Note: This is the third article in a five-part series for Progressive Dairyman about dairy culture. Enhancing your operation’s “constructive” culture is the most sought-after transition on dairy farms – and most organizations.

Progressive Dairyman contributor Mark Junkin recently completed his second book, Tough Times Never Last, Tough Farmers Do. 

Editor’s note: The following column is a quarterly update from Global Dairy Farmers, a network of farmers, companies and universities. Contributors from this global network of experts will begin with this issue to provide Progressive Dairyman readers with a quarterly update about events affecting dairymen around the world.

There’s no doubt about it, winter weather can wreak havoc on the day-to-day operations of the farm. Ice and snow can make the simple task of walking 5 feet a treacherous one.

Winter can be challenging for any livestock operation and, without proper attention, can lead to problems. Dairies with robotic milking systems are no exception.

The balers were in a row, and the chambers had been cleared of all the hay. The mobile welder truck was in position, and the welder was working on the innards of the first baler in line.

Winter weather will affect feed preparation and delivery, manure handling, barn and parlor ventilation, and the movement of people, equipment and trucks.

Some utility vehicle owners choose to store their equipment during the harshest weather of the year, parking their prized workhorse vehicle in a secure, dry location while winter storms rage outside.

Winter is here, whether we are ready for it or not. This time of year is hands-down not my favorite season. My idea of winter is keeping the thermostat set at 70ºF or more so my house is toasty warm.

Many herds enter the cooler fall and winter months with existing claw lesions that formed during the summer weather.