What’s Inside: Top Individual Cow Records ..................................Pages 4, 6 State & County Summary .......................................... Page 7 2015 Huron County Honored Members ................... Page 11 Top 20 Herd Award Winners .................................... Page 12 A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE JANUARY 12, 2016
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What’s Inside:Top Individual Cow Records ..................................Pages 4, 6State & County Summary ..........................................Page 72015 Huron County Honored Members ...................Page 11Top 20 Herd Award Winners ....................................Page 12
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
THE
JANUARY 12, 2016
1
michigansthumb.comTHUMB FARMER2 TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016
TeVoortwis Dairy owners are passionate about farmingBy Rich haRpFor the Tribune
OLIVER TOWNSHIP — Cindy TeVoortwis first came to the U.S. when she was an exchange student in the 1990s. Her eight-week internship was spent in Kalamazoo while she studied for an agricul-tural degree. The two-month adventure opened her eyes to a whole new concept in farm-ing. It didn’t take long before she fell in love with America.
“When I saw the U.S., I said, ‘That’s for me,’” TeVoortwis said.
After the internship, she returned home to Winterswijk, Netherlands, which is about an hour’s drive east of Amsterdam.
She soon returned to the U.S. on a student visa. It was good for a year, and she was able to extend it another six months.
When she returned home, she found her parents ready to start a new life in America.
“I didn’t have to talk them into it,” she said.
The parents realized their 65-cow operation, shared with her uncle, was not going to sup-port themselves and their adult children. By 1998, her parents, Eli and Hanna TeVoortwis, had sold their share of the family farm to her uncle. Along with her parents and brother, Jur-gen, she journeyed to Bad Axe to start a new life, while siblings Danielle and Patrick opted to stay in the Netherlands.
The family had worked with a broker to locate them a place in this country. As chance would have it, that place was south of Bad Axe on Stein Road. They arrived in 1998, and began milking a 600-head herd the next year.
TeVoortwis admitted the first couple years were tough. The family had no history with the area and virtually no credit. But things started to improve in a hurry. In fact, by 2001, things began to look a lot better. They realized they were going to make it. As things turned out, they were going to make it big.
While sitting in her upstairs office overlooking the cows in the farm’s new barn, she said, “Right now, we’re milking 2,200
head.” She feels their milkable herd will max-out with near-ly 3,500 animals. The family feels the headaches created by legalities and permits needed to milk a larger herd would not be worth the effort.
In addition to the cows now being milked, the farm pos-sesses an additional 1,400 head in the heifer barn, and 600 more are in the pre-calf barn. These are all expected to deliv-er calves within three months. The TeVoortwis family believes in raising their animals from newborn until they are ready to milk.
“I truly enjoy seeing a little calf go through the entire pro-cess,” TeVoortwis said. “I can control everything about her.”
She went on to say if the calves are sold, she loses that control. But in actuality, the farm does not have enough land and buildings to allow growth of the calves until maturity. TeVoortwis Dairy has recently started shipping the majority to Missouri to be raised until they are ready to have their first calf.
Three months ago, the dairy began shipping about 90 calves per month to their Missouri contractor. They will return when they are 20 months old, after they have been bred. TeVoortwis said if it works out, they may continue the practice in the future.
Rich haRp/FoR the tRiBune
The majority of dairy cows are milked on a rotating carousel. It holds a maximum of 80 cows and, when operating at maximum capacity, will allow cows to be milked every six seconds.
See “farm” • 3
2
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FARM: It’s a family operationfrom 2
While talking about the pro-cess of raising cows from birth until adulthood, TeVoortwis was joined by her brother, Jur-gen.
The two began to discuss the new milking parlor, which is the newest innovation on the farm.
The new parlor was built and put into use in October.
“It was the next step for us,” Jurgen TeVoortwis said. “We could see labor challenges coming. We hope to make (this job) easier for the employees and the cows.”
He said the majority of the herd is milked in the new facili-ty on a moving carousel. About 200 head are still milked in the old parlor using the older style technology.
