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Dairy tour brings producers together to share ideas Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Agri News staff writer
BUFFALO, Minn. -- More than 80 dairy producers and industry leaders visited five dairy farms and a heifer raising operation during last week's two-day visit to southwest Minnesota and northeast South Dakota.
The tour was third "summer bus trip" organized by the Minnesota Milk Producers Association and featured farms using sand lanes, flat parlors and robotic milkers.
Featured farms included Myron and Mavis Hulstein's M & M Livestock heifer raising operation near Chandler; John and Verlinda Vander Wal's Newalta Dairy of Pipestone; Randy and Priscilla Pater's Pater Dairy near Pipestone; the 3,500 cow Prairie Gold Dairy operated by Randy and Jennifer Gross of Elkton, S.D.; Kidman Dairy near Balaton; and the Goblirsch Dairy near Wabasso.
Gene and Marilyn Bitzer of Warroad said the tour was a good break from what's been a challenging production year. The couple milk 110 cows with their son on their northern Minnesota farm located mere miles from the Canadian border.
A wet fall followed by a wet spring and flooded fields prevented planting, Gene said. He plans to plant new acres of alfalfa -- possibly with rye -- and adds he'll most likely not plant corn this year.
The Bitzers were interested in the tour because it provided a chance to visit with other dairy farmers and see how farmers are using technology.
Robotic milkers also drew Bruce Mohn and his wife, Cheryl.
Bruce was also interested in sand lanes and sand separation. Although he doesn't use sand in his 50-cow tie stall dairy, Bruce wanted to learn more about it.
Cheryl represented her company Udder Tech. The firm's product, a paper towel and teat dip container holder worn by milkers, was originally made to help with the family's Lakeville milking operation, but she soon found a wider market for it.
"I came to accompany her but, I think we both came along to see the different operations," Bruce said. "It just gives you a better perspective of the different type of dairies."
Jim Peterson of Pine City said it's a good way to talk to other dairy farmers. The tour provides producers an idea of what they might include in their own operation. |
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