The Progressive Dairy Producers of Wisconsin (PDPW) recently announced two exciting multi-day dairy tours in Wisconsin and Texas. Agendas for the tours are explained below.

Dairy Technology Tours
On October 14-16, 2014, PDPW invites participants to see innovative dairy technology firsthand and hear from those using the technology on a daily basis in this three-day tour that will focus on robotic milking systems.

Day 1 – Oct. 14
On the first day of the three-day tour, participants will have the opportunity to tour three innovative dairies that have incorporated the latest milking technologies to enhance productivity on their farms. The dairies include Leedle Farms-Black Cat Dairy, York Dairy and Riedland Farm.

Aside from implementing robotic milkers, these dairies have also found value in technologies such as the milk taxi, manure separators and activity collars for breeding-age heifers to improve labor savings and efficiency.

Day 2 – Oct. 15
The second day of dairy tours will take place near Juneau, Wisconsin. Participants will visit Laufenberg Farms, Bacon’s Rolling Acres & Gurn-Z Meadow and Adelmeyer Farms.

Throughout these farm stops, one will be able to see how robotic milking and other on-farm technologies have allowed these dairy producers to focus on other aspects of the farm, including crops, employee management and cow comfort, while also supporting an off-farm job.

Day 3 – Oct. 16
Rounding out the three-day tour will include stops at Pfaff’s Prairie Dairy, Lane Creek Dairy and Kiefland Holsteins. At the stops, visitors will examine the robotic milking systems, while the producers explain their decision to use the technology and how to find value in the systems. Benefits, challenges and what they would do differently will also be discussed.

Texas Dairy Tour
PDPW is eager to host the Texas Dairy Tour on November 4-5, 2014. From canyons to cowboys, big spaces to big steaks, everything Texas is famous for is in the Texas Panhandle. In this event, participants will examine how Texas Panhandle dairy farmers are harnessing ingenuity, innovation and technology to produce more milk with less environmental impact.

Day 1 – Nov. 4
This first day of the tours will include three dairy farm visits near Dalhart, Texas. Hilmar Cheese Company has been a catalyst for the growth of Texas’ dairy production and has provided opportunity for dairies in the Panhandle.

On the visit, the company’s management will discuss their core values of constant improvement and innovation, while demonstrating how they are changing the region’s dairy landscape.

Avi-Lanche Jerseys became the first herd from California to begin milking cows in the Dalhart area. The 2,400-cow farm utilizes the “Saudi-style” barns, open corrals under roof, to offer protection from adverse winter weather. Participants will also be privileged to learn about the dairy’s embryo service that is designed to fit the needs of producers, domestically and internationally.

Dalhart Jersey Ranch is a collaboration of five California dairy families. The ranch can house up to 27,000 heifers, ranging from 6 months of age to confirmed pregnant. The ranch tour will provide information about their cutting-edge A.I. program and how they function at optimal with minimal employees.

Day 2 – Nov. 5
As the tour continues on day two, participants will have the opportunity to visit three dairies that focus on innovative technology to improve productivity and profitability.

Del Rio Dairy houses 3,800 cows in Saudi-styled barns, despite their lack of popular demand. Throughout the tour, Rocky and Liz Gingg will explain why the housing investment pays for itself. Also, they will discuss how management knows if the dairy drops below its desired throughput average of 420-444 cows/hour.

High Plains Dairy is a partnership between Harry and Margret DeWit with key members of the dairy. An immigrant working as a herdsman at a Canadian dairy, DeWit turned his dream into reality and is now one of the more respected, progressive dairymen in the area. He will demonstrate how partnerships and sharing of managers make this dairy more profitable.

The last stop of the tour will be at Dairy Fountain. The dairy consists of 30 percent crossbred cows and 70 percent Holsteins. At this visit, the producers will explain their crossbred program and the technology that helps track details and can lead to management adjustments on the farm. PD

For more information or to register for the events, visit the website or call (800) 947-7379.