Volume 25: Issue 3 Nov. 2023
BOTTOM LINE Sharing ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
Page 4 Managers, set your sights on Baton Rouge
University of Wisconsin
Manure is spread in the spring before planting.
Page 5 Butter makes everything better
Page 6 Program equips cow managers to be people managers
Manure-spreading techniques impact nutrient losses LAURA PALETTA AND KELSEY HYLAND University of Wisconsin
The spreading of liquid dairy manure often gets a bad rap. But when performed correctly, applying manure that way is a great practice for soil health and provides needed nutrients for crop growth. Manure can be extremely beneficial in a system designed to use it. It’s important to utilize manure Paletta from late spring to early fall, when nutrient losses to water resources are less likely. During that time period growing crops can actively take up the nutrients provided in manure. There are many ways to apply and spread manure, Hyland resulting in different levels of
nutrient losses. Ammonia losses are often cited as a concern in surface-applied scenarios because manure is readily exposed to weather events such as precipitation, temperature and wind – all of which can increase rates of volatilization such as ammonia losses to the atmosphere. University of Wisconsin-Discovery Farms edge-of-field monitoring revealed that another form of nitrogen in manure, ammonium, can also be lost in runoff. Discovery Farms data compares three types of manure application. • surface • tillage incorporation within 72 hours • low-disturbance manure injection Surface-applied sites had greater rates of ammonium losses compared to both incorporation with tillage and lowdisturbance manure injection. Those losses Please see MANURE, Page 2
Professional Dairy Producers I 1-800-947-7379 I www.pdpw.org ™
2 November 2023 • PDPW • Dairy’s Bottom Line
Manure From 1
occur when manure is applied shortly before a melt or precipitation event – and before a growing crop has time to take it up. That highlights the importance of manureapplication timing. Avoid applying manure before large p r e c i p i t a t i o n e ve n t s to minimize those losses. If applying manure in the fall, cover crops are a great option because they can take up some of that nitrogen before it’s lost. D i s c o v e r y Fa r m s a l s o compared phosphorus losses across the different application scenarios. Researchers found that on surface-applied fields, dissolved-phosphorus losses were greatest. Because manure applied to the soil surface is exposed to precipitation, phosphorus in manure can readily dissolve in water. It’s therefore especially susceptible to moving off the field in runoff. But surface-applied sites did have reduced particulatephosphorus losses, or phosphorus that is bound to soil particles, compared to sites with tillage incorporation or l ow- d i s t u rba n ce m a n u re injection. That’s likely because surface application of manure
is often paired with reduced or no soil disturbance from tillage practices. Tillage disrupts and loosens soil particles, increasing erosion. When soil is lost so is the phosphorus attached to the soil particles. W h e n c o n s i d e r i n g to ta l phosphorus losses – dissolved phosphorus plus particulate phosphorus – across the three application scenarios, loss levels are similar. In Figure 4, the average loss is seen as the bold black horizontal line. For each manure-application scenario there are important trade-offs to consider. For example tillage incorporation helps move nutrients below the soil surface, and reduces ammonium and dissolvedphosphorus losses. But that increased soil disturbance also has the potential to increase soil erosion and particulatephosphorus losses. Cover crops are a great tool to use in that scenario, especially on extremely-erodible soils and high-sloped fields. Roots from cover crops hold onto soil particles while aboveground biomass provides a barrier that p reve n ts ra i n d ro ps f ro m dislodging soil from the soil surface. Consider choosing an overwintering cover crop that has a fibrous underground root system to maximize those benefits into spring. Unlike tillage incorporation,
Dairy’s Bottom Line is published by PDPW in cooperation with Agri-view.
Figure 1. Ammonium losses in pounds per acre of runoff, as measured by University of Wisconsin-Discovery Farms from 2004 to 2022, were greatest in surface-applied scenarios when compared to incorporation within 72 hours and injected manure.
1901 Fish Hatchery Road Madison, Wisconsin 53713 Toll-Free: 1-888-AGRI-VIEW Madison Fax: 608-250-4155 agriview@madison.com www.agriview.com
November 2023 • PDPW • Dairy’s Bottom Line 3
Figure 2. Dissolved-phosphorus losses in pounds per acre of runoff, as measured by University of Wisconsin-Discovery Farms from 2004 to 2022, were greatest when manure was surface-applied compared to manure incorporated within 72 hours and manure injected.