“Our cows that need a little bit more attention start in that barn,” he said.
He explained some of the
older cows don’t milk well on the carousel. Fresh cows also start in that barn.
His sister went on to say the carousel holds a maximum of 80 cows. They are milked three times per day.
“When we’re up to speed, we should have a cow being milked every six seconds,” she said.
She pointed out their 360-acre farm is strictly a dairy operation. That small amount of land would never allow them to grow enough food to sup-port their animals. Her figures show they would need 3,000 acres to grow the food needed to feed the herd. In particular, they would need 1,500 acres for corn silage and another 1,500 for hay.
As with any business, farm-ing has its challenges.
Rich haRp/FoR the tRiBune
Cindy TeVoortwis and employee Maggie Deming discuss farm issues while in the new milking parlor. Deming is one of 30 employees working at the dairy.
Rich haRp/FoR the tRiBune
Jurgen TeVoortwis checks out young calves on his daily rounds throughout the barns.
See “farm” • 15
3
michigansthumb.comTHUMB FARMER4 TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016
Junior Three-Year Olds: 36-41 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head
Junior Three-Year Olds: 36-41 Months in herds under 200 head
Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds over 1,000 head
Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head
Senior Three-Year Olds: 42-47 Months in herds under 200 head
Four-Year Olds: 48-59 Months in herds over 1,000 head
Four-Year Olds: 48-59 Months in herds between 200 & 1,000 head
Four-Year Olds: 48-59 Months in herds under 200 head
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Take time to think about three things to improve your farm businessBy phil DuRStMichigan State University Extension
At times, it seems that there are hundreds of things to think about. That can be paralyzing. Instead, focus your thoughts on three things.
The New Year is an opportu-nity to think about your busi-ness. But that is a broad pros-pect, and therefore, somewhat daunting. Michigan State Uni-versity Extension has a way to better define that; think about just three things. Let’s start with the first, think about one thing from the past year.
Think about one thing;• for which you are particu-
larly thankful
• that you accomplished• that you did not succeed at• that you believe you can
improveBy focusing on these things
it helps to define strengths and weaknesses in the past year. Defining strengths and weaknesses helps to direct the improvements that should be made and the areas that you can build on.
Next turn your attention to the year ahead and think about the next thing;
• you want to accomplish• you want to avoid• you will get more help with• you will do better
See “improve” • 13
9
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ProducerHerd Breed Herd Size Value
Starward Farms - Sebewaing H 90 $4,756S & M Dairy** - Harbor Beach X 1,074 $4,593Laeder Dairy** - Harbor Beach X 373 $4,585Rene Dekker** - Ubly H 1,304 $4,465Messing Dairy**- Bad Axe X 264 $4,411Mike Zagata** - Sebewaing H 596 $4,340Ziel Henry & Mark - Port Austin H 113 $4,238Denis Burke** - Ruth H 1,602 $4,237Gary Protzman** - Caseville H 682 $4,233Peterson Dairy Farms Inc** - Harbor Beach H 204 $4,219Scholtz Brian & Shelly - Harbor Beach H 62 $4,187Harvey & Annette & Brad Klee - Ruth H 79 $4,102Paul & Kieth Leipprandt** - Pigeon H 118 $4,038Thuemmel Dairy** - Port Austin H 740 $3,964Wolschleger Dairy - Harbor Beach H 131 $3,959Volmering Family Dairy - Harbor Beach H 178 $3,953Jo - Jo Dairy - Bad Axe H 88 $3,840Kundinger Brothers - Sebewaing H 146 $3,750Kris Fry - Harbor Beach H 295 $3,730Robert & Veronica Dallas - Harbor Beach X 211 $3,677
2015 Top 20 Herds Award Winners
** Indicates herd is milked 3x daily
www.michigansthumb.com
Breakfast on the Farm improves consumer trust in dairy farming
Breakfast on the Farm (BOTF) contin-ues to increase the trust consumers have in agriculture production systems. One of the goals of BOTF is to show consumers how modern farms work to give them a better appreciation of what farmers do to produce safe food, care for their animals and the environment. BOTF is a form of place-based education that provides the opportunity for consumers to experience the culture and setting of modern farm-ing in their communities.
