A hay truck Anchor‑Loc seat once set the bar for comfort, and I’ve been chasing that perfect ride ever since.

Our local farmers are under financial pressure, face unpredictable weather and market swings, and are under an overwhelming cultural expectation to “rub some dirt on it” or “cowboy up” and get through it regardless of how they feel. All of these things just compound the strain and lead to silence and, in some cases, tragedy.

One of the most rewarding parts of dairy promotion is when the industry collaborates in ways that truly make a difference. The Every Woman’s Marathon is a powerful example of what coordination looks like.

As heat events become more frequent and more intense, dairy producers are reevaluating when – and how – they cool their cows.

On paper, it may seem like a small interaction: hosting a student for a single day on a dairy farm. In reality, that one-day experience can spark career paths, build lasting mentorships and strengthen the future of the dairy industry, one student at a time.

A well-managed dry-off period pays dividends in higher milk yield, healthier cows and fewer fresh cow problems. By prioritizing comfort, health and body condition, producers can turn this resting phase into one of the most productive investments in the herd’s future performance.

As an individual farm that relies largely on the sugarbeet crop, Garner recognizes the need to meet current and future challenges with efficiency, water management and “loosening the reins” to involve the younger generation.