Figure 3. Particulate-phosphorus losses in pounds per acre of runoff, as measured by University of Wisconsin-Discovery Farms from 2004 to 2022, were greatest among fields incorporating manure within 72 hours compared to surface-applied and injected-manure scenarios.
l ow- d i s t u rba n ce m a n u re injection allows for manure application to an actively growing crop; that opens an entire window of spreading. Wi t h t h a t te c h n i q u e , nutrients are applied below the surface to help reduce surface interactions while limiting soil disruption.But equipment for
quality impacts. Attend the Wisconsin Water and Soil Health Conference, to be held Dec. 7-8 in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, for more information. Data will be presented in more detail. The new conference builds upon the legacy of both the Discovery Farms Conference
l ow- d i s t u rba n ce m a n u re injection can be expensive; it’s n o t a lways e co n o m i ca l ly feasible for every operation. Consider those tradeoffs when deciding which application techniques work best to help maximize the benefits of m a n u re , wh i l e re d u c i n g nutrient losses and water-
“
You aren’t just a number here. They understand my livelihood and why it’s so important to make sure I’m properly insured while understanding that my dollar needs to go further. Joshua Current Client
Customer service is one of our core values. We’re thrilled when our customers have a positive experience and value the same things we do.
Find a local agent at www.RuralMutual.com
and the Wisconsin Cover Crop Conference. It will include topics at the intersection of agronomy, water quality and soil health. A manure-applicationmethods breakout session will feature farmer experiences Please see MANURE, Page 4
4 November 2023 • PDPW • Dairy’s Bottom Line Fa r m s re sea rc h - p rog ra m manager, will dive deeper into manure-application strategies and nutrient-loss dynamics. From 3 Visit cropsandsoils.extension. wisc.edu/wwash to register and utilizing different manure- for more information. application techniques within innovative cropping systems, Laura Paletta is an outreach including specialist with University of •d ribble-bar application, • A erWay® liquid-manure Wisconsin-Discovery Farms. Email paletta@wisc.edu to reach her. application, • c omposting solids, • strip tilling through cover Kelsey Hyland is an agriculture crops, and water-quality outreach specialist • l ow-disturbance manure with the UW-Division of Extension. injection. Email kelsey.hyland@wisc.edu to Lindsey Hartfiel, the Discovery reach her.
Manure
Figure 4. Average total phosphorus losses – dissolved plus particulate losses in pounds per acre of runoff, as measured by University of Wisconsin-Discovery Farms from 2004 to 2022, were similar across three different manure-application techniques.
Managers Academy heads to Baton Rouge The 2024 Managers Academy for Dairy Professionals®, a threeday executive-level professional-development training and
networking program, is scheduled for Jan. 9-11, 2024. Designed to expand the knowledge and skillset of dairy owners and
“The Tank Builder”
Call Dennis at 920-948-9661 www.pippingconcrete.com Like us
managers, CEOs, industry directors, processors, marketers and distributors, next year’s program will take place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The agenda focuses on equipping dairy professionals with the tools they need to be persistent amidst geopolitical turbulence, tight margins and an increasing need for solid business ethics. The academy will feature its signature out-of-industry tours. The program will kick off with a discussion from some of the best minds in and out of the agricultural sector. • Jacob Shapiro – geopolitical analyst and researcher • Jason Karszes - dairy-farm management specialist • expertise in global perspective regarding dairy and other major agricultural commodities • best practices in the best-20 percent of dairy producers • Richard Kyte – endowed professor of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership at Viterbo University • strategies to increase employee engagement, and productivity • motivate employees • empower managers to lead confidently and compassionately.
Executives from four Louisiana-based businesses will discuss challenges they face and their unique management approaches. Attendees will find common denominators in proficiently marketing a food-grade product as well as in finding and creating new markets. Also taking center stage will be creating an unbeatable team culture, establishing a succession plan for incoming team members and committing to superior craftsmanship. As many as 18.50 continuing-education credits are available from Dairy AdvanCE for the program. Vi s i t p d pw.o rg o r ca l l 800-947-7379 to register or for more information.
