1. Annual Report
Featuring KDDC Sponsors
See inside
Milk Matters
K D D C A n n u a l R e p o r t
w w w. k y d a i r y. o r g
K
E
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T
U
C
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Y
Supported by
H.H. Barlow, Executive Director
A
s will be the case for everyone who lived in 2020, it will be
a year to remember for the dairy industry and for KDDC,
in several specific ways. There was such optimism when
the calendar turned to January 2020. Milk prices had climbed
significantly in November/December 2019 and were excellent
in the first quarter of 2020. Dairymen had endured three years
of depressed prices and many operations were liquidated.
We all thought a period of better times had arrived. Then the
Coronavirus hit, and everything changed.
On top of the virus, Borden declared bankruptcy in January 2020
following the Dean bankruptcy of November 2019. These bankruptcies
affected 130 KY dairy producers, but unlike 2018 when Dean’s milk
plant closed, we didn’t lose producers. Instead, they were able to find
another market for their milk.Thus, we averted a potential crisis, despite
the uneasiness and disruptive nature of these bankruptcies.
Nearly all planned meetings and initiatives came to a screeching
halt with the shutdown of the economy. This was very disappointing
to our entire organization, staff and most importantly, our members
because of so much energy and excitement that the year had begun with.
Nevertheless, as an organization, KDDC was able to continue dialogue
with our producers and even conducted occasional needed visits.
The single most important project in 2020 for KDDC was to create
a new program to replace our original MILK program. We started
meeting in May with board and staff working together. We asked Dr.
Jeffrey Bewley,nationally known dairy consultant,to identify the greatest
needs for Kentucky dairymen when compared to the top herds across
the country. Our new program is named MILK 4.0 (a nationally known
data driven symbol). Key areas chosen for emphasis are: 1) Genetics; 2)
Reproduction; 3) Milk quality. We expanded each of these areas and
added two more for potential increase in profitability for Kentucky
producers.
KDDC Performance Summary 2020
Cont’d on pg. 2
2. KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
KDDC Annual Report • Page 2
Regarding genetics, the fastest improvement is through genomic testing to
identify the highest potential producing animals. KDDC is partnering with
Zoetis,a national animal health and genomic company,to create a testing program
where Zoetis will cost share with KDDC by discounting testing fees by 50%.
Regarding reproduction, the measuring stick for success will be pregnancy rate,
the nationally recognized standard for evaluating reproductive success. KDDC
has created a program to incentivize producers to improve pregnancy rate over a
twelve-month period, which will produce a financial reward with the increased
pregnancy rate.
Emphasis on milk quality is essential in maintaining a market for every
producer. For thirteen years, KDDC has had programs which concentrate on
improving milk quality and is essential for current and future markets. We have
created a program that will incentivize producers to lower their somatic cell count
with a financial award after 12 months of reporting.
These three initiatives outlined above all depend on DHIA testing, which every
farmer must sign up for in order to participate in the MILK 4.0 program. This
reiterates that DHIA is the cornerstone of successful dairy management.
Two more important areas of focus were identified that do not have monetary
participation by KDDC, but still have potential profit impact for the dairy
producer. Firstly, financial management is the basis for success in any operation.
There has been some concern that the correct tools were not always available to
identify the bottleneck that hindered profits. KDDC is partnering with Cornell
University on a Dairy Profit Margin program that measures financial performance
on a monthly basis so that timely adjustments can be made, resulting in real
impact, rather than waiting until year end to analyze one’s business. We are also
collaborating with Rockingham Cooperative to support the financial programs for
our Amish and Mennonite dairy producers.
Lastly, we are focusing an initiative on Beef On Dairy Production. This aspect
of the program educates producers on using genetically superior beef sires on the
lower producing dairy cows in your herd. All dairymen have suffered for years
with low prices received for dairy steers and heifers not needed for replacement
animals. The beef industry has identified through genomics, sires that create
superior carcass quality dairy/beef crossed calves.The value of these specially bred
calves has been proven to be $100-150 higher than strictly purebred dairy steers
and heifers who do not fit the desired beef carcass quality profile.
Our new MILK 4.0 is an aggressive program that is uniquely different than
our past MILK programs. Most importantly, the purpose is to incentivize our
KY dairy producers to adopt new technologies and management practices that
will increase profits and drive success for their futures and the futures of the local
economies they impact.
