April 13, 2024 Dairy Star - 3rd section

Developing a management plan to suit the farm

Doubling up robots is successful at Spotted Cow Acres

By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com

OWEN, Wis. — Nearly a decade into robotic milking, the technology continues to impact the way Jared Eloranta manages his Clark County dairy farm near Owen.

Eloranta established Spotted Cow Acres LLC in 2015 with his brother, Justin.

They began with six DeLaval robotic milking units and increased to the current eight, with six DeLaval VMS Classic units and two VMS V300 units.

Eloranta plans to add another Classic robot this spring. The extra robot will allow the farm to milk 30-50 more cows beyond its current size of 420.

Eloranta has been growing his herd by nding and purchasing used robots that will work in the facility.

After college, the brothers decided they would return to the family’s farm and reestablish the dairy herd that had been sold. Robots were the obvious choice for the Elorantas, as they eliminated the need to rely on a large labor force.

Although Justin has moved on from the dairy farm, Eloranta’s parents, Wayne and Joan, stay active on the farm.

Eloranta takes care of feeding and handles robot mainte-

nance. Another brother, Mike, helps on weekends and is part of the eldwork crew. Erin Rasmussen, who began working at the farm in 2019 as a high school student, serves as the farm’s herd manager.

Much of the labor on the farm comes in the form of high school students, who join the farm’s staff using work release permits. Rasmussen oversees the high school labor, creating schedules and training the students.

“Having high school workers has worked out well,” Rasmussen said. “That is how I started here, and I fell in love with it. I had planned to pursue vet school, but when the time came to go to college, I didn’t want to stop working here.”

Because of that experience as a high school worker on the farm, Rasmussen said she pays special attention to the needs of the students.

“As long as we can cover the things that need to be covered, they can kind of pick and choose their schedules, and we are able to work around sports,” Rasmussen said. “No matter what career path they are planning to take, I always try to make sure they develop

the skills that they need to be successful working on any dairy farm in the future.”

Like the farm’s labor force, Eloranta has been able to netune the management of the robots and the cows to best meet the needs of the farm, Rasmussen said.

“We have found success doubling up our pens,” Ras-

mussen said. “When they rst started the farm, the pens had 55 stalls and one robot. Jared decided to see what might happen if they doubled up the robots.”

Rasmussen said in the rst expansion, two more robots were added to the barn. A pen with a left-hand robot was added to a pen with a right-hand

robot. Additional cows were added to each pen, with 95 cows housed in a pen with 55 stalls and two robots. When the rst increase in robots proved successful, two additional robots were added to two more pens last year.

DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR

Erin Rasmussen takes a moment with the cows Feb. 2 at Spo ed Cow Acres LLC near Owen, Wisconsin. Rasmussen works as the herd manager, overseeing 420 cows that are milked with eight DeLaval robo c milking units.

“We didn’t have to add space to increase,” Rasmussen said. “It has been working well for us. We are averaging 3.5 milkings. Cows aren’t standing and waiting in the holding pens. It works well for the rst-lactation cows, because cows aren’t ghting to go in the robot.”

Rasmussen said the practice has been a work of trial and error, but they quickly learned the stocking rate that achieved the desired results.

“We found that our sweet spot is 95 cows in a pen,” Rasmussen said. “Cows need time to lay down. We have found if we get up to 98 in a pen, we’ll notice cows waiting to lay down or kicking other cows out of stalls.”

Rasmussen said as the system has developed, she has found no difference in managing the double robot pens with increased cow numbers.

“When we doubled up the rst pens, I was a little nervous, but it hasn’t been a problem,” Rasmussen said. “The cows are so used to the system (that) they settle in quickly.”

The cows are fed a total mixed ration in bunks while pellets are fed in the robots. All feed for the herd is grown on 1,000 acres, growing corn silage, haylage and soybeans.

While Eloranta and Rasmussen have dialed in the herd management system, the farm is not without its challenges.

“The robots can simplify life a little,” Rasmussen said. “You are able to leave, and the cows are still getting milked. But, it can be overwhelming, because there are always a lot of things going on all the time. … You always have to be checking on things. I put on an average of 10 miles a day here in this barn.”

CowManager ear tags are applied to each cow for health monitoring. Rasmussen said the data provided by the tags and the robots is invaluable to managing the herd and making the best possible decisions for each cow.

“Some days, it feels like my phone is constantly going off between heat alerts, health alerts and robot alerts,” Rasmussen said.

Ultimately, the use of robots is what makes dairy farming a reality at Spotted Cow Acres, according to Rasmussen.

“The technology allows either Jared or me to run the place on our own if one of us wants to be away,” Rasmussen said. “The robots allow the farm to thrive with limited hired labor.”

DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR

Cows spend their day ea ng and res ng or visi ng the robo c milking units Feb. 2 at Spo ed Cow Acres LLC near Owen, Wisconsin. The farm was established in 2015 with six robots.

Join the UW-Madison Division of Extension’s Dairy Program from 11 a.m. to noon for the Badger Dairy Insight webinar series. To learn more about Badger Dairy Insight and the Extension Dairy program, visit https://dairy.extension.wisc.edu. There is no charge to participate in the sessions, however pre-registration is required to allow access. Register at go.wisc.edu/bdi2324 or

— April 16: Grazing your way to reduced heifer costs and better sustainability.

— Back to our roots with grazing dairy heifers with Jason Cavadini, Extension grazing outreach specialist.

Just a few generations ago, nearly all dairy heifers spent part of the year on pasture. Today, most dairy farmers choose not to implement grazing. But there’s good reason for dairy farms to consider going back to our roots with grazing of dairy heifers. It’s important to understand the distinctions between managed grazing and other types of grazing management. The three foundational principles are what make managed grazing different. This presentation will discuss how rotation, rest and residual inuence forage production, animal performance and cost savings for heifer raising programs.

— Advancing sustainable grazing: Quantication of greenhouse gas emissions from pastures using a “ying” air analyzer with Nesli Akdeniz, livestock controlled environments Extension specialist

The Rotational Grazing Handbook (A3529) recommends that all pastures with

less than 40% legume content require N fertilization for optimal growth. Fertilizer application not only contributes to additional forage growth, allowing for a longer grazing period but also enhances pasture yields leading to increased carbon sequestration. However, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in a way that minimizes the emissions of greenhouse gases and their precursors. In this presentation, we will discuss the quantication of greenhouse gas emissions from dairy pastures using a “ying” air analyzer. We will also explore the effects of split N application and drought conditions on these emissions.

The I-29 Moo University Dairy Webinar Series continues from noon to 1 p.m. April 17. The webinar will feature a discussion on y control with Dr. Phillip Jardon. Discussion will cover the four main ies that are considered pests on dairies – house ies, stable ies, horn ies and face ies.

Jardon has been in private practice and industry for 35 years with particular interest in transition cow diseases, a passion he has had since working on milk fever on his parent’s dairy for his seventh-grade science fair project. Jardon worked as a dairy technical consultant with Elanco Animal Health in California for the last 11 years and is a dairy Extension veterinarian at ISU.

There is no fee to participate in the webinar; however, registration is required at least one hour before the webinar. Register at https://go.iastate.edu/FLYCONTROL24.

For more information, contact: in Iowa, Fred M. Hall, 712-737-4230; in Minnesota, Jim Salfer, 320-203-6093; or in South Dakota, Patricia Villamediana, 605-688-4116.

Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation is proud to present a three-part webinar series during Earth Week. The webinars will explore carbon perspectives throughout the supply chain. The series will begin on Earth Day, April 22, with Dr. Frank Mitloehner from UC Davis. Mitloehner will share the latest carbon research and data from UC Davis and the CLEAR Center. Attendees will learn about the methane cycle and the true impact of agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

The second webinar will feature Ben Huber from Insight FS April 24. Huber will share insights about contracts, data collection and other considerations for Wisconsin farmers that are interested in pursuing carbon market opportunities. Attendees will also hear rsthand from farmers that are actively engaging in carbon markets.

The series concludes April 26 with Dan Christenson from PepsiCo. Christenson will share perspectives on carbon throughout the value chain. Attendees will learn about PepsiCo’s commitment to sourcing ingredients that accelerate regenerative agriculture, especially as it relates to carbon markets and how they are working with farmers on carbon sequestration.

All webinars will take place at 11 a.m. Webinars are free to attend and will be recorded. To learn more about the speakers and register, visit https://bit.ly/fbearthweekwebinar.

The next Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council webinar, at 2 p.m. May 2, Texas Tech University professor Michael Ballou will address “Early life calf health and performance have long-term impacts on lifetime health and (re)production performance.” This one-hour webinar is free.

The presentation will look at the etiology of calf-hood diseases. Further, a discussion on various strategies to improve disease resistance will be presented. Lastly, Ballou will show data that indicate that early life health and performance of calves can have longterm impacts on the (re)productivity of the animal.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/DCRCMay2. As the webinar approaches, you will receive an e-mail with information on how to participate.

