Thumb Farmer - March 2020 by Hearst Midwest

A S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E H U R O N D A I LY T R I B U N E

March 14, 2020

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Dairy farm labor efficiency BY PHIL DURST Michigan State University Extension How can you tell if your farm is as efficient as it could be? Measuring labor efficiency is not a clear indicator, but it can reveal opportunities and is important to do on an annual basis. MSU Extension helps farmers not only evaluate their efficiency, but provides guidance to improve it. Dairy farming is highly labor intensive. Cows are milked two or three times daily, therefore, they need to be brought up to the parlor in groups. Beds are often cleaned during this time, alleys are scraped, and fresh feed is delivered. As cows exit the parlor, certain ones may be separated out for breed-

Measuring labor efficiency can reveal opportunities to save money and increase performance. (Tribune File) ing or for an examination. Meanwhile, milk is prepared for calves to be fed and someone is involved in caring for

them. In the maternity area, someone is watching over those due to calve. During cropping season, work and

often workers are added to accomplish timely planting, care, harvesting and storage of crops. Many moving parts;

many people doing important jobs. Labor efficiency on dairy farms is, therefore, a critical measure that impacts cost of production as well as the work environment for everyone. Michigan State University Extension Educators Phil Durst and Stan Moore have been examining labor efficiency on dairy farms to help farms understand how they compare to others and practices that lead to improvement. To date, data has been obtained from 20 dairy farms that range from 80 cows to more than 3000 cows. One might expect that there would be a clear trend of greater efficiency as farm size See LABOR page 3

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feed. Some farms have jobs that are custom or contract Continued from Page 2 performed, such as heifer raising, breeding or crop hargrows. After all, larger farms vest, while others, do those often use larger equipment, jobs “in house”. reducing the field work hours Some labor efficiency meaand increasing the output sures require a standard unit per person. Feeding a longer of labor. The standard is an line of cows doesn’t require FTE, or Full-Time Equivaanother feeder or delivery lent. In agriculture, we use tractors and mixer. 2500 hours per year as an However, the results FTE. This is greater than the obtained so far do not show typical workplace equivalent a clear relationship between of 2000 hours (40 hrs/wk * efficiency measures and 50 weeks). However, even number of cows milked, this is not a simple measure. except with the very largest Many owners and some salfarms. aried employees don’t punch There are no perfect meaa time clock. Work schedules sures of labor efficiency and may include weeks with very this database has limitations high number of hours during in comparing farms to one heavy field crop times or another. As might be expect- when certain cattle jobs need ed, farms differ from one to be performed. So, one FTE another in multiple ways. For may not be directly compaexample, some produce crops rable to another FTE unless for sale as well as for feed, a farm business quantifies all whereas others purchase a work performed by all indiportion or even all of their viduals.

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In measuring efficiency, we can look at the amount of labor input needed by a farm. Measures of this type include: cows per FTE, labor cost as a percentage of revenue and labor cost per hundredweight of milk shipped. Alternatively, we can look at the output per unit of input with measures that include milked shipped per FTE and gross revenue per FTE. Each measure tells a story and using multiple measures provides some balance to the limitations of individual measures. Let’s look at two measures, one from each of those ways of looking at efficiency: Cows per FTE (a measure of labor input) and Gross Revenue per FTE (a measure of output per unit of labor). Table 1. Cows per FTE and the range of farm sizes (by number of cows) within each breakout of cows/employee ratio.

It seems intuitive that more cows per employee is more efficient, but cows need care. Quality is critical and we don’t want to compromise on achieving it. Certainly, as parlors have become larger, it is possible to milk cows at an increasingly more efficient rate. However, in Table 1, there is a wide range of farm sizes in every cow/ employee ratio breakout except that highest level of cows/FTE. Likewise, in Table 2, Gross revenue per FTE, the range in farm size with increasing revenue per employee has no clear pattern until the largest farm sizes are reached. We believe that this data reveals that efficiencies can be gained at all farm sizes. Table 2. Gross Revenue per FTE and the range of farm sizes (by number of cows) within each breakout of revenue. If greater efficiencies are

both beneficial and possible, then how can they be achieved? Based on work with farms on labor management for years, Durst and Moore believe the answer is not in driving employees harder or eliminating employees and making others work more hours, rather they believe that the answer is in how owners and managers work with people in partnership to achieve the goals of the business. Another article will highlight eight factors that should improve labor efficiency. For more information on labor management, see: https://www.canr.msu.edu/ dairy/business_management/labor-management The work of employing, developing, and guiding people is the next level of farm management in which many need to improve. Among the results will be increased labor efficiency.