January - February 2021 • KDDC • Page 2
KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
2020 KDDC Board of Directors & Staff
Executive Committee
President: Freeman Brundige
Vice President: Charles Townsend, DVM
Sec./Treasurer: Tom Hastings
EC Member: Tony Cowherd
EC Member: Greg Goode
EC Past President: Richard Sparrow
Board of Directors
District 1: Freeman Brundige 731.446.6248
District 2: Josh Duvall 270.535.6533
District 3: Keith Long 270.670.1388
District 4: Bill Crist Jr. 270.590.3185
District 5: Tony Compton 270.378.0525
District 6: Mark Williams 270.427.0796
District 7: Greg Goode 606.303.2150
District 8: Steve Weaver 270.475.3154
District 9: Jerry Gentry 606.875.2526
District 10: Terry Rowlette 502.376.2292
District 11: Stewart Jones 270.402.4805
District 12: John Kuegel 270.316.0351
Equipment: Tony Cowherd 270.469.0398
Milk Haulers: Mike Owen 270.392.1902
Genetics: Dan Johnson 502.905.8221
Feed: Tom Hastings 270.748.9652
Nutrition:
Dairy Co-op: Stephen Broyles 859.421.9801
Veterinary: Dr. Charles Townsend 270.726.4041
Finance: Todd Lockett 270.590.9375
Heifer Raiser: Bill Mattingly 270.699.1701
Former Pres.: Richard Sparrow 502.370.6730
Employee & Consultants
Executive Director: H.H. Barlow
859.516.1129
kddc@kydairy.org
DC-Central: Beth Cox
PO Box 144, Mannsville, KY 42758
bethcoxkddc@gmail.com
859.516.1619 • 270-469-4278
DC-Western: Dave Roberts
1334 Carrville Road, Hampton, KY 42047
roberts@kydairy.org
859.516.1409
DC-Southern: Meredith Scales
2617 Harristown Road, Russell Springs, KY 42642
mescales2@gmail.com
859.516.1966
DC-Northern: Jennifer Hickerson
PO Box 293, Flemingsburg, KY 41041
j.hickersonkddc@gmail.com
859.516.2458
KDDC
176 Pasadena Drive • Lexington, KY 40503
www.kydairy.org
KY Milk Matters produced by Carey Brown
President’s Corner Freeman Brundige
T
his word best describes the start
of 2021. All of us have far more
questions about the future than
we have answers.
How much longer do we have to deal
with a pandemic and all the problems it
is causing? Will consumers buying habits
cause radical changes in what products
need to be available in stores, markets,
and hopefully restaurants? Volatility in
futures markets keeps us and the so-called
experts guessing on what milk and feed
prices could be.
A big percentage of the milk in the
Southeast is being marketed by one
agency, with most farmers having no
other option.There has been a total leadership change in our federal
government. What changes will they make in regulations and input costs?
Exports have become the “golden" hope and predicting them has become
a moving target. But if you don’t have a positive attitude then you would
probably not be in the dairy business. It takes a lot of courage and faith.
We have an excellent product that still proves to be a great source of
nutrition and value. Hopefully, people recognized these qualities thru this
crisis.
KDDC is working on several fronts to try and insure better futures
for our farms. The new MILK 4.0 program addresses several avenues
to improve profitability both short and long term. We are working on
milk pricing issues on several different levels, in conjunction with other
states in the southeast and on the national level with the Kentucky Farm
Bureau. We will try to work with the above groups and our state and
national legislators during this formation of the next farm bill.
Your input is always needed and welcomed.
Uncertainty:
the state of being uncertain, times of uncertainty and danger
Cont’d on pg. 4
3. KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
KDDC Annual Report • Page 3
4. Visit us online
e-farmcredit.com
or give us a call
1
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FA
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WE’VE BEEN HERE FOR
FARMERS SINCE 1916. AND
WE’RE HERE FOR YOU NOW.
OFFERING LOANS, LEASES AND CROP
INSURANCE. CONTACT US TODAY TO
LEARN MORE.
Subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Farm Credit Mid-America is an equal opportunity lender and equal
opportunity provider.
KDDC Annual Report • Page 4
The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic had one silver lining, in opening
the door to KDDC for involvement in one new major endeavor.
The Corona Food Assistance Programs included massive free food
distribution efforts. The task of distribution quickly overwhelmed
food banks and processors who were awarded contracts to give away
the free dairy products. KDDC was informed of the potential to
help distribute these food boxes. We teamed up principally with
Feeding America First, Prairie Farms Dairy Cooperative, and
Borden Dairy Company.