National Mastitis Council’s May 7 webinar, led by Marcello Guadagnini, Axiota Animal Health international technical manager, features “Enhancing Udder Health via Trace Minerals.” This free, one-hour educational offering starts at 11 a.m.

Udder health is a multifactor problem in which dry period and peripartum health play a key role. Trace minerals are critical for mammary gland immunity. Trace mineral status optimization during the dry period can improve udder health. By attending this webinar, you’ll gain a better understanding of the role trace minerals play in immunity and udder health. Learn about the oxidative stress mechanism around calving and gain skills to optimize trace mineral status during the dry period.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/NMCWebMay7.

Anibas Silo & Equipment Inc.

Arkansaw, WI

Brubacker Ag Equipment

Curtiss, WI, Edgar, WI, Boscobel, WI

Brunkan Equipment Inc.

Worthington, IA

Podevels Farm Service

Marshfield, WI

KBS Inc.

Plainview, MN

Midwest Livestock Systems LLC

Zumbrota, MN, Menomonie, WI, Kaukauna, WI, Weston, WI, Renner, SD

K&R Equipment

Fountain, MN

Steinhart’s Farm Service Inc.

Platteville, WI

Chippewa Farm Service LLC

Chippewa Falls, WI

5 years ago

A healthy kidney for Koehler

The Koehler family, of New York Mills, Minnesota, was celebrating the 10-year anniversary of Justin Koehler’s successful kidney transplant in 2019. Justin farmed with his parents, Roy and Ronda, and his brother, Matt. Prior to the transplant in 2009, Justin had one in 2008 that was unsuccessful, but the family did not go through it alone. The neighbors helped with the eldwork, and the community organized a benet and fundraiser for Justin prior to the rst transplant. In 2009, Justin and his parents traveled back and forth between Rochester 37 times. For every appointment, all three of them were always there and went through everything together.

Looney bears markets, anticipates better futures

Tim Looney, of Princeton, Minnesota, who was 28 years old at the time, was in an equal partnership with his uncle, Dale Shelley, where they milked 120 cows. Through the tough market and low milk prices, the pair eliminated unnecessary costs on the farm, such as labor, feed and time. They milked in a double-6 parallel parlor that they installed in 2019 and housed the cows in two bedded pack barns. Another way they aimed to withstand the market was by putting a renewed focus on milk components over production to turn a better prot. Within a year, the Holstein herd went from a 3.8% butterfat test to 4.2%.

Kelleys keep families happy scoop by scoop

Near Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, the Kelley family — Tim and Karen and their ve grown children, Amie, Betsy, Heidi, Molly and Clark — operated both a dairy farm, Oak Lawn, and a creamery, Kelley Country Creamery. Tim and Clark, fthand sixth-generation farmers, respectively, managed the 65-cow dairy farm. The creamery’s ice cream was made with Grade A milk from the family’s nearby farm. They had made over 350 avors of ice cream, and on a busy summer day, they served more than 2,000 customers. Karen owned the creamery while Molly and Betsy were full-time employees. Amie worked part time for the creamery as a wedding and events manager. In the creamery’s rst year of business, they served 70,000 customers, and by 2019, their business had at least tripled.

Farmers fighting fires

Seven dairy farmers — Bob Christian; Bob Belling and his sons, Jason and Justin; Mark Mueller; and Dan and Kyle Hesprich — could be found serving alongside Fire Chief Jason Kuehl in 2019 on the Knowles Fire Department in Knowles, Wisconsin. These volunteer reghters were trained for many emergencies, including silo res, farm rescues and many other farm-related emergencies. The department was often called on by other re departments in the area to get assistance for farm-related emergencies, because they had the most experience on farms. As the department lost farmers that were on the team, they continued to have a strong connection with the industry.

10 years ago

Next in line

Jerry and Deb Schutz, of Eden Valley, Minnesota, sold the farm to their two sons, Chris and Jason, Aug. 1, 2012. The fth-generation dairymen took over the farm that had been in the family for 137 years as of 2014. When the brothers bought the farm, they were milking 27 cows, and they grew their herd to 110. They also remodeled the tiestall barn by removing half the stalls on one side and putting in headlocks. They used the existing stalls on the other side and milked with 10 units. The brothers took two sheds their dad used for steers and heifers and transformed them into a freestall barn with sand bedding. Cows were averaging 77 pounds of milk with a 4% butterfat test and 3.2% protein. Chris did all the breeding, and Jason did the feeding and treated cows. Jason’s wife, Jenny, fed calves and did bookwork.

Obert hoping for sticky spring

Dan Obert, of Valley, Wisconsin, could be found caring for a herd of 32 Jersey cows and a cluster of maple trees in 2014. Obert owned 200 acres and rented 200 more. The previous year, Obert’s 70 maple trees produced enough sap to make 50 gallons of syrup. When it comes to cooking down the sap and making the syrup, Obert did not use any form of newer technology and instead did it the old-fashioned way. He said that he thought it was more fun and that there was more to see during the process. Obert milked twice a day, and the small herd was producing a 5% butterfat test. The milk was sold to Westby Cooperative Creamery.

20 years ago

The proof is in the hard work

Aimee Finley, of St. Charles, Minnesota, was only 22 when she got started in the dairy industry. When she began showing in 4-H in the fth grade, it didn’t take Finley long before she was buying her own cattle. When Finley was about to attend college, she had grown her herd up to 20. While the cattle were easy for her to handle, the machinery was not. The young farmer had hopes to avoid having to use equipment as much as possible. One way she did this was by planting 200 acres for grazing, following her parents’ footsteps from 15 years prior.

Raising houses is raising trouble with neighbors

Kent Kelly, of Melrose, Minnesota, was looking to the future and the farm economy in 2004. This is when he came to the conclusion to have a platting lot for six houses on his land when he retired. Kelly knew what a housing development could do to a countryside and even moved his dairy operation 14 years prior from Wright County to Stearns County. Many of the neighbors did not agree with Kelly’s decision and made attempts to prevent it from taking place, causing the Stearns County Board of Commissioners to intervene. Among these people was Sam Salzl, who said the land was rich, tillable soil that should be left as farmland.

Disappearing cattle

A heifer stands in a pen April 3 at Lida-Acres Holsteins near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. In January 2023, the heifers from this pen got out three mes in one week, each me heading to a lake.

Johnson’s heifers head to the lake

By Emily Breth emily.b@star-pub.com

PELICAN RAPIDS, Minn. — A frozen lake, a foot of snow and 18 missing heifers perplexed Dana Johnson in January 2023.

“The rst time the heifers got out, it was either late at night or early in the morning,” Johnson said. “I went out in the morning to feed them, and they were nowhere in sight.”

In one week, the heifers got out three times, once overnight and the others early afternoon. Unlike other times when the heifers escaped here or there, they traveled as a full herd of 18 on these three journeys.

“When they rst got out, they ran everywhere, so I didn’t know where they went right away or how far,” Johnson said.

Johnson works on the farm owned by his mom, Dawn, with his older brother, Adam. They milk 50 cows at Lida-Acres Holsteins near Pelican Rapids.

Eventually, Johnson spotted a group of tracks and followed them straight to Lake Lida, which spans 3 miles in diameter.

“I walked out there and eventually found them in someone’s yard,” Johnson said. “I was frustrated with the cattle but glad no one got upset about them being by their lake house.”

Johnson promptly led the heifers home.

“I chased them back across the lake, and they were pretty good,” he said. “I thought they would be red up, but they walked back to the farm nice.”

Johnson did not know how or why the heifers escaped.

“They had hay, water and the fence was working,” Johnson said.

If a few heifers got out in years past, they usually headed west. Typically, someone in the family would get a phone call about the loose heifers, Johnson said. But this time, nobody did.

During the week of escaping heifers, the brothers discovered them gone when they went out to feed or check on them.

“The one day, my brother had to help me because I couldn’t get them on shore,” Johnson said. “Each time, it took about an hour to get them back in, even the time I caught them before they got far.”

One thing that

worked in Johnson’s favor was the amount of snow on the lake, which allowed him to follow all 72 of their hoof prints as they walked away from the farm.

“It wasn’t fun chasing them through the snow, but I didn’t have to worry about them falling,” Johnson said.

There was one spot on the lake that was plowed clear so the anglers could get to their sh houses. Johnson said he was concerned about the animals slipping as they approached, but all of them made it across safely.

That is, until they got closer to land.

“We were lucky that only a couple of them broke through the ice, and it was along the shore,” Johnson said.

When the heifers fell through, Johnson said he did not worry. The water was only about 2 feet deep, and by the time they were safely back in their pen, they had dried.

However, the nice day on the lake meant Johnson was not alone. He had a crowd of anglers watching as he moved the heifers toward home.

