The 10th Vermont Large Farm Dairy Conference was held on February 26 in Colchester. More than 100 dairy farmers attended.
Trent Loos, a 6th generation farmer/rancher from Nebraska, encouraged farmers to proudly tell their story. Trent spoke about the forces in society that seek the demise of animal agriculture. He believes that large segments of our society have lost touch with the cycle of life. "Everything lives, everything dies, and death with a purpose brings full meaning to life."
Trent also showed two thought-provoking videos about dihydrogen monoxide (DHMO), otherwise known as H2O (water). You can read more about Trent Loos, and listen to his radio program, "Loos Tales," at Faces of Agriculture.
Jay Richardson, a 1st generation dairy farmer from Wisconsin, spoke about running a farm as a business. His advice: "Every morning think about whether or not you want to be a dairy farmer. If not, get out. Life is too short. If yes, figure it out." He also advised farmers to: "Run your own race." What works for someone else may not be what you need to succeed. Yankee Farm Credit sponsored Jay's presentation.
Additional presentations were made by Dr. Nigel Cook (cow comfort), Dr. Brian Perkins (feeding issues) and Dave Dunn (methane digesters). Attendees also heard from Secretary of Agriculture Roger Allbee and Governor Jim Douglas.
The conference was organized by UVM Extension, especially Dairy Herd Management Specialist Colleen Leonard, and a committee of volunteers from several of Vermont's large dairy farms.