From June to October, KDDC sponsored, coordinated, and
managed 33 semi truckloads of dairy and food products given
to those in need in 33 different locations. It was a GREAT
humanitarian effort that put needed nutritious dairy and food
products on the tables of thousands of Kentucky families. KDDC
personnel were involved in every location.
KDDC’s In State Summer Tour and World Dairy Expo Fall Tour
were both cancelled due to the pandemic. It was a terrible loss to
miss these opportunities. We are hoping to revive these events in
2021.
After two postponements, we finally held 5 Young Dairymen
Fellowship and Education events in October. It was so exciting
to finally get our Young Dairymen Initiative started, and we are
encouraged by their engagement and enthusiasm to continue
growing this program in 2021. Kentucky has a core group of young
dairy producers who are educated, professional, and committed to
a successful dairy career. KDDC’s desire is to support these young
folks and encourage them to take leadership positions in KDDC and
overall dairy endeavors.
2020 is behind us, and we mustn’t start 2021 by complaining
about our past. I have personally been dairy farming my entire life
and I have never experienced anything like 2020.With this in mind,
I have reflected on what we can learn from these unprecedented
challenging times. The four key takeaways for me are: 1)both the
highest and lowest milk prices in the same year in modern history;
2) huge government payments sent directly to farmers; 3) massive
amounts of food products given to Americans and food banks; 4)
most importantly, the
resilience and adaptability of dairy producers, processors, and
support personnel (i.e. truckers, feed companies, supply companies,
etc.) and most of all, our hired labor force that never quit working,
never shut down, and always did the job put before them. All of us
owe our labor force a debt of gratitude.
2020 tried everyone’s patience and caused us all to change our
daily living routines and habits. Let’s now concentrate on the
positives that lay ahead and commit to never dwell on the problems
of our past.
KDDC is supported in part by a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund
Cont’d from pg. 2
5. CPC DAIRY NUTRITION TEAM
Providing Solutions for
Optimizing Production
CPCFEEDS.COM
888-618-6455
ON-FARM SUPPORT
CUSTOM DIETS
PROVEN CALF PROGRAM
7. Eric Risser
423-368-7753
Zack Burris
270-576-7001
DEUTZ-FAHR
6 SERIES Power Shift Agrotron
6 SERIES RC Shift Agrotron
6 SERIES TTV Agrotron
SOME OPTIONS AND/OR SPECIFICATIONS SHOWN MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE IN ALL MARKETS
Front halogen lights fitted as a standard.
Premium materials and attention to detail.
No connection between cab and engine hood - improved driver comfort.
When it comes to the design of tractors, many people tend to view
design purely in terms of the appearance of the tractor. Of course,
appearanceisimportant,butgooddesignismorethanthat,itincludes
avarietyofadditionalfeatures.Thepersonstrivingtomaketheirwork
TABLES
Front halogen lights fitted as a standard.
Premium materials and attention to detail.
No connection between cab and engine hood - improved driver comfort.
gn of tractors, many people tend to view
the appearance of the tractor. Of course,
ut good design is more than that, it includes
res. The person striving to make their work
eration in all design plans. Countless series
viewing spaces, light concepts, ranges of
nces and the integration of technical
signed and organised to make the driver’s
nd the tractor as efficient as possible as an
is to optimise all functions and ensure
en the driver and the tractor. The very best
e: Italdesign Giugiaro, one of the most
influential companies in vehicle design in the 20th and 21st centuries.
With over 200 design concepts for international automotive and
commercial vehicle brands, including many classic models, this
famous company has made history. The new 6 Series makes the
combined experience from over 100 years of DEUTZ-FAHR tractor
construction and leading Giugiaro vehicle design available to
agricultural entrepreneurs.
Front halogen lights fitted as a standard.
New Location!
300 Industrial Drive
Glasgow, KY
11. G R A S S R O O T S I N S U R A N C E E D U C A T I O N A D V O C A C Y L E A D E R S H I P S E R V I C E
From farm fields to the legislative chambers of the state and nation, it takes
leadership at all levels to meet the challenges of Kentucky’s agricultural communities.
Kentucky Farm Bureau will continue to support that leadership — as an advocate, a
service provider and an organization — by giving leaders the tools, encouragement
and voice they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. Why Farm Bureau?