“One lady asked if I was taking the cows for a walk,” Johnson said. “I was worried about the cows getting spooked, but they didn’t seem to mind the people.”

After the third getaway and subsequent chase on the lake that week, the family moved the herd to a different pen. To this day, Johnson said he has not been able to gure out how the 18 head of cattle broke out or why they were drawn to the lake.

“Usually, when we have cows out, it will just be one or two that get out and it’s not a big problem, but when every one of the heifers got out those three days, it was,” Johnson said.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The Johnson family — Ashley (front, from le ) holding Clara, Kyle Bednar, Do e Soberg holding Kyson Bednar, Maria Bednar and Carter; (back, from le ) Amanda Reinart, Dana, Alex, Gre a, Adam holding Easton, Olivia, Sara, Dawn and Madilyn — gather at their home near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. Dana, Adam and their mother, Dawn, are the caretakers of Lida-Acres Holsteins.

Mullins creates whey spirits at Knowlton House Distillery

By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com

KNOWLTON, Wis. —

When one thinks of Wisconsin and milk processing, there is a good chance cheese is the rst thing that may come to mind. What might not come to mind, however, is vodka or gin.

The Mullins family of Mullins Cheese is hoping to change that with their Knowlton House Distillery in Knowlton. Last fall, the family opened the doors of the business, which distills whey into top-quality vodka and gin marketed under the brand name TenHead Spirits.

TenHead Spirits has been a work in progress for nearly a decade, said Heather Mullins, a fermentation specialist by trade who is married to fourth-generation cheesemaker, Luke Mullins.

Heather Mullins explained the concept behind Knowlton House Distillery and the process used to create vodka and gin Feb. 29 to members of the FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative.

In project infancy, Mullins said she spent nearly two years working in her garage to develop exactly the strain of yeast she was seeking.

From milk to vodka, gin

“I married into the right family for a good, consistent source of sugar to work with,” Mullins said. “It takes a very special yeast strain to convert that lactose into alcohol. That is where my background in fermentation sciences comes into play. Standard brewer’s yeast will leave lactose behind. I want a yeast that will eat all the sugar, leaving behind only the alcohol. I wanted to develop a yeast that would do that work for us.”

The whey that Mullins uses to create distilled spirits is the byproduct of the cheese making that happens at the family’s nearby processing facility.

cess is completed, a 7% distiller’s brew remains. That is transferred to the still where it undergoes distillation through a series of 18-20 copper plates. It becomes more concentrated until it reaches 95% alcohol, the government-required level for completion of the distillation process.

“To make 1 pound of cheese curd, you’re left with 9 pounds of whey as a byproduct,” Mullins said. “They are pulling the protein off the whey and drying to it sell as whey protein. What is left is lactose, some salt and minerals, and some of that is coming over to me as this lovely source of sugar.”

The whey Mullins receives from the cheese plant requires little additional processing before she can begin the process of distilling it into the nal TenHead product. The whey is pasteurized and then mixed with the yeast Mullins created and placed into fermentation vats for a week.

Once the fermentation pro-

“The distillation process works because water and ethanol boil at different temperatures,” Mullins said.

While water boils at 212 degrees, ethanol boils at 173 degrees.

“The ethanol is evaporated, and it does not condense back to a liquid,” Mullins said. “The vapor continues to go over the still, leaving the water behind.”

The process continues through a series of copper plates that sort the bad components out, leaving a 40% vodka that is ready for consumption.

Mullins said gin is made by adding botanicals to vodka.

“All gin is required by the government to have juniper in it from juniper berries,” Mullins said. “That is what gives gin the strong pine-like taste. We can add other botanicals to make unique varieties, things like coriander, ginseng and birch bark, which tastes like sarsaparilla. We can give the gin a citrus note or a more oral note.”

Mullins’s efforts have paid off in a short time. TenHead vodka was awarded a gold medal at the recent American Craft Spirits Association annual tasting competition while the TenHead Woodland Dry gin was given silver medal recognition.

The history of the area and the heritage of the Mullins family are honored by the distillery’s prole.

Naming the distillery Knowlton House is a nod to the immigrants who settled the area, Mullins said.

“There was a roadhouse located here called the Knowlton House,” Mullins said. “This was the halfway point between the towns of Stevens Point and Wausau. It was a two-day trip between the towns. People would stop here, eat, spend the night and change horses.”

The name TenHead pays homage to the Mullins family’s entry into the dairy farming world of Wisconsin. In 1849, Patrick Mullins sold 10 head of cattle in Ireland and set sail to America to begin a new life as a dairy farmer. Seven generations later, the family has evolved from dairy farmers to cheesemakers and now distillers.

“This was all started from the sale of those 10 head of cattle,” Mullins said.

Because of those ties to the dairy industry, the Mullins family said creating additional uses for the whey left behind by the cheese-making process

is a natural progression for their business. The milk sugars in the whey leave behind a mildly sweet avor and a silky texture, making it nearly ideal for the creation of distilled spirits. “From milk to vodka, the only thing we add is the yeast,” Mullins said. “It’s very much a dairy product.”

DANIELLE NAUMAN/DAIRY STAR TenHead vodka dis lls through a series of copper plates in a large s ll Feb. 29 at Knowlton House Dis llery in Knowlton, Wisconsin. The ethanol evaporates and travels up the s ll, leaving behind water, salt, minerals and other impuri es.

Heather Mullins Knowlton House Distillery

Sweating the small stuff

Reducing shrink pays off in the long run

By Danielle Nauman danielle.n@dairystar.com

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. —

As margins continue to be tight on dairy farms, farmers may look for ways to increase efciency and strive to keep losses at a minimum.

Feed shrink and waste can cost a dairy farm a lot of money. But, dairy farmers can improve their bottom line by paying close attention to the smallest details.

Jamie St. Pierre and Ben Palmer, of Pleasant Valley Farm of Berkshire LLC, in Berkshire, Vermont, and Kurt Wierda, of Le Mars, Iowa, sat down to share what they are doing to combat feed shrink and loss on their respective dairies at the PDP Business Conference March 14 in Wisconsin Dells.

“Shrink: We all have it, and we all try our best to manage it,” Wierda said. “I really try to pick my battles in terms of what I can and can’t do. There are some things I can control and some that I just can’t control.”

The three men agreed that shrink has been a real issue for their farms, but they have had success reducing it with careful attention.

unloaded, and I have 20 trucks and we chop for 14 days, that 500 pounds of silage comes out to 140,000 pounds, or 70 tons, of silage that the computer says I have that I really don’t. That’s real shrink.”

Wierda said an audit done by his nutritionist also helped hone areas where shrink and other waste were occurring that he might not have thought of, such as fuel waste.

“One thing that came out of the audit was when the payloader and the trucks were left running when not in use,” Wierda said. “That is something you might not think about.”

“I gure I have about 8%-10% shrink on my corn silage from what comes across the scale versus what I feed,” Wierda said. “The ingredients in the commodity shed all differ a little bit but are about 2%-2.5% overall.”

Palmer, operations manager of Pleasant Valley Farm of Berkshire, said the feeding center made a huge difference in the amount of shrink they experienced.

“Before the feeding center, I gured we were at least at 15% shrink, and now I would say we’re down to about 2%3% shrink,” Palmer said. “We don’t track our forage shrink as much as we should.”

Wierda is the general manager and a partner in two dairies in western Iowa. Plymouth Dairy, built in 2000, is a 3,300-cow facility, with cows being milked in a double-40 parallel parlor. Perry Creek Dairy is a recently built tunnel-ventilated barn with an 80-stall rotary parlor, with 5 acres under the roof. The farm is home to 4,300 cows.

“We have state-certied scales on both farms, and everything is weighed in and out,” Wierda said. “All of that information is downloaded into the computer. We use that data to help track our inventory and monitor shrink.”

To make the most of his feeding dollars, Wierda said he tries to buy his ingredients in the largest quantities possible. He also keeps a close eye on accurately monitoring feed inventories and looks for places one might not expect to nd waste and shrink.

“When we’re chopping corn, some of the cutters might have a hard time hitting the box, and silage accumulates on the truck that never gets unloaded,” Wierda said. “I give those drivers two options: clean off the truck or get an empty weight. If one truck has 500 pounds of corn silage that never gets

St. Pierre is the dairy operations supervisor on his family’s northwestern Vermont dairy farm. Located near the Canadian border, the farm is home to 6,800 cows milked on three sites. He said the challenges they face due to location, topography and climate make shrinkage very costly.

Temperatures throughout the year in this area range from 90 degrees in the summer to 30 degrees below zero in the winter. Typically, they receive about 40 inches of rain and 90 inches of snow each year.

“We have a short growing season for making silage,” St. Pierre said. “We can have our last frost of the year as late as May 10 and our rst frost as early as Sept. 15. We have to travel a long way to make enough forage for our herd, as much as 2530 miles. If it is a sunny day in the summer, we’re making hay silage to have enough forage for our cows. We get plenty of wind. Mixing outside creates a lot of shrink from the wind, rain and snow.”