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Michigan State University to host International Symposium The sixth International Symposium on Beef Cattle Welfare is slated for June 18-20, 2020 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. The symposium brings together renowned beef experts who will discuss their latest research findings and emerging animal welfare issues that face the beef cattle industry. The symposium features topics of interest for anyone connected to the beef industry from academia and government to producers and industry. “We are excited to host the symposium on campus to showcase the research, technology and facilities at Michigan State University,”

said Janice Swanson, Director of Animal Welfare and Professor in the Department of Animal Science and Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University. “This symposium is unique because it brings together academia experts and students, producers, retailers, government officials and industry representatives to not only learn about the latest in beef welfare but also offers a platform for dialogue to move the industry forward.” The conference will kickoff with a keynote presentation from Bruce Feinberg, McDonald’s Sr. Director Global Quality Systems, discussing how McDonald’s values influence their practice to deliver quality food to consumers, make respon-

sible sourcing choices, and their commitment to sustainable practices, including animal welfare, through their interactions with the beef industry. The symposium will feature research on indoor beef production practices, development of new or enhanced methods and tools for animal welfare assessment, emerging issues in beef production and cow-calf management, new technology tools, and sustainable production. Research is critical to provide the science and technology to help stakeholders make informed decisions about best beef production and management practices to be sustainable and to secure the wellbeing of beef cattle. “The planning commit-

tee has worked to secure some of the top experts in beef welfare to speak at the symposium or host a wet lab demonstration to help move the industry forward through dialogue, demonstration and the latest

in research from experts around the world,” said Dan Thomson, Animal Science Chairperson, Iowa State University. “The symposium provides a rare opportunity See SYMPOSIUM page 5

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Cattle Behavior Tracking - Allflex/SCR/Merck Technology to automate Continued from Page 4 data collection from bunk to for international experts, chute producers, government In addition, the sympoofficials and industry stake- sium is calling for student holders to make connecabstract (undergraduate, tions and engage in dialog.” graduate and veterinary Join us at the conference students) submission for to hear from internationposter presentations. Five al and world-renowned student abstracts will be experts like Dr. Bernadette selected by the abstract Earley, TEAGASC, Ireland; review committee and invitDr. Sonia Marti, Institute ed to give oral presentations of AgriFood Research and during the program. Technology Spain; Dr. The call for abstracts Temple Grandin, Colorado is open for students until State University; Dr. Kip March 15 to be considered Lukasiewicz of Sandhills for acceptance. Abstracts Cattle Consultants and Dr. may be submitted by going Karen Genswein-Schwarzto: https://www.canr.msu. kopf, Agriculture AgriFood edu/beefwelfare2020/ Canada. Check out the com- abstract. plete schedule to see the This year’s symposium rest of the speakers for this is partially funded by the year’s symposium. United States Department In addition to expert of Agriculture, National talks, the program will feaInstitute of Food and Agriture five labs: culture. Those interested Managing beef cattle wel- in attending the symposium fare in the chronic pen may register at https:// Evaluating and managing www.canr.msu.edu/beefbeef cattle welfare during welfare2020/. Early bird handling and processing registration is open until Humane cattle euthanasia May 1, 2020.

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New products in the news: Are you reading a sales pitch? Advertising can help us find good products to consider. However, most of us also understand that advertisements exist to sell a product, and accordingly, we consider claims with a grain of salt. Do you always know when you’re reading an advertisement? From social media posts to trade journal articles, new marketing strategies can create ambiguity between product effectiveness and simply a sales slogan. While these postings should contain words like ad, sponsored or partner, this isn’t always the case. Sometimes articles in trade journals and other outlets discuss the novelty and benefits of a product without making it clear what role the company played in producing the article. The content often sounds authoritative, impartial and backed by science, but this impression can be misleading. Why is this a problem? Confusing a sales pitch with unbiased information can affect decisions you make, impacting invested time as well as productivity and profitability of your operation. Of course, this is not limited to agricultural products. You would interpret the claim that “coffee is good for your health” differently if it came from an impartial health researcher versus a coffee advertising executive. Sponsored advertisements disguised as guest columns occur in many magazines and newspapers, including industry and trade publications. Rooting them out and identifying them for what they are is a broadly applicable skill that can help you make the smartest purchasing decisions for you and your business. What to look for, Conflicts of interest Who authored the article? Who is quoted? Are they employed by the company selling the product? Do they have an incentive or a vested interest in portraying the product positively? Are the results being misrepresented for financial gain? Scope of the claims Generally, if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Nothing works all the time or everywhere. Can you find the original See SALES PITCH page 7

