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It’s time for Winter Jackets!
Calf JacketTemps are getting lower. Don’t forget to bundle those babies up!
Where the Dairy Industry Meets
Things have settled down and we are (mostly) caught up on work and sleep from the World Dairy Expo held in Madison, Wisconsin from September 30th through October 4th. Many of the crew here at CP Feeds had the opportunity to visit World Dairy Expo and here is a brief synopsis of what we did and saw.
Christine McFarland
Christine McFarland: I went to a forage seminar Thursday morning. It was titled “Undigested NDF and Updates to NDF Digestibility: New Tools in Forage Analysis” by Mike Van Amburgh, Cornell University. He spoke about a new way to testing NDF and the impact of balancing dairy rations. His data showed how much ash or dirt is included in the aNDF and if we analyze the sample differently to get the true NDF, in many cases it’s actually a lot lower when you remove the ash content.
In addition, I walked through the whole exhibition hall talking to old friends, meeting new people and learning about new technology. Also, I checked out the new barns and was very impressed. I think they nailed the ventilation and lighting. I heard a lot of positive comments from the exhibitors and just a few things that could be improved.
Kevin Lefeber
Kevin Lefeber: I was at World Dairy Expo on Thursday, October 1st during the Brown Swiss Cow show and the Guernsey and Red & White heifer show. I enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich and watched the show. The most noticeable change was the new cattle barns. They were very spacious and open with the large tunnel ventilation tubes above for better people & cow comfort. They were impressive and long overdue.
Brenda Meyer
Brenda Meyer: World Dairy Expo (WDE) is much different for me than for many others. WDE is about the cattle and the shows!
The Sunday before Expo starts, I work with a team of 6-8 others from across the country to select the classes for the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest held on Monday. We select cows and heifers from each breed for the contest. Bright and early Monday morning, the group of volunteers that I contacted throughout the summer get together to learn their specific task for the day including getting cattle to the ring, timekeepers, ring leaders and card sorters. After the actual judging contest, the contestants walk to the Sheraton for the reasons part of the contest. A few volunteers supervise the room there to eliminate the temptation of cheating. Then the banquet is in the evening when all the awards are giving out.
It takes a team of great volunteers to make this all happen. I always look at it as giving back to an organization that gave me so much, as I will never forget my first 4-H speech or quitting judging dairy cattle when I had to give a set of reasons. What a mistake when I got to college and had to learn how to give reasons. I must have learned something something from those college coaches because by my last college contest I took 2nd place overall in the contest.
The other day of Expo that is a highlight for me is the Black and White Holstein Cow Show on Saturday. This day is a day I have not missed in years. I get in the coliseum just before the show starts and stay in the same seat until after the naming of Grand Champion Holstein. It is an annual ritual that my 4-H Dairy Leader joins me and another Holstein Breeder from Dodge County. Many may think the three of us are crazy. I will admit it is a long day to sit there from 8:00-4:00 with only one stretch to get a bite to eat/drink and use the bathroom, but like many other Dairy Enthusiasts when your breed show is going on, you don’t want to miss a class. After the Holstein show there usually is an hour break and then we are back to see the naming of Supreme which is always a unique production in some way. If you have never seen Supreme Champion selected at World Dairy Expo you are missing Expo.
Stephanie Nagel
Stephanie Nagel: I had the chance to meet Dairy Carrie, a farmer blogger who is getting a lot of coverage in the dairy industry. She was not raised on a dairy farm, but married into it. Her blogs explain common dairy practices to the general public. To learn more about Dairy Carrie, you can visit her blog at dairycarrie.com I also walked through the new barns and looked at all the cattle!
Michelle Klemme
Michelle Klemme: Some of the experiences I had at World Dairy Expo included visiting with several of our suppliers to find out if they are launching any new products or technologies. One of my first stops was the Quality Liquid Feeds booth. They have a mini-mixer that they can bring out to your dairy and mix your actual TMR recipe thru it on a small scale. They can run a batch with molasses in it so you can see what adding molasses could do to your current feed mix as far as palatability and appearance of the TMR. Adding molasses can help improve any sorting issues in addition to being another source of energy in the form of sugar. 
