Guest Blog

I was unloading the dishwasher a few days ago and paused to ponder my husband’s coffee cup. It stuck out like a sore thumb among the other dishes, all scratched and dented, looking like something that belonged in the scrap metal pile rather than the kitchen counter.

I shared the following recently on social media:

“I was recently asked what I am most excited for in the new year (2018). I thought; then I thought some more. To be honest, we are currently diving head-first into some of the worst milk prices we have seen since we started farming. I'm nervous. I'm concerned. I'm a tad bit scared. I am not sure how many dairy farms will be left by the end of the year here in the U.S. Who's to say it won't be us. ... You honestly never know.

Where do you draw the line with those cows that are long days in milk? I’m not talking about long-bred cows; I’m talking about the cows you intend to cull after you milk them out. We all have those cows, but everyone has different criteria for what qualifies as a “do not breed” (DNB) and how long she is considered productive.

Milk is the perfect sports drink due to its nutrient density and optimal ratio of carbohydrates and protein. Milk is the most hydrating beverage you can drink – a great source of protein for rebuilding muscle and an excellent source of fat for rebuilding your body’s cellular membranes.

Are you ready for some football? As the Super Bowl drew near, football seemed to be on every Minnesotan’s mind. As Minnesota welcomed the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles for the big game, dairy farmers were gearing up for the Super Bowl as well.

Recently, the AG Act – a guest worker visa program that could provide much-needed labor relief for our industry – was added to the Securing America’s Future Act (SAFA). Thanks to the voices of farmers across the nation, Capitol Hill is beginning to understand that the dairy industry needs a viable work force. However, more support is needed to ensure the AG Act remains included in SAFA.