Because effective leadership makes life better for all Kentuckians.
Movingagricultureforward,
nomatterwhichwaythewindblows.
12. Riding the Waves Of the Dairy Industry
With Kentucky’s Farm Families Since 1979
13. KentucKy Department of agricultur
e
For more information contact KDA:
Eunice Schlappi, Dairy Marketing Specialist
Eunice.Schlappi@ky.gov
502-782-4122
www.kyagr.com
Photo taken at LeCows Dairy
14. GREAT FLAVORS BEGIN
WITH GREAT INGREDIENTS
For more than 25 years, we’ve delivered dairy powders and innovative ingredient
solutions that satisfy consumer demands and drive businesses forward. Each
powder and flavor is crafted from the finest dairy ingredients to satisfy client
needs and evolving food market trends.
606 West Main St.
Springfield, KY 40069
Tel: 270.651.2146
Fax: 270.651.8844
Springfield, Kentucky
1117 Cleveland Ave.
Glasgow, KY 42141
Tel: 877.336.7643
Fax: 859.336.5218
info@bluegrassingredients.com
Glasgow, Kentucky
BluegrassIngredients.com
15. Shaker Equipment Sales, LLC
Daniel Smith, Owner/Sales Manager
270-991-6287
Shaker JCB is a
Full-Line JCB Dealer
Shaker Equipment Sales, LLC
Daniel Smith, Owner/Sales Manager
270-991-6287
16. Farm Credit Mid-America offers loans,
leases and crop insurance designed
to help rural residents build, farms
grow and businesses expand.
FARMERS
CREDIT.
We give
.90$
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SKRQH
19. Funded by soybean checkoff dollars.
www.kysoy.org
ANIMAL AG IS THE KENTUCKY SOYBEAN
FARMER’S NUMBER ONE CUSTOMER,
AND THAT’S NO BULL! WE APPRECIATE
OUR KENTUCKY DAIRY FARM FAMILIES.
20. Central Farmer’s Supply of
Green County
901 Columbia Hwy.
Greensburg, KY 42743
270-932-5101
Wilson Trucking
Alan Wilson
Somerset, KY
606-875-7281
Lallemand
Peter Sook
psook@lallemand.com
320-894-6742
Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc.
Mark Miller
Salvisa, KY
859-613-3547
888-444-2138
Proud of our dairy
heritage and excited about our dairy future.
800-928-FEED
m
6
Bank of Jamestown
We are a locally-owned, community bank located in
south central Kentucky on beautiful Lake Cumberland.
Chartered in 1899, our goal as a progressive bank is
to provide outstanding customer service and prompt
decision making from “Hometown” people.
www.bankofjamestown.com
Kentucky Corn Growers
Association
PO Box 90
Eastwood, KY 40018
800-326-0906
www.kycorn.org
Ben Koostra
Professional Engineer
NRCS Technical Service Provider
859-559-4662
Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) ∙
livestock manure management ∙ water quality BMPs ∙
Ky Division of Water permitting and compliance
LimestoneCooperLLC
Lexington, Kentucky ∙ limestonecooper.com
Hartland Animal Hospital
6425 South Jackson Hwy.
Horse Cave, KY 42749
270-786-5545
www.hartlandanimalhospital.com
Mammoth Cave
592 Oakland-Flatrock Rd.
Oakland, KY 42159
270-563-2131
www.qualitru.com
21. KDDC would like to
thank all of our sponsors
for your help and support
over the past year!
Justin Owen
270-392-1909
Luttrull Feeds
feed ~ minerals ~ pet food
~ dairy supplies ~
83 Jackson Street Pembroke, KY 42266
Mike Owen
270-392-1908
Russellville,
Kentucky
Justin Owen
270-392-1909
Mike Owen
270-392-1908
Russellville, Kentucky
CLARK
DAIRY SUPPLY
Bardstown, KY 40004
502-348-6774
Featuring Emerald Liquid Feed Supplements for Dairy
Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc.
Mark Miller Salvisa, Ky
Ray Jordan
256-508-2874
Trusted.
Valued.
Suppported.