Such educational tours put a face on the families who own the farms and this helps to create ties between participants, farmers, other industry professionals and volunteers. BOTF is an industry-wide program coordinated by Michigan State University Extension to help local producers and ag industry professionals educate consumers about modern agri-cultural practices.
During 2015, five dairy farms hosted BOTF events totaling 12,068 partici-pants and 1413 volunteers with an aver-age of 2700 participants and 285 volun-
teers per event.. The five events were hosted by Stakenas Farms in Mason County, Roto-Z Dairy Farm (Zwemmer family) in Sanilac County, Hood Farms Family Dairy in Van Buren County, Wheeler Dairy (Van Loon family) in Gratiot County and Pleasant View Dairy (Lewis family) in Hillsdale County.
Continued efforts with exit surveys show that participants indicate BOTF educational tours increase their level of trust in farmers in several areas. Com-paring consumer impressions about how farmers care for food-producing animals, the environment and safe-guarding milk before and after their tour show large shifts in their level of trust. Surveys were handed out as indi-viduals exited the tour and participants were asked to rate what their level of trust was on several topics before and after their tour. Since this was done as they left, their responses are an indica-tion of their perceived change in trust.
— MSU Extension
12
Thinking ahead about the future helps you to lay out some short-term goals to keep the operation moving forward. It also prompts you to seek help and to determine how to do something better. Thinking about the next thing doesn’t allow for status quo, it is about making positive change in the operation.
Lastly, the third thing to think about is the most important thing. What are the most impor-tant long-term goals for your business? Think about where the business needs to head. Think about the changes that have to take place in your busi-ness. These changes could be in facilities, size and scope of the business, personnel, or manage-ment.
As you think about the most important things, then:
• Define and write it down in a concise statement.
• Defend your goal. Why is it
important? What are the ben-efits? What are the costs?
• Spend time planning to implement it.
• Set dates to implement it. Make time to research it, talk about it, and to start it.
All too often we fail in one of two ways; either we fail to foresee what changes are most important or we fail because although we know what is most important, we never get around
to it. Either way, we waste time, effort and money on less pro-ductive things that do not accomplish what really needs to be done.
These three points can help one partner within a business explain it to other partners, including a spouse, parent or sibling. Completing these steps creates a timeframe to move it along. Something that is truly of great importance should be
accomplished in a reasonable timeframe.
Business operations, whether they are farms or downtown businesses, have to reflect, improve and change. That hap-pens when owners spend time
reflecting and planning for the business. Set time aside to start on this process and improve your operation.
This article was published by Michigan State University Exten-sion. For more information, visit http://www.msue.msu.edu. To contact an expert in your area, visit http://expert.msue.msu.edu, or call 888-MSUE4MI.
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IMPROVEMENT: All operations have to reflect, improve and changefrom 9
13
Submitted to the Tribune
LANSING — NorthStar Cooperative Inc. has hired David Mageean of Stockbridge as a reproductive specialist. In this role, he will work in the Central Michigan area provid-ing heat detection and artifi-cial insemination (AI) breeding services based on producers’ genetics and production goals.
“David comes to NorthStar with a wealth of experience,” stated Team Leader Steve Reed. “He worked in various agricul-tural roles in Ireland for many years and spent the last two breeding seasons in New Zea-land. David has tremendous passion for what he does and works extremely hard for the producers he serves.”
