Innovative Dairy Farmers Open Doors

Two Wisconsin dairy farms are opening their doors to showcase some of the most innovative technologies in the industry. JTP Dairy in Dorchester as well as Minglewood, Inc. in Deer Park, Wis., will be the host farms for the 2023 Innovation & Technology Farm Tours executed by Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW).

JTP Dairy will host a tour from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23. Minglewood, Inc., will host a tour from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, August 24. Tour participants will see firsthand technologies and management practices to improve efficiency, animal care as well as productivity in the milking parlor, feeding system, sand separation and more.

“We use data and innovative technology in a lot of ways here on our dairy. We’re happy to share with other producers the things we’ve learned along the way,” said Kristin Quist of Minglewood Dairy. “We also know from experience that getting a chance to see the technologies in person is really helpful.”

Details about each of the host farm include:

JTP Dairy

• JTP Dairy is owned and operated by Jake and Tolea Peissig family. The farm features innovations in both the milking parlor and feeding systems. They have used a guided-flow DeLaval VMS system for more than a decade. They have recently added robots for increased availability. An MFR Lely Vector System for feeding has allowed them to reduce feed shrink and waste. A haylage block cutter allows for a cleaner face and reduced heating in the silage.

Minglewood Inc.

• Minglewood Inc. is owned and operated by Kevin and Roxann Solum and Jacob and Kristin Quist. It is the first dairy in the U.S. to install Stjernholm Sand Separation system from Denmark. This delivers cleaner, finer sand that is ready for rebedding in 21 days. They utilize smaXtec rumination and activity system. They also use a combination of parlor and robotic barn to milk 1,200 cows, including 8 DeLaval classic robots.

“We’re looking forward to showcasing to other producers the innovations and practices that have been successful for us,” said Jake Peissig of JTP Dairy. “In the business of dairying, it’s important to share ideas with one another.”

Tours will begin and end at each farm location; attendees are encouraged to carpool to each event. Registration information and more details are available at www.pdpw.org. You can also contact PDPW at 800-947-7379.

Up to three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per tour are available from Dairy AdvanCE.