November 2023 • PDPW • Dairy’s Bottom Line 5
Butter makes holidays better ASHLEY HAGENOW 76th Alice in Dairyland
Whether melted atop a stack of pancakes, dripping off fresh sweet corn, pooled into mashed potatoes or mixed into holiday baked goods, butter is loved by Wisconsinites. In 2022 an average 3.3 pounds of butter was purchased per person, 24 percent more than the national average of 2.6 pounds per person. Wisconsin is one of the besttwo butter producers in the United States. The state’s dairy industry employs more than 150,000 residents and contributes $45.6 billion to Wisconsin’s economy. On the journey to become butter, excellent-quality milk leaves Wisconsin dairy farms to head to Hagenow one of 13 butter-processing facilities. Milk is churned until butter separates from the buttermilk. Salted butter has salt added at that point but otherwise no additional ingredients are needed for fresh all-natural butter. Containers are marked with the “Proudly Wisconsin Dairy®” badge or the number “55.” That tells consumers they’re about to buy a delicious, authentic Wisconsin farm-to-table product that supports local dairy farmers and their communities. Every year butter sales and consumption peak during November and December as home cooks ready their holiday recipes to share with family and friends. In Wisconsin retail butter sales are typically 39 percent more than average in November and 36 percent more in December. This holiday season I’ll be taking my butter to the next level by infusing it with fruits, herbs and of course Wisconsin cheese. Compound butter, a combination
event there are leftovers, compound butter can be stored in the refrigerator just as with regular butter. How long compound butter lasts depends on the ingredients used. No matter if experimenting with something new this holiday season or sticking with tried-and-true recipes, using excellent-quality Wisconsin butter will elevate dishes to the next level while supporting our dedicated Wisconsin dairy farmers and rural communities. Visit www.wisconsincheese. com/butter for more information.
Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
When grocery shopping for the holidays, encourage family and friends to check the label to ensure they’re purchasing Wisconsin butter – to make memorable holiday meals everyone will love. Visit www.wisconsincheese. com/butter for inspiration.
of butter and various ingredients that add flavor, is easy to make at home. It’s most commonly made with honey, garlic, herbs and spices. It’s great to add to grilled meats, vegetables and warm, homemade bread. There are recipes such as savory cheese and herb butter, which combines Cheddar Gruyere and minced herbs including rosemary and chives. Or try the cranberry-chipotleCheddar butter – a sweet and spicy mixture that includes Carr Valley’s cranberry-chipotleCheddar cheese, dried cranberries, honey and ground chipotlechili peppers. Or create new combinations using favorite flavors or to complement a meal. Softened butter is needed when making a compound, for an even mixture. Butter will soften in 30 to 60 minutes after being removed from the refrigerator, or within six to seven hours outside of the freezer; plan accordingly. After the butter has softened and all ingredients are ready, simply mix until well-combined. In the
Ashley Hagenow is Wisconsin’s 76th Alice in Dairyland. Email DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov to reach her.
® Dynamint UDDER CREAM Use daily and watch herd health improve! • Organic approved • Contains essential oils, including peppermint • Helps control and prevent edema, mastitis and infection
Scan to learn more
800 776 7042 | coburn.com
6 November 2023 • PDPW • Dairy’s Bottom Line
Management program sharpens skills P D PW Da i ry M a n a ge rs Institute® is an intensive management-development program open to dairy managers on the farm or in agribusiness. It’s designed to equip dairy producers with the skills needed to become effective team leaders, financial decision-makers and negotiators. The program will be held Dec.1213 at PDPW, 820 N. Main St., Juneau, Wisconsin. “You can have the best cows, the best soils and the best business plans but if you don’t have good people-management skills you won’t be able to keep the best people on your team,” said Ken Feltz, a PDPW board member as well as a dairy producer from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and Feltz’s Dairy Store owner. “This program will help you become the manager other people want to work with.” Attendees will select one of three tiers to complete, ideally in chronological order. Each tier will include simultaneous Spanish
translation. Tier 1 – Becky Stewart-Gross will build on the fundamentals of leadership success by offering participants practical strategies for managing change. By means of various activities, attendees will learn to • differentiate between the skills of a manager and those of a leader – and when to use which, • implement change more effectively, and • understand how change impacts themselves and those around them.
Tier 2 – Michael Hoffman will help participants improve their coaching skills by building on concepts taught in Tier 1. Sessions will instruct attendees to • determine how to create a greater sense of ownership and involvement, • generate buy-in and build commitment to an action plan, • understand and deliver meaningful feedback, and • identify personal and practical needs within a coaching interaction. Tier 3 – Kevin Bernhardt and
Linda Swindling will help participants master financials and negotiations while sharpening their business acumen. Not every dairy manager is tasked with being a farm’s financial expert or will make large-scale negotiations, but having a firm grasp of the basics and knowing which factors tie into the big picture is important. Learn several strategies including • different negotiation styles and how to leverage them in discussions, • how to determine a dairy’s break-even mark and calculate a cost-benefit, and • when to walk away and when to compromise. As many as 14 continuingeducation credits are available through Dairy AdvanCE for each tier. Visit pdpw.org or call 800947-7379 to register or for more information in both English and Spanish.
