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Tom Zastrow – K&K Dairy Farms LLC
Bonduel, Wisconsin
Shawano County
170 cows

How did you get into farming? I was raised on the family farm, and as my brothers moved onto their own farms, I eventually took over the family farm.

What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? We hope the markets open back up that we built over the years. If the markets open back up, hopefully the milk prices will stay strong to sustain the farming industry.

What is the latest technology you implemented on your farm and the purpose for it? We have not implemented anything new in the last five years due to low milk prices.

What is a management practice you changed in the past year that has benefited you? We haven’t changed any management practices.

What cost-saving steps have you implemented during the low milk price? We deal with more direct vendors to save on feed costs.

How do you retain a good working relationship with your employees? We are strictly a family farm with no additional employees.

Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. We are able to treat more of our own sick cows instead of having to call the vet.

What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? Working with the animals.

What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Research all of your options and don’t just rely on one source.

What has been the best purchase you have ever made on your farm? Putting a new parlor in to make the cows milk more efficiently.

What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? Being able to buy enough land to be self-sufficient.

What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and five years? We would like to add more cows over the next five years.

How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? We have a cabin and two ponds on the farm where we can go fishing, hunting, four-wheeling or relax for the day.

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