Both JTP Farms and Haas Dairy approach dairy farming in a way that maximizes facilities, technology and manpower. These dairies are meeting – and surpassing – production goals in automated milking systems by pushing the limits of pen space while not compromising cow health.  

Feed costs account for more than 45% of production costs and approach nearly 60% with high feed costs. Obviously, dairy income is directly proportional to milk volume, composition and quality produced on the farm.

Nearly 150 years ago, in 1879, New Jersey dairy farmer Anna Baldwin invented the first milking machine. Today, dairy producers have had access to safe, efficient automated dairy systems for 30 years, and the pace of advancement and innovation is increasing rapidly.

It’s that time of the year in the Pacific Northwest; the tulips are in bloom, the geese have flown to northern Canada to deliver more political promises from Justin Trudeau and the grass is ready to cut. 

Several years ago when I was teaching, I was right in the middle of my lesson. I was going great guns making sure everyone was understanding, in no uncertain terms, what they needed to know. Suddenly, I felt two little arms go around my waist.

My mother went to a one-room country school when she was growing up during the Great Depression. The school had one teacher who taught all eight grades.