The Thumb Farmer - January 2016

THE JANUARY 12, 2016

What’s Inside: A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO

Top Individual Cow Records ..................................Pages 4, 6 State & County Summary ..........................................Page 7 2015 Huron County Honored Members ...................Page 11 Top 20 Herd Award Winners ....................................Page 12

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TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016

THUMB FARMER

michigansthumb.com

Rich Harp/For the Tribune

The majority of dairy cows are milked on a rotating carousel. It holds a maximum of 80 cows and, when operating at maximum capacity, will allow cows to be milked every six seconds.

TeVoortwis Dairy owners are passionate about farming

By Rich Harp For the Tribune

OLIVER TOWNSHIP — Cindy TeVoortwis first came to the U.S. when she was an exchange student in the 1990s.

Her eight-week internship was spent in Kalamazoo while she studied for an agricultural degree. The two-month adventure opened her eyes to a whole new concept in farming. It didn’t take long before she fell in love with America.

“When I saw the U.S., I said, ‘That’s for me,’” TeVoortwis said.

After the internship, she returned home to Winterswijk, Netherlands, which is about an hour’s drive east of Amsterdam.

She soon returned to the U.S. on a student visa. It was good for a year, and she was able to extend it another six months.

When she returned home, she found her parents ready to start a new life in America.

“I didn’t have to talk them into it,” she said.

The parents realized their 65-cow operation, shared with her uncle, was not going to support themselves and their adult children. By 1998, her parents, Eli and Hanna TeVoortwis, had sold their share of the family farm to her uncle. Along with her parents and brother, Jurgen, she journeyed to Bad Axe to start a new life, while siblings Danielle and Patrick opted to stay in the Netherlands.

The family had worked with a broker to locate them a place in this country. As chance would have it, that place was south of Bad Axe on Stein Road. They arrived in 1998, and began milking a 600-head herd the next year.

TeVoortwis admitted the first couple years were tough. The family had no history with the area and virtually no credit. But things started to improve in a hurry. In fact, by 2001, things began to look a lot better. They realized they were going to make it. As things turned out, they were going to make it big.

While sitting in her upstairs office overlooking the cows in the farm’s new barn, she said, “Right now, we’re milking 2,200

head.” She feels their milkable herd will max-out with nearly 3,500 animals. The family feels the headaches created by legalities and permits needed to milk a larger herd would not be worth the effort.

In addition to the cows now being milked, the farm possesses an additional 1,400 head in the heifer barn, and 600 more are in the pre-calf barn.

These are all expected to deliver calves within three months.

The TeVoortwis family believes in raising their animals from newborn until they are ready to milk.

“I truly enjoy seeing a little calf go through the entire process,” TeVoortwis said. “I can control everything about her.”

She went on to say if the calves are sold, she loses that control. But in actuality, the farm does not have enough land and buildings to allow growth of the calves until maturity. TeVoortwis Dairy has recently started shipping the majority to Missouri to be raised until they are ready to have their first calf.

Three months ago, the dairy began shipping about 90 calves per month to their Missouri contractor. They will return when they are 20 months old, after they have been bred.

TeVoortwis said if it works out, they may continue the practice in the future.

See “farm” • 3

THUMB FARMER

michigansthumb.com

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

Rich Harp/For the Tribune

Rich Harp/For the Tribune

Cindy TeVoortwis and employee Maggie Deming discuss farm issues while in the new milking parlor. Deming is one of 30 employees working at the dairy.

Jurgen TeVoortwis checks out young calves on his daily rounds throughout the barns.

FARM: It’s a family operation From 2

While talking about the process of raising cows from birth until adulthood, TeVoortwis was joined by her brother, Jurgen.

The two began to discuss the new milking parlor, which is the newest innovation on the farm.

The new parlor was built and put into use in October.

“It was the next step for us,” Jurgen TeVoortwis said. “We could see labor challenges coming. We hope to make (this job) easier for the employees and the cows.”

He said the majority of the herd is milked in the new facility on a moving carousel. About 200 head are still milked in the old parlor using the older style technology.

“Our cows that need a little bit more attention start in that barn,” he said.

He explained some of the

older cows don’t milk well on the carousel. Fresh cows also start in that barn.

His sister went on to say the carousel holds a maximum of 80 cows. They are milked three times per day.

“When we’re up to speed, we should have a cow being milked every six seconds,” she said.

She pointed out their 360acre farm is strictly a dairy operation. That small amount of land would never allow them to grow enough food to support their animals. Her figures show they would need 3,000 acres to grow the food needed to feed the herd. In particular, they would need 1,500 acres for corn silage and another 1,500 for hay.

As with any business, farming has its challenges.

See “farm” • 15

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Supporting the Dairy Industry

one glass at a time!

See any of our Ag Lending Specialists at Bay Port State Bank!

Grand Champion Dairy, Victoria Gentner’s “Gallon of Milk” with Scott Main of Bay Port State Bank.

BAD AXE

796 N. Van Dyke

989-269-3195

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9840 Main St. 1 S. Caseville Rd.

