Summer on the Farm

Summer is quite busy on the dairy farm, filled with a flurry of activity to ensure our cows stay cool and comfortable, and our crops flourish. One of the key aspects of cow comfort during the hot months is keeping them cool. Our farm is equipped with a network of sprinklers and fans strategically placed around the barns. The sprinklers provide a refreshing mist that cools the cows’ skin, while the fans circulate air to reduce humidity and promote evaporation. This combination creates a more comfortable environment, preventing heat stress and keeping our cows content.

Hydration is crucial, especially during the hot summer months. We ensure that our cows have constant access to cool, fresh water. This not only helps them stay hydrated but also supports overall health and milk production. Throughout the barn we have many clean water troughs to help encourage frequent drinking.

Happy, healthy cows produce high-quality milk. Cooler cows experience less stress, which translates to better milk yield and higher cream content. This is important not only for our farm’s productivity but also for the rich, creamy quality of the milk we provide to our community.

In addition to caring for our cows, summer is a critical time for growing and harvesting the crops that feed them. Two of our key summer crops are alfalfa and rye. Alfalfa is a high-protein forage that is essential for our cows’ diet. It grows vigorously in the summer, and we harvest it multiple times during the season. The rich green fields of alfalfa are a common sight on our farm, and the fresh cuttings are eagerly devoured by our cows, providing them with the nutrients they need to produce high-quality milk. Baling the alfalfa on hot summer days is hard work, requiring long hours under the sun to ensure the forage is properly dried and stored for nutritious feed during the winter months. Rye is another important crop that we grow. It’s a versatile grain that can be used for both forage and grain. In the summer, we focus on harvesting rye as a green forage. The timing of the rye harvest is crucial; we aim to cut it when it’s at its nutritional peak to ensure our cows receive the best possible feed.

Summer on our dairy farm is a time of hard work and careful management, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Seeing our cows happy and thriving, watching the crops grow tall and green, and knowing that we’re producing top-quality milk for our community makes all the effort worthwhile. From the innovative cooling systems to the meticulous care of our fields, every aspect of our farm is geared towards one goal: creating a sustainable, productive, and happy environment for our cows. We take great pride in our work and are grateful for the opportunity to share a slice of farm life with you.