Originally from Ireland, Mageean’s interest in agricul-ture began with his first job on a farm that raised both dairy and beef cows while he was still in school. Mageean began working as a herdsman in 1999 for a 350-cow dairy in North-ern Ireland, where he was actively involved in the day-to-day management of all aspects of the herd. After five years as a herdsman, Mageean worked in various roles with other farms and agricultural companies where he gained experience ranging from grass silage pro-duction to tillage work, corn planting and harvesting, and
machinery maintenance.Mageean began working for
reproductive and genetic com-
panies in Northern Ireland in 2009. In 2010, he completed a six-week training program in bovine fertility and reproduc-tion, becoming certified in artificial insemination. After six months as a relief techni-cian, Mageean began work-ing his own AI route servicing dairy producers in all aspects of heat detection and breeding.
During his time in New Zealand, Mageean worked for
Livestock Improvement Cor-poration for two breeding sea-sons. He bred cows seven days a week, averaging 370 insemi-nations a day during the 2014 season, with a total of 11,800 inseminations on 8,200 cows.
NorthStar Cooperative Inc. is a stock-based cooperative, owned by dairy and beef pro-ducers in Michigan, Indiana and Wisconsin. Originally formed in 1944 as an artifi-
cial insemination cooperative, it is now comprised of sales and service for Select Sires, Ag Products and Technologies, DHI Services and Antel Bio-Systems, an animal diagnostic testing center. Based in Lan-sing, NorthStar provides sales and service to producers, vet-erinarians and industry mem-bers across the U.S. For more information, visit www.north-starcooperative.com.
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michigansthumb.comTHUMB FARMER14 TUESday, JANUARY 12, 2016
Cooperative hires new reproductive specialist
David Mageean of Stockbridge recently was hired as a reproductive specialist for NorthStar Cooperative. He will work in the Central Michigan area providing heat detection and artificial insemination (AI) breeding services based on producers’ genetics and production goals. (Submitted Photo)
Huron daily Tribune Because news happens more than once a week.
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“I think employees are No. 1,” Cindy TeVoortwis said.
Finding, training and keep-ing good help is a struggle. At the present time, the farm employs about 30 people, and she feels these are excellent employees.
“We have a really good base right now,” Cindy TeVoortwis said. “The majority is full time.”
She explained labor in the dairy business is their third biggest cost.
“Our first biggest cost is feed,” Jurgen TeVoortwis said. “Our second (largest cost) is all the other capital outlay.”
He went on to say most non-farmers do not understand the amount of money it takes to run an operation like this. For instance, their monthly elec-tric bill for the old barn aver-aged $12,000 per month. The new barn/parlor is larger but is much more energy efficient. He feels the electrical costs will be about the same.
Before going back to work, the siblings discussed the future of the business. They said the industry has come
a long way from the time of their grandparents. They know advances in technology will continue, and their opera-tion will become much more advanced and efficient in the future.
They feel technology will allow things to happen they can’t imagine today.
“We’re learning to do more with less,” Cindy TeVoortwis said. “We’re becoming very efficient with our water con-servation. We are maximizing the way we use and get rid of manure.”
She went on to say they are working very close with crop farmers to get rid of the large amount of manure produced by their herd. They are find-ing new ways to manage and use a product that has caused headaches in the past. She feels manure is becoming a true crop resource rather than a waste product.
Cindy TeVoortwis admits farming is a busy lifestyle. Yet, each member of the family has outside interests. In sum-mer, her brother races pickup trucks at a local track. She
raises horses and likes to ride when she has time.
“It’s a fun hobby,” she said.In addition, she is mom to
two small children.“It’s very rewarding,” she
said. Her parents like to return to
the Netherlands whenever they have a chance. Family there is very important to them, and they try to go back once or twice per year. They truly enjoy visit-ing their children and grand-children in Europe.
As far as their personal futures are concerned, both brother and sister feel they will be farmers forever. They understand it is a tough busi-ness, but it is in their blood.
“Dairy farming is a lifestyle,” Jurgen TeVoortwis said.
“We are dedicated to what we do,” Cindy TeVoortwis added. “We’re passionate about our cows.”
FARM: Siblings feel farming is in their bloodfrom 3
Rich haRp/FoR the tRiBune
Cindy TeVoortwis talks to long-time employee Leo Gusa.