I'm Not Afraid of a Little Extra Work If It Gets Us More Milk
In 2012, Scott Seward’s herd rolling herd average was just over 28,500 pound of milk. While many would enjoy that level of production, it was below expectations for the Wisconsin dairyman. “Our herd average hit 30,000M in 1992. We’ve been the top herd in the county for over 20 years,” Scott says. “So when fell to 28,500M, it was time to look for a new nutritionist.”
Scott started working with Bennet Crochet in May 2012 upon the advice of his veterinarian. He’s found the Cargill Dairy Focus Consultant to be the right advisor to help the 420-cow herd achieve his production dreams. Rolling herd average on the registered Holstein herd is now 35,400M with 3.6% Fat and 3.12% Protein. More importantly, cow longevity and health has improved. Scott now has a pen full of high-producing cows in their third lactation or more. “I like having good looking cows that last,” he remarks. Three cows have produced over 320,000 pounds of milk lifetime. The nearly 100% homegrown herd has a Breed Age Adjusted (BAA) score of 103.8.
Bennet walks the herd every three weeks and is an invaluable second set of eyes for the fourth generation dairyman. “He’s helped us get to where we are today,” Scott says of Bennet. “He helps us get better.” The diet is heavy in forages grown on the 900-acre farm. 60% of the corn is BMR and haylage is stored in bags. “Some people might say I’m too picky, but I’m not afraid of a little extra work if it gets us more milk,” Scott says. Bennet has worked with Scott on his fresh cows recently. Urine pH is monitored routinely and ration particle length and moisture content are watched closely.
It’s the little things that make the difference for Seward’s Dairy. “The only real hobby I have is hunting, so we spend a lot of time at the dairy,” Scott says with a laugh. And it’s this high-level of intensity with which he manages his dairy that makes Cargill the perfect fit to help feed Seward’s Dairy dreams.
Learn more about how Cargill helps feed the dreams of other dairy producers at www.cargill.com/dairydreams.