989-656-2231 989-453-2225

Your locally owned and operated Community Bank for over 119 years!

www.bayportstatebank.com ATM in 7 Thumb area locations

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TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016

THUMB FARMER

michigansthumb.com

2015 Top Individual Cows by Age & Herd Size 2015 Top Individual Cows by Age & Herd Size For Year October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2015 For Year October 1, 2014 - September 30, 2015

Producer Name Producer Name RENE DEKKER RENE DEKKER ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC DENIS BURKE DENIS BURKE LAEDER DAIRY LAEDER DAIRY GARY PROTZMAN GARY PROTZMAN LAEDER DAIRY LAEDER DAIRY GUCWA FARMS GUCWA GUCWA FARMS FARMS GUCWA GUCWA FARMS FARMS GUCWA FARMS HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. DENIS BURKE DENIS BURKE HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. MESSING DAIRY MESSING PETERSONDAIRY DAIRY FARMS INC. PETERSON DAIRY LAEDER DAIRY FARMS INC. LAEDER DAIRY PAUL & KIETH LEIPPRANDT PAUL & KIETH GUCWA FARMSLEIPPRANDT GUCWA GUCWA FARMS FARMS GUCWA FARMS ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER ZWEMMERDAIRY DAIRYFARM FARM LLC LLC ZWEMMER ZWEMMERDAIRY DAIRYFARM FARMLLC LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC GARY PROTZMAN GARY GARYPROTZMAN PROTZMAN GARY MIKEPROTZMAN ZAGATA MIKE ZAGATA STARWARD FARMS STARWARD FARMS GUCWA FARMS GUCWA GUCWAFARMS FARMS GUCWA FARMS ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. GARY PROTZMAN

Cow Cow Barn Cow Sire Sire Short Lactation Age at Milk-305D Barn Cow Sire Sire Short Lactation Age at Milk-305D Name Breed Reg/Eartag Name Number Calving Actual Name Junior Breed Reg/Eartag Name Number Calving Actual Two-Year Olds: Under 30 Months in herds over 1,000 head Junior Two-Year Olds: Under 30 Months in herds 1,000 head 5349 H 62816993 ALTATUFENUF 1 over 23 42277 5349 H 62816993 ALTATUFENUF 1 23 42277 56103 H 1 26 29441 56103 H 11 26 29441 1478 H 21 28056 1478 H 1 21 28056 Junior Two-Year Olds: Under 30 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head Junior 200 head 6547 Two-Year H Olds: Under 30 Months in herds between 1 25 & 1,000 32969 6547 H 11 25 32969 1409 H 24 37910 1409 H 1 24 37910 6751 H 60317319 LUCIUS 1 25 40123 6751 JuniorHTwo-Year 60317319 LUCIUS 1 25 40123 Olds: Under 30 Months in herds under 200 head Junior Two-Year Olds: Under 30 Months in herds 678 J 1 under 23200 head15841 678 JJ 11 23 15841 718 114114336 HEADLINE 25 16136 718 JJ 114114336 HEADLINE 11 25 16136 713 26 13755 713 J 1 26 13755 Senior Two-Year Olds: 30-35 Months in herds over 1,000 head 506 Senior H Two-Year Olds: 30-35 Months in herds 2 over 1,000 34 head35410 506 H 22 34 35410 1072 H 34 36456 1072 H 2 34 36456 404 H 2 34 44270 404 H 2 34 44270 Senior Two-Year Olds: 30 - 35 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head Senior Olds: 30 - 35 Months in herds between 200 head 1404 Two-Year H 135747713 MANIFOLD 2 33& 1,00035243 1404 H 135747713 MANIFOLD 22 33 35243 4636 H 35 38616 4636 H 2 35 38616 6440 H 135774702 BRONCO 2 34 40698 6440 Senior H Two-Year 135774702 BRONCO 2 34 40698 Olds: 30 - 35 Months in herds under 200 head Senior Two-Year Olds: Months in herds 200 head29670 3654 X 10034127 30 - 35 DANIEL 2 under35 3654 X 10034127 DANIEL 22 35 29670 14 G 68026122 34 17980 14 GJ 68026122 21 34 17980 654 116279459 VIRGIL 31 15088 654 J 116279459 VIRGIL 1 31 15088 52790 JuniorHThree-Year Olds: 36-41 Months in herds 2 over 1,000 38 head39508 1,000 52790 HHThree-Year Olds: 36-41 Months in herds 22 over 38 39508 52274 Junior 40 head 36803 52274 HH 22 40 36803 52858 37 34663 52858 H 2 37 34663 Junior Three-Year Olds: 36-41 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head Junior Olds: 36-41 Months in herds between 200 head 1893 Three-Year H 64943902 TYRON 2 36& 1,000 35879 1893 HH 64943902 TYRON 22 36 35879 1615 60540162 HHF 40 38110 1615 HH 60540162 HHF 22 40 38110 2516 66382657 IMPRESSION 38 40317 2516 Junior H Three-Year 66382657 2 under 38200 head 40317 Olds: IMPRESSION 36-41 Months in herds Olds: 36-41 Months in herds 200 head 42211 LINZEEJuniorHThree-Year 135774702 BRONCO 2 under41 LINZEE HJ 135774702 BRONCO 22 41 42211 342 37 15554 342 JB 22 37 15554 639 68100534 ZIPPER 37 14131 639 B 68100534 ZIPPER 2 37 14131 Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds over 1,000 head 51658SeniorHThree-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds 2 over 1,000 42 head32466 51658 HH 23 42 32466 15 47 39517 15 H 3 47 39517 230 H 2 43 40915 230 H 2 43 & 1,000 40915 Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds between 200 head Senior Olds: 42-47 Months in herds between 200 head 1455 Three-Year H 62292990 ATOM 3 45& 1,00040598