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the x and y axis appropriate? A 0.5-bushel difference in soybean looks very dramatic when the y axis only encompasses a 5 or 10 bushel total spread. Your local Michigan State University Extension educator is always available to talk through the science (or lack of science) behind the claim you’re deciphering.

Sometimes, a sales pitch will take a general, peer-reviewed Continued from Page 6 study and use what it says to support their product. For research or just a company example, a fertility product summary? Are the authors might take a scientific paper extrapolating results from the about the role of field-applied greenhouse to the field with no nitrogen and how it impacts additional field tests, or from the environment. They will link one crop to another, or one the paper to their product, even region to another? if the paper had nothing to say Causation is hard to prove, about the fertility product. This especially in field settings Sources of the claims gives the product the sheen of where the environment outside What evidence is the piece the prestigious publication, of a product application plays presenting and who are the but the publication is general such a huge factor on crop per- sources? Often these subtle and did not test the product in formance. Multiple replicated sales pitches rely on testimoni- question. If the paper is pubtrials across regions and crops als with product users saying licly available, using crtl+F to can show where and when a how good the crop looked. search the article for the prodproduct is more correlated with There is rarely anything quan- uct could help you figure out if crop performance. To treat a tifiable. If all you’re reading is the product is discussed in the product’s advertisement fairly glowing testimonials, there is paper. If the paper is behind would discuss the positive and very likely bias. Impartial arti- a paywall, your local MSU negative patterns instead of cles should present appropriate Extension educator can help cherry-picking only the good comparisons, contrasts with you track down and evaluate stuff, and there should always alternatives and the cons along the paper. be check or control data to with the pros should be plainly Manufacturers of novel compare to. apparent and treated fairly. products can have published Data presentation can misAnother source of claims but questionable scientific lead as well. Are the scales on is scientific journal articles. papers. It can be hard for the

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020 public to access journal articles, but you can tell a couple things about the publication from its name. Sometimes you will see papers that appear in publications called proceedings. Proceedings are published material that cover what was presented at a conference, including corporate conferences, and aren’t reviewed by other scientists for validity. These aren’t always very reliable sources of unbiased information. Another thing you can look at is the journal itself; a quick search can give you an idea of how reputable a scientific journal is. How many issues are there? Who publishes it? Are they begging for submissions and will print anything? Your local MSU Extension educator can assist in tracking down individual scientific papers and reviewing what they say. Final thought We are not saying new prod-

ucts aren’t effective or that they can’t have a place in your production system. Your local sales representative can be a great source of information. But knowing when you’re being sold to and when you’re receiving impartial information will help you make better decisions for profitable crop production. If you have a question about the science or evidence behind a product, MSU Extension is an impartial source for science-based information. Contact your local MSU Extension educator. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension. msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu. edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/ experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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Changes to Ractopamine usage for pigs at several county fairs and exhibitions BY ELIZABETH FERRY AND NICK BABCOCK Michigan State University Extension In early 2020 we have seen several county fairs take steps to eliminate or ban the use of ractopamine at their events. Ractopamine is a beta-agonist feed additive used in production swine diets to promote lean muscle growth. It has been approved for use in swine diets in the United States. In recent years, the use of ractopamine has been prohibited in many countries around the world because of concerns about the possible health effects when used improperly. Several commercial pork processing plants have announced that they will no longer purchase pigs that have been fed ractopamine. The restrictions placed on pork products destined for export markets drove this decision. With export pork sales accounting for over 25% of the markets, commercial processors need to reduce the risk of distributing a product that does not meet export market guidelines. Eliminating the use of ractopamine products in swine diets for the pigs that are sent to their plants will reduce that risk. These recent announcements will have an impact on county fairs and exhibitions that utilize resale markets as a service to their livestock auction buyers. Commercial processors may not accept animals that originate from sources with unknown ractopamine status. Fairs and exhibitions will need to consider various requirements and marketing options to continue their market swine show. Some buyers and commercial processors may elect to eliminate the purchase of exhibition pigs entirely

