The University of Minnesota Extension in Scott & Le Sueur counties is hosting a Summer Dairy Series that will include three on-site farm visits.

The sessions take place from noon to 2 p.m. Thursdays, June 11, June 25 and July 9. Each session will include a short, informal presentation from the guest speaker, an overview of the farm from the host and plenty of time for questions and discussion.

The first session is June 11 at RichView Dairy, 24285 Aberdeen Ave., Belle Plaine. Rick and Karen Lambrecht will discuss “Minimizing Metabolic Issues.” The Lambrechts milk approximately 100 cows in a double 6 step-up parlor. They utilize a 78-cow freestall barn which was constructed in 2004. They work very closely with their veterinarian and nutritionist to maintain a low incidence of metabolic disease.

The second session is June 25 at Krocak Dairy, 33622 171st Ave., Montgomery. Bob and Liz Krocak installed a double 10 parabone parlor in 2005 and increased their milking herd to 150 cows. Through this process they maintained a SCC at or below 200,000. Dr. Jeff Reneau will be with us to discuss keys to producing high quality milk to capture premium benefits.

The final session will be July 9 Koepp Dairy, 24524 German Rd., Belle Plaine, to discuss forage quality and storage. Wayne Koepp milks approximately 135 cows using a flat barn parlor and stores feed in forage bags and upright silos. He strives to harvest crops quickly to ensure high quality forage. Jim Paulson will be discussing the benefits of producing home-grown forage. We will have shaker boxes available to evaluate forage or TMR samples that farms may bring. One sample per farm only please.

There is no charge for this series and refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Scott/Le Sueur County American Dairy Association.