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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
Dairy farming is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle choice that demands dedication and tireless effort. Demanding schedules can make achieving a work-life balance feel like an elusive goal.
A shared vision around improving genetics, cow comfort, nutrition and management has resulted in a modern cow that makes dollars and cents.
The success and productivity of the U.S. dairy industry are deeply tied to immigrant labor.
Through their values of innovation, efficiency, community involvement and education, the Pentermans inspire and sustain not just a farm, but a bright future for the dairy industry,
Growth in Ben Smith’s dairy operation isn’t just about expanding the acreage or increasing the number of cows. It’s about capturing opportunities that align with their values and boost efficiencies.
The integration of robotic milking systems is more than a technological upgrade; it’s a catalyst for advancing the dairy industry toward a more sustainable future.
In the heart of central California, Lumar Dairy stands as a dynamic example of how commitment to heritage and openness to change can coexist and thrive.
These dairy marathoners remind us to embrace life’s unexpected journeys, cherish the communities we build and trust that sometimes the best experiences come from taking unplanned paths — as that’s where extraordinary happens.
As dairy farmers navigate the complexities of integrating new technology into their operations, a strategic focus on evaluating ROI can lead to smarter, more impactful investments.
While farmers cannot entirely evade challenges, they can certainly overcome them. This truth echoes through our farm repeatedly, and every day as I survey our land, I am reminded of the enduring strength of the American farm family.
The dairy industry has witnessed a notable rise in the integration of beef within its realm, marking a significant shift that prompts us to ask, “When is high too high?”
While many discussions on sustainability focus first on environmental impact, profitability and efficiency are equally critical for the long-term viability of dairy farms.
As Mike Rowe from “Dirty Jobs” aptly puts it, “Scrape the dirt off a farmer, and you’ll find one of the greenest people on the planet.”
As we brace for the unknown, competition may force innovation and adaptation, ultimately resulting in long-term resilience and growth.
Positive news stirs within the dairy industry: leaders everywhere affirm that dairy’s time is now.