1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:09,120 Welcome to the Bull Vine Podcast, your go-to source for inside stories, cutting edge research, 2 00:00:09,120 --> 00:00:11,900 and the latest updates in the world of dairy farming. 3 00:00:11,900 --> 00:00:18,400 In our 153rd episode, we profile an outstanding young man, Jacob Harbaugh. 4 00:00:18,400 --> 00:00:23,960 So please grab a glass of milk, sit back, and let's get started with this episode. 5 00:00:23,960 --> 00:00:27,160 Welcome dairy farmers and enthusiasts to the Bull Vine Podcast. 6 00:00:27,160 --> 00:00:29,240 I'm Douglas, your host. 7 00:00:29,240 --> 00:00:31,400 Today's story is truly inspiring. 8 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:35,040 We're talking about a young man making waves in dairy. 9 00:00:35,040 --> 00:00:36,880 Joining me is my co-host, Bella. 10 00:00:36,880 --> 00:00:37,880 Ready to dive in? 11 00:00:37,880 --> 00:00:38,880 Absolutely, Douglas. 12 00:00:38,880 --> 00:00:42,180 I'm thrilled to discuss Jacob Harbaugh's journey. 13 00:00:42,180 --> 00:00:45,680 His dedication is impressive, especially at his age. 14 00:00:45,680 --> 00:00:47,800 Let's start with Jacob's early mornings. 15 00:00:47,800 --> 00:00:51,660 While most college students sleep, Jacob's already working. 16 00:00:51,660 --> 00:00:55,040 He tends show heifers at his family's Wisconsin farmette. 17 00:00:55,040 --> 00:00:57,740 His weathered hands move efficiently. 18 00:00:57,740 --> 00:01:03,040 Before 20, Jacob won the 2022 champion bred and owned heifer title. 19 00:01:03,040 --> 00:01:05,800 He also started a successful fitting business. 20 00:01:05,800 --> 00:01:07,440 That's incredible, Douglas. 21 00:01:07,440 --> 00:01:10,040 Jacob's success stems from his upbringing. 22 00:01:10,040 --> 00:01:12,200 He grew up on a 20-acre farmette. 23 00:01:12,200 --> 00:01:16,400 His parents, Lynn and Sara Harbaugh, are dairy industry pros. 24 00:01:16,400 --> 00:01:19,920 They keep 15 to 20 dairy heifers of different breeds. 25 00:01:19,920 --> 00:01:21,520 Indeed, Bella. 26 00:01:21,520 --> 00:01:23,760 The Harbaugh's took a measured approach. 27 00:01:23,760 --> 00:01:25,480 They started with a few animals. 28 00:01:25,480 --> 00:01:29,640 They encouraged Jacob's participation in dairy judging and Quiz Bowl. 29 00:01:29,640 --> 00:01:32,640 Sara noted, we gave him the platform to start. 30 00:01:32,640 --> 00:01:35,920 He's done the work and grown in responsibility. 31 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:37,760 Jacob's journey had challenges. 32 00:01:37,760 --> 00:01:41,200 In third grade, he was breaking a Durham spring calf to lead. 33 00:01:41,200 --> 00:01:42,880 The calf spooked. 34 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:47,040 Jacob held on, ending with a hospital visit and stitches above his eye. 35 00:01:47,040 --> 00:01:48,960 Quite a story. 36 00:01:48,960 --> 00:01:51,920 It shows Jacob's determination from an early age. 37 00:01:51,920 --> 00:01:54,640 His mother thought it might hinder his progress. 38 00:01:54,640 --> 00:01:57,240 But Jacob showed remarkable resilience. 39 00:01:57,240 --> 00:02:00,380 He presented that calf at their district show weeks later. 40 00:02:00,380 --> 00:02:03,320 That resilience continued to serve Jacob well. 41 00:02:03,320 --> 00:02:08,080 In June 2023, his family's milking cow facility suffered a fire. 42 00:02:08,080 --> 00:02:10,360 Jacob faced the setback with composure. 