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Altura, Minn.; Winona County; 100 cows
How did you get into farming? I've been dairy farming all my life. I am the sixth generation in my family to farm. In 2009 when I graduated from high school, my dad sold the cows for personal reasons. I started working for other dairy farmers before I realized I wanted to dairy on my own. So I bought a local herd of cows and started farming on my dad's farm in the spring of 2012. I was able to purchase the farm last fall.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? It's getting tougher for young people to get started. I knew I wouldn't make much money, but it's what I wanted to do.
What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? I like feeding the cows. But really it puts a smile on my face anytime I get to work with the cows. I never seem to worry about the number of hours I spend in the barn. To me, it's not about getting rich.
What advice would you give other young dairy farmers? Get the cows going first. Also, use what you have and don't buy something you can't afford.
What has been the best purchase you've ever made on your farm? I haven't done a lot of purchasing, but last fall I remodeled the freestalls, which was huge for cow comfort. Before the stalls were 42 inches with concrete underneath. Now they are widened to 48 and 50 inches with deep bedded sand. There is also more lunge space.
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? How did you achieve this? First surviving and then buying the farm. It's been a lot of long days and dedication. You have to keep going even on days when you don't feel like it.
What are your plans for your dairy in the next five years? I plan to be efficient through the low prices so we can expand or update; the 10-year plan is to look into robots. The facilities - a double-8 flatbarn parlor with eight units and the freestall barn - are outdated.
What is your favorite dairy product? I love cheese.
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I haven't really had a whole lot of time. I like firearms, and if I can find the time, I like tractor pulls.
If you could have a celebrity help you with chores for a day who would it be and why? I would choose Clint Eastwood because I always liked his old movies and his sense of humor.
What is your favorite technology on your farm? The climate controlled fans and the auto-sensing lights in the freestall barn. If the temperature drops at night I don't have to worry about going out to the barn to shut off fans. And the auto-sensing lights gives the cows enough lighted hours and helps save on the electric bill.[[In-content Ad]]

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