With the variability in their ability to make consistent quality forages, the St. Pierres tend to rely on corn as the basis of their rations.

“Our corn prices are always higher, because of our distance from the corn belt,” St. Pierre said. “A point of shrink in Vermont costs a lot more than a point of shrink in Iowa.”

The St. Pierre family takes advantage of their proximity to Canadian small grain farmers and tries to buy directly from those growers as much as possible. They have begun grinding all their ingredients on-site to reduce loading and unloading costs as well.

Purchasing their ingredients as they do has beneted the St. Pierres, but it has also come with its own set of challenges.

“We have more inventory on hand to ensure we have enough feed available because of the exibility of our suppliers,” St. Pierre said. “Our bays are sized for about 200 tons each, so that makes storing, managing and monitoring that inventory a challenge.”

Those factors led the St. Pierre family to see the value of building a feed center under one roof in 2019 to help eliminate the variables that cause shrinkage and improve their feeding efciency.

“When we built the feed center, we thought, ‘Oh, it’s going to cost a lot of money,’” St. Pierre said. “But in reality, it paid for itself within the rst 6-9 months with the reduced loss from shrinkage and the increased labor efciency.”

Kurt Wierda General manager, Plymouth Dairy and Perry Creek Dairy

Jamie St. Pierre Dairy farmer

Sleepy Eye

299 members

Sleepy Eye, Minnesota Brown County

Tell us about your chapter. The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter is an afliated chapter. Every student enrolled in an agricultural class is also enrolled in the FFA chapter as part of the three-circle model. Program afliation allows all students who are enrolled in an agricultural education program to be eligible for the benets and opportunities of FFA as a part of the total program delivery. Under program afliation, students have access to leadership and personal development. Skill development through FFA is not for only a select few but will be offered to every student in every class, every day. We provide countless activities for our students to be involved in all areas of our chapter, including leadership, career skill development and community service. We have opportunities for our students at the local, regional, state and national levels. The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter makes sure to have all activities free or

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter conducts an Adopt-a-senior program each year where members make cards for nursing home and assisted living residents each month, paints pumpkins for Halloween, make XL posters for Valen nes Day, and goes to play games/bingo in the summer. This crew went to play games and interact with the residents in the summer. Madi Mar nez (front from le ), Kenley Jensen, Kededi Wersal, Isaac Lendt, Winsten Nienhaus and Noah Rossbach; (back from le ) Alex Confer, Rheanna Stone, Jaden Stone, Ari Krzmarzick, Izzy Kunkel, Chloe Howe, Andrew Ramos, Lucia Mar nez.

at an affordable rate so our students can participate. We do this with grants from United Way as well as the great work and support of the Sleepy Eye Agricultural Program Boosters.

What is unique about your chapter? Our diversity, the sheer number of opportunities we provide and safety education programs. Our school and community are about one-third Hispanic, and we are proud that our chapter reects the diversity of our community. We are also proud that our leadership/ofcer team has that same reection. We want everyone to feel like they belong in FFA. The number and diversity of our activities provides opportunities for all of our students to get involved and shine. Our chapter truly does it all so that every student can nd something they enjoy in FFA. Those same activities help them grow as people and as leaders in the Sleepy Eye community. We

offer many safety education programs that involve animals, chemicals, grain, tractors, machinery, allterrain vehicles and more. We are in rural Minnesota and want to keep our kids safe whether they have animals or a farm of their own or visit one someday. We do these activities at our school, in our town, at Farmfest, at the county fair and even at the Minnesota State Fair.

How does your chapter volunteer in the community throughout the year? The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter has many service projects, and we always try to help anyone who reaches out to us and needs our assistance. We have two ongoing programs called Wee Deliver and Adopt-a-Senior. These involve our members making cards for their third grade buddies and seniors at the care center and as-

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Con nued from FFA | Page 10 sisted living facilities in our town throughout the school year. Both include end-of-the-year get-togethers where our members meet and talk to different generations within our community. We also do at least one service project every month. Some of these include helping with our backpack food program, making tie blankets for the holiday box project, making the wellness kits that we present to every 7-12 grade student in our school, helping put up lights for the community lights in motion display, packing meals for Food for Kids, making spring quote posters for the nursing home, teaching safety to youth and so many more. What we love is how many of our students are willing to participate as well as develop that sense of community and genuine interest in doing something for others.

What fundraisers does your chapter do throughout the year? Our main fundraiser for our chapter is the fruit sale, in which our members are encouraged to sell at least 20 items. The members who achieve this status are able to attend the reward trip to a Mavericks hockey game. We also have a 4-acre eld that is managed by the Berkner family, which is a fundraiser for our chapter. The biggest fundraiser we have is what the Sleepy Eye Boosters do for our students. Local businesses and individuals support our chapter through different levels, and we truly could not have the program we have without them.

What are the biggest events of the year? National FFA Convention & Expo, the crop show, National FFA Week, state FFA convention and the chapter banquet. This year, we were a Model of Excellence top 10 chapter in the nation. This was a huge honor for our chapter, and our members were recognized at the National FFA Convention.

Tell us about your farm and family. My parents are Mark and Lisa Portner. My family’s farm is Port-Haven Dairy. It is owned by my uncle and my dad. We milk around 250 Brown Swiss cows and have about 250 heifers and

Our fall crop show is in conjunction with our trap show awards, Greenhand night and parents night. It showcases the junior high and high school overall winners and individual crop champions. National FFA Week is a fun and busy week for our chapter. We hold events for the entire school and involve them in dress-up days, an animal carnival, an appreciation breakfast for staff and supporters, a student dance and FFA lockin, emblem hunt and more. It is a great way to highlight the opportunities for FFA members and celebrate with others around the country. State FFA convention is held in April, and we will have approximately 70 members participating in Career Development Events, the state FFA band and choir, earning state FFA degrees, receiving state prociency awards and conducting service projects. We round out the school year with our chapter banquet where we present degrees and awards to our chapter members as well as recognize our biggest supporters for the year.

Rachel Portner MEMBER

calves. I have three younger brothers, Jared, Dustin and Blake, who also help around the farm.

Why did you join FFA? I joined FFA because I always saw my older cousins involved in it when I was younger and wanted to join too. I also saw that there are many opportunities to try new things and learn more about agriculture.

What is your role in the chapter? My role is being involved as a member in dairy judging, showing animals at the fair and helping with bringing a calf for the kiddy barn at the fair.

What FFA contests do you compete in? I have competed in dairy judging at the regional and

When was your chapter founded, and how has it evolved? The chapter was chartered in 1939 with 20 members. Our chapter was founded on the same three-circle model that we have today. The chapter is bigger than it ever has been, and we currently have three agricultural teachers in our school and 299 members. We teach classes in so many different areas, including animal science, plant science, natural resources, food science, business, welding, electricity, construction, small engines and more. We work with the parochial schools in our district and homeschooled students to allow them to be involved in the FFA chapter. Being exible and willing to work with all of these students has denitely strengthened our program. We are proud of our chapter and its members’ involvement at the chapter, region, state and national levels.

state level for the past two years, and I will be competing in it again this year.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I am most looking forward to showing heifers at the county fair. I always have fun training my animals and getting them ready for the fair as well as getting to spend time with friends.

How has FFA shaped you as a person? Being in FFA has helped me to try new things I might not have done otherwise. I have grown in my interview skills. FFA has given me opportunities to work on these skills.

What are your duties on the farm? I help milk cows and feed calves milk, hay and grain. I also help my dad bed the barns. In the summer, I help with moving animals and training heifers to be shown.

What are your future plans? My future plans are to go to college for nutrition or environmental science. I would like to do something in the agricultural eld and possibly raise beef cattle and chickens.

•

When do you do chores? I mostly do chores on weekends.

What is your favorite and least favorite chore? My favorite job is driving a tractor. My least favorite chore is hauling bales.

Seth Maassen 17 years old Junior

riding our bikes on it the next day when it’s all nice and clean.

What project do you enjoy helping your parents with on the farm? I like to help my parents build things.

Tell us a fun memory you have of living on the farm. Laying new concrete and

What is your favorite animal on your farm? Our dog, Luna, is my favorite. She is a good dog and a lot of fun.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like to be a chiropractor.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. It would look just like our dairy farm.

What is your favorite game to play on the farm? It’s fun to see who can throw tires the farthest off the silage pile.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes? Tater tot hot dish.

What is your favorite thing to do off the farm with your family? I enjoy just playing out in the yard with my family.

Are you involved in activities? I am involved with golf and cross-country. My favorite is cross-country, because it has a great team environment.

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The Maassen family — Mariah (from le ), Aaron, Aric, Marissa, Peyton and Seth — gathers for a family photo during Christmas me. The Maassens milk 2,000 cows on their farm near Maurice, Iowa.