43 00:02:10,360 --> 00:02:14,560 He learned patience and appreciation for overlooked things. 44 00:02:14,560 --> 00:02:16,800 Jacob's success isn't just his own hard work. 45 00:02:16,800 --> 00:02:18,640 He's had fantastic mentors. 46 00:02:18,640 --> 00:02:20,560 Four key figures shaped his journey. 47 00:02:20,560 --> 00:02:24,840 His parents, Lynn and Sarah Harbaugh and Kurt and Sara Lohr. 48 00:02:24,840 --> 00:02:26,040 Right, Douglas. 49 00:02:26,040 --> 00:02:29,480 Jacob said, both couples have been great role models. 50 00:02:29,480 --> 00:02:32,440 They've encouraged me to improve and offered advice. 51 00:02:32,440 --> 00:02:35,840 Seeing them work as a team is something I strive for. 52 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:39,100 The Lohrs have been instrumental in Jacob's development. 53 00:02:39,100 --> 00:02:42,640 They house the family's milking cows in partnership. 54 00:02:42,640 --> 00:02:48,600 This led to Jacob's proudest achievement, the 2022 champion bred and owned Heffer. 55 00:02:48,600 --> 00:02:51,400 It's wonderful to see such strong mentorship. 56 00:02:51,400 --> 00:02:56,680 Sarah Harbaugh emphasized, encourage your kids to seek mentors and ask for help. 57 00:02:56,680 --> 00:02:59,040 Many people will help our industry's youth. 58 00:02:59,040 --> 00:03:02,160 They need to show initiative and drive to learn. 59 00:03:02,160 --> 00:03:03,800 Absolutely, Bella. 60 00:03:03,800 --> 00:03:07,560 These relationships helped Jacob develop essential skills. 61 00:03:07,560 --> 00:03:11,960 They've guided his show ring success and shaped his character and vision. 62 00:03:11,960 --> 00:03:14,200 Jacob has an impressive list of achievements. 63 00:03:14,200 --> 00:03:19,280 He won the 20th Merle Howard Award at World Dairy Expo in October 2024. 64 00:03:19,280 --> 00:03:26,420 He won the 2023 Wisconsin State Dairy Cattle Judging Contest with his county team. 65 00:03:26,420 --> 00:03:31,040 He was named 2023 Star in Agribusiness by Wisconsin FFA. 66 00:03:31,040 --> 00:03:32,800 Don't forget, Bella. 67 00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:38,620 He earned the Distinguished Junior Holstein Member Award from Holstein Association USA. 68 00:03:38,620 --> 00:03:43,740 He was the top recipient of the 2024 Judy Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship. 69 00:03:43,740 --> 00:03:47,160 These accolades underscore Jacob's dedication and talent. 70 00:03:47,160 --> 00:03:49,000 Absolutely, Douglas. 71 00:03:49,000 --> 00:03:51,660 Jacob's entrepreneurial spirit shines too. 72 00:03:51,660 --> 00:03:54,700 During the pandemic, he started his own fitting business. 73 00:03:54,700 --> 00:03:58,860 He grooms cattle for sales, fairs, shows and barn clippings. 74 00:03:58,860 --> 00:04:03,400 His ability to highlight breed characteristics has made his business successful. 75 00:04:03,400 --> 00:04:05,380 That's impressive, Bella. 76 00:04:05,380 --> 00:04:07,760 Jacob's excelling beyond the barn too. 77 00:04:07,760 --> 00:04:11,480 He's pursuing an animal science degree at the University of Minnesota. 78 00:04:11,480 --> 00:04:14,440 He focuses on industry and business. 79 00:04:14,440 --> 00:04:16,840 He values practical coursework, saying, 80 00:04:16,840 --> 00:04:21,440 Our advanced knowledge can be directly applied on farms for effective results. 