid the singing group provides a good opportunity to socialize. The group practices every Sunday night for about a month before a scheduled event. “We like to joke around and lighten the mood during rehearsal,” Brad said. “The camaraderie during rehearsal is fun, and you don’t see some of the people until you practiceBradagain.”is the sixth generation to milk cows on the Goplin farm. He bought the cows and machinery in 2011 after attending Chippewa Valley Technical College. Brad rents the buildings from his dad and uncle and 800 acres of cropland from other family members and landowners.Braddoes all of the milking while Eric feeds the cows and calves. The rest of the chores are handled together. Brad’s uncle helps with eldwork. Heifers and dry cows are raised at Greg Johnson’s place, a neighboring farm. Johnson helps the Goplins with eldwork in addition to taking care of the heifers and dry cows. Seasonal tasks are completed with the help of local friends and hired hands.
KATE RECHTZIGEL/DAIRY STAR
Dairy farmers Jus n Malone (le ) and Peter Mursu of Smoky Hills Farmers Coopera ve stand in their new store June 24 in Has ngs, Minnesota. The co-op processes both organic and convenonal milk. the Smoky Hills Farmers Cooperative and the closest and highest quality plant we could nd was in Hastings,” Malone said. “It also had (high temperature short time) pasteurization, which is what we wanted because we wanted the milk to taste fresh.”
The creamery bottles skim, 1%, 2% and whole white and chocolate milk in both organic and conventional lines under Hastings Creamery and Valley View Farms, respectively, as well as half and half, buttermilk and heavy whipping cream. “We really wanted to have a place to bring our milk where we would have the say of when we could bring milk in,” Malone said. “Hastings was also already an existing business and in grocery stores, so we didn’t have to start from scratch.”After purchasing the plant, the group brought in an organic consultant to certify the plant that same spring. The consultant inspected the plant, helped with paperwork and new labels, and made sure they were using the correct chemicals and cleaners. They also helped with the renewal of the certication this year. “They have been very helpful, even though as a food grade processor we were meeting most of the standards already,” Malone said.
Page 26 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 TOP PRICES PAID & CONTRACTING AVAILABLE Your Market For: Holstein Steers • Fed Dairy Cows • Lean Dairy Cows Your local area buyer for MN, IA and WI. Long BuyingPrairieStation Bruce Belter • 507-429-0359 Holstein Steers • Lean Cows • Bulls • Fed Cows Tyrel Lembke • 877-300-9298 Long Prairie, MN Lean Cows • Bulls Dean Derricks • 920-655-4730 Green Bay, WI Holstein Steers • Fed Cows • Lean Cows Chad McQuade • 605-668-4275 Yankton, SD Lean Cows • Bulls Mike Baczwaski • 800-445-0042 Gibbon, NE Fed Cows • Lean Cows • Bulls Cody Ritter • 320-293-5212 • 320-732-8358 Long Prairie, MN Green DressedBayBeef We Have What You’re Looking For! W7246 Hwy 68 Waupun, WI 53963 | 920-324-3537 M-F 7:30-6, Sat 7:30-3, Closed Sunday ’987810JD 15,110 hrs, 16 Spd Quad, 3 SCV, 2WD, 540/1000 $47,500 ’12 Meyer VB750 Vertical Beater, Small 1000 | $36,900 ‘06 JD 946 13’Impeller Cond. Drawbar Hitch, Turnbuckle Adj. on CH $20,900 MORE INVENTORY AT WWW.BALLWEG.BIZ Massey3740Ferguson Rotary Rake, 10’6”, 12 Bar, 540 PTO $7,995 ‘04 JD 625F, Auger Comp. Fngr., Stubl Lgts., HH Cont.Sense,Sense $17,900 Turn to SMOKY HILLS | Page 32 HASTINGS, Minn. More than a year ago, Smoky Hills Farmers Cooperative purchased Hastings Creamery from Plainview Milk Products. In the time since, the new farmer owners have built a new store and added organic processing.The creamery’s store opened in June in Hastings of Dakota“TheCounty.focus of our group was to go from the farm to the customer’s table,” Justin Malone said. “In order to do that, we needed to be able to process our own milk and put it in a Malonebottle.” is the general manager of the creamery and a member of the Smoky Hills Farmers Cooperative. He and his family milk 220 cows near Ottertail, about 3.5 hours northwest of the creamery. Malone is a part of the group of 11 organic dairy farmers from northern Minnesota who purchased the creamery May 1, 2021. “We wanted to start our own line of organic milk from By Kate Rechtzigel kate.r@dairystar.com Smoky Hills buys, updates Hastings Creamery
“Theproduct.reactions have been great,” Malone said. “People drink the milk and they’re like, ‘Man, this is great. This is the best milk I’ve ever tasted. This tastes like when I was a kid down on the farm.’ That’s been a big boost of encouragement for all of us.”
Before opening, farmerowners also designed and built a new store complete with local products such as eggs, jams, salsa and other items. And, they have increased customer awareness to the organic line by handing out samples at stores that have signed on with their
Farmers process organic, conventional milk at site
They sell conventional milk in 30 stores and organic milk in eight stores and at their dairy store in “EverybodyHastings.knows about the store here,” Malone said.
The plant uses one 30,000-gallon silo for organic milk and one for conventional milk. A third 30,000-gallon silo is under construction. Each silo is washed after use and the milk is segregated while it is being processed and bottled, said Malone.
Schmidt’s cow takes highest honor at Wisconsin State Fair junior show
One of Lively’s best production records was set as a 3-year-old when she made 18,317 pounds of milk with a 4.25% butterfat and 3.24% protein content in 305 days. In her current lactation, she is projected for 20,431 pounds of milk, 818 pounds of butterfat and 599 pounds of protein. “Winning supreme champion means a lot to me and my family,” Schmidt said. “We don’t have many animals here, so to go to a smaller farm like ours and nd a cow that looks like Lively is kind of rare. For her to win supreme champion and supreme bred and owned really topped our year.”
By Stacey Smart stacey.s@dairystar.com
The Schmidts’ small farm near Delavan is home to an all-Ayrshire herd. The family owns a total of 30 animals, including those owned in partnership. The Moy-Ayr prex was started by Schmidt’s grandfather, Perry Moyer, who held a dispersal in 2001. He kept a few cows and continued to show. Lively’s great-great granddam, MoyAyr Bonaparte Licorice, was one of the cows Moyer held onto, and she went on to become grand champion at World Dairy Expo in 2004. Lively is sired by Forever Schoon Predator-ET. Her dam is Moy-Ayr Modesto Lillian EX-90, and her granddam is Moy-Ayr Sarge Lollipop EX933E. “Lively’s dam is just your average cow,” Schmidt said. “Lively takes more after her granddam, who was nominated All-American three years while in milking form.”
