Central Minnesota Dairy Herd's Annual Migration for Seasonal Grazing

Every May, a dairy herd in central Minnesota undertakes an annual migration from their winter operation to a more suitable location for summer grazing, similar to many Minnesotans heading to their vacation homes. This 5-mile move, which began in 2008, involves careful coordination and has become a smooth process over the years.

A crucial aspect of the transition is the transportation of the cows. A skilled crew operates the livestock trailers, ensuring the safe transport of 6-7 cows per trip. The transport begins after the morning milking and must be completed before the evening milking. Upon arrival at the new location, the cows eagerly exit the trailers and joyfully make their way to the lush green pastures to reconnect with the rest of the herd.

The dairy operation stands out due to its unique partnership structure. The partners, including family members, collectively own the herd, with each having a specific number of cows. This partnership allows for shared responsibilities and the opportunity for individuals to take time off. The partnership also enables efficient herd management and milking duties, with each partner contributing their expertise.

Another key aspect of the operation is the control panel, which serves as the central system managing the milking process. This control panel can be seamlessly disconnected from one milk house and reconnected at the other, eliminating the need for duplicate equipment and reducing costs.

The dairy operation maintains two facilities, each with a different milking setup. At the summer site, a swing-14 system is housed in an open-air barn, welcoming 14 cows at a time into the parlor. After milking, the swing-arms pivot to the center aisle, ready for the next cow. On the other hand, at the winter site, an enclosed barn accommodates a swing-7 system, providing better protection from the cold northern winds.

The unique nature of this operation required some creative thinking from the state authorities to address the challenges of an operation that relocates twice a year.

Through effective coordination, strategic partnerships, and well-designed milking setups, this central Minnesota dairy operation successfully navigates its annual migration, ensuring the well-being of the herd and efficient milk production.

Photo Credit: GettyImages-Minchen Liang EyeEm