When do you do chores? After school and on weekends.

What is your favorite and least favorite chore? My favorite chore is any kind of eldwork. My least favorite is pulling down the y tape.

What project do you enjoy helping your parents with on the farm? I enjoy building things with wood.

Tell us a fun memory you have of living on the farm. Building a fort in the grove with my cousins during the coro-

When do you do chores? Every Sunday or more.

What is your favorite and least favorite chore? My favorite chore is feeding calves. My least favorite is nding cows to breed.

What project do you enjoy helping your parents with on the farm? Bottle feeding the calves.

navirus pandemic.

What is your favorite animal on your farm? My favorite animal is any of the cows. They moo a lot and can be pretty dumb.

What do you want to be when you grow up? A farmer.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. It would be clean while having everything close to each other like it is on our farm.

What is your favorite game to play on the farm? I like to play hide and seek in the hay bales.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes? Steak from one of our cows.

What is your favorite thing to do off the farm with your family? I enjoy traveling with my family or watching movies together.

Are you involved in activities? I used to play football, but I got too many concussions. Playing football was my favorite activity.

Tell us a fun memory you have of living on the farm. Playing with my cousins in the bales.

What is your favorite animal on your farm? I like all of the calves, because they are so cute.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a nurse.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. It would be smaller than our farm with horses, dogs, cats and other animals.

What is your favorite game to play on the farm? I like to play hide and seek with my brothers and my cousins.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes? Corn on the cob.

What is your favorite thing to do off the farm with your family? I like to play outside with my family.

Are you involved in activities? I play volleyball, basketball and 4-H softball. Volleyball is my favorite, because it’s so fun.

When do you do chores? Mostly on weekends.

What is your favorite and least favorite chore? I love nding and breeding cows. My least favorite chore is feeding calves.

What project do you enjoy helping your parents with on the farm? I like helping with grouping big round bales with the skid loader.

Tell us a fun memory you have of living on the farm. We made forts out in our grove and played in them.

What is your favorite animal on your farm? I love dogs, and we have a lot of them on our farm. Bear is my favorite farm dog.

What do you want to be when you grow up? I don’t know yet.

If you had a farm, describe what it would look like. It would be a farm like ours and would have lots of red cows.

What is your favorite game to play on the farm? I like to play in the hay bales.

What is your favorite meal that your mom or dad makes? Having steaks is my favorite meal.

What is your favorite thing to do off the farm with your family? My favorite thing is going out to eat together on Sundays.

Are you involved in activities? I like playing soccer. I am pretty good at it.

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Communicating as leaders

Pagel presents at Women in Dairy event

By Amy Kyllo amy.k@star-pub.com

HUTCHINSON, Minn. — Dairy women across west central Minnesota united Feb. 1 for fellowship and to hear keynote speaker Kristy Pagel present at “Women in Dairy: Five Forms of Communication” at the Crow River Winery near Hutchinson.

Pagel, of Leading Edge Consulting LLC, talked about communication at the event that was sponsored by the Minnesota Dairy Initiative and the University of Minnesota Extension.

“When we think about being leaders and what it means to manage systems, what it means to have relationships, the ones that we need, and then also intentionally work on our growth, it does require communication,” Pagel said.

Pagel focused on ve forms of communication: verbal, nonverbal, written, visual and listening. She spoke on areas of management for leaders, evaluated strengths and weaknesses of communication forms, talked about zones of learning and explained how to move from comfort to growth.

“Communication: It’s a journey, it’s an experience, it’s ongoing,” Pagel said. “If you think you’re going to master it, you’re not.”

Pagel said the three areas of leadership are managing processes and people, leading and inuencing, and selfmanagement.

“As leaders, what (is it) we sign up for?” Pagel said. “(We sign up for) growth, self-management.”

Pagel said communication is interpersonal or intrapersonal. Interpersonal communication refers to the communication that happens between two people. Intrapersonal communication is internal dialogue.

Though Pagel spent the majority of her presentation on interpersonal communication, she touched on intrapersonal communication.

“That’s the conversations that we have going on inside our head, some of which can weigh us down,” Pagel said. “Hopefully, you’re surrounding yourself with people, information or quotes that lift you.”

Pagel gave all attendees printed afrmations to help with intrapersonal communication.

Pagel said that when communicating with people, one should consider the method used and the point being made. If there are communication blocks with one form of communication, try switching to a different method.

For example, a team goal on the dairy not being met could be reached if the manager switches from providing numbers to graphs using colors, like red and green, or a smiley face when a goal is met or needs attention.

When it comes to self-development, Pagel said that every person operates within a comfort zone. Growth happens when a person pushes through that zone. This zone becomes the growth zone.

“You have to push through that fear zone to get to the learning zone,” Pagel said. “You have to practice something different. Habits begin to change. That’s when learning takes place. Then, you get growth. Growth becomes the new norm.”

Pagel had attendees write down a communication goal on a sticky note with a deadline of one week. She encouraged

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AMY KYLLO/DAIRY STAR

Keynote speaker Kristy Pagel speaks at the Women in Dairy: Five Forms of Communica on event Feb. 1 at Crow River Winery near Hutchinson, Minnesota. Pagel, of Leading Edge Consul ng LLC, spoke on communica on.

attendees to have goals of incremental improvement.

Pagel discussed each of the ve forms of communication.

The rst form of communication is verbal communication. Pagel said this is the most common and can often lack clarity.

The second form of communication, non-verbal, refers to what the body does during a conversation.

“Think about how you show up when you’re in a conversation, how you react to situations,” Pagel said.

This type of communication can include the tone of delivery, whether someone is leaning forward or backward, and even whether a phone call is answered or not.

The third form of communication is written communication. This can range from a text to an email or blog.

The fourth form of communication is visual communication. This can include graphs, emojis, logos and posters.

Pagel encouraged attendees to go home and look at the posters and other visual communication on their farms. If they are dirty, out of date or damaged, replace them with something fresh.

“We become numb to them, because they’ve been there too long,” Pagel said.

She also said that if a farm is struggling with a goal, it might be time to replace the visual communication associated with the goal.

“Is it the same thing you’ve been posting for the last 10 years in the same fashion that you’ve been doing for the last 10 years?” Pagel said.

The nal form of communication is listening. Pagel said this form of communication is often missed.

“When we are trying to get our point across and having a conversation, the importance of listening to what the other person is saying will help us know what to communicate next,” Pagel said.

One way to practice active listening is to repeat a portion of what the person is saying back to them in the response, Pagel said.

“A person appreciates that you took the time to be present and hear them and what they said,” Pagel said.

Pagel had attendees ll out a selfevaluation form to rank their strengths and weaknesses for the ve forms of communication and to also rank someone they interact with, such as a partner, on their communication skills.

Pagel encouraged attendees to take home the evaluation form and ll it out as part of a farm team meeting.

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Dairy Shrine Scholarship applications now open

The Dairy Shrine is looking for applications for its annual scholarship program. Applications are accepted until April 15. Ofcial scholarship application award forms are available at www. dairyshrine.org/youth.

A new scholarship will be offered this year that recognizes students going back to work on a dairy farm. Up to four Dairy Shrine Dairy Production Scholarships will be awarded, two each to students in four-year colleges or two-year and certicate programs. The scholarships, valued at $2,500 each, are partially sponsored through a donation from Cargill. Applications will be nominated by their adviser and, upon completing an application, will also participate in a video interview.

If you have any questions, contact the Dairy Shrine ofce at info@dairyshrine.org. Recipients of these awards will be announced this summer, with the presentation of scholarships to be made Sept. 30 at the annual Dairy Shrine awards banquet in Madison, Wisconsin.

MDA grants available to aid in weather resilience

Recognizing the risks posed by extreme weather, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture is offering a new grant opportunity to help eligible producers make their operations more resilient to drought, ooding and severe weather events like storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds.

The Preparing for Extreme Weather Grant, also referred to as the Prepare Grant, offers one-time competitive grants of up to $10,000 for Minnesota livestock and specialty crop producers to buy and install supplies and equipment for weather event preparation. It requires a 50% match.

For the purposes of this grant program:

—Livestock includes beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (ightless birds including emu) and llamas.

—Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture and nursery crops and oriculture. See USDA’s list of specialty crops for further examples.

Eligible projects include — but are not limited to — water tanks, pipelines, and wagons/trailers; wells (new improvements, xes, replacement pumps); irrigation equipment (including drip irrigation); fans; misters; livestock shade systems; and windbreaks.

The MDA expects to award 50-75 grants with the $500,000 available for this program and encourages producers to apply early. Applications will be accepted through 4 p.m. April 23, and the MDA will notify applicants as soon as possible, but no later than May 31, about whether their proposal was funded.

Full grant details and the request for proposals can be found on the MDA website.