“Lively has a great ring presence,” Schmidt said. “She loves to be out in the ring; she just glides around. She’s ashy and has a very hard topline.” Schmidt is the daughter of Steve and Pauline Schmidt. She and her 18-year-old sister, Rebecca, exhibit with Walworth County, and it was their third year showing at the state fair. Rebecca’s senior 2-year-old, Moy-Ayr Berkely Darling, was reserve grand champion Ayrshire cow and reserve grand champion bred and owned. Rebecca also earned reserve champion bred and owned yearling heifer with her summer yearling.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 27 Kreofsky Ag Systems (507) 534-3855 WWW.KBSCOMPANIES.COM COW COMFORT IS OUR PRIORITY! AQUASTAR Ultimate Waterbed and Aqua Board MAGELLAN Rubber Flooring Keep It Cold! Sales • Installation • Service • Dairy Route Supplies • Bulk Milk Coolers • Internal bulk tank repairs • Service all models and makes of dairy equipment and bulk tanks forCallDemo Norman N Borntrager, Owner Cell: 319-330-2084 Tri-County Refrigeration Keep it Cold! ~Ice Machines ~Walk-ins~ Dairy Route Supplies~ Commercial Refrigeration ~Milking Equipment Repair ~ Bulk Milk Coolers ~Sales ~Installation ~Service 4351 March Ave. • Osage, IA641-737-2396 Fax: 641-737-2380 Call Details.for Make sure that it’s Schurr Heavy Duty, German Made Get your cows ready for Winter WITH A SCHURR COW BRUSH Completely Perfect Milking The highest level of parlor automation with high speed interactive microprocessor to effectively manage your • Milking • Pulsation • Herd Health • Washing 820 W. MAIN ST. • CHILTON, WI 53014 www.ddequipment.com920-849-9304 2014 Penta 6020SD $23,000 Hagedorn 5290 Call for Price Penta 6730 Call for Price NEW & USED Equipment Penta 5530 Call for Price Penta DB850 1 left, Call for Price WE ALSO CARRY THESE BRANDS: Hagedorn 2277 New Spreader! DELAVAN, Wis. – Aug. 5 was a magical day for Emily Schmidt. When the judge pointed at her Ayrshire during the naming of the supreme champion cow at the Wisconsin State Fair junior show, Schmidt was shocked. “I was extremely surprised, especially when the other two cows left standing – a Jersey and a Guernsey –were both really nice cows,” Schmidt said. “One had a really beautiful rear udder, and I was worried I wasn’t going to getMoy-Ayranything.”Predator Lively is bred and owned by 15-year-old Schmidt, who will be a sophomore at Whitewater High School this fall. The 5-yearold Ayrshire is scored Excellent 93 with a 95-point rump and is the rst of her breed to win supreme champion honors in the junior show since 2002. “I feel that Ayrshires don’t get looked at as much as Holsteins and Jerseys, so it was unique for an Ayrshire to win,” Schmidt said. The reserve supreme champion cow of the junior show was a 3-yearold Milking Shorthorn – Brand-New Z Fallin In Love-ET – exhibited by Ashley Brandel of Lake Mills. This has been a big year for Lively a cow named grand champion at four shows including the state fair. She also won grand champion at the Midwest National Show, Ayrshire junior state show and the Midwest Quality Colors junior spring show where she was also supreme champion. In 2020, Lively was nominated All-American senior 3-year-old and honorable mention junior All-American. The Ayrshire was also nominated junior All-American senior 2-year-old in 2019. Ayrshire reigns supreme
Page 28 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 AUTHORIZED BOBCAT DEALERS Visit Bobcat.com/Offers or stop by today for details. *Offer ends 09/30/2022. Available at participating and eligible dealers only. Offer may vary by product type, series, model and select units in dealer’s current inventory. Must take delivery from dealer stock by 09/30/2022. Offers available on new equipment in US and Canada only. Some restrictions apply. Length of contract and rate may vary. Prior purchases not eligible. See dealer for details. Financing provided on approval of credit by authorized Bobcat finance providers to well-qualified buyers. Administrative fees may apply. Offer not available to government accounts, national accounts and municipal/utility bid customers. Non-commercial customers may not be eligible for low rate financing. Bobcat Company reserves the right to extend or discontinue any of these programs at any time without prior notice. Bobcat®, the Bobcat logo and the colors of the Bobcat machine are registered trademarks of Bobcat Company in the United States and various other countries. Lano Equipment of Norwood Norwood Young America • 952-467-2181 Miller Sellner Slayton, LLC Slayton • 507-836-8571 CarterWISCONSIN&GruenewaldCo., Inc. Brooklyn • 608-455-2411 Carter & Gruenewald Co., Inc. Juda • 608-934-5201 K&L Bobcat, Inc Darlington • 608-776-4044 Miller Implement Co., Inc. St. Nazianz • 920-773-2800 Miller Implement Co., Inc. & Motorsports of Fond du Lac Fond du Lac • 920-922-8521 BobcatMINNESOTAofOtterTailCounty Fergus Falls • 218-739-4505 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Dassel • 320-275-2737 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Long Prairie • 320-732-3715 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. St. Cloud • 320-240-2085 Farm-Rite Equipment, Inc. Willmar • 320-235-3672 IOWA JP Scherrman, Inc. Farley • 563-744-3393 Reiser Implement, Inc. Waukon • 563-568-4526 SOUTH DAKOTA Bobcat of Brookings, Inc. Brookings • 605-697-5544 Pfeifer’s Implement Co. Sioux Falls • 605-338-6351 DO SPENDMORE.LESS. 0% Financing for up to 24 months or up to $1,600 USD/$2,100 CAD cash rebates in lieu of financing on select loaders COMPACT LOADER Offer Septemberends 30, 2022 IFA Roller-Grinder Solid cast rolls All belt-electric drive Single or double mills USA & International sales Replacement rolls available for most mills Used mills and tumble mixers on hand Hammer Mills More milkless feed with uniform ne-grind Phone: (319) 634-3849 • Toll Free: (800) 426-0261 web: www.ifamill.com • email: ifamill@netins.net Do you have an upcoming auction? Advertise it in the Dairy Star - call 320-352-6303 for more information. Call 320-352-6303 to place your classied or mail to: Dairy Star, 522 Sinclair Lewis Ave., Sauk Centre, MN 56378. Travis Janke Farm Equipment & Livestock liv4rut@gmail.com 715-896-3100 Purchasing, selling, banking, death, divorce, auctions and partnerships Certified by the American Society of Agricultural Appraisers Machinery ChemicalsCrops Livestock JSS JSS Appraisal Services, LLC Travis was born and raised on a family dairy and crop farm in Western Wisconsin.
What are things you do to promote your farm or the dairy industry? I enjoy answering any questions people ask me about the farm and having people come out to the farm who have never been on a farm before. One of our rst calf heifers had a tiny little heifer calf in December. I named this tough little heifer calf after my tough great aunt Anita. Anita is now three months pregnant, and I have
What decision have you made in the last year that has beneted your farm?
What have you enjoyed most about dairy farming or your tie to the dairy industry? Although dairy farming has many ups and downs, my favorite part of farming is having healthy cows and watching them grow and overcome any issues that may come up. Cows are denitely a lot of work, but I truly do enjoy learning new things daily. There are so many ways to do something, and what works for one cow, may not work for another. I enjoy the challenge of learning what works best for our farm to have healthy cows.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 29 Women In Dairy Call Us At (715) 223-3361 Or visit us on-line at www.cloverdaleequip.com N13835 County Rd. E - Curtiss, WI 54422 HOME OF THE CLOVERDALE MIXER CALL FOR DETAILS AND PRICES! PLASTIC WRAP, TWINE & NET WRAP IN STOCK Flavor Seal Plastic 1, 1.2, 1.5 & Ultra 5 Dutch Harvest Net Wrap 48 & 51 and RED, WHITE & BLUE Hybrid 48”-13,200’ long Hybrid 51” -12,100’ long Baler Twine 440-4,000 Baler Twine TYRITE Silage Bags 8 x150, 8x250, 9x200 Hi-Tech 8x200, 9x150, 9x250 Elizabeth DeLange Alma Center, Wisconsin Jackson County 196 cows Family: My grandpa had a dairy farm until he sold the cows, so I grew up helping raise Holstein steers. My grandpa Jay is the one who taught me to love and care about farming. I got my rst job on a dairy farm at age 16. Tell us about your farm. My boss and I have worked together for three years in September. When I rst started, he had about 80 cows milking, and since then, the herd has expanded to 196 cows total. It has been a rollercoaster for both of us, but we have always pushed forward with the common interest of the herd in mind. Farming is constantly a learning experience. Aaron, my boss, enjoys more of the eldwork and feeding while I enjoy raising the calves and managing the dairy herd. I also love to chop hay and be the operator some days.
What is a typical day like for you on the dairy? We milk at 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. On Tuesdays, I have herd health and pregnancy checks. Aaron or Chewy take care of feeding the cows and heifers. I feed calves and younger heifers then get back to the parlor to help with fresh and sick cows. Chores always end with feeding fresh milk to the newest calves before cleaning up.
enjoyed sharing her life events with my aunt who drove three hours to come visit us for her rst time ever on a dairy farm.
