QLF Sponsored Virtual Farm Tours at World Dairy Expo

This past World Dairy Expo, QLF was the proud sponsor of two virtual farm tours.  Below you will find a small bio of the farms and a link to their tours.

Hosted by: Simon Dairy, Westphalia, Mich.
705 Milking/Family Transition
Sponsored by: Quality Liquid Feeds

As the next generation joins the farm, the transition can be a difficult process. However, for the family of Simon Dairy Farm it has been a great opportunity to learn and grow together. Larry and Therese Simon are in the process of transferring responsibilities to their eldest son Brent and are planning for a partnership with Brent and his brother Scott, who is currently a junior at Michigan State University and working towards a degree in Agri-Business Management.  This multi-generational team has capitalized on the diverse blend of experience, education, and individual strengths. By working closely with Brent and other key members of the management team, the farm has been able to accomplish a rolling herd average of 27,072 lbs. with a somatic cell count of only 97,000. Additionally, Simon Dairy has been able to achieve a pregnancy rate of 28 percent with over 55 percent of the herd being pregnant. Simon Dairy has been honored with the Silver Award for SCC by the Michigan Milk Producers Association and has won numerous top honors for several individual cows.

Hosted by: Meadow Vista Dairy LLC, Bainbridge, Penn.
648 Milking/Land Conservation and Forages
Sponsored by: Quality Liquid Feed

Located in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, producing quality forages while implementing best management practices for crop production is always top of mind for the Risser Family. Brothers Don and Gerald Risser, along with Don’s son, Eric, and Gerald’s son, Justin, are all partners in Meadow Vista Dairy LLC. Two of Gerald’s sons, Jason and Jordan are also involved with the day-to-day operations. The farm is comprised of 740 acres on which corn, alfalfa, grass hay and small grain crops are grown. In 2008, the farm became 100 percent no-till cropping. The use of rye as a cover crop helps limit phosphorus and nitrogen runoff, and soil erosion. Rye is double cropped with corn.  With detailed feed and animal records, the family is able to know the exact cost per ton of each crop. In turn, this helps to reduce wasted feed. More importantly, it helps to allocate which crops are grown, how much fuel is used to plant and harvest crops, and how much fertilizer to apply. Currently, the farm milks 648 cows with a rolling herd average of 29,357 lbs.

View Both Tours Here - http://www.worlddairyexpo.com/pages/2011-Virtual-Farm-Tours-Videos.php