When it comes time to expand or update facilities, it can be tempting to follow current trends and opt for a more popular choice.

Starting each with their own herd, Diane Jarrell-Ray and Roger Ray began Hollylane Jerseys in Corbyville, Ontario, in 1984. Their first herd was composed of Jerseys and Holsteins, and they concentrated on showing both breeds.

Consumer awareness is top of mind for many people working in agriculture. Given the technology available, farmers are now in a unique position to connect directly with consumers and share their knowledge and individual experience. One manner in which this connection can be achieved and fostered is by hosting a virtual farm tour.

For many, navigating social media and deciding on the appropriate platform to share farm news can be difficult. To address some of these issues, Emma Andrew-Swarthout and Jennie Nguyen of the American Dairy Association North East (ADANE) hosted a webinar in May called “Telling Your Dairy Farm Story with a Virtual Farm Tour,” where they walked viewers through the steps to create and share their own virtual farm tour.

Kylie Konyn is ambitious, open-minded, eager to connect consumers to where their food comes from, involved in lots of committees and holds too many titles to count. The catch? She is only 17 years old.

Building a new dairy barn is no small feat. It takes careful consideration and planning, and it is often necessary to explore multiple options to determine what will fulfill farm needs the best.

“The dairy producer plays a critical role in veal production,” said Dr. Jessica Pempek, animal welfare specialist and assistant professor at Ohio State University. “Establishing the foundation for superior calf health and performance really begins on the dairy farm at birth.”

Age is an issue in farming. According to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the average age of U.S. agricultural producers is 57.5.