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Bruce Hanson (shown with wife, Marlys)
Rice Lake, Wis.; Barron County
30 cows
How did you get into dairy farming? I grew up on this farm with my dad. Over the years, I worked on the farm and then I married my wife. After I married my wife, Marlys, I took a job with Genex while still working on the farm. In the fall of 1974, my dad called and wanted to know if I would come back to the farm. I came back that fall and started to farm full-time on the current farm. I have been farming here ever since.
What is your favorite technology? Why? It would have to be a piece of equipment that my wife and I put in the barn cleaner in the barn. We have put in a gutter pump. It is basically like a sump pump for our barn. The most challenging task on a day to day basis is getting everything cleaned out, including the liquid within the barn. Before the pump, it was a challenge to really get the barn clean. The pump allows the barn cleaner to work more efficiently on a day to day basis. This gives me more time to do other things around the farm.
What has been the best decision you've ever made on your farm? To AI all my cows. After working with Genex for 10 years, I really enjoyed seeing the change in genetics. I enjoyed bringing back what I learned about genetics and applying it to my farm and cows. Cows are very important to me, and I enjoyed seeing them improve over the years with the genetics I used.
Looking back, if you could change one thing that you did on your farm, what would it be and why? To own more land. If I would have had more land, I would have liked to expand my herd size to 40 cows.
What is your favorite job to do on the farm? I really enjoy feeding cows. Being able to manage their nutrition and seeing that correlate with milk production is something that I have always enjoyed doing. I also enjoy chopping hay and harvest season. Being able to see the finished product that we worked really hard for is something I really enjoy.
What is your favorite dairy product? Cheese and ice cream.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I enjoy watching sports and attending auctions. I also play dirtball a few times a week.
If you could have a celebrity help you with chores for a day who would it be and why? Matt Lapè and Bo Ryan - they were broadcasters for the Wisconsin Badgers and the excitement that they brought to the basketball game was unreal. They made listening to the game so enjoyable, and helped to spread that excitement for basketball to all the listeners. I think it would be enjoyable to see them bring that excitement to the farm because sharing the news about what we do everyday is something that never stops.

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