Another stop was the Diamond V booth. We partner with the people at Diamond V on TMR audits throughout the year. Diamond V offers well researched products for all ages of dairy cattle. In addition, about a year ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) r granted Diamond V the functional claim “… helps support the dry matter intake of dairy cows when fed as part of a total mixed ration during the first 70 days of lactation.” This makes Diamond V the only company in the category with an FDA accepted functional claim for DMI.
Of course I had to make a stop at the Purina Animal Nutrition (PAN) booth. In addition to launching new milk replacer formulations this Fall, PAN has partnered with Calf-Tel to introduce a new 4-quart calf bottle. This bottle provides dairy producers with a convenient way to deliver more nutrition to their calves when using a full potential feeding program. The 4-quart bottle can be ordered from Calf-Tel distributors. A list of 
distributors can be found here: http://www.calftel.com/dealer-locator/. For more information, call 262-255-4540 or email sales@calftel.com.
I also made a stop at the Drive to Feed the World trailer. If you remember, this is the trailer/organization that CP Feeds brought to our Customer Appreciation Picnic this past August. Even though I have viewed their presentation several times, I always come away feeling we should be doing more to help fight world hunger, most importantly, in our own communities. I always enjoy walking thru the barns and viewing the high quality cattle that are on display. In addition, it is always a good place to catch up with old friends and make some new friends and connections.
Larry Dvorachek
Larry Dvorachek: I was able to do some great networking with customers and suppliers at World Dairy Expo. I work with many different suppliers and World Dairy Expo allows me to meet with them in all in the same city and in a short amount of time!
One and a half days is not enough time to see everything!
Mike Zutz
Mike Zutz: I spent two days at World Dairy Expo where I spoke with other ag representatives and farmers from our area. I also looked at the new dairy building which was very nice. I had to chance to speak to new and old Silostop representatives and met with Lallemand. I met some Silostop dealers from California and judged a cow class from the stands to make sure the judge was doing a good job. He did place them the same as I did!
Beth Gierke
Beth Gierke: At World Dairy Expo, I volunteered in the Dairy Cattle Office. They deal with all things cattle show related. Starting on Saturday before the the show, I work with the exhibitors, superintendents and vet students to help with cattle check-in, junior showmanship and show shirts, and any questions the exhibitors may have. Once the shows begin, my tasks change to helping the large crew of volunteers that make the show run. This includes communicating between the show superintendent, showring volunteers, announcers, ethics tent volunteers and exhibitors. It’s a great way to meet and get to know all those that are involved in the dairy show.
Coloring Contest
Here are the winners of our coloring contest! These kids came to our Customer Appreciation Open House and got the chance to tour our mill, watch a video from the “Chew on This” tour and enjoy talking to CP Feeds employees and other customers. Thanks for entering!
Life’s Not Always Black & White
About the Author:
Stephanie Nagel
Stephanie Nagel graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She received an Animal Science degree with an emphasis in Dairy and Business. She was raised on her parents’ 80 cow registered Holstein dairy farm in Valders. In college, Stephanie served as the President of the Pioneer Dairy Club where she planned the 30th Annual Pioneer Dairy Classic cattle sale.
Life’s Not Always Black & White
When we think cows, most of us see black and white, however that isn’t always the case. Yes, we at CP Feeds do the majority of our business with Holstein herds, but color breeds are also diversifying our clientele.
Jerseys are known for their high components and feed efficiency. These cows may be small, but are really starting to make up the majority of our color breed population. Not only are these cows efficient, but can be intermixed in herds of Holsteins and still hold their own! There has also been a lot of genetic selection geared towards this breed in the last few years.
Guernsey’s are very efficient grazers and have a very docile temperament to work with. Guernsey’s are also known for their high components and fat. Even with the high milk prices we have now, having a few points of fat or protein can really make a difference on your next check!
Brown Swiss cattle are also growing in popularity and can be intermixed with your herd of Holsteins. These cattle perform much like a Holstein milk wise and also carry good components. These cattle are strong and usually tall with good feet and legs.
Ayrshire and Milking Shorthorns are also prevalent in some conventional, grazing, or organic herds. These medium framed cattle are heat tolerant and also have good fat and protein yields. These cattle can also be used for crosses to improve carcass yield at the time of slaughter.