even if a fair or exhibition adopts policies that remove the option of using ractopamine as a feed additive. If a fair or exhibition utilizes a commercial market as a destination for their pigs, they either have or will be having a conversation regarding requirements and availability with the market that they work with. For many of the county fairs and other swine shows in Michigan this conversation has already happened and several have decided to eliminate its use in hogs exhibited at their events to protect their market for these animals following the fair or exhibition. Due to these new rules being put in place, one of the first steps that exhibitors need to take is to have a proper understanding of the rules from the specific county fair or exhibition that you will be participating in. Not all county fairs, shows and exhibitions are eliminating the use of ractopamine; these decisions are made on a show-by-show basis. Each year, you’ll need to check the rules of any county fair, show or exhibition you plan to exhibit at, so you know about any rule changes. If you plan on exhibiting at an event that has put into place a rule that eliminates ractopamine from the diet of your swine project animal, you will need to take precautionary steps to avoid accidentally exposing the animal to this product. Important conversations to have with your feed supplier When raising an animal for the county fair or other livestock exhibitions there are three main considerations that need to be taken so that you can raise a healthy, productive animal. These include providing

including those for cattle (Optaflexx® or Actogain®). Your feed supplier should have good quality control practices in place to prevent contamination so that you can maintain a ractopamine-free feeding program. Having a conversation with your feed supplier is important to gain a better understanding of what your risk(s) for secondary contamination may be, so that you can make informed decisions when you source your feed products. When you are raising pigs fed a ractopamine-free diet your risk of contamination doesn’t stop with the feed that you are purchasing for your animal. There are other proactive steps that you should take to help reduce your risk of secondary contamination.

proper housing for the animal, taking proper care and managing the health of the animal and being able to source good quality feed that meets nutritional needs for the animal. There are many options available to purchase feed for your animal, you may choose to use a local feed mill, private feed sales representative or purchase feed from a supply store in your area. Whatever source you use to purchase your feed, it is important to have a relationship with your feed supplier so that you can have conversations about the diet for your animal, what products are banned at your event and what your goals are for the animal. With the changes to the rules and regulations at many different county fairs and exhibitions it is important that you inform your feed supplier of any products that have been eliminated

at the specific event that you plan to participate in. For those exhibiting pigs at events that have banned beta-agonist products this will help you take proactive steps to make sure that you are not exposing your animals to ractopamine through the feed that you purchase. Exhibitors should make sure to read and understand all the ingredients in your pig’s rations and supplements that you purchase. This can be done by reading the feed tag that comes with your product. Exhibitors or those that purchase the feed and are getting their feed ground at a feed mill, should also have conversations with the feed supplier to make sure that ractopamine is not being used in your feed. Secondary contamination is a concern when you source feed from mills that use ractopamine, this includes any ractopamine based products

Reducing the risk of secondary contamination from Ractopamine In the spring of each year we see the snow begin to melt, flowers start to peak through the ground and youth who show pigs start to think about buying and bringing home the animals they will show at the county fair or in other livestock exhibitions. As we prepare to bring these animals home there are always biosecurity practices that should take place. These different practices will help reduce your animals’ risk of being exposed to disease or illness at a young age. This year, because of changes being made to the rules of some fairs and exhibitions it is extremely important that youth who will be showing pigs take some important steps and implement biosecurity practices before bringing their animals home. Before you bring your pig home, it’s a good biosecurity See PIG page 11

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

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Michigan Ag Council, FMA announce partnership The Michigan Ag Council (MAC), a sector-wide coalition of agriculture commodity groups and farm support organizations, announced a partnership with the Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) on March 3, during the Michigan Farmers

Market Conference. MIFMA is a membership-based organization representing the more than 300 farmers markets throughout Michigan. Amanda Shreve, MIFMA’s executive director, is excited about joining forces with

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MAC. “The Michigan Farmers Market Association is thrilled to be partnering with the Michigan Ag Council to promote agriculture across our great state,” Shreve said. “Farmers markets are a very tangible way for consumers to

connect directly with Michigan’s farmers and producers. “We look forward to working with the Michigan Ag Council to encourage Michiganders and visitors alike to find a farmers market where they can connect with the farmers that grow a wide vari-

ety of fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and other agricultural products across Michigan.” With similar missions, the two organizations will work together to reach a vast audience of consumers through-

together, sharing different viewpoints and reaching conContinued from Page 8 sensus. The coordinator also needs and trained in the seven prin- to be able to identify what ciples of HACCP is importexpertise is needed on the ant. team and make sure that In addition to technical there is representation from knowledge about HACCP, various departments in the the coordinator should have operation. good people skills and be able This article was published to guide the team in working by Michigan State University

Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https:// extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-6783464).