Fat-305D Fat-305D Actual Actual

ProteinProtein305D 305D Actual Actual

$ Value $ Value

1784 1784 1656 1656 1589 1589

1257 1257 930 930 967 967

$7,221 $7,221 $6,064 $6,064 $6,023 $6,023

1582 1582 1198 1198 1174 1174

1099 1099 1123 1123 1106 1106

$6,365 $6,365 $5,603 $5,603 $5,503 $5,503

756 756 732 732 742 742

549 549 566 566 513 513

$3,107 $3,107 $3,102 $3,102 $2,980 $2,980

1720 1720 1751 1751 1541 1541

1161 1161 1071 1071 1235 1235

$6,828 $6,828 $6,647 $6,647 $6,638 $6,638

1432 1432 1365 1365 1219 1219

1103 1103 1149 1149 1187 1187

$6,052 $6,052 $6,031 $6,031 $5,821 $5,821

1297 1297 1023 1023 747 747

945 945 608 608 538 538

$5,336 $5,336 $3,838 $3,838 $3,058 $3,058

1977 1977 1636 1636 1663 1663 1489 1489 1344 1344 1381 1381 1288 1288 667 667 507 507

1050 1050 1215 1215 1181 1181 1090 1090 1194 1194 1087 1087 1311 1311 542 542 450 450

$7,070 $7,070 $6,794 $6,794 $6,761 $6,761 $6,138 $6,138 $6,110 $6,110 $5,894 $5,894 $6,307 $6,307 $2,897 $2,897 $2,304 $2,304

1819 1819 1654 1654 1583 1583 1579

1019 $6,654 1019 1148 $6,654 $6,647 1148 $6,647 1193 $6,616 1193 $6,616 1294 $6,885

michigansthumb.com

THUMB FARMER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

2015 DHIA Sponsors Diamond Sponsors BKC Insurance Casey Jahn Insurance Agency - Farm Bureau Insurance GreenStone Farm Credit Services Tri-County Equipment Inc West Side Sand Products Ken Walker, DVM Vita Plus Zoetis

Gold Sponsors

Active Feed Company Agri-King Nutrition Bay Port State Bank Buchholz Hoof Care LLC Bumhoffer Services Inc Castle Hoof Care Crop Production Services, Ubly—John Mausolf Eastern Michigan Bank Hyzer, Hill, Kuzak & Company P. C. Kinney Hoof Care McConnell Farm Supply Inc – Rosebush Osentoski Farm Equipment Thumb Veterinary Services TNT Equipment Inc Weiss Farm Equipment Inc

Silver Sponsor Parsch’s A.1. Service

Bronze Sponsor Livestock Nutrition Company LLC

Friend Sponsors Maurer Electric Inc Maurer Meat Processors

A new angle in vertical tillage productivity Introducing the all-new 2623VT. If you need to till up to 3 inches deep at speeds up to 10 mph, there’s nothing more productive than the new 2623VT. With a 21-degree angle on the front gang and 19-degree angle on the rear gang, it delivers aggressive sizing and chopping in tough residue in fall — while helping create an even, smooth seedbed in the spring. See your dealer today.

JohnDeere.com/Tillage

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6 ZWEMMER TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016 DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. GARY PROTZMAN MIKE ZAGATA LAEDER DAIRY STARWARD FARMS GUCWA FARMS

Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds over 1,000 head THUMB FARMER 51658 H 2 42 32466 15 H 3 47 39517 230 H 2 43 40915 Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head 1455 H 62292990 ATOM 3 45 40598 422 H 3 45 36292 6292 X 91011 3 46 41499 Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds under 200 head RHODA H 61547476 MILLION 2 43 46563 585 J 114896953 FORBES 2 42 12570

michigansthumb.com 1819 1019 $6,654

1654 1583

1148 1193

$6,647 $6,616

1579 1490 1238

1294 1148 1271

$6,885 $6,299 $6,091

1458 521

1178 420

$6,302 $2,253

2156 1825 1795

1217 1120 1135

$7,911 $6,939 $6,911

1586 1573 1478

1195 1061 1078

$6,629 $6,237 $6,084

WOLSCHLEGER DAIRY STARWARD FARMS STARWARD FARMS GUCWA FARMS GUCWA FARMS

Four-Year Olds: 48-59 Months in herds over 1,000 head 889 H 3 55 39631 4843 H 3 48 36919 6476 H 3 50 41478 Four-Year Olds: 48-59 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head 6120 H 3 52 40726 2172 H 129069717 LC 4 55 37914 6226 X 111103085 MECCA 3 48 34050 Four-Year Olds: 48-59 Months in herds under 200 head 79 X 131184495 REDBULL*RC SHARKY 56 27190 SHARA W 138108935 33 53 28598 SHARA W 138108935 REDBULL*RC 3 53 28598 501 J 21402 501 J 3 53 21402