CP Feeds carries a variety of products for color breed herds including Jersey Blend milk replacer and custom mixes. Many of our nutritionists have experience balancing rations for each breed and can help you see beyond the black and white cow.
NOT just a Cow!
About the Author:
Brenda Meyer is
a Dairy Nutritionist for CP Feeds. She has been with Land O’Lakes for 15 years. Brenda grew up in Waupun, Wisconsin on her parent’s registered Holstein dairy farm and still owns and shows cattle of her own. She does nutrition work for farms of all sizes, from 20 cows to 1,200 cows, throughout the lake shore area.
Brenda is also very active in the community. She is one of the founding members and the Chairperson for the Manitowoc Culver’s Futurity, which is in its tenth year. Brenda is a member of the Manitowoc County Holstein Board and also serves as the County Junior Holstein Adviser.
My cow is NOT just a cow!
She has taught me
responsibility and hardwork,
pride and friendship,
patience and compassion.
She has shared with me
hopes and dreams,
deepest sorrow,
unbridled joy and
precious memories.
My cow is NOT just a cow.
She has made me into the person I am today.
I found this poem on a T-shirt at the National Holstein Convention and it resonates with me, as I’m sure it does with many of you. As fair season is wrapping up, I think about all the lessons I’ve learned through my showing career. Whether it is winning a class or watching a favorite animal struggle with health issues, farmers young and old learn about life and love through their cows every day.
Open House Raises $4400
CP Feeds hosted a customer appreciation open house on Sunday, August 3rd at their mill in Valders, Wisconsin. Over 300 visitors to the mill received lunch that was made on site, a tour of the CP Feeds mill and watched a video about how farmers help provide food for the hungry.
The event was co-sponsored by the Chew on ThisTM Tour in an effort to raise money for local food pantries. CP Feeds will match their customers donations of $2200, bringing the total amount donated to the Great American Milk Drive to $4400.
The Chew on ThisTM Tour is a unique, interactive road show traveling the nation to heighten awareness about one of the biggest problems facing our world today; hunger. The tour stops at feed mills, universities, fairs and civic events around the country. Their spokesperson Bill 
Goldberg answers questions about world hunger and sustainable food production.
“This was an opportunity to open our doors to our customers, while also raising awareness about hunger in our communities.” Said CP Feeds’ General Manager Jim Loefer.
The donations gathered are being donated to the Great American Milk Drive, a national campaign to give much need nutrient-rich milk to millions of hungry families. Food pantries in Manitowoc, Calumet, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Door, Kewaunee and Brown Counties will receive milk vouchers to give to their patrons.
CP Feeds, LLC is the largest single location feed mill in the state, supplying complete feeds to farms throughout eastern Wisconsin. The company started in 2001 and has tripled their tonnage since then, shipping over 300,000 tons per year. CP Feeds has become known in local communities for their generosity, especially toward youth programs.
For more information visit www.cpfeeds.com or email Bethany Gierke at cpfeeds@cpfeeds.com.
Jim Loefer and Nancy Beckman with a $4400 donation to the Great American Milk Drive
2014 CP Feeds’ Golf Outing
The 2014 CP Feeds’ Golf Outing was held at Autumn Ridge on Wednesday, June 25th. We had over 140 golfers who enjoyed the weather, the food and the camaraderie. Thanks to our sponsors and all those who participated. Here are a few photos from the day. Enjoy!
Celebrating 10 years of the Culver’s Futurity
The Manitowoc County Dairy Futurity has become the main event of the Manitowoc County Fair on Saturday night. The show began in 2005 with a small group of agricultural enthusiasts in the Walter’s building and has grown to fill the ice center formerly used to hold such entertainers as Chris Cagle and Blake Shelton.
The dairy futurity is a special event; very different from the dairy show held earlier in the week. It is a formal cow show where the animals are entered as young calves and exhibited until three years later as milking cows. In a standard dairy show, the owners enter their animal to be shown in the class one or two months before the show is to take place. The Futurity is different because the farm pays to enter the cow as a calfand hopes they she grows into a beautiful cow, good enough to compete against the best in the county. The animals that will be shown this year were entered in 2011 as a young calf and are now three years old.
Upon entering the Ice Arena, you will notice many differences between this show and others. Many things are changed to make the Futurity a truly formal event. First of all, the show is held in the evening. You will also notice that the show ring is decorated with ribbons, bows, and flowers.
