Karen Lee

Cows are comfortable at Fetzer Farms

February 24, 2011

to jump to the article. Summary: In this March 1st feature, Progressive Dairyman Editor Karen Lee described the efforts of Paul, Steve and Joe Fetzer to increase cow comfort on their 800-cow dairy. The brothers installed a new eight-row, cross-ventilated freestall barn in 2008 and have since seen an average milk production of 85 pounds per day. Because this article was so popular, we asked Paul Fetzer a follow-up question: Q: What have you done in the past year to increase cow comfort on your dairy? A: We completed the remodel of our transition barn from mattresses to sand. The conversion allowed us to tear out all of the old stall decks and curbs. We increased stall length by 6 inches by pouring new curbs and deep-bedded with sand. This has greatly increased the comfort and traction for close-up and post-fresh animals.

2011 Midwest Dairy Challenge: Producer feedback

February 22, 2011

Karen Lee

The 2011 Midwest Dairy Challenge was hosted by the University of Wisconsin — River Falls and was held February 9-11 in Menomonie, Wisconsin. Dan and Mary Luckwaldt (at right) and Jay and Kristi Richardson opened up their operations to nearly 70 students from 16 Midwest colleges and universities. Dan Luckwaldt and Jay Richardson (below right) shared their thoughts with Progressive Dairyman on the experience of serving as host farms.

Put the cows first

February 21, 2011

Karen Lee

I’ve always enjoyed hearing from readers and therefore I was really excited to hear from our newest admirers after the release of Progressive Dairyman’s first Canadian issue in January.

Put the cows first

February 21, 2011

Karen Lee

I’ve always enjoyed hearing from readers and therefore I was really excited to hear from our newest admirers after the release of Progressive Dairyman’s first Canadian issue in January.

People told us they were “impressed” with the magazine and that it held “valuable content.” Some of our advertisers told us they had already received phone calls inquiring about their products or services.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. We would love for the dialog to continue. In my mind, if our publication isn’t meeting your needs, then it is our responsibility to improve.

Western Canadian Dairy Seminar readies to face the challenges

February 21, 2011

Karen Lee

Designed for people who want to improve their knowledge and decision-making abilities in dairy production and management, the 29th Western Canadian Dairy Seminar welcomes dairy producers, extension specialists, researchers, and dairy service and supply representatives.

Succession planning is a process, not an event

February 3, 2011

Karen Lee

With a low economy affecting interest rates and farm values, now is a good time to take care of planning the future of your business. Dan Rupar of Ruder Ware LLSC out of Wausau, Wisconsin, specializes in estate planning and business succession planning. These plans are not only integral for intrafamily farm transfers, but also for two or more farmers establishing a joint operation, he says. Only about 30 to 35 percent of family businesses make it to the second generation, and just 10 percent make it to the third generation. He adds that while 78 percent of families intend to pass their business to their children, only 34 percent have created a succession plan.

Create efficiencies with three-in-one feeding machine

February 3, 2011

Karen Lee

It is no secret that feed and labor are the two highest expenses on a dairy operation, and don’t forget fuel prices that are expected to climb through 2011. Jones Equipment Company LLC in Massey, Maryland, has an answer to reduce expenses in those categories. Developed by Lachish Industries in Israel, where feed costs are even higher than the U.S., the RMH is a self-propelled and self-loading mixer/feeder that combines a facer, payloader, mixer and tractor or truck-mounted mixer into one machine.

Wealth of topics discussed at Midwest symposium

February 3, 2011

Karen Lee

It was another record-breaking year for the Symposium and Annual Meeting of the Midwest Forage Association, Professional Nutrient Applicators Association of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Custom Operators, Inc.

Pacific Agriculture Show features dairy and energy

December 21, 2010

Karen Lee

The 13th Annual Pacific Agriculture Show will showcase the latest and most innovative equipment and technology for the agriculture industry from Jan. 27-29. More than 250 dealers and manufacturers will display their wares at the Tradex Exhibition Centre in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Prior to the start of the show, the Ministry of Agriculture has put together a Dairy Farm Tour package for Wednesday, Jan. 26. This program is voluntary, and producers can elect to visit all or some of the farms listed for visits.

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Articles by Karen Lee

Cows are comfortable at Fetzer Farms

2011 Midwest Dairy Challenge: Producer feedback

Put the cows first

Put the cows first

Western Canadian Dairy Seminar readies to face the challenges

Succession planning is a process, not an event

Create efficiencies with three-in-one feeding machine

Wealth of topics discussed at Midwest symposium

Pacific Agriculture Show features dairy and energy

Is managing for drought the new norm?

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