With the enrollment period now in full swing, dairy producers are evaluating whether the government’s Margin Protection Program is right for them, and if so, at what level. You have until Nov. 28 to enroll in the program and make your coverage decisions for 2014-2015.

“Whether it’s in corporate America, private or even on the farm, you never know what is going to happen,” says Jerry Kozak. “Everyone needs a management transition plan.” Last December, Kozak sat down with Progressive Dairyman’s managing editor, Walt Cooley, and described his involvement in the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) as CEO; a position he held for 16 years. In the interview, Kozak mentioned the success he believed he had as he helped Jim Mulhern transition into the leadership role.

It has been a year since I last wrote about Obamacare. There have been many developments since my November 2013 article. I receive many questions from my clients about this topic and the one that is mostly asked is: Is it better to offer coverage or pay the penalty?

Family-run dairy farms account for nearly 97 percent of the total dairy farms in the U.S., producing 85 percent of all milk products sold, according to the USDA. What makes up the remaining 3 percent of dairy farms? Corporate-owned dairy farms. One of those corporations operates in the southeast corner of the country.

When building a new facility, it’s tempting to keep up-front ventilation and cooling costs at a minimum. That may seem like a good thing in the short term, but it’s important to consider the long-term cost and benefits of designing a system that goes beyond bare bones and fits your operation’s individual needs, now and as you grow your business.