Gene and Kiersten’s Story in their own words:
When did you start farming?
Has your farm changed since you became involved?
advances in technology… Biggest change in cropping has been nutrient management and the ability to use less fertilizer and pesticides while increasing yields, for example in 1983 150 bushel/acre was good. Just this year we were able to harvest 250 bushel/acre. (corn) On the dairy side, automatic take offs have been huge technologically, and micro nutrient biotechnology to increase milk yield.
What has been the most rewarding part of farming for you?
What has been the most challenging part of farming for you?
What is the biggest misconception about the dairy industry?
Who is your favorite cow & goat?
What is one message you’d like to get across to the general public about what you do?
What do you hope for your kids or future generations on your dairy?
What advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming?
Gene & Kiersten, thank you for taking time to participate in our “Thirty Days of Dairy” series. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our blog (no spam, just an email when we post a new blog) so you don’t miss any posts
Earlier “Thirty Days of Dairy” features this month include:
Sarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!
Melissa Collman – Boring, OR – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!
Macy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!
Karen Bohnert – East Moline, IL – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!
Lisa Myers – Hamstead, MD – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!
Rebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!
Heather Moore – Maquoketa, IA – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!
Katie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!
Brent Pollard – Rockford, IL – an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.
Krista Stauffer – Washington – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!
Diane Loew – Byron, MI – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!
Nicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!
Elinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!
Alise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!
Tara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!
Jenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!
Will Gilmer – Sulligent, AL – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!
Lorie says
I am writing to ask a few major questions. Been milking cows for 36 + years and have decided to sell our dairy cow herd the end of November. Next generation is our son who has worked on our farm his whole life. We have decided for him to stay on the farm his best option would be going into milking goats. We are working on a plan at this time to transition the barn to set up for goats. Question being 28 herring bone and automatic take off milk machine? Where would we look to inquire about either of these. At this time we have been checking into local manufactured double 12 that milks from the back. Any suggestions would be appreciated. We live in Gratiot, WI. which is about 3 hours south of your farm. Also is it possible for a farm visit?
mtmacki says
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Hello, I would reach out to your local Delaval or Surge representative. Please send me an email at mackinson.mary@gmail.com and we can arrange a tour. Thanks for stopping by!
Mary