As dairy farmers, I’m certain we’ve all wished for an extra set of hands more times than we can count. Four years ago, we were looking for an extra set of hands but decided to invest in an extra …
We’re at the top of the mountain regarding the 4-H year; our county fair was a couple of weeks ago, and the state fair is right around the corner. After the state fair, we’ll move back …
Dairy farming has pushed our limits a bit this summer, but the past couple of months have also been filled with an abundance of joyful moments. The critters who call our farm home have given us daily …
For the past six weeks, my life has felt like that of a calf manager on a large dairy — or at least what I imagine that role would feel like. We are in the middle of what I’m calling the summer …
When most people think of peroxide, they envision the square brown bottle of hydrogen peroxide tucked away in the medicine cabinet. Dairy farmers might think of the industrial-strength hydrogen …
If you grew up in Minnesota, were involved in 4-H and took a project or animal to the Minnesota State Fair, you’re familiar with the 4-H Hilton. If you know what the 4-H Hilton is, you also …
Milking cows can be therapeutic. The familiar tasks, the routine movements, the time spent with the cows — the combination allows my mind to relax and ponder. This is especially true when my to-do …
We are considerably privileged to be dairy farming in a part of Minnesota with strong agricultural infrastructure. When we started out dairy farming in northern Minnesota, we had access to one …
Every aspect of our lives can be illuminated by numbers. How many years we’ve walked this Earth. How many kids we have. How many acres we farm or how many cows we milk. I’ve often lamented that …
‘Tis the season for family, festivities and… food. I imagine every family has its own cherished traditions and treats for celebrating Christmas. For many years, a big part of Christmas for me was …
Wrestling season is here again and I can hardly wait for the first meet. Although I will miss watching Dan on the mat, I am beyond excited that Monika and Daphne are wrestling on the same team this …
Off and on since Ozzy, our elderly standard Aussie, passed, we’ve considered adopting another adult dog. Our mini Aussie, Murky, seemed content being an only dog, but the lack of a playmate …
Dairy farming is full of firsts. This week, one of our just-weaned Holstein calves pulled her calf starter pail out the pail holder in her hutch, reached her head into the now-vacant hole, and got …
Three pairs of white pants are packed in suitcases and headed to the Minnesota State Fair. This year, Dan, Monika and Daphne all earned spots in the State Fair 4-H dairy show. It still doesn’t …
Portable gates are like socket sets. They’re an invaluable tool and you can’t have too many. We use them in countless ways: making extra calf pens when the influx of calves exceeds the …
Dan graduated from high school last month. I can write those words, but it still seems surreal. Even though I watched him walk across the stage in his cap and gown and accept his diploma. These …
Two years ago, I was asked to coach the local FFA chapter’s dairy cattle evaluation and management team. I quickly agreed. Of all the activities I’ve coached and continue to coach, dairy …
For being a dairy farm family, we sure do talk about chickens and eggs a lot. Last summer, Monika and Daphne started an egg business partnership. Daphne tends the hens and collects the eggs. …
We haven’t had a female cat — and, thus, kittens — on the farm in over five years. All of that changed last weekend. As we drove into the yard after 4-H Dairy Project Bowl …
It’s been one month since my shoulder surgery, and it’s been one wildly emotional month. The first two weeks were easier than I expected. The initial pain was manageable thanks to …