Washington dairy producers diversify operation Dairying Across America
Ron’s brother, Mark Wesen, oversees herd health. He is pictured filling a wheelbarrow with calf grain. Mark Wesen is a member of the Skagit-Island-San Juan County FSA. The Wesens try to remain active in the dairy industry beyond their own barn doors. Ron Wesen has been involved with the Washington Dairy Federation for 10-15 years and last year held the position of secretary/ treasurer. (photo submitted)
Kristen J. Kubisiak Staff Writer
BOW, Wash. - Dairy producer Ron Wesen and his family have found success on their western Washington Holstein operation by blending conventional farming with organic.
Ron Wesen is a fourth generation farmer. In 1907, his great-grandfather bought the 120-acre western Washington farmstead that is now one of two farm sites that make up Wesen Farms Incorporated. At the time the farm was purchased, only 40 acres were cleared, and the balance consisted of cedar stumps.
Ron Wesen, along with his parents, Lyle and Merri Lou, and his brothers, Rich, Dean, and Mark, formed the family business about eight years ago.
The operation consists of a conventional 450-cow Holstein herd, milked three times a day in a double-11 herringbone parlor; and an organic 180-cow herd, which is kept at a separate, nearby facility.
In 1972, the Wesens put in their first parlor - a double-four herringbone - when they were milking 70 cows. In 1979, they increased their herd to 220 cows and expanded to a double-eight parlor.
"That was the last time we bought any animals," Ron Wesen said.
Over the years, the Wesens have gradually increased their herd, and added housing to accommodate the animals. Today the animals are housed in two 100-by-200-foot sand-bedded freestall facilities, complete with flush systems.
Then in 2006, the Wesens decided to diversify their operation.
"We didn't think the conventional prices would get this high," Wesen said. "So buying an organic dairy operation seemed like a good idea."
The 70-acre organic farm consists of 180 cows, freestall housing, and a double-eight herringbone parlor. Ron's brother, Dean, manages the organic herd, while Ron runs the conventional dairy. Brothers Rich and Mark oversee the young stock and herd health, respectively.
The Wesens' dairy operations account for two of the 35 dairy farms in Skagit County, and one of the four that is organic. Living in Skagit County, the Wesens don't have to look too far for industry support.
"There are two dairy supply places 20 minutes away, three different route trucks that come by, and three general veterinarians in the county," he said. "And I get quotes from four different grain companies. We still have pretty good infrastructure here."
The Wesens grow their own silage, but they buy all of their hay and grain.
"The crops did pretty good this year. We had about 475 acres of corn, and we got about 25 tons an acre," Wesen said. "We had about 450 acres of grass silage, and we put up five different cuttings.
One challenge facing western Washington dairymen is rain.
"We receive about 35 inches of rain a year," Wesen said. "From mid October to March the fields are really muddy."
In this respect, the weather dictates what type of housing dairymen choose for their herds.
"We have to have a roof over them," Wesen said. "Corrals just wouldn't work for us."
The precipitation also must be taken into account when designing manure management facilities.
"If you get 34 inches of rain water, you have to dig a pretty big hole," Wesen said. "We have to have six months of storage and we are inspected by the Department of Agriculture every 18 months."
Although Western Washington is a good area to dairy farm, Wesen said there aren't really any new dairies springing up.
"Our county has a 40-acres minimum on our agricultural zoned land. Farmers are bidding up the price, but the land is still agricultural. The challenge is finding ground to plant corn in. Grain prices are too high."
Previously, Wesen said, potato farmers and crop farmers would trade land, as potatoes are grown only once every three or four years. But now that the price of grain is so high, the potato farmers are planting other crops and there is not as much land available for corn silage.
Despite these challenges it is possible to be a successful dairy farmer, Wesen said.
"You have to be persistent and try to make things work. There are always new challenges and you just have to keep at it. It takes a lot of time and effort. It also helps when the milk prices are high."
Wesen ships his milk to the Northwest Dairyman's Association. Lyle Wesen was on the board of directors for 25 years and also served as president. Ron has followed in his father's footsteps and is also active in the dairy industry beyond the farm. He has been involved with the Washington Dairy Federation for 10-15 years, and last year held the position of secretary/treasurer.
Wesen and the other members of the dairy federation keep legislators informed about "what is going on down on the farm."
"They have been receptive so far and we appreciate it," Wesen said.
Environmental stewardship also is important to Wesen.
"We live on the land we farm," he said. "It is important to us to make sure it is taken care of."