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What advice would you give another woman in the dairy industry? Make the best out of any situation; things could always be worse. Life is short. Don’t forget to stop, smile and enjoy a cold beer along the way. Remember that it is as equally as important to care for yourself as it is to take care of the farm. The healthier and happier you are as a person will allow you to better take care of and enjoy your farm. When you get a spare moment, what do you do? In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking outdoors with my pup, cooking and talking farming with the locals at the local watering hole.
What is your biggest accomplishment in your dairy career? Taking care of fresh cows has been one of our biggest challenges. With the help of our vet and Leedstone team, I have been able to come up with a fresh cow protocol that has been working out rather well in keeping our cows happy and healthy. Becoming herd manager was not something that I had ever gone to school for or even had much training on beforehand. It has been a long and bumpy road to get where I am today, but I have always known there is nothing else I’d rather be doing with my career. It takes a strong team to maintain a strong herd.
One of the best changes we have gone through was going from a pack barn to sand-bedded free stalls. Not only are we able to house more cows, but the animals are also much healthier and overall happier. Since then, our herd has expanded, and we have made many changes to our milking and feeding procedures to try and best benet the herd and future herd. Tell us about your most memorable experience working on the farm. One of my favorite memories has been raising the next generation of the herd. It is such a rewarding feeling when a calf, that I was either there when she was born or raised on the farm, has a healthy rst calving and is able to join the milking herd. Oftentimes, these rst lactation heifers are even milking alongside their mothers.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Page 30 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 Martin Ag Supply LLC 3128 Mitchell Line St. Orchard, IA 50460 641-982-4845 ESCH EQUIPMENTHAY4222 22’ working width, 10’11”540transport,PTO BOBCAT$11,2002020T76 476 Hours, Cab Heat/ Air, 2 Speed $69,900 2020 HOLLANDNEWL318 14 hrs., Cab, Heat/ Air Power latch EQUIPMENTESCH$42,900HAY6032 6 star tedder, 32’ working width, 540 PTO $25,500 715-644-2350 Chippewa Valley Dairy Supply 6053 CTY. HWY. G • STANLEY, WI 54768 • Andrew Zimmerman We SpeeDeeshipandUPS! • 16”x16’ • Factory seconds • quantity discounts • J-trim • Inside and outside corner trim TRUSSCORE WHITE PVC WALL AND CEILING PANELS Use in dog kennels, milk houses, etc. m etc. IXONIA, Wis. – In seven years’ time, Ann Mallow went from acquiring her rst calf to taking over the family farm. She got an early start at the age of 14, and by the time she was 18, Mallow was milking her own herd and running a business separate from her parents. The two generations farmed side by side at the same location but with independent herds, freestall barns, bulk tanks and feed. It was a strategic move that would set the young Mallow up for success and make the current transition a smooth one for all three family members.“Ialready had my name out there but was still under my parents’ umbrella,” Mallow said. “I had experience dealing with the nancials and different farm programs. Being separate for three years helped get me to where I am now. It was the best thing we could’ve done.”Now at age 21, Mallow is running the entire farm after her parents, Joe and Karen, retired in spring. She bought their herd of 30 cows April 1 and added them to her herd of 40. Mallow took over the op-
Mallow takes over farm following parents’ retirement
“Each time, there is a different breed in every spot for my top ve components cows,” she said.Mallow likes to take on what she calls TLC cows, which she said are nice animals but sell for less money. Their problems are small in her book, such as a cow that needs some hoof work or one that could use a little extra weight on her bones, or a cow that needs to be bred. A cow whisperer of sorts, Mallow has a knack for transforming a less-than-ordinary animal into a top-performing member of the herd. SMART/DAIRY STAR Ann Mallow stands among her herd on the farm she took over from her parents near Ixonia, Wisconsin. Mallow bought her parents’ cows and added to her exis ng herd. She is now milking 70 cows, while ren ng the land and buildings.
Turn to MALLOW | Page 31 Standfromoutthe herd. DAIRY ST R 522 Sinclair Lewis Avenue, Sauk Centre, MN | 320-352-6303 | www.dairystar.com Professional Print, Website & Sign Solutions for Farms & Small Businesses Contact your area sales representative listed in First Section, page 2 to learn how our customized services can help your farm or business!
Running the whole show
STACEY
By Stacey Smart stacey.s@dairystar.com eration and began renting the land and buildings as well. “Every single input cost is mine, and I have input costs as far down as I can get them,” Mallow said. “My parents are 100% out of it nancially. They are truly retired. My dad even sleeps in Mallownow.”milks 70 cows and farms 130 acres near Ixonia. A lot has changed for this entrepreneur since the time she received her rst milk check. For starters, Mallow’s milking herd has more than tripled in size. “My goal is to be milking 80 cows by next year,” she said. To grow her herd, Mallow has been buying cows from cattle auctions. She buys most animals over the phone sight unseen – a testament to the trust she places in those she deals“Iwith.buy cattle from some really amazing people,” Mallow said. “I don’t worry about what’s coming on the trailer. I tell them I’m looking for so many animals, and they bring them over, and so far, I’ve had no unpleasant surprises. The people I deal with have good eyes for Mallowcattle.”bought 25 cows through auctions last year. She will take any breed and currently has every breed on her farm except Guernsey, including many crossbred cows. “I don’t care what color they are just as long as they milk and have a nice temperament,” Mallow said. “I try not to buy a Mallowproblem.”likesthe variety in her herd and enjoys comparing pounds of milk and components among breeds.
Her cow smarts and nancial wit have brought Mallow a long way. But surrounding herself with the right people is what Mallow considers her biggest success. “I would not be here without the great connections I have in this industry,” Mallow said. “I’m very lucky to have a good, strong team behind me. It takes the burden off. They’re my support system – the glue that helps hold it all together –and I wouldn’t be farming if it weren’t for these people.” Looking ahead, Mallow hopes to buy the farm one day and also perhaps put in a different milking setup. “I might even consider putting in robots someday,” Mallow said. “The parlor is as old as me, but everything is set up nicely for now. I’m pretty happy I’ve made it this far, and my dream is to keep going.”
Ann Mallow gets the scale ready on the mixer to start adding ingredients Aug. 9. Mallow began feeding a total mixed ra on one year ago.
STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 31 Northwest Metal Innovators, LLC LLCNorthwest Metal Innovators, LLCNorthwest FORMERLY N-TECH The quality products you knew from N-Tech with the service and custom projects you need! (715) 537-9207 sales@northwestmetal.net Notootooprojectbigorsmall! Products • Manure Pumps • Vertical Pumps/PTOs • Hydraulic Pumps • Lagoon Pumps • Props • Pipe Carts • Tankers Service • Pump Rebuilds • Tanker Rebuilds Metal Fabrication • Paint and Powder Coat • In-house 8’x24’ plasma table with bevel head • Roll – Bend FOLLOW US ON 5 Berger Ave. • Barron, WI “I can work with pretty much anything,” she said. “I’m willing to put the time in, and it’s kind of fun to see the results. Some of the TLC cows are my best cows now.” Mallow no longer raises youngstock but rather ships calves at 5 days old. Several years ago, she was focused on registered genetics, but her focus has changed. To maximize available labor and save input costs, Mallow abandoned A.I. and now breeds cows with a bull. Alleviated from calf chores, Mallow can devote more time to her milking herd. Milk quality and components are now her focus. “I adapt to the times and do what I have to do to keep going,” Mallow said. “Raising a heifer costs around $2,000, but the most I’ve paid for an animal is $1,500, so it saves me money to buy my replacements.”The Mallows recently took down a corn crib used for raising calves and turned a heifer building into a commodity shed.“I’m trying to leave the calf stuff behind and modify buildings according to what’s more useful for me today,” Mallow said. “It’s a nice change.” This fth-generation gogetter of a farmer is determined to see her family’s farm continue to thrive. Management responsibilities are now Mallow’s, who is the primary labor force, while Joe and Karen have become their daughter’s Con nued from MALLOW | Page 30 employees. Their hours vary by season, and Mallow pays her mom and dad an hourly rate for theirHerwork.dad helps with eldwork and tending to equipment. Her mom helps in the holding area, bringing cows into the double-4 atbarn parlor where Mallow milks twice a day. Her parents also help with making hay, and she can rely on them in a pinch when she is having a busy day. Mallow has taken over every facet of the farm, including eldwork. “I love the crop side,” Mallow said. “It’s fun. I like being able to decide what to plant. My dad helped me more in the spring so I could get my feet on the ground. I went from renting 5 acres of land to renting 130, and I only owned two pieces of equipment. But now, I’m taking on the majority of the eldwork and will do all of the planting next year.” Mallow’s rst equipment purchase was a skid loader she bought in 2020. She now also owns three tractors, a manure spreader, mower conditioner, baler, mixer and planting equipment. Her parents did a lot of chopping and bagging, but Mallow chose not to buy any of that equipment. Instead, she bought a new round baler and individual bale wrapper. “I bale everything, and I make quite a bit of baleage now,” she said. “I don’t use bags. The original plan was to make all dry hay, but with Wisconsin weather, that didn’t work. The baler was an inseason purchase, and it works well.”Mallow does not own any chopping equipment and plans to hire out corn silage harvesting. “I’m sticking to what I know but also branching out some,” she said. “I like thinking outside the box. Earlier this month, I got my rst load of sweet corn silage. It’s a cheaper feed, and I wanted to see what it can do. It’s working pretty good, and I will most likely keep feeding that in the future.”
“The only way I’m able to do this is because of my children who help on the farm, especially my three oldest boys, and our great employees who are responsible and help out at home,” Malone said. “If I didn’t have all those people working as a team at home, I wouldn’t be able to be here.” Malone is at the creamery two to three days a week answering phone calls and participating in virtual meetings, often leaving his farm by 4:30 a.m. and not getting home until late in the evening.“It’s a full-time job and then some,” MaloneMalone’ssaid. team for daily plant operations include his foreman, Jesse Parsons, more than 25 plant employees, a route supervisor, Chuck Anderson, seven route drivers and three ofce staff.“It takes a lot of people working together to make this happen every day,” Malone said. “They do a great job.”The greatest challenges the creamery has faced since its new startup have been selling the organic milk before its shelf life expires and nding a way to distribute the milk throughout Minnesota, including the northern part of the state where the farmer-members reside.“We have our own route that delivers to about 30 stores, but we are still working on nding out how to get our organic milk to other places and what it’s going to cost,” Malone said. “We also have to make sure customers are aware of when our products hit stores so they can purchase them before their sell by dates.”
“I don’t know if I can say enough thanks for them,” he said.
The cooperative has plans to take on more patrons from both Minnesota and Wisconsin come later this year.
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The creamery is run by a cooperative board of ve dairy farmers – Brice Blickenstaff of New York Mills, Michael Dalquist of Randall, Tim Anderson of Evansville, Peter Mursu of New York Mills, Malone and eldman and manager Michael Hendrickx of Sebeka.Dairy farming and serving as the creamery’s interim general manager is an undertaking for Malone.
To celebrate this new venture and the future of Hastings Creamery, 1,800 people attended the grand opening June 24-25 where they could buy dairy products, including cheese curds from farmer-owner Peter Mursu, and meet other“Wefarmer-owners.boughtthecheese curd wagon earlier this year and eventually plan to make our own cheese curds to sell out of here in the future,” Mursu said. “It was a big Malonehit.”is thankful for the people who work at the creamery, the farmerowners for the work they put into their farms every day and the town of Hastings for their support.
“When we purchased this, I didn’t realize how much reputation and community support there was. Everybody loves the milk that comes out of the creamery and the shakes that come out of the store which is important because we really need Hastings and the surrounding communities to support us.”
“We’re planning on growing more on the retail and processing side so we can take on more milk,” Malone said. “Whether your organic or conventional, we don’t have a preference. We just want local milk from farmers who care about their farms and animals, and there’s a lot of those in the dairy industry. Everyone does a good job to produce food for all the people in the country.”
KATE RECHTZIGEL/DAIRY STAR The Has ngs Creamery and the Smoky Hills Farmers Coopera ve opened their new store June 17 in Has ngs, Minnesota. The coopera ve is made up of 11 organic dairy farmers from Minnesota. 800 776 7042 | coburn.com WEAR Work Approved Dairy UtiliSleeve Dairy UtiliApron • Comfortable & lightweight • Fully adjustable fit • EVERYDAYWaterproof WORKWEAR
What is a recent change you made on your farm and the reason for it? We are putting in a manure digester that will be operational this coming spring. It is more environmentally friendly and allows us to reduce our carbon footprint.
What is the best decision you have made on your farm? We continually implement new technologies as they become available. We have learned how to make the best decisions for the farm on the spot. That is possible because we are continually studying and learning about our industry and business.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? My concerns lie in the areas of pricing, both commodity pricing and milk prices. I am concerned about ination and how that will affect the agricultural economy.
How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? With my team of employees on the dairy, we have bi-weekly team meetings.
How did you get into farming?
What are three things on the farm that you cannot live without? I couldn’t live without my team. They are the foundation of each and every success we have.
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? We like going to cow shows and touring other farms. That is really our passion.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and ve years? In the next three years or so, we plan to expand from 2,800 cows to 4,000 cows. That will include building a new parlor. We are researching 100- and 120-stall carousels right now.
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What strategies do you use to withstand the volatile milk prices? We don’t contract milk, but we are on the Land O’ Lakes base program. That provides us with the benchmarks we need to keep up with and keeps our price as good as it can be.
Trent Styczynski (pictured with his wife, Laura) Herd Manager, Betley Family Farm Pulaski,ShawanoWisconsinCounty2,800cows
What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? I am a part of the team that feeds America. It is fun to say that I am a part of the very small percentage that feeds the entire world. What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Wake up every morning with a fresh mindset. Don’t let what happened yesterday drag you down. Greet each day with new eyes.
I grew up on a dairy farm and have worked on dairy farms all my life. I began working at Betley Family Farms when I wanted to relocate to be closer to family and friends.
I also regularly express my appreciation for their work. Our employees have opportunities to advance and better themselves in their careers. I am big on promoting from within, and I am always looking for the employees who want to learn and take on more responsibilities. Those employees are our best assets. My wife, Laura, and I work with the Betley kids on their show heifers. That is a lot of fun, and it gives us time to enjoy doing something we love and share that with a new generation of dairy cattle enthusiasts.
Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I am good at managing employees. I manage 26 employees on our staff. If you get to know your employees, you learn how to treat them and make them feel appreciated. We do things to show our appreciation of them. I bring in a taco truck quarterly, and we are starting to raise beef and will be giving our employees beef. Respect and appreciation is mutual. When you show it, you earn it back. That has paid off big dividends for our farm with a hard-working and dedicated staff.
I also couldn’t live without a strong management team that is able to work together and use reason to come to logical solutions. The support technicians that I rely on to keep all the parts of the farm functioning as they need to are vital to me as well. I certainly couldn’t live without the technology that we have implemented that makes our jobs easier.
By Barry Visser
to
On Most corn planting happened two to four later than normal to April rains and belowaverage Despite the later spring, corn silage harvest is just around few gies determine when to hit the elds and how put up the highest possible.Temperature affects crop growth and development. Accumulation of heat during the growing season can be used as a predictor of a plant’s developmental progress. Growing degree days is a calculation to express this heat accumulation. For the 2022 growing season, we gained signicant GDD and were ahead of our historic averages for June and July. That trend has slowed recently with more moderate temperatures and added precipitation. This may keep harvest dates closer to normal despite delayed planting.