1343 1057 1057 914 914

940 904 904 760 760

$5,423 $4,711 $4,711 $4,017 $4,017

ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC DAIRY FARM FARMLLC LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC DENIS BURKE DENIS BURKE LAEDER DAIRY LAEDER MESSINGDAIRY DAIRY MESSING DAIRY KENNETH & AMY WEBER KENNETH & AMY WEBER JO - JO DAIRY JO - JO DAIRY GUCWA FARMS GUCWA FARMS GUCWA FARMS

Five-Year Olds: 60-72 Months in herds over 1,000 head Five-Year Olds: 60-72 Months in herds over 36037 H 4 1,000 65head 37311 36037 H 65 37311 36996 4 62 36990 36996 62 36990 5546 H 4 64 35439 5546 Five-Year H Olds: 60-72 Months in herds between 4 200 &641,000 head 35439 Five-Year Olds: 60-72 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head 4398 H 4 67 39319 4398 H 4 67 39319 1093 X 137302774 CHRISTIAN*RC 60 34215 1093 137302774 CHRISTIAN*RC 60 34215 2647 X 4 62 31078 2647 X 4 62head 31078 Five-Year Olds: 60-72 Months in herds under 200 Five-Year Olds: 60-72 Months 200 1109 X 10201207 SULTANin herds under 4 62head 23771 1109 X 10201207 SULTAN 62 23771 1385 4 65 22757 1385 X 4 65 22757 7339 J 67 18392 7339 J 4 67 18392

2029 2029 1707 1707 1693 1693 1451 1451 1228 1228 1158 1158 1177 1177 1038 1038 914 914

1141 1141 1188 1188 1189 1189 1152 1152 1010 1010 953 953 828 828 858 858 672 672

$7,433 $7,433 $6,872 $6,872 $6,847 $6,847 $6,223 $6,223 $5,362 $5,362 $5,059 $5,059 $4,765 $4,765 $4,550 $4,550 $3,779 $3,779

ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC DAIRY FARM FARMLLC LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY ZWEMMERDAIRY DAIRYLLC. FARM LLC HIGHLAND HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. GARY PROTZMAN GARYZAGATA PROTZMAN MIKE MIKE ZAGATA MESSING DAIRY MESSING DAIRY SCHOLTZ BRIAN & SHELLY SCHOLTZ BRIAN & SHELLY GUCWA FARMS GUCWA FARMS GUCWA FARMS

Six-Year Olds: 72 Months & over in herds over 1,000 head Six-Year Olds: 72 Months & over in herds6over 1,000 11862 H 61515299 DERRICK 89 head 39589 11862 H 61515299 DERRICK 6 89 39589 10620 2296784 COOPER 7 101 41257 10620 2296784 COOPER 7 101 41257 15752 H 5 73 41642 15752 5 200 73 41642 Six-YearHOlds: 72 Months & over in herds between & 1,000 head Six-Year Olds: 72 Months & over in herds between 200 & 1,000 head 11 H 17349617 MORTY 6 97 42563 11 H 17349617 MORTY 97 42563 8412 6 88 42402 8412 HJ 6 88 42402 9823 7 101 26223 9823 J 101head 26223 Six-Year Olds: 72 Months & over in herds7under 200 Six-Year Olds: 72 Months & over in herds4under 200 498 H 126853007 MARMAX 73 head 35840 498 H 126853007 MARMAX 4 73 35840 370 X 193141 BRINKS 78 25445 370 XJ 193141 BRINKS 4 78 25445 100 6 91 19972 100 J 6 91 19972

1775 1775 1723 1723 1619 1619 1614 1614 1359 1359 1093 1093 1509 1509 967 967 823 823

1253 1253 1244 1244 1273 1273 1265 1265 1223 1223 932 932 1174 1174 768 768 612 612

$7,193 $7,193 $7,056 $7,056 $6,912 $6,912 $6,878 $6,878 $6,217 $6,217 $4,867 $4,867 $6,411 $6,411 $4,149 $4,149 $3,419 $3,419

HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. DENIS BURKE LAEDER DAIRY MIKE ZAGATA LAEDER DAIRY

michigansthumb.com

THUMB FARMER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

NON - HOLSTEIN

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as of September 30, 2015

OVER 150,000# Lifetime Milk Production Ranked by Lifetime Milk Production Type of Cow Barn Cow Sire Lactation Milk Fat Protein Testing Plan Name Breed Reg/Eartag Number Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime Value Producer Name Town ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 8136 X 665650 9 271,858 11,632 8,914 $33,555 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 10045 J 8 240,574 8,654 7,425 $25,720 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 31615 X 8 236,239 10,242 7,345 $29,045 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 31691 X 9 232,864 11,383 7,550 $31,697 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 329 X 61398478 7 208,367 7,175 5,997 $21,157 HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. SEBEWAING 70 8777 X 6 196,451 6,107 5,231 $18,115 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 10223 X 133844889 8 194,443 8,223 6,142 $23,560 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 30647 X 9 189,547 9,979 6,450 $27,633 MESSING DAIRY BAD AXE 2 9823 J 8 185,860 8,296 6,395 $23,978 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 31554 J 9 183,801 9,015 6,242 $25,367 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 11266 X 134650168 6 183,606 7,660 5,722 $21,945 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 30528 X 9 182,139 8,818 5,827 $24,531 WOLSCHLEGER DAIRY HARBOR BEACH 31 329 X 2296784 6 180,890 6,513 5,262 $19,031 KENNETH & AMY WEBER UBLY 31 107 X 7 178,755 8,005 5,174 $22,141 RENE DEKKER UBLY 31 2821 X 664195 6 176,454 7,832 4,941 $21,540 KENNETH & AMY WEBER UBLY 31 2282 X 129249047 5 169,256 6,255 5,159 $18,388 HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. SEBEWAING 70 1597 X 6 167,801 6,977 5,399 $20,175 RENE DEKKER UBLY 31 2903 X 111389227 5 166,989 6,780 5,360 $19,715 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 11681 X 664195 7 166,196 6,803 5,251 $19,656 GARY PROTZMAN CASEVILLE 31 681 E 7 165,898 7,627 5,992 $22,162 2015 State & County Summary We Salute All The Area $17,535 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 32865 X 6 165,695 6,105 4,624 S & M DAIRY HARBOR BEACH 31 25 X 6 163,961 6,604 5,497 $19,478 Number Average # Dollar Pounds Pounds Pounds of ZWEMMER DAIRYofFARM LLC Cows ELKTON Value X 6 163,016 6,020 4,760 $17,492 Herds of 2Milk of353 Fat Protein ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 12952 X 131206940 6 162,805 5,669 4,592 $16,572 Call us for all your feed needs for your $19,875 herd!

ZWEMMER LLC ELKTON 2 3089 X 8 162,639 6,893 5,274 State DAIRY FARM 507 317 $4,087 26,217 940 767 ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON 2 11533 X 7 161,959 7,624 5,334 $21,502 Huron 26 437 $3,733 25,951 787 757 MESSING DAIRY BAD AXE 2 75 J 113889095 8 160,379 9,399 5,720 $25,690 - $354 - 266 - 153 - 10

Dairy Farmers

Serving the Thumb Area since 1914!

For year October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2015

Your Town.

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Brown Dairy Equipment Co. Serving Michigan’s Dairy Producers Since 1962 Locations in Bad Axe, McBain and Portland, MI

We service all brands of equipment.

Toll Free (800) 373-2153

FARMER’S COOPERATIVE GRAIN COMPANY 338 Main Street • Kinde 989-874-4200 • Feed Room: 989-874-3333

www.kindecoop.com Stop by our

Cass City location • Bay City-Forestville Rd. & M-53 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:30pm • Saturday 8:00am- 1:00pm

RENE DEKKER UBLY & AMY WEBER 8KENNETH TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016UBLY HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. SEBEWAING RENE DEKKER UBLY ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON GARY PROTZMAN CASEVILLE ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON S & M DAIRY HARBOR BEACH ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ELKTON MESSING DAIRY BAD AXE

31 31 70 31 2 31 2 31 2 2 2 2 2

2821 2282 THUMB 1597 2903 11681 681 32865 25 353 12952 3089 11533 75

X 664195 X 129249047 FARMER X X 111389227 X 664195 E X X X X 131206940 X X J 113889095

6 5 6 5 7 7 6 6 6 6 8 7 8

176,454 7,832 4,941 $21,540 169,256 michigansthumb.com 6,255 5,159 $18,388 167,801 6,977 5,399 $20,175 166,989 6,780 5,360 $19,715 166,196 6,803 5,251 $19,656 165,898 7,627 5,992 $22,162 165,695 6,105 4,624 $17,535 163,961 6,604 5,497 $19,478 163,016 6,020 4,760 $17,492 162,805 5,669 4,592 $16,572 162,639 6,893 5,274 $19,875 161,959 7,624 5,334 $21,502 160,379 9,399 5,720 $25,690

HOLSTEIN

as of September 30, 2015

OVER 225,000# Lifetime Milk Production Producer Name GARY PROTZMAN ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC LAEDER DAIRY HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. RENE DEKKER RENE DEKKER ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. RENE DEKKER HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. RENE DEKKER HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC GARY PROTZMAN RENE DEKKER ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC LAEDER DAIRY ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC RENE DEKKER HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC.

Town CASEVILLE ELKTON HARBOR BEACH SEBEWAING UBLY UBLY ELKTON ELKTON ELKTON SEBEWAING UBLY SEBEWAING UBLY SEBEWAING ELKTON ELKTON CASEVILLE UBLY ELKTON SEBEWAING ELKTON HARBOR BEACH ELKTON UBLY SEBEWAING SEBEWAING SEBEWAING

