Dairy Profile

Sam Radke
Wilton, Wisconsin
Monroe County
85 cows

How did you get into farming? I was born into it. I am the fourth or fifth generation. After high school, I went to Southwest Technical College for the agriculture power technician program. I wanted to get that for a backup and to help myself on the farm by being able to work on equipment.

What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? I am a little worried about bigger farms getting a grasp and smaller farms fading.

What is a recent change you made on your farm and the reason for it? Last year, we put flex stalls and mats in half of the freestall barn. We did this to achieve cow comfort and cleanliness. It has worked so well that we are putting them in the other half this year. The cows love it.

Tell us about a skill you possess that makes dairy farming easier for you. I have always been mechanically inclined, and I am able to fix my own equipment. Any time I can save by not sending something to the implement dealer really helps.

What is the best decision you have made on your farm? Buying an electric feed cart to feed the heifers. I used to feed with poly carts, and it took an hour and a half to feed. It’s a lot easier now.

What are three things on the farm that you cannot live without? My four-wheeler because it’s nice for chasing cattle, fencing and going between fields. My skid loader because it is so easy to pick up and move stuff with it. My pickup truck because I use it every day to go between the two farms, run to town for parts or hauling the skid loader between farms.

What strategies do you use to withstand the volatile milk prices? We watch our spending and plan accordingly. We always figure on low milk prices and try to make a cushion when the price is higher.
 
How do you maintain family relationships while also working together? I work with my dad, Keith, and my uncle, Kurt. Working with family can be a hassle, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes you have to pick your battles and hold your tongue. Sometimes things come out anyway.

What do you enjoy most about dairy farming? I like being able to call the shots and be my own boss. Every day is kind of the same, but one little thing can change the whole day.

What advice would you give other dairy farmers? Try not to let the little things tear you up. At the end of the day, you can only do so much. It makes a big difference to take an hour out of the day to do something relaxing even if it’s driving to town for parts or going for lunch.

What are your plans for your dairy in the next year and five years? In the next year, I want to get a bin up to store shell corn and get away from picking corn. I bought a combine last year to go toward that goal. In the next five years, I hope to buy at least half the farm and start to make updates.
 
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I go tractor pulling with my Ford 9000 in the summer. I go to local pulls and compete in the farm stock classes.