President's Perspective

Well, summer has come and gone in a flash. Looking back, it feels like my days were a non-stop rotation of farm chores, field work, and playing with my grandkids! It was a fantastic season highlighted by a great turnout and good cattle at our state show in August, followed by a wonderful afternoon catching up with everyone at our annual picnic.

 

While we continue to navigate the ups and downs of milk prices and high input costs, the margin for error on the farm remains as tight as ever. For years, we’ve been told that efficiency is the key to surviving tight markets. But true success isn’t just about squeezing out a few more pounds of milk. It’s about our ability to adapt, embrace new technology, and continuously make improvements. Our industry has always evolved from one generation to the next, and staying optimistic about the road ahead is what keeps us moving forward.
 

Looking ahead, we are excited to host our annual heifer raffle alongside the State Sale this coming February. If you have a high-quality heifer you would like considered for the raffle, please reach out to Blake Courtney or any member of the sale committee.

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Now is also the perfect time to start looking through your herd for potential sale consignments. Selections will begin before you know it, and consigning is one of the absolute best ways to showcase your breeding program to fellow producers.

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Be sure to mark your calendars for our annual banquet and sale on February 28th at the Transco Event Center in Oelwein. Wishing everyone a safe, productive, and smooth fall harvest!

Thank you,

Paul Stempfle