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Chris Szydel began working as a milker at Pagels Ponderosa nearly 30 years ago. Today, he’s the herd manager of both the Pagel Ponderosa and Hilltop Farm dairies and oversees three different parlors and 65 employees.

Travel the I-29 corridor and you’ll see an explosion of dairy cattle. As of January 2024, USDA announced that the total number of dairy cows in South Dakota totals 208,000, up 70.5% since 2019.

The dairy industry has fundamentally changed in the last 25 years and the current FMMO system is not supporting growth and prosperity across the dairy supply chain. Now is the time to allows USDA to figure this all out.

USDA has announced that the 2024 Dairy Margin Coverage sign-up will open Feb. 28 and run through April 29.

An ‘ah-ha’ moment when young leaders realize the power within themselves to advocate for the dairy industry often unfolds at the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). This year was no exception.

Are leaders made or born? “Some people are more naturally disposed to being leaders, but it doesn’t mean they’re good at it. To be a really good leader, you’re made into one through intention and exposure,” she says.

For the seventh consecutive month, U.S. milk production dropped. Also following suit was a decline in cow numbers, the lowest total since November 2019.

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared and able to effectively communicate in a mental health crisis.