Karen-Bohnert.jpg

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
The importance of keeping pace with technological advancements underscores that the future of dairy farming lies in the hands of those ready to innovate and lead.
Rolinda Acres presents a remarkable narrative of blending tradition with technology, guided by both heritage and adaptability.
Agriculture has always been at the heart of Oregon’s economy, environment, and local communities. This integral role was once again underscored at the 2025 Oregon Dairy Farmers Convention held earlier this week in Salem.
As we move through 2025, the dairy industry is poised to experience significant transformations. According to Ben Laine, a senior dairy analyst with Terrain, there are three major structural changes that are intricately linked and set to shape the industry’s landscape: federal milk marketing orders, new cheese processing capacity, and trade dynamics.
At a pivotal junction of prosperity intertwined with uncertainty, the U.S. dairy industry seeks resolution to ongoing trade disputes. With committed leaders aiming to expand international partnerships, strategic negotiation appears essential for sustaining and enhancing the industry’s growth.
With a little over a year at the helm of Darigold, Allan Huttema has seamlessly transitioned from being a dairy farmer to a corporate leader, highlighting a unique blend of hands-on experience and strategic vision.
The future of Japan’s dairy industry depends on its ability to adapt and innovate. By embracing new entrants and equipping them with the necessary tools and support, the industry can secure its place as a vital component of Japan’s economy. The path forward involves balancing tradition with modernity, ensuring that the next wave of dairy farmers leads the sector into a prosperous future.
A new legislative development is stirring discussions across Idaho, especially within the employment sector. House Bill 252, introduced in the Idaho Legislature, proposes a significant change in how employers verify their workforce’s legal status to work in the United States. This bill could have widespread implications across multiple industries in the state.
Amid conversations about immigration and mass deportation, it’s vital to lay out some truths about labor in the dairy industry. Immigrants are not “cheap labor,” they are the backbone of America’s dairy farms.
As the dairy industry continues to evolve, the success of a farm doesn’t solely depend on the milk it produces or the technology it adopts. The human element, represented by every dedicated worker, holds immense potential to elevate operations if only given the recognition and investment they deserve.
The dairy industry is witnessing promising signs of growth, with strong month-to-month and year-over-year increases in cow numbers suggesting the potential for substantial milk production in the coming months.
Over the past decade, South Dakota has cemented its position as a leader in the dairy industry, thanks to remarkable growth in its dairy cow population. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the number of dairy cows in the state has more than doubled, marking an impressive 117% increase.
Producers are challenged paying the bills with the lack-lusting prices that have shown up on milk checks this summer. Dairy financial leaders share tips on what to do and not to do to survive tough financial times.
While Lindsey Worden has remained with one employer since college, her passion for dairy could “easily fill a barn.” She illustrates that with a readiness to embrace change and seize opportunities, tremendous achievements are attainable. Her leadership at the Holstein Association is paving the way for innovations benefiting producers and the industry for years to come.
Stepping away from your farm business routine, even briefly, can unlock incredible potential for growth and innovation.