Holtz Dairy uses a rotational grazing system to help feed their organic dairy herd. They converted 150 acres to this system after being unable to grow crops on the soil

Farmers usually have to do a lot more than the average person to prepare for a vacation day away from the farm

Family members and employees, past and present, have helped shape our dairy farm

Our county fair, the Fayette County Fair in Northeast Iowa, was held a few weeks ago. While I haven’t participated as an exhibitor for a number of years, I’ve been fortunate to witness

With a small, four person staff strictly made up of family, formal business meetings are replaced by spontaneous planning sessions in passing, at the dinner table, or while working cattle on our dairy...

Coping with the stress of farming is necessary

Whether it’s a quick farm fix or entertainment for the grandkids, farmers are masters at creating just about anything out of random finds around the farm

I wouldn’t trade my farm life for anything, and I thank God every day for it

Battling heat, fire, and ice over the last year, dairy farmers are still doing their best to care for their animals

Farmers tend to be most enthusiastic and tell our best anecdotes to fellow farmers; however, paring down stories or biting our tongue on details about our farm can be a true disservice to the consumer...

Small jobs on the farm can create big learning opportunities for children

Perhaps you are a person who works full time at another job but dreams of owning a small farm someday. Or maybe you already operate a farm but want to add another enterprise or start a side busi

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We all know the question. The question can be greeted with inaudible rumblings, flustered body language, or a decisive answer

Time seemed to be traveling at a weird speed through this past pandemic year. Yet, somehow, we are already in the last week of May

There’s one job on our farm that everyone gets involved with at one point or another. It’s a looming, tedious task that rears its head in the midst of spring planting, school wrapping up, and...

It’s dairy banquet season, at least in Iowa. It’s the season where dairy producers and supporters come together to honor outstanding farming families, recognize friends of the industry

When I was 8 years old, a tiny, premature calf was born that I absolutely fell in love with. Her body was somewhat average in size, but her legs were short and stubby

Cow cooling, animal care, and a well-balanced ration all go a long way in in keeping cows healthy through hot weather.

The national dairy farmer checkoff was established to grow demand for milk, cheese, and other dairy foods and ingredients through research and promotion

For generations of Schmitt men (my grandpa, dad, brother, and hopefully, my nephews), their hands have told the story of dairy farming