DCRC calls for reproduction award nominations

The Dairy Cattle Reproduction Council seeks nominations for its Excellence in Dairy Reproduction Awards program. Dairy industry professionals, including veterinarians, extension agents, articial insemination and pharmaceutical company representatives, dairy processor and coop eld staff, and consultants, may nominate dairy herds with reproduction excellence. This awards program recognizes outstanding dairy operations for reproductive efciency and well-implemented procedures. Nominations are due April 30.

To nominate a herd, visit www.dcrcouncil.org/ awards/nominate-a-herd and complete the required information. From the nominations, judges evaluate reproductive performance criteria and narrow down the nominations to a group of about 50 nalists. Dairies named as nalists submit herd management data and judges rank the nalists as Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze. To learn more about past winners,

visit www.dcrcouncil.org/awards/past-reproduction-award-winners.

The 24 herds earning Platinum, Gold, Silver or Bronze will be invited to attend the DCRC annual meeting Nov. 12-14 in Arlington, Texas.

MDA accepting applications for livestock investment grants

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Livestock Investment Grant. Minnesota livestock farmers and ranchers looking to make improvements to their operations are encouraged to apply.

Grant funds can be used for equipment purchases and physical improvements to help start, improve or expand livestock operations in Minnesota. Examples of reimbursable investments include — but are not limited to — the construction or improvement of buildings or facilities for producing livestock, watering systems, fencing, feed equipment and livestock waste management equipment.

The MDA will award up to $650,000 in this round of grants using a competitive review process. Applicants may apply for up to 10% of their project’s total cost, with a maximum grant award of $25,000. Only expenses incurred after the grant contract has been signed by all parties are eligible for reimbursement.

All principal operators of livestock farms in Minnesota are invited to apply, including those who have received livestock investment grants in the past. However, preference will be given to applicants or farms that have not previously been awarded a grant. Only one application will be accepted per farm.

For the purposes of this program, livestock includes beef and dairy cattle, swine, poultry, goats, mules, bison, sheep, horses, farmed cervids (deer, elk), ratites (ightless birds including emu) and llamas.

Applications for the grant will be accepted until 4 p.m. May 2. Visit the AGRI Livestock Investment Grant web page to access the full request for proposals for further eligibility details.

Funding is made available through the MDA’s AGRI Program, which administers grants to farmers, agribusinesses, schools and more throughout the state of Minnesota. The AGRI Program exists to advance Minnesota’s agricultural and renewable energy sectors.

National Dairy Board scholarship applications being accepted

Applications are being accepted for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.

Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, in addition to a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc., which manages the national dairy checkoff program.

Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2024-25 academic school year and enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy are eligible. Relevant majors may include: communications/ public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.

Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an ofcial transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.

Applications can be found at usdairy.com/about-us/dmi/scholarship.

Completed applications must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. May 31. Questions about the program can be submitted to ndbscholarships@dairy. org.

HOLSTEIN BULLS, springing hfrs., Freeport, MN area. Call 612-2707453. 23-TFN-F

HOLSTEIN BULLS, red or black, serviceable age, north of Rochester, MN, delivery avail. Call 507-7325930. 4-1-F

REGISTERED, HOMEBRED HOLSTEIN BULLS, located 15 mi. north of Rochester, MN. Call Dave Alberts at 507269-3084 or 507-356-8625. 14-TFN-B

REG. HOLSTEIN BULLS, exc. type and production. Call Scott Rickeman 320-552-0284. 16-TFN-F

SERVICEABLE AGE

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN SPRINGING HFRS., good pedigrees, red or black, $2,200-2,700, Hewitt, MN. Call/text 218402-0147. 2-2-F

BROWN SWISS BULLS, home raised, registered, genomic tested, A2A2 tested, delivery available. Call 563419-2137 or visit www.hilltopacresfarmcalmaria.com 24-TFN-F

HOLSTEIN BULLS, red or black, closed herd, Johnes & Leukosis test negative, guaranteed breeders, delivery available. Call 507-9205859. 7-TFN-B

BLACK & WHITE & RED & WHITE BULLS, sires Red Eye and Einstein, some polled, deep pedigrees. Call 320-583-6564. 21-TFN-F

REG. HOLSTEIN

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS, red or black, dams over 40,000 milk, 4.0 test, Analyst Renegrade, King, Doc. Call Greg 608-326-2668. 20-TFN-F

BROWN SWISS BULLS, 1-2 years old, AI sired; also 20’ Goliath Harvestore silo unloader. Call 651-3809530. 10-TFN-F-1st

BULLS, from three or more generations of EX 30,000 lbs. dams, Brookings, SD. Call 605-690-6393. TFN-F

DAIRY GOAT DOES, out of Hostetler breeding; also breeding bucks available. Call 319-350-5819. 24-TFN-F

SERVICEABLE AGE

REG. BROWN SWISS BULLS, all ages, exc. pedigrees. Call 320-587-6384 or 320-583-0336. 16-TFN-B1st

100% ORGANIC RED STEERS, no shots, approx. 800 lbs., $1,500 ea., can deliver. Call 701-490-2432. 11-TFN-F

RED ANGUS BULLS, servicable age, delivery available. Call 507-259-7591. 4-1-F

SERVICEABLE AGE HOLSTEIN BULLS, from great type and production families. Raised on outside lots, good vigor, Glencoe, MN. Call 320-864-6555. 2-TFN-F

(6) HOLSTEIN SPRINGER HEIFERS, due 4/285/15, central, MN. Call 320333-7346. 4-2-F

REGISTERED CALVING EASE HOLSTEIN & ANGUS BULLS, various sizes, delivery avail. Call or text Brian 715-613-9206. 2-TFN-F

(22) MILK COWS, avg. 76 lbs., 95,000 SCC, (6) dry cows, registered, selling for help reasons; (38) Mayo Comfort Cow Mats, 4x6; (6) Mayo Comfort Cow Mats, 4x5x8, $125 ea., new hardware. Call Joe 262-4883367. 3-2-VM

REGISTERED JERSEY

BULL, AI sired, genomic tested, good type and production. Call Corey 608751-2882. 1-5-F

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS, polled, genomic tested, deep pedigreed high-producing cow families. Call 507-8200452. 22-TFN-F

BREEDING BULLS, 40 yrs. AI breeding, Sauk Centre, MN. Call 320-761-2526 or 320-293-5607. 6-TFN-F

LARGE SELECTION

REGISTERED HOLSTEIN BULLS from multigen EX, VG cows, 28,500 RHA. Call Olmar Farms 507-220-0730. 20-TFN-B

SERVICEABLE AGE

HOLSTEIN BULLS, some registered, genomic tested, Belgrade, MN. Call 320250-3586. 4-1-F

Livestock - WANTED BUTCHER COWS,

721-0079. 2-TFN-B

(12) HOLSTEIN HEIFER CALVES, $1.80/lb., avg. weight 500 lbs. Call 320395-2137. 4-2-F

COMPLETE HERDS OF DAIRY CATTLE; also buying all classes of livestock, including cull cows, steers, hfrs. and calves. Call 715-216-1897. 7-TFN-B

612-860-8774 or 651-480-1900. 4-TFN-B

Services

CUSTOM HEIFER

RAISER has openings to raise your heifers. We offer freestall facilities, all TMR fed, $2.50/day from weaned to pre-fresh. Call Ben for more details 715495-0481. 3-TFN-B

CUSTOM CHOPPING, We are looking to add a few customers to our custom chopping business. We offer a newer JD 9800 chopper, 5 trucks, merger & blade tractor. We do travel. Call Ben with any questions 715-495-0481. 3-TFN-B

SILO REMOVAL, take down & clean up, specializing in but not limited to silos in congested areas, mobile concrete crushing, fully insured. Call 507236-9446. 22-10-P

CUSTOM HEIFER RAISER in Willmar, MN area. We have been raising dairy heifers for over 40 years on our family farm, from weaned to pre-fresh. We have room for your heifers right now. All cattle are TMR fed and AI bred. For more details call/text 320-894-0503. 4-2-B

Hay, Straw, Feed & Bedding

- FOR SALE

ORGANIC WESTERN

HAY, dairy or heifer quality, delivered to your farm. Call 814-349-5631. 23-7-F

2ND & 3RD CROP BIG

SQ. ALFALFA HAY, wrapped, 140-170 RFV, dry big sq. alfalfa hay 130150RFV. Call 715-5663190. 4-2-F

100 OAT STRAW BALES & 950 SPRING WHEAT STRAW BALES, $30/ bale; 6-1/2x5’, net wrapped, you load/haul, payment upfront. If interested call Russell 701-2612557. 1-4-VM

ERNMOREORGAN-

ICS.COM, certied organic alfalfa, wrapped in 8 layers of lm, 3x4x6 bales, RFQ 140-280, Springeld, SD. Call ERNmore Organics 605-286-3873 or 605-999-2010 or 605-2511143.Ernmoreorganics. com. 16-TFN-B