Animal Safety
Justin Owen
270-392-1909
Luttrull Feeds
feed ~ minerals ~ pet food
~ dairy supplies ~
83 Jackson Street Pembroke, KY 42266
Mike Owen
270-392-1908
Russellville,
Kentucky
Justin Owen
270-392-1909
Mike Owen
270-392-1908
Russellville, Kentucky
CLARK
DAIRY SUPPLY
Bardstown, KY 40004
502-348-6774
Featuring Emerald Liquid Feed Supplements for Dairy
Double S Liquid Feed Services, Inc.
Mark Miller Salvisa, Ky
Ray Jordan
256-508-2874
Trusted.
Valued.
Suppported
Animal Safe
Solutions
Justin Owen
270-392-1909
Luttrull Feeds
83 Jackson Street Pembroke, KY 42266
Mike Owen
270-392-1908
Russellville,
Kentucky
Justin Owen
270-392-1909
Mike Owen
270-392-1908
Russellville, Kentucky
CLARK
DAIRY SUPPLY
Bardstown, KY 40004
502-348-6774
Featuring Emerald Liquid Feed Supplements for Dairy
Ray Jordan
256-508-2874
Trusted.
Valued.
Suppported.
Wilson Trucking
Alan Wilson
Somerset, KY
606-875-7281
22. 176 Pasadena Drive
Lexington, KY 40503
859.516.1129 ph
www.kydairy.org
Non-Profit
US Postage
PAID
FEB 23 Dairy Alliance Annual Meeting, 12:00 CT, Online
FEB 24
Kentucky Dairy Partners Meeting and Industry Trade Show, Sloan Convention Center
Bowling Green, KY 9:00 A.M. C.T.
FEB 24 Dairy Awards Banquet, Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, KY 12:00 C.T.
FEB 24 KDDC Board Meeting, Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, KY 2:00 P.M. C.T.
MAR 17-18
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin Business Conference, Kalahari Resort and
Convention, Wisconsin Dells, Wi
MAR 18 KDDC Board Meeting, Taylor Co Ext. Office, Campbellsville KY 10: 00 A.M. E.T
MAR 23 KDDC MILK 4.0 Road Show, Christian Co Ext. Office, Hopkinsville, KY 10:00 A.M. C.T.
MAR 24 KDDC MILK 4.0 Road Show, Taylor Co Ext. Office, Campbellsville KY 10: 00 A.M. E.T.
MAR 25 KDDC MILK 4.0 Road Show, Barren Co. Ext. Office, Glasgow, Ky 10:00 A.M. C.T.
APR 07-10 Kentucky National Dairy Show and Sale, Exposition Center, Louisville, KY
Calendar of Events
23. Cowherd Equipment Rental Inc.
Cowherd Equipment Rental, Inc.
Cowherd Equipment Rental, Inc.
1483 Old Summersville Rd. • Campbellsville, KY 42718
1483 Old Summersville Rd. • Campbellsville, KY 42718
Office 270-465-2679
Office 270-465-2679
Tony 270-469-0398 • Vince 270-469-5095
Tony 270-469-0398 • Vince 270-469-5095
Cowherd Equipment Rental, Inc.
For More Information:
Cowherd Equipment Rental, Inc.
1483 Old Summersville Rd.
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Office 270-465-2679
Penta 4030
Tire Scraper
JD Head Locks
R
Hagedorn 5440
Manure Spreader
Cowherd
For chemica
from our dair
has all of
Cowhe
1483 Old
Campbe
Office
• Boumatic M
Chemicals
• Chore-Boy
• BouMatic C
• JD Manu
• IBA Chemi
• Mueller Mi
Penta 4930
• SCR Syst
• Up North P
Cowherd Equipment Rental, Inc.
For More Information:
Cowherd Equipment Rental, Inc.
1483 Old Summersville Rd.
Campbellsville, KY 42718
Office 270-465-2679
Tony 270-469-0398
Vince 270-469-5095
a 4030
Tire Scraper
d Locks
Roto G
Hagedorn 5440
Manure Spreader
Defacer
Ti
Cowherd Da
For chemicals, su
from our dairy to y
has all of your
Cowherd D
1483 Old Sum
Campbellsvil
Office 270
Tony 270-
Vince 270
• Boumatic Milkin
Chemicals
• Chore-Boy Part
• BouMatic Coole
• JD Manufactur
• IBA Chemicals
• Mueller Milk Tan
Penta 4930
• SCR Systems
• Up North Plastic
Roto-Mix Mixers
Tire Scraper Hagedorn 5440
Manure Spreader
Penta 4030 Huge Selection of
Used Mixers