Identifying and achieving harvest goals has huge production and performance implications along with economic impacts. Corn silage must be ensiled at optimum DM to maximize packing density and fermentation. For bunkers and piles, the optimal DM range is 30%-35%. Bags are similar but may tolerate a couple points drier. Upright silos may need to be closer to 35%-45% DM depending on the exact structure. Corn silage kernel processing is critical, especially as DM and milk line progress. Pre-harvest is a good time to check processing roll condition and gap setting. Roll gap clearances are generally measured in millimeters with a normal opening of 1-4 mm. This setting is dependent on kernel maturity, hardness and size. Settings ideal for harvest in previous years may be signicantly different for the current crop.
the corner, and for a few in outlying areas, it has already begun. A
weeks
temperatures.
Theoretical length of cut determinations for corn silage are dependent on factors such as harvest DM, percentage of ration contribution and storage structure. Typical TLOC ranges from ve-eighths to 1 inch (16 to 25 mm). As DM increases, considerations need to be made to shorten the TLOC. Finally, be safe. Corn silage harvest brings increased machinery trafc and long hours. Fermentation results in the production of potentially deadly gases that can accumulate in the silo and unloading area. Exercise caution in these areas. As always, make safety your top goal this corn silage season.
strate-
can help
Once the chopper is rolling, evaluate kernel processing and adjust accordingly. The rst method is to ll a 32-ounce cup with corn silage before ensiling. Spread it on a at surface. You should see no whole or undamaged kernels. The second option it to use a bucket of water. Place a couple handfuls of corn silage in the bucket, skim off the oating plant material, pour off the water and evaluate the corn particles that remain in the bucket.
Do not miss the chance to make good corn silage
Corn silage kernel processing is critical, especially as DM and milk line progress. Pre-harvest is a good time to check processing roll condition and gap Cilklisetting.
Note tasseling dates of elds. Silage harvest usually begins 42 to 47 days after tasseling. However, this is dependent on several factors, such as rainfall, temperature, corn hybrid and fertility. As harvest nears, monitor whole-plant moisture for a more accurate harvest date. Collect some representative stalks (manually or mechanically) and dry them or use nearinfrared technology to obtain a whole-plant dry matter. The in-eld dry down rate is typically 0.5 to 1 percentage point per day.
SomethingNutritionisttoRuminate
quality forage
thanks
Page 34 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 is a registered trademark of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. and “DeLaval” is a registered trade/servicemark of DeLava Holding AB © 2022 DeLaval Inc. DeLaval, 11100 North Congress Avenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64153-1296. All facts and figures are the result of data collected on test farms and pilot farms. Data compared to DeLaval Champion. Results may vary and are not guaranteed. www.delaval.com www.delaval.com Scan tourvirtualviewtonow! DeLaval VMS™ milking system V300 The right fit for any-size dairy We’re here for your herd, even the largest of them. DeLaval continues to meet the demands of your large-herd dairies with the DeLaval VMS™ milking system V300. Take a look inside the barns that rely on DeLaval robots in their growing operations. positionslearningSelfteat interfacefriendlyUser anywheredataAccessfrom multi-breedIndexingallowsherd DairyStar_CoOp_VMS Large Herd VMS SIZE - 6.8 x 13.indd 1 3/18/2022 1:46:59 PM Contact one of the following dealers to learn more: PrairieIOWA Land Ag Supply Inc. Rock Valley, IA 712-476-9290 United Dairy Systems, Inc. West Union, IA 563-422-5355 AdvancedWISCONSINDairy/Bob’s Dairy Supply Spring Valley, WI 715-772-3201 Ederer Dairy Supply Plain, WI 608-546-3713 DeLaval Dairy Service Kaukauna, WI 866-335-2825 Joe’s Refrigeration Inc. Withee, WI 715-229-2321 Mlsna Dairy Supply Inc. Cashton, WI 608-654-5106 Professional Dairy Services Arlington, 608-635-0267WI Redeker Dairy Equipment Brandon, WI 920-346-5579 The Scharine Group Inc. Whitewater, WI 800 472-2880 Mt Horeb, WI 800-872-3470 MINNESOTA & SOUTH AdvancedDAKOTA Dairy of Mora Mora, MN 320-679-1029 Farm Systems Melrose, MN 320-256-3276 Brookings, SD 800-636-5581 S&S Dairy System LLC St. Charles, MN 507-932-4288 Professional Dairy Systems Wadena, MN 218-632-5416 DairyStar_CoOp_VMS Large Herd VMS SIZE - 6.8 x 13.indd 1
boots on the porch and take a seat on the rocking chair, I think about how the day went and what tomorrow will bring. The days on the calendar will keep ipping by, new calves will be born, and old cows will retire. I am getting older, and it will keep me thinking about the years to come.
By Tina Hinchley Farmer & Columnist
Tomorrow
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Is there a way to schedule everything in to get the most out of what we need to feel full at the end of the day? That might be what is leading all of us to look forward to the future, looking forward to the excitement of a new day and the possibilities that we have to make it any way we want it to be.
The ducklings that hatched in early spring have been gone for a while. The fox family knows that ducks are not too attentive to their little ones when they are resting in the shade of the apple trees. They disappeared one by one. Eventually, the ducks are the only ones left, and the fox family with their pups moved on. I didn’t want to have to deal with 40 ducklings, and the ducks didn’t seem to miss their ducklings either. We had a family of sandhill cranes that nested in our waterway between the soybean elds. I have been able to observe them on wagon rides with the visitors as we check out the crops. After the chick hatched, the adults led the chick away, and it could barely be seen in the tall grass or soybeans. As it gets closer to the time that the family will be ying south, the little chick has been apping and lifting itself up practicing. The little one is now as big as its parents, and they are no longer worried when I drive by with the tractor and wagon. We see the three at the end of the freestall barn, looking around for something. Perhaps they are curious about us as we are about them. The migratory birds amaze me with their ability to know when to leave. They don’t need a date on the calendar; they get compass information from the position of the setting sun and from landmarks seen during the day. In the evening, as I walk to the house after chores, I am usually in a quiet, calm mood, winding down from the busy day. As I kick off my
I tend to like my days full of busyness, steady with daily structure and routine, and a sense of accomplishment when I turn off the lights when I leave the barn. I sit in the rocking chair on the porch, rocking and relaxing while I listen to the crickets chirping. It is a sound that fall is coming. The work that will be happening is the same as the year. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. 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.
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 35 Editorial disclaimer: The views expressed by our columnists are the opinions and thoughts of theauthor and do not reect the opinions and views of Dairy Star staff and ownership. We are authorized dealers & installers of all the brands above & more! Working closely with our partners, we’re your connection for help with the quality equipment you’re looking for. Get the right equipment: >> Conventional to robotics With ongoing support: >> Cooling, electrical, welding What does your barn need? Get it from Leedstone! Leedstone.com | EquipmentSales@Leedstone.com Family & veterinarian owned since 1994. BARN & DAIRY EQUIPMENT MELROSE, MN Jake Moline jmoline@Leedstone.com320.761.9630 MELROSE, MN Brock Zierden bzierden@Leedstone.com320.293.6192 GLENCOE, MN Paul Becker pbecker@Leedstone.com320.510.0200 PLAINVIEW, MN Gregg Luebke gluebke@Leedstone.com507.696.5518 MENOMONIE, WI Mark Jurgenson mjurgenson@Leedstone.com507.259.804 It’s Friday. As the cool mornings arrive again, and the dew is on the spider webs in my gardens, the fog is hanging tightly to the alfalfa until the sun warms up the day. Hot days with high humidity have me melting with sweat. The cows know where to go when it is hot. Many are crowded by the misters or laying in the stalls under the fans cooling off. I actually prefer to be in the barn with the misters too. The air cools down and so do I. The weeks this summer have been zipping past so fast. I am missing out on some activities that we should be going to. I missed all of the local fairs and even the Wisconsin State Fair. Not because I didn’t want to go, but simply because I didn’t put it on my calendar to schedule that time off. As I look around the farm as summer comes to a close, my early apples are all laying on the ground. I did pick a bushel basket and have it waiting on the porch to make applesauce. I will need to put that on my schedule, or it won’t get done.Thethree runt piglets we got in April were the size of little banana nut loafs. They are all now well over 150 pounds and growing so fast. Whenever I have tours, the kids pick up the fallen apples and bring them to the pig pen to give them a treat. All three pigs squeal with delight when they enjoy the fallen apples. We are hoping this treat will season their bacon into apple avored. These piglets were put onto my calendar back in April to be processed in October. That was the earliest date available with our local meat processor. We had home-processed pigs once but never again. Getting a date at the processor is important.
