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NE-DBIC Hosts 20 on Missouri Grazing Dairy Learning Journey

June 16, 2022
Brown calves surrounding the 80 calf feeder at Flooded Rock Dairy

The NE-DBIC, supported by University of Missouri Extension and Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), hosted an opportunity for northeastern farmers to learn from New Zealand and Irish dairy farmers in Missouri. The group of 20 was comprised of farmers, technical assistance providers, and Agency staff from four states. Farmers who attended represented the diversity of dairy production including organic, conventional, 100% grass fed, seasonal, and current Dairy Grazing Apprentices. 

Missouri is home to a group of New Zealand and Irish owned farms who practice dairy as is common in their home countries - seasonal milking, intensive rotational grazing, and limiting the addition of supplemental feeds. While these farms tend to be larger than the average northeastern dairy and do not experience winter in the same way we do, there were many important lessons learned during the trip. 

All of the farms raise their calves in group housing from the day of birth, and the group was interested to learn about these labor and time efficient management strategies. The first farm demonstrated feeding a group of 80 calves, who were between 2.5 and 3 months old, so that we could see the use of a 100-calf portable feeder. On other farms the group learned about forage and animal management in a rotational system, where cows are expected to walk upwards of ¾ of a mile each way. Farms generally divide their herd into groups based on body score, a practice that is done weekly and allows them to support first calf heifers and those cows who need to add more condition. 

Of note, the group met farmers who have entered dairy via a variety of paths that are unconventional for US dairy, including contract milkers, sharemilkers, and farm managers. These different strategies allow young and beginning farmers to gain experience and equity with a clear pathway from being a farm hand to being a farm owner or partner without the cash outlay or loan typical of farm transfers. 

In all, the group deemed this a successful trip. The NE-DBIC is planning a similar opportunity to a different location in 2023 for those who may be interested in attending. 

To learn more, contact Kathryn.Donovan@vermont.gov

Northeast DBIC Staff

Laura Ginsburg, Center Lead
laura.ginsburg@vermont.gov
(802) 522-2252 

Kathryn Donovan, Regional Programs Manager
kathryn.donovan@vermont.gov
(802) 585-4571

Ben Eldredge, Grants Coordinator
ben.eldredge@vermont.gov
(802) 522-9478

Ali Boochever, Grants Coordinator
ali.boochever@vermont.gov
(802) 261-5740

Katie Spring, Outreach & Content Specialist
katie.spring@vermont.gov
(802) 522-3186

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Funding for the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is made possible by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service through grants AM190100XXXXG081, AM200100XXXXG003, 21DBIVT1004-00, and AM21DBIVT1011-00. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.