Ranked by Lifetime Milk Production Type of Cow Barn Cow Sire Lactation Milk Fat Protein Testing Plan Name Breed Reg/Eartag Number Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime 31 319 H 8 290,482 12,564 8,428 2 354 H 6 285,937 9,139 7,467 31 844 H 9 277,401 10,338 7,398 70 384 H 8 276,084 8,648 7,461 31 7113 H 8 275,384 9,739 7,622 31 1986 H 17089950 7 272,405 10,050 7,561 2 10620 H 2296784 7 269,731 10,233 7,751 2 9673 H 17099649 7 269,301 10,571 8,290 2 10121 H 124730902 7 269,169 9,202 6,818 70 5537 H 6 265,366 9,299 7,701 31 393 H 8 265,086 10,821 8,046 70 11277 H 8 263,463 8,093 6,604 31 2472 H 6 262,540 8,744 7,966 70 6280 H 7 261,655 9,583 6,871 2 8960 H 60728477 8 261,070 8,679 7,453 2 32163 H 6 260,949 9,587 6,998 31 11 H 17349617 7 260,469 10,957 8,150 31 1892 H 17310469 9 260,460 10,620 7,837 2 9312 H 8 260,133 10,160 7,795 70 374 H 7 259,053 8,520 7,070 2 9066 H 132791638 8 257,179 9,032 7,547 31 400 H 7 257,053 9,716 7,157 2 33208 H 8 255,936 9,379 6,839 31 2314 H 17089950 7 251,770 8,821 7,179 70 5322 H 7 251,405 9,237 7,446 70 6713 H 8 251,201 9,089 7,565 70 9266 H 7 250,277 8,708 7,077

Value $35,046 $26,755 $29,262 $25,707 $28,205 $28,813 $29,398 $30,661 $26,258 $27,352 $30,957 $23,674 $26,431 $27,134 $25,781 $27,270 $31,357 $30,322 $29,295 $25,059 $26,635 $27,709 $26,671 $25,820 $26,978 $26,781 $25,478

THUMB FARMER

michigansthumb.com

Take time to think about three things to improve your farm business

By Phil Durst Michigan State University Extension

At times, it seems that there are hundreds of things to think about. That can be paralyzing.

Instead, focus your thoughts on three things.

The New Year is an opportunity to think about your business. But that is a broad prospect, and therefore, somewhat daunting. Michigan State University Extension has a way to better define that; think about just three things. Let’s start with the first, think about one thing from the past year.

Think about one thing; • for which you are particularly thankful

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• that you accomplished • that you did not succeed at • that you believe you can improve By focusing on these things it helps to define strengths and weaknesses in the past year. Defining strengths and weaknesses helps to direct the improvements that should be made and the areas that you can build on.

Next turn your attention to the year ahead and think about the next thing; • you want to accomplish • you want to avoid • you will get more help with • you will do better See “improve” • 13

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THUMB FARMER

TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016

ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC MIKE ZAGATA ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. ROBERT & VERONICA DALLAS ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. KENNETH & AMY WEBER HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. GARY PROTZMAN HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. MIKE ZAGATA ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC ZWEMMER DAIRY FARM LLC HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. HIGHLAND DAIRY LLC. RENE DEKKER KENNETH & AMY WEBER

ELKTON SEBEWAING ELKTON SEBEWAING HARBOR BEACH ELKTON ELKTON ELKTON SEBEWAING ELKTON ELKTON SEBEWAING ELKTON SEBEWAING SEBEWAING ELKTON ELKTON SEBEWAING SEBEWAING UBLY SEBEWAING SEBEWAING SEBEWAING SEBEWAING SEBEWAING CASEVILLE SEBEWAING SEBEWAING ELKTON ELKTON SEBEWAING SEBEWAING UBLY UBLY

Crop Production Services 2329 Main Street • Ubly Phone: 989.658.2551 • Office Fax: 989.658.2455 JOHN F. MAUSOLF - Manager JIM COOK - Salesman DENNIS PHILPOT - Salesman JOHN SCHRAMSKI - Salesman REX THAYER - Salesman ADAM MAURER - Salesman email: john.mausolf@cpsagu.com

2 20 2 70 31 2 2 2 70 2 2 70 2 70 70 2 2 70 70 31 70 70 70 70 70 31 70 20 2 2 70 70 31 31

9976 8412 30650 381 848 10615 30561 10150 135 174 2077 509 30543 600 9844 1302 2556 6406 11408 245 97 9121 179 2386 9147 379 9495 1604 9441 51 9146 323 751 830

H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H

michigansthumb.com 128920633

6019124 17231273

133184370

Kemp Tiling

Co., Inc.

8 6 7 7 9 8 6 8 8 8 6 7 8 7 7 7 7 7 8 7 8 8 7 6 7 9 8 7 9 8 8 6 8 8

249,207 249,021 248,859 247,133 246,611 246,585 245,916 245,583 245,155 243,812 243,175 242,816 242,158 242,093 241,660 240,810 240,209 238,558 238,482 237,957 237,452 236,826 236,583 236,151 235,428 235,237 235,022 234,647 234,563 234,187 234,022 233,980 233,841 233,661

8,391 8,484 8,048 9,383 8,447 9,594 8,444 10,866 8,552 9,268 7,620 8,540 10,180 8,279 9,840 8,707 9,434 8,088 9,459 10,277 7,711 7,982 8,192 7,591 7,082 11,359 8,577 7,017 6,773 7,664 8,529 7,525 9,884 10,994

7,277 7,312 6,352 7,565 6,581 7,390 6,570 7,251 7,185 7,247 6,590 6,959 6,980 6,658 7,519 6,876 7,117 7,185 7,159 7,439 6,315 6,859 6,943 6,313 6,379 7,502 5,932 6,056 5,854 6,378 6,926 6,613 7,544 7,383

$25,000 $25,234 $23,341 $27,414 $24,426 $27,692 $24,410 $30,278 $25,257 $26,853 $22,668 $25,007 $28,541 $24,148 $28,352 $25,284 $27,082 $24,270 $27,180 $29,212 $22,593 $23,718 $24,252 $22,336 $21,312 $31,595 $24,067 $20,851 $20,127 $22,559 $24,960 $22,497 $28,479 $30,696

Do you have a story idea?

