Transition planning is not often a pleasant experience, and for many operations, transitioning management and ownership from one generation to the next creates many uncomfortable situations.

In an ever-changing industry, you never know when feed costs will soar and milk prices will fall.

Brian Houin of Homestead Dairy LLC in Plymouth, Indiana, attributes the operation’s growth and success to smart planning and detailed data collection. Houin, along with Joel Gawronski, Ryan Rogers and Matt Houin, own and manage a herd of 3,500 milking cows on three locations. Houin shared the details of the farm’s management success at the 2015 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit on Feb. 4 in Lancaster.

Founded in 1996, the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association (DCHA) has been a supporting foundation and educational resource for dairy calf and heifer growers across the nation.

John and Debbie Feldpausch of Westphalia, Michigan, manage and operate a progressive calf-raising facility using some of the newest technology in the business. Their success has been due to their years of experience and dedication to healthy calves.

The month of December is often referred to as “the most wonderful time of the year.” With finals wrapping up and the semester coming to an end, many college students would agree that “it’s the hap-happiest season of all.” For members of Alpha Zeta Fraternity at Penn State University, the month of December is a time for its members to give back to the community through the Holiday Lights Tour.

After many years farming with his brothers, raising hogs, cattle and crops, Victor Larson and his family found themselves at a crossroads. Interest rates were skyrocketing, and the St. Cloud, Minnesota, family decided to pursue another business: hoof trimming.