In any industry, the value of exceptional employees cannot be underestimated. These kinds of employees will bring positive change, exemplify integrity and exceed expectations in their responsibilities. Many dairy workers in our industry are great examples. To honor and show our appreciation to these outstanding individuals, we need to establish awards as part of our organizations and the industry.

Three of us were able to make it to Florida for the funeral after our brother-in-law, Ray Pivec, had passed away. Our sister had married late, and they had no children. I remember teasing her when she was at college, asking her if she was having trouble finding a boy she liked.

Calving season was upon me. I was just finishing up my last hourlong run through the cows and heifers. It had been a cold night, and with 3 inches of snow on the ground, I dared not leave anything to chance.

Regenerative agriculture is about farming and ranching in a way that supports people, the environment and soil health by employing specific practices that vary from one region to another.

Just as cab tech provides valuable information to help save time, increase profits and reduce operator error in the field, business tech can enhance your management capabilities back at the farm.

Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Executive Director Shelly Mayer set the tone for an engaging three days when she stated, “You can’t have a winning team with a losing mindset.”

Under most circumstances, I generally consider myself to be fairly decent, if not entertaining, company. I do, however, have my little quirks and idiosyncrasies, that, if I’m being completely objective, could possibly be construed as minor annoyances.

Lameness is an issue that impacts every part of the supply chain – not just the welfare and health of cows but also the farmers and their teams working to maintain herd productivity, as well as the dairy processors and retailers seeking to build trust in their brand.

They say that any two people are six or fewer social connections away from each other. In agriculture, I’d swear it’s two.