Email Editor Dave Shane at dshane@ hearstnp.com

michigansthumb.com

THUMB FARMER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

2015 Huron County Honored Members EIGHTY-TWO YEAR MEMBER Ron Nugent SIXTY-SEVEN YEAR MEMBER Paul & Keith Leipprandt SIXTY-SIX YEAR MEMBER Gary & Michael Nugent

2015 DHIA Board of Directors Eric Sneller - President

Nick Leipprandt - Treasurer

Cassie Sneller - Vice President

Bob Gucwa - Director

Ashley Kennedy - Secretary

Vacant - Industry Representative

Marianne Buza - MSU Extension Dairy Educator / Representative

SIXTY-FOUR YEAR MEMBER Gary Protzman - Delcath Farms SIXTY YEAR MEMBER Starward Farms

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2015 DHI Information Specialists Larry Lenz - Sebewaing

Marlin Zeist - Decker

Duane Zimmerman - Decker

Roger Sweeney - Owendale

FIFTY-SEVEN YEAR MEMBER Darrin Lutz Farms Inc FIFTY-FOUR YEAR MEMBER Henry & Mark Ziel - Zielland Farm THIRTY-FIVE YEAR MEMBER Volmering Family Dairy TWENTY YEAR MEMBER Messing Dairy FIFTEEN YEAR MEMBERS Rene Dekker Brian Ingram Wolschleger Dairy TEN YEAR MEMBER Kim Clunis

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THUMB FARMER

TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016

2015 Top 20 Herds Award Winners Herd Breed

Producer

Starward Farms - Sebewaing S & M Dairy** - Harbor Beach Laeder Dairy** - Harbor Beach Rene Dekker** - Ubly Messing Dairy**- Bad Axe Mike Zagata** - Sebewaing Ziel Henry & Mark - Port Austin Denis Burke** - Ruth Gary Protzman** - Caseville Peterson Dairy Farms Inc** - Harbor Beach Scholtz Brian & Shelly - Harbor Beach Harvey & Annette & Brad Klee - Ruth Paul & Kieth Leipprandt** - Pigeon Thuemmel Dairy** - Port Austin Wolschleger Dairy - Harbor Beach Volmering Family Dairy - Harbor Beach Jo - Jo Dairy - Bad Axe Kundinger Brothers - Sebewaing Kris Fry - Harbor Beach Robert & Veronica Dallas - Harbor Beach

Herd Size

H X X H X H H H H H H H H H H H H H H X

Value

90 1,074 373 1,304 264 596 113 1,602 682 204 62 79 118 740 131 178 88 146 295 211

** Indicates herd is milked 3x daily

$4,756 $4,593 $4,585 $4,465 $4,411 $4,340 $4,238 $4,237 $4,233 $4,219 $4,187 $4,102 $4,038 $3,964 $3,959 $3,953 $3,840 $3,750 $3,730 $3,677

michigansthumb.com

Breakfast on the Farm improves consumer trust in dairy farming Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) continues to increase the trust consumers have in agriculture production systems. One of the goals of BOTF is to show consumers how modern farms work to give them a better appreciation of what farmers do to produce safe food, care for their animals and the environment. BOTF is a form of place-based education that provides the opportunity for consumers to experience the culture and setting of modern farming in their communities.

Such educational tours put a face on the families who own the farms and this helps to create ties between participants, farmers, other industry professionals and volunteers. BOTF is an industrywide program coordinated by Michigan State University Extension to help local producers and ag industry professionals educate consumers about modern agricultural practices.

During 2015, five dairy farms hosted BOTF events totaling 12,068 participants and 1413 volunteers with an average of 2700 participants and 285 volun-

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teers per event.. The five events were hosted by Stakenas Farms in Mason County, Roto-Z Dairy Farm (Zwemmer family) in Sanilac County, Hood Farms Family Dairy in Van Buren County, Wheeler Dairy (Van Loon family) in Gratiot County and Pleasant View Dairy (Lewis family) in Hillsdale County.

Continued efforts with exit surveys show that participants indicate BOTF educational tours increase their level of trust in farmers in several areas. Comparing consumer impressions about how farmers care for food-producing animals, the environment and safeguarding milk before and after their tour show large shifts in their level of trust. Surveys were handed out as individuals exited the tour and participants were asked to rate what their level of trust was on several topics before and after their tour. Since this was done as they left, their responses are an indication of their perceived change in trust.

— MSU Extension

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THUMB FARMER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

IMPROVEMENT: All operations have to reflect, improve and change

reflecting and planning for the business. Set time aside to start on this process and improve your operation.

From 9

Thinking ahead about the future helps you to lay out some short-term goals to keep the operation moving forward. It also prompts you to seek help and to determine how to do something better. Thinking about the next thing doesn’t allow for status quo, it is about making positive change in the operation.

Lastly, the third thing to think about is the most important thing. What are the most important long-term goals for your business? Think about where the business needs to head.

Think about the changes that have to take place in your business. These changes could be in facilities, size and scope of the business, personnel, or management.