ALFALFA HAY & GRASS HAY, med. square or round bales, delivery available, Thief River Falls, MN. Call or text LeRoy Ose 218-689-6675. 10-TFN-B

ALFALFA BALEAGE, 1st-4th crop, 175 RFQ. Call 715-896-1418. 3-TFN-F

OPEN POLLINATED SEED CORN, out produces hybrids for silage, $67/ bu. plus shipping, leafy, sweet stalks, highly nutritious grain. Call 217-8573377 or cell 217-343-4962. borriesopenpollinatedseedcorn.com 20-10-VM

2023 3RD CROP ALFALFA BALEAGE, 35 4x5 round bales, 141 RFV; 1500 lb. bales. Call 320894-9188. 4-1-F

HIGH-QUALITY FORAGES: corn silage (conventional and BMR), alfalfa haylage, fescue grass silage, Triticale silage and oatlage. Forages can be delivered and made into TMR. Call 920-371-7737. 22-20-B

300 BALES 5X6 CLEAN WHEAT STRAW, SE ND, $25/bale. Call 701840-1856. 4-1-F

OCIA-CERTIFIED YELLOW CORN, oat hay & alfalfa grass hay; also dry cow heifer hay; ‘69 JD 55 combine, always inside. Call 641-751-8382. 12-TFN-B

STRAW, NETWRAPPED ROUND BALES & BIG SQUARES, clean, dry, stored inside, delivery available. Call 320-8088336. 15-TFN-F

Help Wanted

50-COW DAIRY LOOKING FOR KNOWLEDGEABLE PERSON for farm work; must know equipment and cows. Call 715-662-5053. 23-TFN-F

LOOKING FOR HELP

MILKING COWS, south of Freeport, MN, experience preferred. Call 320493-5310. 12-TFN-F

1900 COW DAIRY looking for bilingual parlor manager. Call 507-9515597. 8-TFN-F

Miscellaneous - WANTED

OLD HEATING FUEL AND DIESEL, can pump from basement. Call 320424-2005. 5-TFN-F

FLAT TOP BULK TANKS, any size. Call 507-450-6115. 4-1-F

MASSEY FERGUSON TRACTORS in need of repair of for salvage. Call 320-282-6892. 1-6-B

LID FOR KNIGHT 8132 SLINGER SPREADER. Call 507-459-5201. 19-TFN-F

4-5 HP MILK COMPRESSOR, cool/wash control panel box, prefer Sentry III ctrl. box w/wash jars or newer model. Call 574-5274382. 4-1-F

WEIGHTS AND WEIGHT BAR FOR JD 5830 CHOPPER. Call 608-723-2049. 23-TFN-F

BARN CLEANER CHAIN, 16”, CCW, bolt together, must be in good cond. Call 715-669-3959. 4-1-F

BULK MILK TANK and vacuum pump; also Surge milker buckets. Call 320262-6874. 4-1-F

JD 7000 6 OR 8 ROW PLANTER & 6620 or 7720 combine. Call 320760-6050. 22-TFN-F

BULK TANK FOR PLATE COOLER water storage, 12’ max length, bigger the better. Call 608636-0149. 4-1-F

SPRING TEETH for IHC C cultivator; wheel hub for IHC 56 corn planter, right side. Call 715-822-2678. 14-TFN-F

FARM BULK MILK COOLERS, all sizes. Call 319-330-2286. 10-24-P

pipeline; receiving jar & panel; 2 control boxes; 3” inlet; 20 Boumatic claws. Call 507-215-1836. 4-1-F

SUKUP CONTINUOUS FLOW CORN DRYER. Call 563-608-2853. 3-3-F

10 HP BLUELOBE OILLESS VACUUM PUMP; 600 gal. Mueller bulk tank, compressor/washer, complete. Call 218-282-6591 leave msg. 4-1-F

JD 2700 PLOW, semi mounted. Call 320-5101055. 13-TFN-F

WEAVERLINE FEED CARTS, new, rebuilt used, parts, service. Call Hobert Sales Inc., Cokato, MN 320-286-6284. 19-TFN-B

JD 920 BEAN HEAD; International 60 6RN stalk chopper. Call 320-5100950. 13-TFN-F

BOSTON TERRIER PUPS, b&W male or female, D.O.B. 2/22/24, $100/obo. Call 715-6675272. 4-1-F

‘08 35-TON SEMI TRAILER, beaver tail & ramps, 51’ total length. Call 320-760-6942. 12-TFN-F

ROGATOR 664 WEED SPRAYER, best offer. Call Keith 608-751-8370. 2-3-F

SUNFLOWER 22’ FIELD CULTIVATOR w/3 bar harrow, tandem tires, all around, 9” sweeps, good working cond., asking $14,500/obo. Call 320-2487687. 4-1-F

‘16 NH FP230 w/29P HH, single owner, bought new, asking $20,000/obo. Call 712-210-4665. 1-5-F

BORDER COLLIE PUPPIES, great farm dogs, family friendly, born Nov. 1st, Beaver Creek, MN. Call Mark 507-350-8003. 21-TFN-F NH 489 HAYBINE, Hortonville, WI. Call 920-7575814. 4-2-F

RAT TERRIER-BORDER COLLIE CROSS PUPPIES, from good farm dog, $90/obo. Stop in 4969 Nightingale Ave., Northwood, IA 50459. 2-4-F

(12) 3-PHASE ELECT. MOTORS, 1-10 HP; (6) single phase motors, 1/2-3 HP; (2) rebuilt gear cases & 2 new beaters for Gehl 970 silage wagons. Call 920648-2104. 4-2-VM

(40) POLYDOME CALF HUTS. Call 507-215-1827 for more info. 4-2-F

BADGER 560 BARN CLEANER head; 4x5 net wrap hay, 1 & 2; 2000 Grand Prix car. Call 218397-2432. 4-1-F

HAY RACK, platforms on side, 9x18’, $2,500; Kewanee elevator, 56’, PTO lift. Call 320-247-2657. 7-TFN-F

JD 12R30” CORN PLANTER, fert.; also CCW barn cleaner chain; (2) Hanson Posi-Trac silo unloaders. Call 320-3041834. 4-3-F

JD 317 SKID LOADER, quick attach, 7,000 hrs., clean machine, newer tires. Call 320-630-5694. 4-1-F

ALFA-DELAVAL LATE

MODEL BULK TANK, 1,250 gal., complete as new, MN. Call 480-313-8460. 5-TFN-F

BADGER BN103 10’

MANURE PUMP, vert.; Patz 2’ wide 40’ belt conveyor on transport; 60’ Loyal bale conveyor on transport. Call 608-4873970. 4-1-B

GRAVITY BOX W/AUGER FOR DRY FERT., 10 ton wagon; H&S 500 forage box, 10 ton wagon, otation tires; Lindsay 24’ harrow w/cart, Norwood, MN. Call 612-202-7944. 4-3-F-1st

PATZ BARN CLEANER CHUTE; 20’, 16” wide, CCW rotation. Call 563-379-3676. 4-1-F

PATZ BARN CLEANER

CHAIN; 280’, 18” width, only used 2 yrs., CCW, 20’ chute, $1,500/OBO. Call 320-843-4788. 4-2-F

PENTA 4120 HD VERT.

TMR, great shape, new knives, SS conveyor, $19,000, Osage, MN. Call 218-841-4248 or 218-5733172. 16-TFN-F-1st

(4) MEYERS CHOPPER BOXES. Call for pictures and details 715-498-7730. 4-1-F

‘13 JD 7260R, MFWD, 4900 hrs., IVT, duals, autotrack, pre def, 6 hyd. remotes, F/R 3 pt. hitches, axle wts, quick hitch, exc. cond., $126,000. Call 641330-5714. 4-1-F

AMANO PIX-55 TIMECLOCK w/cards, $50/obo; H&S 5126 Topshot manure spdr., good cond., side disch, $12,700/obo, can send pics. Call/text 563542-3276. 23-TFN-F

JD 520, ser. #5212027, fenders, factory3 pt. hitch, weights, VG shape. Call 507-450-6115. 2-3-F

‘18 MF 6715S, 140 hp, 6500 hrs., Dyna 6 trans, $59,000; ID Teck automatic calf feeder, $900; NH 40 blower, $500. Call 641220-1166. 4-1-F

FUTURE COW BRUSH, A2 System brush, used 3 yrs., 200’ hose, box of extra brushes included, $10,000/ OBO. Call 608-548-7473. 4-2-F

‘15 MEYER 9525 SPREADER, big, used on small farm, VG cond., always shedded, well maintained, $69,500, Fox Lake, WI. Call 920-336-9897. 2-3-F

BERG 600 BARN CLEANER w/chute, CCW. Call 320-304-2311. 20-TFN-F

FORD 7740 TRACTOR; White 6-30 planter; Featherlite 16’ stock trailer. Call 320-223-5338. 3-3-F

(2) DRYHILL PIT PUMPS; 8’x6”, 1-2 pt., 1-trailer, low usage, $6,500 choice. Call 641-220-3441. 4-1-F

3,000 GAL. MUELLER BULK TANK, 2) 5 hp compressors, Mueller wash control panel, $15,000. Call 715-586-0781. 23-TFN-F

Wisconsin Dairyland Milking Shorthorn Sale

Saturday, April 20

10:30 AM Fun Auction

• 11 AM Sale Begins

Clark County Fairgrounds, Neillsville, WI

Watch our Facebook page for sale updates!!

- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE SELLS!! -

HENKESEEN ROYALTY REASON

EXP ET EX91

*2X Unanimous All-American*

*Reserve Int Champion Int’l Show 2022*

Reason’s maternal sister by CYRIDE sells!

LOT 5 is HENESEEN CYR

REBELLION EXP ET GP82

& due June 7, 2024 to Kuzamar Stargazer.

REBELLION was Res Jr All American Fall Calf 2021! This is your chance to get in on the most popular show families!

NA-MOR-DALE PRESTO

ISHNALA EXP VG85

All American Jr 2 Yr Old 2023

Here’s your chance! ISHNALA’S Spring Yearling by CYRIDE SELLS!

NA-MOR-DALE CYRIIDE

IRIS sells as LOT 26

Also selling from ISHNALA herself are 5 Sexed CYRIDE IVF Embryos!

60 Plus Milking Shorthorns sell!

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

• An exceptional group of cows and springing heifers sell!

• All-American pedigrees!

• Many show calves sired by Tanbark, Wildside, Gianni, St Claire, Casey & Lonesome Dove

• 3 breeding age bulls sell

• 4 Embryo Packages sell

BID ONLINE!

Pre-approval required.

AARON RAY TOMPKINS 336-363-4639

**Friday evening cattle viewing, pizza and brief member meeting**

For more information contact Adam Luchterhand 715-937-2352

COMPLETE SWING-10

PARLOR, takeoffs, plate cooler, vacuum pump, 3,000 gal. bulk tank. Call 507-676-3421. 2-4-F

‘19 JD 635 11-1/2’ DISCBINE, steel rolls, hyd. cutter tilt, like new, $29,900. Call 651-261-3597. 4-1-F

PSI POWER WASHERS, Power Washers Hot/ Cold, Cabinet Parts Washers, Chemicals, Presoaks, Degreasers, Large Parts Inventory Shipped Same Day, On Site Service. Industrial, Commercial, Farm, Sales, Repair and Rental. “The Guys That Work Great Under Pressure” 1-800-5551677. Serving you from 3 locations: West Central MN Region – Pennock, MN Location, SW MN Region – Wilmont, MN Location, NW IA Region – Harrisburg, SD Location & Wilmont, MN Location, SE SD Region – Harrisburg, SD Location. 23-TFN-B

CIH 4300 32’ FIELD CULT. w/4-bar mulcher, $7,500. Call 651-261-3597. 4-1-F

(4) 3-PHASE 5 HP BULK MILK TANK COMPRESSORS, reasonable. Call 480-313-8460. 9-TFNF

GEA WESTFALIA RPS 2800 VARIABLE SPEED

VACUUM PUMP; 1,000 gal. Darikool bulk tank w/ washer, 4 HP compressor; 120 gal. Mueller fre-heater; Surge receiver panel pump & control, 2” inlets, 3” vacuum w/trap. Call 920-7634389. 3-2-VM

(2) CATTLE BUNK FEEDERS, 1 on 4W trailer; also Krause soil nisher. Call 320-557-5514, no texts or messages. 2-TFN-F NH 790 w/corn head & hay head. Call 320-429-5224. 4-3-F

‘05 NH 1409 DISCBINE, new knives, always shedded, $9,500. Call 507-4565202. 2-3-F

WHITE 6100 6R30” CORN PLANTER, dry fert., 3000 monitor, row cleaners, $8,500. Call 320223-5338. 3-3-F

(4) DEMCO 365 & 450 GRAVITY BOXES, (2) w/tarps, like new; tricycle feeder; big round bale wagon. Call 320-557-6558. 18TFN

55’ NEW PINTLE SINGLE CHAIN w/paddles for 11” conveyor, $10.80/ ft. Call 715-456-8277. 22-TFN-F

(6) YETTER 2967 RESIDUE MANAGER ROW UNITS; (6) White spring shank fertilizer openers; White 548 plow. Call 920763-4390. 3-2-F

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD PUPPIES, born 1/31/24, blue Merle, red Merle & tris, ready 4/30/24, vet checked/shots. Call 507240-3159. 1-6-F

DEUTZ ENGINES to repower Gehl and Bobcat skidsteers, 4 models on hand, Platteville, WI. Call 608-642-1644. 3-4-F

40’ SHEAHAN MANURE

AUGER, like new, exc. shape, $8,000. Call 712330-7536. 24-TFN-F

SUPER M, overhauled, nice tires, repainted, $2,150. Call 320-733-2359. 4-3-F

IH 966; IH 770 6x16 plow; Krause 14-1/2’ tandem disc; H&S 14’ silage box w/10 ton otation tires. Call 218385-3471. 3-TFN-F

(2) PATZ 98B SILO UNLOADERS w/10 HP motor, $1,200 ea. Call 920-5854746, no texts. 4-1-F

JD 980 36’ DIGGER, new 3-bar harrow, new shovels, shedded, exc. cond., $18,000 obo. Call 320-2666878. 4-3-F

1500 GAL. MUELLER

BULK TANK, complete w/compressors & bulk tank washer; also (2) Tuthill 3003-22R2-8744 vacuum pumps, Bismarck, ND. Call 701-391-8200. 23-TFN-F

CLOVERDALE 285

PORTABLE MIXER, good cond., $15,000. Call 641-364-2601. 18-TFN-F

LEROY-SUMMER 3 HP. MOTOR. Call 320-8454690. 4-2-F

MUSTANG 960 SKID LOADER, nice cond., $10,500/obo; ‘17 Kuhn 153 Veri-Master 4-bottom rollover plow, $25,000. Call 608-479-2039. 20-TFN-F

JD 115 STALK CHOPPER, very nice, $8,500; 8 row stalk stompers off CIH corn head; milker pump & jar; 200’ of 24” poly manger liner; Patz & Badger barn cleaner, complete w/chute & SS Patz manure pump cover & parts. Call 320-266-6878. 4-6-F

HEAVY DUTY 48” PALLET FORK, JD Euro mount. Call 608-994-2401. 16-TFN-B

ENGLISH SHEPHERD PUPPIES, farm raised, 3 females, tri color and black and white, amazing working dogs. Call 701-490-2432. 2-3-F

DMI TIGERMATE 28’ FIELD CULT., $10,900. Call 320-290-2602. 4-4-F

NH BR770 ROUND BALER, crop cutter; Case 2188 combine, RWA. Call 218841-8723. 24-TFN-F

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD BLUE HEELER CROSS PUPPIES, 4 female, 1 male, parents cattle dogs. Call 507-421-5270. 20-TFN-F

LEROY-SOMER 3 HP

MOTOR, $350. Call 320845-4690. 4-1-F

ILLINOIS

Kaeb Sales, Inc. (815) 457-2649

NORTH DAKOTA

Cissna Park, IL Cliffs, Inc (920) 348-5153 Friesland, WI

IOWA

Western Farm Sales, Inc. (701) 742-2348 Oakes, ND

Garnavillo, IA

Don & Leo Wille Construction, LLC (563) 252-2034

MINNESOTA

SOUTH DAKOTA

Farmers’ Implement, LLC (262) 629-4104 Allenton, WI

Pipestone, MN

Gorter’s Clay & Diary Equip. of MN, Inc. (507) 825-3271

Hartung Sales & Service, Inc. (320) 836-2697

Freeport, MN

Hobert Sales, Inc. (320) 286-6284

Cokato, MN

Mid-Central Equipment, Inc. (218) 583-2931

Henning, MN

River Valley Sales, LLC (507) 523-3491

Lewiston, MN

Faribault, MN

Story Sales & Service, Inc. (507) 334-3724

Fieber Van’s Implement Inc. (605) 753-9834

Hoover Silo Repair, LLC (715) 229-2527 Withee, WI

Watertown, SD

WISCONSIN

Kettlewell Welding & Concrete (920) 420-9498 Omro, WI

Arkansaw, WI

Anibas Silo & Equipment, Inc. (715) 285-5317

Bindl Sales & Service, Inc. (608) 524-6339 Reedsburg, WI

Carl F. Statz & Sons, Inc. (608) 849-4101 Waunakee, WI

C. F. Heckmann Co. Inc. (920) 693-8717 Newton, WI

Knuth Farm Equipment LLC (920) 757-6995