Page 36 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 DairySuite™ Precision Genetics is a consultative tool to help you: EVALUATE your herds current genetic makeup and performance. PLAN for your herd inventory and projection needs. CALCULATE Return on Investment (ROI) for different breeding strategies. PINPOINT sires and mating options that will drive genetic improvement. CREATE PRECISION BREEDING STRATEGIES that meet YOUR goals. Own future success!your www.genex.coop/dairysuite Seamless Integration Live Data & CustomizableAlerts Scan to watch the video! Ask your GENEX representative how you can get started on DairySuite! After the incredulous looks some people give me upon hearing that I feed the harvesting crew and that every meal has to be to-go, I get asked what exactly it
into taco pockets, which can denitely be eaten with one hand while driving. I also tweaked an excellent chicken pot pie recipe so it can go to the eld on those cool corn silage harvesting days. My arsenal of desserts that work includes about every avor you can imagine, with notes on how easy it was to package and travel. Oatmeal chocolate Craisin raisin bars are a favorite; just the recipe on the lid of the Quaker oatmeal container with some additional fun ingredients. Desserts with frosting are generally a no-go; they are just plain too messy to travel. I’m not the only farm woman out there crazy enough to run a meals on fast wheels program during harvest season, so happy cooking to everyone else feeding their crews.
I feed them. I’m pretty
Crushed Doritos Taco sauce (optional) 2 packages of crescent rolls Mix the seasoning and sour cream into the browned burger. Open crescent rolls and, unrolling gently, seal the perforations to form four rectangle-shaped pieces. In the center of each, sprinkle a bit of crushed Doritos and shredded cheese. Then place a large spoonful of taco meat mixture. I add taco sauce on top. You will be able to tell if you are overloading your crescent. Bring the opposite corners up to meet and pinch them together to make a square pocket. Then, pinch sides together tightly. Place on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees for about 12-14 minutes until they are golden brown. Wrap in tin foil and send to the eld.
If baking, not pan-frying the chicken the day of, then use butter as the base to sauté vegetables in.
chopping too early in the morning. When corn silage time rolls around though, it’s a week-long affair of three to-go meals a day. I look back at past years’ recipe lists, what dates we chopped on, how many days it took, if we got rained out or not, and set about making a plan of attack. A typical lunch is usually grapes, cucumber slices or carrots, an easy hot sandwich (I buy lots of tin foil) and homemade dessert. As I’m cooking, I am constantly trying to be a day ahead. My kitchen time is squashed tightly in between barn time, so I have to stay on the ball. In the afternoon while Cora is napping, I’m usually baking the next day’s desserts and assembling night meal sandwiches that can live in the oven until I’m done milking and ready to shove them out the door at hungry drivers. As with anything, a little thank you goes a long way, and that’s the kindness that fuels the re. I get sick of making the same things for the guys, so that has prompted some creative adjustments to make sitdown dishes able to travel to the elds. I know they probably wouldn’t complain if they ate roast beef or hamburgers two days in a row, but I wouldn’t want to. I took one of my brother’s favorite easy dishes, taco bake, and turned it
If you have a homemade crescent roll recipe that you like, I highly recommend using it. The homemade version is far stronger than store bought crescent roll dough.
Chicken pot pies to-go (feeds 8 plus) I usually bake a whole chicken a day in advance, but boneless skinless chicken breasts would work just the same.
Cook vegetables in butter until onion is transparent. Add 3 cups of water and bouillon cubes, bay leaf, salt, pepper and shredded chicken. Increase heat to high until water is boiling, then turn to low and let simmer for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove bay leaf. Whisk 3/4 cup water and the our together, turn back up to medium-high and stir the our mixture in thoroughly. You may need to repeat this step to make sure your lling is thick enough. In the meantime, on a lightly oured surface, place two biscuits on top of each other and use a rolling pin to roll out a 6-inch circle (or larger). Place a spoonful of chicken mixture on one half of the circle, careful not to get too close to the edges. Fold other half of biscuit over lling, seal edges by pushing down with a fork, and use fork to poke three sets of air holes in top of biscuit. You can also just use one biscuit rolled out to a circle to make smaller pot pies. Bake according to biscuit instructions. These hold up great and are a great night meal for corn silage as the days start to cool down. Homemade biscuit dough works great as well. Roll out dough and use a bowl, or a lid from a container, to cut your circles to ll. 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. is efcient about it after years of what we can call constructive criticism from my dad and brothers.“Don’t write in marker on top of the paper plate, then everything inside tastes weird.” “How did you think I was going to eat tuna casserole while I was driving?” “Next time a little more meat, a little less bread, OK?” “Toast gets really soggy after a few minutes.” “Maybe you should take the burgers off the grill a little sooner, so they’re not hockey pucks.” Well, I’ve gotten better on the rst few counts, but as for that last comment, I sometimes forget how many things I have going at one time, so I make no promises. The past few years I’ve started keeping a food journal of sorts to track what meals I make for what haying crop and for corn silage. It usually starts with a list of all the things I can think of to make organized by meal. For haying, it is lunch and supper, because we don’t generally start
1 broiler chicken or 1 bag of boneless skinless chicken breasts6carrots, cut into 1/4-inch slices 4 stalks of celery, cut into 1/2-inch slices
By Jacqui Davison Ridge
nowadays
Meals on fast wheels
1 small onion, nely chopped 3 3/4 cups water, divided 3 chicken bouillon cubes 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup our 2 tubes of refrigerated buttermilk biscuits (8 each)
RamblingsColumnistfromthe
Taco pockets (feeds 8) 2 pounds browned hamburger 1 cup sour cream Taco seasoning 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more)
By Steve Frericks Stearns County FSA Executive Director management coverage
Producers whose established production history was less than 5 million pounds and milk production increased since the initial establishment of their production history were able to establish and enroll in supplemental production history, resulting in additional payments. By updating this crucial safety-net program, it allowed USDA to respond to dairy producers’ needs in a more robust manner. Supplemental DMC coverage is applicable to calendar years 2021, 2022 and While2023.DMC is a crucial program to dairy producers, there are two FSA programs that may be underutilized by dairy farmers. Agricultural producers and handlers who are certied organic, along with producers and handlers who are transitioning to organic production, can now apply for the USDA Organic and Transitional Education Certication Program and Organic Certication Cost Share Program, which help producers and handlers cover the cost of organic certication, along with other related expenses. Applications for OTECP and OCCSP are both due Oct. 31. “By helping with organic certication costs –long identied as a barrier to certication – USDA has helped producers participate in new markets while investing in the long-term health of their operations,” said Farm Service Agency State Executive Director Whitney Place. “We launched the OTECP to build on the support offered through the OCCSP and provide additional assistance to organic and transitioning producers weathering the continued market impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, in response to stakeholder feedback, we have aligned the signup dates for these two organic programs and encourage Minnesota producers to work with the local USDA service centers and state agencies to complete the applications. We’re committed to making sure our nation’s organic producers and handlers have the tools they need to continue positively shaping our local and regional food systems.”
OTECP covers: – Certication costs for organic producers and handlers (25% up to $250 per category). – Eligible expenses for transitional producers, including fees for pre-certication inspections and development of an organic system plan (75% up to $750).–Registration fees for educational events (75% up to $200). – Soil testing (75% up to $100).
