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Karen Bohnert

Dairy Editorial Director

Karen Bohnert is the Dairy Editorial Director at Farm Journal, overseeing Dairy Herd Management and Milk Business Quarterly since 2021. A lifelong advocate for dairy, Karen draws from both professional expertise and personal experience—she and her husband operate Bohnert Jerseys, a 750-cow dairy in East Moline, Illinois.

Raised on a dairy farm in Oregon, her editorial career spans freelance journalism and roles at organizations like Swiss Valley Farms and the American Jersey Cattle Association. She was named a Distinguished Alumni Leader by the Holstein Foundation.

Latest Stories
Trevor DeVries reveals robotic milking boosts farmer quality of life. Explore the link between automation, mental health and reciprocal welfare in modern dairy farming.
Top Story
The outlook for 2026 is one of cautious optimism anchored by structural evolution. The U.S. dairy industry is no longer just a milk business; it is a component and beef business supported by high-tech processing and sophisticated risk management tools.
Learn how the “Make America Healthy Again” agenda and grocery inflation are reshaping voter sentiment and dairy policy ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The dairy industry is resilient, determined and entering its best years yet. Michael Dykes is calling on farmers, processors and suppliers to rise as the leaders the next generation requires.
The equation is changing: high-value beef, record components and $11 billion in new plants are redefining the milk check. Curtis Bosma explains how modern producers stay profitable in a volatile market.
Top Story
With their recent accolade of being named the 2026 IDFA’s Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award winner, the Waddell family showcases what it truly means to be modern dairy producers.
A federal audit wiped out Drumgoon Dairy’s staff, exposing agriculture’s labor crisis. This South Dakota farm’s labor struggle highlights the urgent need for immigration reform to sustain the U.S. food supply.
Government buyout programs have long been part of the dairy industry. Western United Dairies says the Make America More Ground Beef initiative is different and would help monetize surplus dairy cows, increase beef supply and lower grocery prices.
The long-term implications are still unfolding, but one thing is clear: The future of dairy profitability won’t solely be defined by the milk check.
This South Dakota dairy is a beacon of prosperity. From their calves to their 6,200 cows, comprehensive monitoring and a focus on healthy and productive animals drive success forward.
Learn how these dairy farmers boost efficiency and sustainability via genetics, eco-stewardship, crop management and energy innovation. They’re doing more with less for a greener, more profitable future.
Even amid daily grind and devastating challenges, farming’s true magic lies in fleeting moments and the unwavering resilience of family, proving that light can always be found.
For anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills in the agricultural industry, these farm managers offer a blueprint for success.
Dairy farms now rely on six-figure, beef-on-dairy profits as low milk prices hit. This vital shift demands diversified strategy and agile financial planning for resilience in a volatile market.
This Iowa operation’s meticulous approach to genetics, herd health, nutrition and milk components turns every detail into a driver of success.