Farming in northeast Iowa for over 170 years, the Gerlachs have learned the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape of agriculture. With the original Gerlach family settling near Bellevue in 1855, Jeff Gerlach and his sons, Jake and Nate, are fifth and sixth generation farmers that are continuing the legacy that was handed down to them.

Dave and Kathleen Hafemeister, along with their children, Alayna and Ethan, hosted the Dodge County, Wisconsin Dairy Brunch on Sunday, June 2. “The Dodge County Dairy Promotion Committee had heard about our operation and how nice our farm is, so they asked to host it here,” said Dave Hafemeister. Dave and Kathleen host tours and other…

Investing in the future of agriculture through our Farm Kids for College Scholarships for over two decades, National Farmers is always spoiled for choice. This year was no exception. Narrowing down the pool, judges selected three seniors – Dayton Hoffman, Cassandra Bohnert and Travis Cox, who are following their passion that began on their farms and…

In late May, a huge area of the country witnessed some extremely volatile and dangerous weather, including tornadoes, hail and flooding conditions. The planting and growing season has been challenging for many of our members — to say the least. When you follow global weather conditions, it’s not just our country that is facing serious weather patterns.

Gene Paul served us wonderfully as our legislative coordinator. Now that he has retired, we need to find ways to continue and build upon the work he did for our organization. Looking ahead, government policy will continue to be an important part of maintaining a healthy dairy economy. But Washington has become so slow and unproductive that we must also…

Despite the roller coaster ride on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange futures market, fed cattle have held relatively steady over the past several weeks. June through December is between $6 and $8 higher than in April, but still $6 to $8 lower than March. When you compare markets from last September though, we are still $10 to $15 lower.

Organic grain markets continue to see softening prices, especially in organic corn. There are many reasons, but topping the list is supply and demand. Current organic corn prices reflect last year’s bumper crop. A decrease in demand and organic imports are also taking their toll. Organic farming is not easy, and not everyone who transitions into organic will survive these low prices.

Almost Paradise Farm is where Jake and Jessie Hensley call home. “We chose this as our farm name, because we firmly believe that while the farm involves a lot of daily hard work, living off the land with our family is truly almost paradise,” emphasized Jessie. This small Indiana dairy farm continues a five-generation tradition. While the Jersey cows are a relatively new addition, dairy farming has remained…

At National Farmers Convene ’24, dairy consultant and authority on the Federal Milk Marketing Order System Dick Bylsma, updated members on the FMMO hearings that began last year. Changes are important to dairymen, because they set the stage for how milk is marketed well into the future. Bylsma complimented the National Milk Producers Federation and its two years of work to develop…

At National Farmers Convene ‘24, highly-regarded speakers spoke about farm topics of keen interest, and awards were presented to high-performing staff and marketing centers in Coralville, Iowa, March 12 and 13.
At the President’s Dessert Reception, Alva and Debbie Heiss received the President’s Award from Paul Olson for their years of service to the organization.

I’m Jim Hayes, your newly-elected vice president. I’m sure I’m a new face to many of you. My wife, Dawn, and I have a 100 cow organic dairy farm in Columbus, Wisconsin. Dawn and I are second-generation NFO members, and my parents joined the organization in 1961. I have held several offices within the organization. I was a national board member, am currently the dairy committee chair and…

The dairy news is all about staggering losses in dairy farm numbers. On top of that, Congress can’t seem to do anything to bring us a new farm bill that would help family farms that need it the most. So why was the mood at our dairy workshop so upbeat this year? A good part of it, I know, is that the more you see of our wonderful staff, the more blessed you are bound to…

April 1, it was announced a human contracted the Avian flu, supposedly from dairy cows. Apparently, that individual is being treated and doing well. On the end of that trading day, the market fell by $6. The April 24 futures filled the gap at $190. USDA says the virus is affecting older cows and there’s no concern for the safety of the commercial milk supply. Most of the herds have been found in…

In Colwich, Kansas, spring planting has begun on my family farm. Next to harvest, it’s the best time of year. It’s a time full of anticipation and promise of what is to come. There is a lot of hard work and long hours between planting and harvest, but that’s the life we live and love. It goes without saying that when farmers plant their crops, they plan to sell them or feed them to their livestock. Either way, the goal is…

From the road, Wendlandt Farms of Paynesville, Minnesota looks like a typical farm with crop fields and covered barns for cattle. But step through the door of the new slat barn built in 2022 and you just might run into Victor. Victor isn’t a person, a steer, or even a dog – it’s a Lely Vector robot…

National Federal Milk Marketing Order Pricing Formula Hearings were convened multiple times in 2023. National Farmers Director of Milk Sales, Dick Bylsma cross examined Mr. Eric Metzger, General Manager of National All-Jersey Inc. on the third day of the Federal Order hearings August 25…

Leander Wagner, Elko, Minnesota passed away November 4. He was 88 years old. Wagner inspired multiple generations of farmers to join the organization through his decades of involvement. He was a former member of National Farmers board of directors, and was active in Knights of Columbus and the…

A collective virtual sigh of relief in rural America occurred when the current Farm Bill was extended last November. The real work has already begun to craft legislation for a new Farm Bill in 2024. Both House and Senate ag committees point out…