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 37 715-613-5051 TIRE SHOOTER LABOR SAVERS › Self Unloading › Self Loading (If Tires Are Stacked Properly) › Haul Up to 80 Sidewalls (Varies Depending Loader) or 110 with wheel loader tire shooter › Reach over 18’ Cement Walls (Varies Depending Loader) › Drop Sidewalls 22’ from Edge of Plastic on skid steer or telehandler, and 30’ with wheel loader tire shooter › Custom Fit Any Skidsteer, Telehandler or wheel loader › Use with Sidewalls or Full Tires › Powder Coated › Typical customers say it saves half the time or half the labor; some say both 16’ Skid Steer/Telehandler Tire Shooter Wheel Loader Tire Shooter SEMI TIRE SIDEWALLS FOR SALE! STOUT EQUIPMENT DC-1125 DUMP CART DC - 1125 Series Dump Carts have a durable and time proven box design to keep continuous harvest production. DC-1125 Series carts have high floatation tires that create less damaging impact on your fields and harvesting equipment. DC-1125 Series now also comes standard with the fold down gate and ground level grease banks. hacoh All hours listed are “cutter hours”. Call today for details on our Easy-Lease nancing! Other machines available for lease also. Subject to credit approval. Call for details. 2016, 1607 Hrs., RWA, KP, 10 Row Extension, Rear Bumper, Guidance & Harvest Lab Ready, No DEF Needed $304,900 9800, 2020, 833 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $497,000 9700, 2020, 753 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $503,000 8800, 2017, 681 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $386,000 8800, 2016, 1607 Hrs, RWA ........................................ $304,900 8700, 2018, 715 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $373,000 8700, 2018, 799 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $370,000 8600, 2018, 660 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $342,000 8600, 2016, 785 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $275,000 8600, 2015, 1420 Hrs, RWA ........................................ $238,100 8400, 2015, 1158 Hrs, RWA ........................................ $238,750 7780, 2014, 1973 hrs, RWA $176,800 7180, 2014, 778 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $173,000 7800, 2006, 2533 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $84,000 7500, 2007, 3000 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $95,000 6850, 1998, 2790 Hrs, RWA .......................................... $66,000 NH FR850, 2013, 1485 Hrs, incl. corn & hay head ..... $195,000 Claas 970, 2018, 1839 Hrs, RWA ...................... Coming Soon Corn silage harvest is right around the corner. Most producers I have talked to are breathing a sigh of relief when thinking about last year knowing their production needs should be met for the most part. Thoughts of the drought of 2021 and that poor yielding harvest are quickly fading. Silage harvest is a fastpaced event. Please ensure safety is your priority as you bring the crop in. Be proud of what you have accomplished this year. We certainly are proud of you. Dairy farmers have faced many challenges, including the pandemic, trade issues and unpredictable weather all while being the lifeblood of many rural communities. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency has a number of programs those dairy producers can utilize to help mitigate those challenges and provide additional support to theirTheoperations.DairyMargin Coverage program provides eligible dairy producers with risk management coverage that pays producers when the difference between the price of milk and the cost of feed falls below a certain level. For DMC enrollment, producers must certify with FSA that the operation is commercially marketing milk, sign all required forms and pay the $100 administrative fee. The fee is waived for farmers who are considered limited resource, beginning, socially disadvantaged or a military veteran. To determine the appropriate level of DMC coverage for a specic dairy operation, producers can use the online dairy decision tool. The signup period for the coming year is forthcoming, but once the dates are announced, producers will be able to apply for 2023 DMC by contacting the USDA Service Center. During the 2022 signup, producers had the option to revise their 2021 DMC contract to enroll in supplemental DMC coverage. A total of $580 million was provided to better help small- and mid-sized dairy operations that increased production over the years but were not able to enroll the additional production. Those producers were able to retroactively receive payments.
Risk
Meanwhile, OCCSP covers 50%, or up to $500 per category, of certication costs in 2022. This cost share for certication is available for each of these categories: crops, wild crops, livestock, processing and handling, and state organic program fees.Producers can receive cost share through both OTECP and OCCSP. Both OTECP and OCCSP cover costs incurred from Oct. 1, 2021, to Sept. 30. Producers have until Oct. 31 to le applications, and FSA will make payments as applications are received. To apply, producers and handlers should contact the FSA. As part of completing the OCCSP applications, producers and handlers will need to provide documentation of their organic certication and eligible expenses. Organic producers and handlers may also apply for OCCSP through participating state agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.USDA has made other strides to assist organic producers. In 2022, USDA’s Risk Management Agency increased expansion limits for organic producers with coverage through Whole-Farm Revenue Protection. RMA also updated the insurance option to allow producers to report acreage as certied organic or transitioning as long as organic certication was requested by the acreage reporting date. Also, this year, RMA introduced a new option – Micro Farm – through WFRP designed for producers with smallscale operations that sell locally, which includes organic producers. Farm Service Agency is an Equal Opportunity Lender. Complaints about discrimination should be sent to: Secretary of Agriculture, Washington, D.C. 20250. Visit the Farm Service Agency Web site at: www.fsa.usda.gov/ for necessary application forms and updates on USDA programs.
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Page 38 • Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 Feeding Flexibility & Durability in One Mixer “We did own a different vertical mixer before, but like the Cloverdale weighing system a lot better.” - Luke and Rachel Wiethoff, Gibbon, MN Own a 420 Cloverdale 5 YR. OR 5,000 LOAD WARRANTY ON MIXING TUBS, AUGER, FLOOR AND FRAME. STAINLESSCONVEYORSSTEEL 9 Different Sizes to choose from 175 cu. ft. - 1,300 cu. ft. DEALERS REPLACEMENTSTOCKPARTS FOR OTHER BRAND MIXERS , Go toforwww.cloverdaletmr.commoreinformation. DEALERS REPLACEMENTSTOCKPARTS FOR OTHER BRAND MIXERS Isaacson Sales & Service, Inc. Lafayette, 888-228-8270507-228-8270MN Ross Equipment Co., Inc. Lonsdale, 507-744-2525800-645-7677MN Hartung Sales & Service, Inc. Freeport, 320-836-2697MN Brynsaas Sales & Service, Inc. Decorah, www.brynsaas.comIA563-382-4484 RT Equipment Baltic. 605-359-0228SD Contact your local dealer to learn more! There is an old, wise saying, “Closing the barn door once the horses are out, it’s a bit too late.” The same can be said for calves. The hip-roofed barn which greets visitors to our farm stands as a testament to changing times. The barn, built almost 100 years ago, is still in use today. Even though the horse stalls, the milking stalls and the old interior silo are long gone, the barn serves a purpose. We use it as a neonatal unit or nursery for our newborn calves before we move them out to their own calf dome. The barn is also a passageway for the extra milk cows to walk through from the switch cow shed to the milking barn.Afew weeks back during a new moon cycle, Mark and I hung around after evening chores to help deliver a new calf which was born in the switch cow shed. It wasn’t a very difcult birth, but we were anxious to get things done and call it a day. Mark picked up the slick black calf and carried her to the old barn. There, By Natalie Schmitt Columnist Just Thinking Out Loud Close the barn door he plopped her down in a big uffy pile of fresh straw. Once she was snuggled down, we turned our attention to the new mother. We walked the fresh cow through the old barn on her way to an open stall in the milking barn. Within 10 minutes, she was done providing enough fresh colostrum for her new baby. We walked her back to the shed to rest over night. We were almost done. All we had left to do was feed the calf, give her a vaccine and dip her wet navel with iodine. Now, where was the calf?Inall the years we have been dairying, we have never lost a newborn calf by just walking out the open barn door. They’re generally too groggy and are content to lie in the straw while they get their bearings. Apparently, this new calf was a quick learner. While we were milking the cow, the calf stumbled out the front door of the old barn and disappeared into the night. It is virtually impossible to see a black calf on a moonless night. We gured it couldn’t have gone veryForfar. the next 45 minutes, we walked all around the farm yard shining headlights and ashlights into every dark corner on the farm but still no calf. We even searched all the way to the end of the driveway and up and down the ditches. Our greatest fear was that she wandered into the corn elds lining both sides of the driveway and wouldn’t be able to nd her way out. She was too new to start bellowing for her mother. She just vanished.Weended up doing something we have never done before. We gave up. There was nothing left we could do except go to bed and wait for daylight and hunger to bring the calf out into the open.
