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Al and Trevor Lisson
Al milks 40 cows and Trevor milks 38 cows
Staples, Minn.; Todd County
How did you get into dairy farming? Al: I helped farmers in high school but didn't grow up on a farm. When I married my wife, Carol, I worked a non farm job 10 years. Her brother was milking here but wanted to get out, so I bought the farm from my father-in-law. I never took a milker off until we bought this farm. We have about 250 acres, and we plant corn and alfalfa. Trevor: I milk cows on an uncle's farm. My uncles grouped their cows together, then I started milking there. I have 30 acres on, which I plant corn.
What is your favorite technology? Why? Al: The TMR, that helped a lot. I don't have to deal with a frozen silo, I just use a bag. Trevor: The milk plant text messages my SCC, protein and fat everyday. That's been very helpful for me.
What is the most challenging aspect of dairy farming for you? Al: Dealing with the weather; the snow and cold. Trevor: I have things spread out on three different farms. The dry cows and heifers, the milking cows and the equipment are all at three locations.
What is your plan for your dairy in the next five years? Al: My milk house is old, so I plan to put up a new one. Trevor: I plan to pay my cows off and buy my own farm.
What is your favorite job to do on the farm? Al: Cutting and chopping hay. Trevor: I love it all.
What is your favorite dairy product? Both: Milk out of the bulk tank.
Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. Al: I have a lot of carpentry skills. We put up three buildings since I started, and I did some work on the house. Trevor: I work well with the animals.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Al: Deer hunting; I bow, muzzle and rifle hunt. I also like playing cards with the family. Trevor: Playing volleyball and cards.
What is your favorite Christmas tradition? Al: I like getting together with the family; we play cards and then Santa comes. Trevor: I like those things as well. I also enjoy the food, the gravy, potatoes, ham, peas, the works.
If you could have a celebrity help you with chores for a day who would it be and why? Al: My dad. Because he died before I bought the farm. I would have enjoyed to get his opinion on the farm. Trevor: Jerry Seinfeld. I would like to pick his brain for a little bit; it would be a pretty good time.[[In-content Ad]]

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