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989-874-4800

Feed & Lumber: 989-874-4200

Agronomy:

Matt 989-553-2962 Scott 989-551-2292 Jeff 989-551-2291 Lenny 989-553-5239 Since 1914

Stop By Our Cass City Location on the Corner of M-53 & Bay City/ Forestville Road 989-872-4595 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5

Ag Solutions™ 2319 Main St. • Ubly

Phone: 989.658.2551 Office Fax: 989.658.2455

Manager

JIM COOK

Sales Consultants

DENNIS PHILPOT CHELSEa vOLMErINg

michigansthumb.com

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PIG Continued from Page 9 practice to completely clean out and wash the trailer you’ll transport it in, the area where it will be housed and the equipment you’ll use with it (such as your feeder, feed containers, penning area, show equipment and feed storage area). Ractopamine dissolves in water, so a good wash with soap and water will help reduce the risk that your pig will be exposed to any ractopamine products that may be left over in its environment. For those that house their animals outside and are concerned about secondary contamination from the dirt in your housing area, ractopamine breaks down over time, so in many cases your pig’s exposure risk would already be low. To reduce the risk even more, you should thoroughly clean any non-porous areas that the pigs will be exposed to, including the animal housing area, pens, feeders, fencing and other equipment that may be used. If you plan to show pigs at an event that allows the use of ractopamine and at an event that has eliminated its use, you’ll need to decide early in the project year which events you want to participate in and comply with the rules of each event. This may require you to change your feeding plan or to have different sets of pigs that you feed different diets. If you decide to raise different sets of pigs for different events, you will need to be careful to completely separate the pigs, feeding areas, equipment, feeders, bins, troughs and storage areas to avoid cross-contamination. By taking these steps to clean and prepare the area for your animals you will be reducing the risk of secondary contamination from ractopamine especially if it

was previously used on your farm. You will also be starting your project off right by minimizing the risk of disease or illness that could infect your pig at a young age and impact their growth and development because you have implemented good biosecurity practices. Other resources including information and frequently asked questions about ractopamine have been developed by MSU Extension and are available for exhibitors, parents, county fair staff and exhibitions that are considering or have implemented a ban on this product. If you have any questions or would like more suggestions on this topic, please feel free to reach out to Nick Babcock MSU Extension 4-H Livestock and Veterinary Science Program Educator at 517-432-1626 or by email at babco116@msu.edu or Beth Ferry MSU Extension Pork Educator at 269-8762745 or 269-927-5674 or by email at franzeli@msu.edu. This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension. msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu. edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https:// extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888678-3464).

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

PARTNERSHIP Continued from Page 10 out Michigan with the goal of increasing the sales of the more than 300 foods and products grown in Michigan and building trust in farmers.

As MAC continues to promote the benefits of purchasing local, Michigan-grown food among consumers and share the stories of the farmers who produce it, there is an increasing need to meet consumers where they are to share this message. Engaging

p m Ke Tiling Co., Inc. (989) 883-3708

THUMB FARMER

with consumers at farmers markets is the logical next step in a grassroots effort to build trust in farming practices. As executive director of the MAC, Noelle Nachreiner looks forward to growing the organizations’ shared missions. “This great partnership will provide an opportunity to promote the Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT campaign to a whole new audience of consumers,”

michigansthumb.com Nachreiner said. “It will allow us to represent a new regiment of farmers and share their unique and diverse stories to the thousands who visit farm markets across the state.” Through this partnership, MAC will travel to farmers markets throughout the state, engaging with consumers and helping inform them on their local food purchasing decisions. Additionally, vendors at the market will be supplied

with branded materials to promote their products as “Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT,” helping promote local food and building brand awareness for the campaign. The partnership will bring a diverse voice of smaller farms, urban growers and non-traditional farmers to the Michigan Ag Council, allowing for a unified message to consumers from farmers who wish to build awareness for locally grown food and products.

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707 N. Van Dyke • Bad Axe 800-566-3565 • 989-269-9261