Unaware of our nighttime adventures, Austin drove into the yard the next morning as the dawn was breaking across the horizon. He thought it was strange for a calf to be laying in the front yard by the house. We thought it was a miracle and yet strange that we missed her out in the open. We don’t know where she spent her rst night on this earth, but she hasn’t gone on anymore escapades. So, you think we would have learned our lesson and closed the barn door when calves are loose in the old barn. Apparently, it takes some of us a bit longer to process a lesson learned. A couple of weeks later, in the middle of a large calf run, it happened again. Only this time, it was a double dose. I had two newborn calves lying in the loose straw in the shed. There was no room in the nursery pens for them. I gured they would be ne while I went to get their bottles of milk. By the time I got back to the old barn, they were both gone. At least this time there was daylight and one of them was white. I assumed they hadn’t gone far and would stay close to the other animals or at least each other. I drove the four-wheeler around the yard looking for the calves. Nothing. Mark and our milker, Anna, were nishing up milking while I conducted my search. For some strange reason, I thought I should drive over by the silage bags. As I drove past the far end of the bags, I caught a glimpse of black spots against the white bag. Snuggled down at the bottom of the bag was the white calf. She was exhausted by her long walk around the farm. I raced back to the yard and grabbed Anna. Between the two of us, we hoisted the calf up on the back rack of the four-wheeler and hauled her to the old barn. Now, where would we nd the second calf? She wasn’t by the silage bags, but I bet they walked together in the same area. Since they were so little, there weren’t any tracks on the ground to follow. I continued to drive down the eld road along the tree row. Anna and I both spotted a ash of black buried in the weeds under the trees as we drove by. Sure enough, there was the other lost calf. She was all tuckered out from her adventure. Anna grabbed the calf and placed her on the four-wheeler as we hauled her home. It took a while, but I’ve learned to keep the barn door closed. Because, once the horses or calves walk out the door, it’s a bit too late. As their four children pursue dairy careers off the family farm, Natalie and Mark are starting a new adventure of milking registered Holsteins just because they like good cows on their farm north of Rice, Minnesota. Meyer Master Electrician, Owner
As perfect as I think mini-egg bakes are, apparently there can be too much of a good thing. A couple weeks ago, as I starting mixing up a batch, Daphne exclaimed, “Egg bake again. Can you make something else?” My immediate reply was, “Well, your chickens are laying so many eggs, we need to keep eating them.” Indeed, Daphne’s chickens are giving us more eggs than we can handle. She decided she wanted to raise laying hens for a 4-H project and show them at the county fair. She picked a breed that’s known for laying lots of eggs, did an excellent job raising them, and since we still have
I did nd success with transforming my egg bake recipe into scrambled eggs, which Dan deemed next level. For whatever reason, the difference between scrambled and baked is enough to keep the kids from getting bored. Monika even asked if I could have a container of scrambled eggs in the fridge for school mornings. In an attempt to turn the summer of eggs into the winter of eggs, I also started freezing extra eggs. Our hens’ egg production usually declines quite a bit in the winter, so I’m hoping that frozen eggs will allow us to keep enjoying egg bake and scrambled eggs at the same pace we have this summer.I’m using the freezing method recommended by a friend: Crack a dozen eggs into a bowl. Break the yolks and mix the eggs just until yolks and whites are mixed together. Pour into a quart-sized freezer bag. Lay at on a pan in the freezer until frozen. Use for egg bake, scrambled eggs, French toast or any other similar recipe.
I baked my regular egg bake recipe in brownie pans – basically a square muffin tin. The result is amazing. Each mini-egg bake is perfectly browned on the edges and perfectlyportable.Ibkd l p
The summer of eggs our free-range ock, we now have double the eggs we usually do. In response to Daphne’s request, I have tried using eggs in new ways. There are entire pages on websites dedicated to lists of recipes that use lots of eggs. Unfortunately, most people dene lots as four or six eggs. I need to use a dozen at a time to keep the egg cartons from overrunning our refrigerator.Itriedthe bulk hard-boiled eggs that went viral on TikTok. It worked perfectly for egg salad sandwiches. But nobody in our house likes nextday egg salad. If I make hard-cooked eggs like that again, I’ll make a smaller batch.Ialso tried a baked egg custard. It was a fun recipe, but no one else liked it as much as I did, and I can’t eat that much custard. Again, I probably should have made a smaller batch.
Next-level scrambled eggs 18 eggs 1 cup cottage cheese 2 tablespoons butter Pinch of salt Pinch of pepper 1 pound browned breakfast sausage or 1 cup bacon pieces 2 cups shredded co-jack or cheddar cheeseMixeggs and cottage cheese together until well blended. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-low heat. Once butter is bubbling and starting to brown, add eggs. Cook, stirring and scraping bottom of skillet, until eggs are uffy and set. Add sausage or bacon. I use two spatulas and a tossing motion to mix the meat with the eggs since the skillet is super full at this point. Add cheese and use the same tossing motion to mix with eggs until cheese is melted. Serve with toast or biscuits. Also delicious in a tortilla with extra cheese, salsa and sour cream. Sadie and her husband, Glen, milk 100 cows near Melrose, Minnesota. They have three children – Dan, 15, Monika, 12, and Daphne, 9. Sadie also writes a blog at www.dairygoodlife.com. She can be reached at sadiefrericks@gmail.com
Dairy Star • Saturday, August 27, 2022 • Page 39 By Sadie Frericks DairyColumnistGoodLife 320-808-3936300EMainSt.Osakis,MN320-859-5340 Visit us online at www.osakissilo.com24Hours7DaysAWeekAnytimeCall The Best Service Crews, The Best Replacement Parts, The Best Service... That’s The Osakis Silo Advantage To You!!! YOUREVERYTHINGSILOCALLTOSCHEDULEPROJECTSTODAY! 800-289-6225 www.transourceusa.com ‘22 Volvo EC220EL 4 hours Call for Price ‘20 Volvo EC300ELR 1,481 hours Call For Price ‘15 Volvo L70H 1,409 hours Call for Price PREMIUM PRODUCTS BACKED BY SUPERIOR SUPPORT Sioux Falls, SD • Rapid City, SD • Aberdeen, SD • Sioux City, IA Thank goodness we have chickens and our own milk and meat. Those are the lines that frequently went through my head while grocery shopping this summer.Ourgo-to summer lunch in years’ past was ham bekidsandtolduphamiteourpriceAftersummer.Notwiches.sand-cheeseandthistheoffavor-slicedwent50%,IGlenthewe’dhaving fried egg sandwiches instead. All three kids learned how to fry their own eggs. As the aroma of butter sizzling in the pan started to waft through the house, the requests rolled in: “Can you please fry a couple eggs for me?” Whoever started frying their own eggs inevitably fried enough for everyone.Wealso discovered a renewed love for egg bake. In May, I decided to try making a travel-friendly version of egg bake for Glen and Dan’s prairie dog hunting trip. I baked my regular egg bake recipe in brownie pans – basically a square mufn tin. The result is amazing. Each mini-egg bake is perfectly browned on the edges and perfectly portable. Plus, it seems like any leftover mini-egg bakes disappear from the fridge twice as fast as traditional egg bake. I’ve been making the mini-egg bakes at least once a week ever since. Sometimes I make them with sausage; other times I make them with bacon pieces. (I buy pre-cooked bacon pieces in bulk, which is a total game changer for the days I don’t have time to brown sausage.)
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