81 00:04:21,440 --> 00:04:24,280 He's gaining international experience too. 82 00:04:24,280 --> 00:04:29,460 Jacob was selected for Team USA at the Young Breeders School in Batise, Belgium. 83 00:04:29,460 --> 00:04:33,560 He called it a great opportunity to learn about heifer preparation. 84 00:04:33,560 --> 00:04:38,120 I learned from worldwide dairy enthusiasts and heard different perspectives on show ring 85 00:04:38,120 --> 00:04:40,080 preparation. 86 00:04:40,080 --> 00:04:43,320 That international exposure is invaluable, Bella. 87 00:04:43,320 --> 00:04:45,560 Jacob's always looking to learn and grow. 88 00:04:45,560 --> 00:04:49,520 He advises, Don't be afraid to take chances on opportunities. 89 00:04:49,520 --> 00:04:53,280 You can learn from every experience leading to growth. 90 00:04:53,280 --> 00:04:58,240 Looking ahead, Jacob sees himself as a herd manager or in sales consulting. 91 00:04:58,240 --> 00:05:02,280 He plans to own a small herd of Holsteins and other breeds. 92 00:05:02,280 --> 00:05:04,840 He sees technology as key, saying, 93 00:05:04,840 --> 00:05:08,300 My generation can use technology to minimize labor costs. 94 00:05:08,300 --> 00:05:13,000 We can make dairy farms more efficient at producing milk in low stress environments. 95 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:15,360 That's a fantastic vision, Bella. 96 00:05:15,360 --> 00:05:19,220 Jacob truly represents the dairy industry's bright future. 97 00:05:19,220 --> 00:05:21,980 His mother describes him as outgoing and upbeat. 98 00:05:21,980 --> 00:05:24,600 He has a great work ethic and willingness to learn. 99 00:05:24,600 --> 00:05:28,100 He's mature, responsible, and a good communicator. 100 00:05:28,100 --> 00:05:30,400 I couldn't agree more, Douglas. 101 00:05:30,400 --> 00:05:36,180 Jacob's journey from a 20-acre farmette to a successful business while studying is inspiring. 102 00:05:36,180 --> 00:05:38,720 It shows success isn't just about scale. 103 00:05:38,720 --> 00:05:42,880 It's about passion, dedication, and learning from every experience. 104 00:05:42,880 --> 00:05:44,040 Well said, Bella. 105 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:47,160 Jacob Harbaugh as a name we'll hear more in dairy. 106 00:05:47,160 --> 00:05:52,400 His hands-on experience, academic pursuit, and clear vision make him a true rising star. 107 00:05:52,400 --> 00:05:53,960 Absolutely, Douglas. 108 00:05:53,960 --> 00:05:57,400 Jacob's story shows the bright future of dairy farming. 109 00:05:57,400 --> 00:06:02,820 With dedication, mentorship, and embracing tradition and innovation, the next generation 110 00:06:02,820 --> 00:06:05,440 is well equipped to lead our industry forward. 111 00:06:05,440 --> 00:06:09,080 Thank you, Bella, for sharing Jacob's inspiring journey. 112 00:06:09,080 --> 00:06:13,000 And thank you, listeners, for tuning in to the Bull Vine Podcast. 113 00:06:13,000 --> 00:06:16,240 Until next time, keep working hard and dreaming big. 114 00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:17,960 The future of dairy is bright. 115 00:06:17,960 --> 00:06:21,040 Thank you for tuning in to the Bull Vine Podcast. 116 00:06:21,040 --> 00:06:23,920 We hope you enjoyed today's insightful discussion. 117 00:06:23,920 --> 00:06:26,760 Don't forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review. 118 00:06:26,760 --> 00:06:32,560 Catch you next time on the Bull Vine Podcast, where bovine expertise and community come 119 00:06:32,560 --> 00:06:35,560 together.