State and local “royalty” and the judge of the show will be driven into the ring by horse and carriage. The Manitowoc County Fairest of the Fair, Dairy Princess, and Miss Farm Bureau are always dressed in the best and ready to hand out awards. This year, we will also have Alice in Dairyland in attendance. Alice in Dairyland is a public relations professional and one of the most well-known representatives of agriculture in Wisconsin.
As the exhibitors enter the ring, they are dressed in formal attire including suits, tuxedos, formal dresses, gloves, hats and high heels! You may also notice the cows get a little extra glitter during this show. There is an award given to the “Best Dressed Male” and “Best Dressed Female” of the show. New to the show this year, the audience will be able to text their vote for the best dressed individuals!
The cows and leadspeople enter the ring one at a time while a brief biography is being read about the cow, the farm, and the leadsperson. Once all the animals have entered the ring, the judging begins. Animals circle the ring counter-clockwise and the judge assesses the quality of each cow.
When judging a cow, the judge is looking at the big picture of how profitable the cow will be for the farm. The most emphasis is placed on the udder because that’s where the milk comes from! Also important is the size of the cow and her feet and legs. The judges have to be certified and go through many years of training to ensure they pick out the best cow every time.
Because it is our 10 year anniversary, the Futurity committee has decided to host a 5 year and older class. This will take place before the large 3 year old Futurity class. This will feature animals that have been shown in the past 10 years and that are still looking their best. Farmers are very proud of the longevity of the cow and it is representative of their herd at home.
This show would not be where it is today with our many sponsors. Culver’s has been the main sponsor of this event since its beginning 10 years ago. We appreciate Culver’s and all they are doing to promote dairy and agriculture in our county and state. There are many other local sponsors that have been with us throughout our history and we thank them for their continued support!
Please join us on Saturday, August 23rd at 7 p.m. for our 10th annual Manitowoc Culver’s Futurity.
HAPPY JUNE DAIRY MONTH
About the Author: Christine McFarland graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communications. She grew up on her family’s 375 cow dairy farm in Watertown, Wisconsin. In college, Christine was active in many agricultural clubs and on the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge Team.
HAPPY JUNE DAIRY MONTH
Finally the warm weather has arrived and it’s time to celebrate National June Dairy Month! You know what that means, cheese, ice cream, dairy dashes, and last but not least Breakfast on the Farm! Make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun, check out www.dairydaysofsummer.com to find a dairy breakfast near you!
CP Feeds has ice cream, come and get it! As we’ve done in the past, CP Feeds will again be giving away gallon pails of ICE CREAM!! Make sure to stop by the office and pick your up today!
As many of you may know, the 25th annual 
Manitowoc County Breakfast on the Farm will be hosted by D & D Jerseys on Sunday, June 8th. D & D Jerseys is owned by Donna Phillips and Dan Stock and is presently ranked second in the nation for milk production by the American Jersey Cattle Association. The farm is home to 80 Jersey cows and 90 baby calves and heifers.
Come enjoy a hearty breakfast including a ham-and-cheese omelet, sausage, a variety of cheese, strawberry yogurt, cinnamon bread, doughnut holes, milk, orange juice, coffee and ice cream sundaes. The breakfast runs from 8 AM to noon. The cost is $7 for adults, $4 for children ages 5-10 and free for ages 4 and younger.
CP Feeds employees will be helping with the guided tours, serving food, fun games for the children and picture with a calf. There will be so many cute little Jersey calves and cows you won’t want to miss it! Bring the whole family and enjoy Manitowoc County’s Breakfast on the Farm next Sunday, June 8th!
Interested in a morning run or walk before 
breakfast, sign up for the second annual Dairy Dash. Registration is from 6:30 – 7:20 a.m. and is $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. Each participant will receive a Dairy Dash T-shirt and other dairy promotional items. For any questions, call Terri Hastreiter at (920) 323-2313.
CP Feeds employees can be found volunteering at the following dairy breakfasts:
25th Anniversary Breakfast on the Farm
June 8, 2014
Manitowoc County
Sunday, June 08, 2014; 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakfast on the Farm
June 15, 2014
Outagamie County
Sunday, June 15, 2014; 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
CP Feeds: Mill Connection 