Gillins’ goal to have own farm

APPRENTICE, from pg. 9

At first, the new stalls were a challenge, attributing to a higher cell count. But Heuer said it is coming down. He has learned it is helpful to let all of the cows into the exercise lot and empty the barn once per day. That way, he can sweep the mangers and groom the stalls, giving the cows a clean slate every day. Rick said his cell count is still slightly videos.

“One of the best things is having somebody I can bounce ideas off of,” Gillins said. “Nate’s real good about listening to me and then bringing up things I maybe hadn’t thought of. Even if they are ideas he wouldn’t do, having somebody who has been grazing a lot of years who can see the benefit, or ask what about this, what about that — that’s a huge benefit.”

While the ultimate goal of Gillins and his wife is to have their own farm, farm ownership is not the case with all apprentices, Angie said. Some are satisfied to manage someone else’s dairy. Some have used the knowledge of grazing to raise beef instead of dairy. Some go on to learn cheese and butter making — hoping eventually to have a micro-dairy to direct market their own products.

Angie has worked with four journey workers (DGA graduates) and one is in the process of purchasing the farm from his mentor.

“That’s the great part of the program, my favorite part,” Angie said, “seeing that happen, the good working relationship [between apprentice and mentor], and then the success of transitioning into ownership.”

Even when that doesn’t happen, since managed rotational grazing is an economical way to get into dairy, the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship is a practical first step to increase the possibility of success.

For information about mentorship or apprenticeship, contact Angie Walter at angie@sfa-mn.org or at (320) 815-9293.

For more complete information on Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship, their website is dga-national.org. v higher than it was before switching to the robot. “But now, I know [which individual cows] are high. That helps.”

In addition, the Lely robot gives individual cell count readings for each milking, which helps Heuer monitor those cows more closely.

Currently, Heuer’s herd is milking three times per day with the robot. “Production is up 15 to 20 pounds,” he said of his herd. Heuer’s cows give 90 pounds of milk daily, and he hopes to hit 100 pounds as he freshens more cows.

“What I really enjoy is the activity monitors!” Heuer said his herd had always been on shot synchronization programs for breeding. “Now, I very seldom give a shot. The activity moni-

One of the main reasons Heuer retrofitted his barn, besides preserving his body, was the location. “I kind of like that I can come out in my pajamas and push in feed,” he said. “It’s close to the house, and I liked where the barn was. This way, if it’s the middle of the night, I can come out if needed. With cows, you need to be here anyway.”

Heuer also likes the flexibility the robotic milking system offers. He no longer has to stop field work or decline social invitations because it conflicts with milking. With the robot, Rick can fetch the two or three cows that need to be reminded to get milked a little earlier or a little later. “I’m not tied down to four hours of chores in the middle of everything. It’s really convenient that way,” he said.

Both Dieball and Heuer agreed that dairying is in their blood. “Sometimes I wish it wasn’t,” Heuer joked, “but I guess it is.” So, the cows stayed at both farms, and the love for the industry continues to thrive. v