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Jones will host tour on their Spencer, Iowa, farm Tuesday, June 23, 2009
By Nancy Vander Schaaf
nanrvs@gmail.com
SPENCER, Iowa -- Patrick and Nancy Jones will host a tour of their Spencer dairy on June 30 for 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
"It's an opportunity for those who may just drive past to see what we actually do on our farm," said Patrick Jones.
Several organizations came together to help with the event. Sponsors of the June dairy celebration at the Jones' farm include the Western Iowa Dairy Alliance, Midwest Dairy Association, Iowa State University, and the Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers.
"The Clay County Cattlemen will be grilling burgers and Blue Bunny is bringing the ice cream," said Nancy Jones.
Guests can enjoy a free meal, sample dairy products, and learn about Iowa's dairy producers.
The Jones' dairy is one of a few dairies left in Dickinson County.
"In this area, there just aren't many dairies," said Patrick. "When our children were in 4-H, they showed sheep, goats, and chickens at the fair," says Nancy Jones, "Never dairy."
The Jones milk 650 Jerseys.
"We started out with Jersey years and years ago," says Patrick. "My parents had Jerseys. They are easy to handle. "Protein and butterfat are both a little higher in Jersey."
They raise their own replacement calves. This adds extra work, as well as growing all their own feed, corn and alfalfa.
"We have 10 employees besides our children," said Nancy.
Of their eight children, three are employed on the farm. Aaron is the herd/ calf manager. Nate works with the feeds and crops and maintenance. Sheila is the assistant dairy herd manager and human resource person.
"Back, when we milked 80 cows, we couldn't support a hired man," said Nancy. With expansion, they and their employees can take days off.
"It's a better lifestyle," said Nancy. "We appreciate it for our employees and for our children."
Visitors will see cows being milked in a double-12 parallel parlor, free-stall housing, feeds and feed storage, the calving area, and young stock housing.
"We hope it's a nice day," said Patrick.
The dairy is located at 2508 270th St. Spencer, IA 51301. Driving directions from Spencer: Head north on Highway 71; turn right on 280th St.; turn left on 250th Ave.; turn right on 270th St. |
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