Attendees will cover their own flight tickets to retain the flexibility of departing and-or extending as desired. Registrant travel fees are $3,499 per traveler for double occupancy
and $4,499 per single traveler – must be a PDPW member. A non-refundable deposit of $500 per traveler is required. Visit pdpw.org or call 800947-7379 for more information.
Explore California with PDPW PDPW’s “Explore California” tour will offer dairy farmermembers an unforgettable opportunity to network with peers, experience World Ag Expo, visit world-renowned d a i r i e s, s p e n d a d ay a t Yosemite, participate in Napa Valley wine tasting and more. The five-day program will take place Feb. 11-17, 2024. Tours will visit Vierra Dairy, home to the 2023 Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo, as well as Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center, Rosa Brothers Dairy and Creamery, and Maddox Dairy. Attendees will travel to Yosemite National Park, Sonoma and Napa Valley as well as tour the San Luis reservoir and the Sisk Dam. Wine-tasting experiences will be included at the Michael
David Winery and the Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. “Attend with your spouse for a very unique week with a perfect balance of business and pleasure,” said Shelly Mayer, PDPW executive director and a dairy producer from Slinger, Wisconsin. The tour package, limited to the first 50 farmers, includes • six nights hotel accommodations; • ground transportation via comfortable modern motorcoach; • sightseeing and dairy tours; • d a i l y b re a k fa s t , f o u r lunches, four dinners and wine-tasting experiences; • all entrance or event fees; and • all end-of-tour gratuities for tours and coach driver.
November 2023 • PDPW • Dairy’s Bottom Line 7
Summit addresses markets, food waste Statistics show about onethird of the world’s food is thrown away annually. Agricultural food producers, processors and consumers stand to benefit from improving market access and reducing food waste. The 2023 PDPW Dairy Insights Summit will address those issues and more Nov. 28 at the Sheraton Madison Hotel, 706 John Nolen Drive, Madison, Wisconsin. “In 2021 the United States saw 38 percent of our 241-million-ton food supply go unsold or uneaten,” said John Haag, PDPW Board president and a dairy producer from Dane, Wisconsin. “Overall it’s estimated that 33 percent of the 80 million tons of food produced in the United States goes straight to landfill, incineration, down the drain or is left in the fields to rot. That’s
nearly 27 million tons of food that farmers invested time, energy and resources into producing – to say nothing of the costs required to transport, cool, cook or otherwise prepare that food. “The good news is there’s also a lot of progress being made. The Dairy Insights Summit will offer a full-spectrum view of what’s going on currently and also give us the tools to start making improvements
in our everyday routines.” The one-day program will bring in experts and processors from different regions of the world as well as executives and consultants in food production and marketing. Session topics will examine consumer demands, projected growth opportunities and challenges to changing market access. Attendees will learn about the latest in innovations, technologies, processes and creative
approaches to mitigate food waste and its negative corollaries. “This program is for leading-edge stakeholders such as university officials, government leaders, allied industry partners and visionary dairy producers who want to be a step ahead in their pursuit of responsible dairying,” said Cassandra Strupp, PDPW program manager and a dairy producer from Slinger, Wisconsin. “Though the world seems to be running out of control, this program offers a sneak peek of what’s coming down the pike so we can prepare our businesses for what customers up the supply chain need from us.” The program will qualify for continuing-education credits through Dairy AdvanCE. Visit pdpw.org to register, view the program flyer and for more information.
“COWMANAGER SAVES US A LOT OF
TIME AND LABOR” “We looked at several systems and chose CowManager, because it seemed easy to use, easy to install, user friendly, and provided what we were looking for without investing a lot of money and having to update our parlor. We have CowManager for all our cows, springing and breeding-age heifers. We rely 100% on CowManager and no longer use tail paint with the heifers. It saves us a lot of labor by not having to watch for heats, as well the expense of tail paint and almost every heifer we check is pregnant. CowManager is another tool our whole family can use to keep us confident that things are running smoothly when we aren’t physically at the farm.” Jenna Hedrich, Hedrich Rivers Bend Dairy airy LLC, LL Hilbert, Wis.
SPECIAL OFFER
3 MONTHS
FREE
HEALTH • FERTILITY • NUTRITION
SOFTWARE
AHEAD OF THE HERD TOGETHER
0% FINANCING
25% OFF NUTRITION
FOR NEW CUSTOMERS OFFER ENDS 12/31/23
Ask your CentralStar team for details or call 800.631.3510.