Real Dreams. Real Stories.
Read about how Cargill is helping their customers thrive.
Why else would you get up at 4 a.m. to treat a calf?
When Dale Van Weerdhuizen sold his cows in 2003, it certainly didn’t feel like the beginning of his future in the dairy industry. The Western Washington native decided to keep and raise a few heifers, but he was pursuing a career as an electrician to be his primary income. But, the dairy industry kept pulling on his heart, and soon he found his niche as a heifer raiser for large farm south of him.
Taking calves to the next level
“One time, they [brothers Roy and Ray Dykeman] told me they didn’t want to be mediocre anymore,” comments Cargill Dairy Focus Ed Varnam. “So, we started improving things to be anything but that.” The first step was a new 60-cow rotary parlor, which greatly improved animal health, efficiency in the work force and boosted milk production to 90 pounds. Feeling confident from this positive experience, the Dykeman brothers said yes when their Calf and Heifer Manager asked to take the calf and heifer program to the next level.
We’re light years happier with how ours calves look
You don't do business with someone for 30 years unless they're doing something right. And when you’re taking care of the animals every day, sometimes you need a trusted expert to come in with a fresh perspective. Learn why the team at Stanton Farm, Coeymans Hollow, NY, has continued to work with Cargill for over three decades, and how they've recently improved their calf and heifer program with the help of a calf and heifer specialist.
Our drive is to make the dairy better for the future
From beginning with 51 cows to being one of the first dairies to have a rotary parlor, Grotegut Dairy Farm, Inc. has been focused on making the future better for the farm since 1965. Three generations in, Ashley Grotegut dreams of continuing to push forward just as the previous generations have, to keep the farm in the family.
Another set of eyes really makes the difference
Maple Leaf was one of the first dairies in the country to try HerdFirst™, and they have found success in encouraging calves to start grain early. “This is one of the places I see two-to-three day old calves eating grain.” Jennifer said, “It’s impressive.”
Healthy calves keep the barn full.
When asked what gives him satisfaction about his dairy, William simply and profoundly responded, “I like seeing my cows and my farm doing really, really well.” And that’s what his team at Cargill is helping them do.
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