As you think about the most important things, then: • Define and write it down in a concise statement.

• Defend your goal. Why is it

important? What are the benefits? What are the costs?

• Spend time planning to implement it.

• Set dates to implement it.

Make time to research it, talk about it, and to start it.

All too often we fail in one of two ways; either we fail to foresee what changes are most important or we fail because although we know what is most important, we never get around

to it. Either way, we waste time, effort and money on less productive things that do not accomplish what really needs to be done.

These three points can help one partner within a business explain it to other partners, including a spouse, parent or sibling. Completing these steps creates a timeframe to move it along. Something that is truly of great importance should be

13

accomplished in a reasonable timeframe.

Business operations, whether they are farms or downtown businesses, have to reflect, improve and change. That happens when owners spend time

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI.

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michigansthumb.com

Cooperative hires new reproductive specialist Submitted to the Tribune

LANSING — NorthStar Cooperative Inc. has hired David Mageean of Stockbridge as a reproductive specialist. In this role, he will work in the Central Michigan area providing heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) breeding services based on producers’ genetics and production goals.

“David comes to NorthStar with a wealth of experience,” stated Team Leader Steve Reed.

“He worked in various agricultural roles in Ireland for many years and spent the last two breeding seasons in New Zealand. David has tremendous passion for what he does and works extremely hard for the producers he serves.”

Originally from Ireland, Mageean’s interest in agriculture began with his first job on a farm that raised both dairy and beef cows while he was still in school. Mageean began working as a herdsman in 1999 for a 350-cow dairy in Northern Ireland, where he was actively involved in the day-today management of all aspects of the herd. After five years as a herdsman, Mageean worked in various roles with other farms and agricultural companies where he gained experience ranging from grass silage production to tillage work, corn planting and harvesting, and

David Mageean of Stockbridge recently was hired as a reproductive specialist for NorthStar Cooperative. He will work in the Central Michigan area providing heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) breeding services based on producers’ genetics and production goals. (Submitted Photo) machinery maintenance.

Mageean began working for reproductive and genetic com-

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panies in Northern Ireland in 2009. In 2010, he completed a six-week training program in bovine fertility and reproduction, becoming certified in artificial insemination. After six months as a relief technician, Mageean began working his own AI route servicing dairy producers in all aspects of heat detection and breeding.

During his time in New Zealand, Mageean worked for

Livestock Improvement Corporation for two breeding seasons. He bred cows seven days a week, averaging 370 inseminations a day during the 2014 season, with a total of 11,800 inseminations on 8,200 cows.

NorthStar Cooperative Inc. is a stock-based cooperative, owned by dairy and beef producers in Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. Originally formed in 1944 as an artifi-

cial insemination cooperative, it is now comprised of sales and service for Select Sires, Ag Products and Technologies, DHI Services and Antel BioSystems, an animal diagnostic testing center. Based in Lansing, NorthStar provides sales and service to producers, veterinarians and industry members across the U.S. For more information, visit www.northstarcooperative.com.

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THUMB FARMER

TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2016

15

FARM: Siblings feel farming is in their blood From 3

“I think employees are No. 1,” Cindy TeVoortwis said.

Finding, training and keeping good help is a struggle.

At the present time, the farm employs about 30 people, and she feels these are excellent employees.

“We have a really good base right now,” Cindy TeVoortwis said. “The majority is full time.”

She explained labor in the dairy business is their third biggest cost.

“Our first biggest cost is feed,” Jurgen TeVoortwis said.

“Our second (largest cost) is all the other capital outlay.”

He went on to say most nonfarmers do not understand the amount of money it takes to run an operation like this. For instance, their monthly electric bill for the old barn averaged $12,000 per month. The new barn/parlor is larger but is much more energy efficient.

He feels the electrical costs will be about the same.

Before going back to work, the siblings discussed the future of the business. They said the industry has come

a long way from the time of their grandparents. They know advances in technology will continue, and their operation will become much more advanced and efficient in the future.

They feel technology will allow things to happen they can’t imagine today.

“We’re learning to do more with less,” Cindy TeVoortwis said. “We’re becoming very efficient with our water conservation. We are maximizing the way we use and get rid of manure.”

She went on to say they are working very close with crop farmers to get rid of the large amount of manure produced by their herd. They are finding new ways to manage and use a product that has caused headaches in the past. She feels manure is becoming a true crop resource rather than a waste product.

Cindy TeVoortwis admits farming is a busy lifestyle. Yet, each member of the family has outside interests. In summer, her brother races pickup trucks at a local track. She

raises horses and likes to ride when she has time.

“It’s a fun hobby,” she said.

In addition, she is mom to two small children.

“It’s very rewarding,” she said.

Her parents like to return to the Netherlands whenever they have a chance. Family there is very important to them, and they try to go back once or twice per year. They truly enjoy visiting their children and grandchildren in Europe.

As far as their personal futures are concerned, both brother and sister feel they will be farmers forever. They understand it is a tough business, but it is in their blood.

“Dairy farming is a lifestyle,” Jurgen TeVoortwis said.

“We are dedicated to what we do,” Cindy TeVoortwis added. “We’re passionate about our cows.”

Rich Harp/For the Tribune

Cindy TeVoortwis talks to long-time employee Leo Gusa.

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TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016

THUMB FARMER

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