6-12-13 milk production

Forty-four Wisconsin dairy farms are getting state grants this year with the goal of boosting the state’s milk production, including three in our area. Recipients of the “Grow Wisconsin Dairy 30-by-20” grants were recently unveiled and include Vision Aire Farms in Eldorado, Vossekuil Mile Holsteins in Brandon and Kevin Fritz of Oshkosh. The program’s overall goal is to produce 30-million pounds of milk each year in the Badger State by 2020. The state made just over 27-million pounds last year. Dairy farmers cannot use the grants for building improvements, but they can be employed in a host of other ways aimed at boosting production and profits. This year’s grant recipients will focus on improving milk quality, evaluating the health of their dairy herds, making business plans, and improving relations with dairy employees. The grants can also map out future farm investments like future irrigation, manure storage, and facilities for heifers.