WEBVTT 00:00:10.509 --> 00:00:13.169 Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, where we bring 00:00:13.169 --> 00:00:15.089 you the pulse of the dairy industry straight 00:00:15.089 --> 00:00:18.230 from the parlor to your ears. Each episode, we 00:00:18.230 --> 00:00:20.789 dive deep into the stories, strategies, and innovations 00:00:20.789 --> 00:00:23.969 shaping modern dairy farming. Whether you're 00:00:23.969 --> 00:00:26.710 milking cows before dawn or managing genetics 00:00:26.710 --> 00:00:30.660 from your office, this podcast is your connection 00:00:30.660 --> 00:00:34.219 to the people and ideas moving our industry forward. 00:00:34.939 --> 00:00:37.920 Today on The Bullvine, we're exploring how Mystic 00:00:37.920 --> 00:00:41.600 Valley Dairy achieves a jaw -dropping 125 -pound 00:00:41.600 --> 00:00:44.979 ECM average through optimized cow comfort, strategic 00:00:44.979 --> 00:00:48.380 breeding, and 100 precision practices. So grab 00:00:48.380 --> 00:00:51.039 your coffee, take a break from chores, and let's 00:00:51.039 --> 00:00:54.119 get into today's conversation. All right, welcome 00:00:54.119 --> 00:00:56.909 back to the deep dive. You know, we spend a lot 00:00:56.909 --> 00:00:59.369 of time here at the Bullvine looking at what 00:00:59.369 --> 00:01:02.630 makes some dairy operations truly exceptional. 00:01:03.090 --> 00:01:05.489 Yeah, we do. And today we've got a prime example 00:01:05.489 --> 00:01:08.769 for you. Mystic Valley Dairy nestled down there 00:01:08.769 --> 00:01:11.909 near Sauk City, Wisconsin. Their numbers, well, 00:01:11.969 --> 00:01:13.950 they practically jump off the page. You really 00:01:13.950 --> 00:01:16.810 do. I mean, 125 pounds of energy corrected milk 00:01:16.810 --> 00:01:20.349 daily. That's a hefty figure. They're also pulling 00:01:20.349 --> 00:01:24.319 out. 8 .4 pounds of fat and protein and get this 00:01:24.319 --> 00:01:27.780 their herd turnover is a surprisingly low 20 00:01:27.780 --> 00:01:30.640 which is pretty remarkable in itself totally 00:01:31.120 --> 00:01:33.180 So the question we're digging into today, the 00:01:33.180 --> 00:01:34.879 one I know is on your mind, if you're aiming 00:01:34.879 --> 00:01:37.439 for top tier performances, what's the real story 00:01:37.439 --> 00:01:39.540 behind those, you know, head turning results? 00:01:39.859 --> 00:01:42.260 Exactly. When you first encounter numbers like 00:01:42.260 --> 00:01:43.920 that, the temptation is to think they've got 00:01:43.920 --> 00:01:46.620 some kind of secret weapon, you know, some revolutionary 00:01:46.620 --> 00:01:48.920 piece of tech or maybe a feed additive nobody 00:01:48.920 --> 00:01:50.900 else knows about. Right. The magic bullet. Yeah, 00:01:50.920 --> 00:01:53.780 exactly. But what's truly interesting about Mystic 00:01:53.780 --> 00:01:55.719 Valley, and this comes straight from owner Mitch 00:01:55.719 --> 00:01:59.459 Breunig, is that their success isn't about some 00:01:59.459 --> 00:02:03.540 magical shortcut. It's about consistently doing 00:02:03.540 --> 00:02:06.120 a hundred little things right, as opposed to 00:02:06.120 --> 00:02:08.520 something magic. That's the philosophy we're 00:02:08.520 --> 00:02:10.560 going to unpack for you today. And it's not just 00:02:10.560 --> 00:02:12.180 about hitting those high production numbers. 00:02:12.259 --> 00:02:16.219 It's about building a sustainable and resilient 00:02:16.219 --> 00:02:19.840 system, right? Mitch, who literally grew up on 00:02:19.840 --> 00:02:21.699 the farm, his parents started way back in 61. 00:02:22.759 --> 00:02:25.780 has this fantastic blend of, like, tradition 00:02:25.780 --> 00:02:28.840 and forward thinking. He earned his Dairy Science 00:02:28.840 --> 00:02:31.560 stripes at UW -Madison, spent a valuable year 00:02:31.560 --> 00:02:34.139 with Lando Lakes, and then brought that expertise 00:02:34.139 --> 00:02:36.340 back home. Right, that real -world perspective 00:02:36.340 --> 00:02:38.659 combined with the academic background. And let's 00:02:38.659 --> 00:02:40.800 not forget the global reach of their genetics. 00:02:41.280 --> 00:02:44.039 The Jenny Liu prefix is world -renowned, and 00:02:44.039 --> 00:02:46.719 Toy Story, well, that bull is just a legend. 00:02:46.900 --> 00:02:49.120 But yeah, Toy Story, 2 million units of semen 00:02:49.120 --> 00:02:51.819 sold. Insane. That kind of genetic influence 00:02:51.819 --> 00:02:54.139 doesn't happen by accident. It speaks to decades 00:02:54.139 --> 00:02:56.400 of smart decisions. Yeah. It really does. And 00:02:56.400 --> 00:02:58.919 for you listening, it highlights the long -term 00:02:58.919 --> 00:03:01.460 impact of a well -thought -out breeding program. 00:03:01.939 --> 00:03:03.900 What we're going to explore in this deep dive 00:03:03.900 --> 00:03:07.599 are those seemingly small but incredibly important 00:03:07.599 --> 00:03:11.599 100 little... Thanks. The fundamentals. Exactly. 00:03:11.719 --> 00:03:14.139 The fundamental principles, the specific approaches 00:03:14.139 --> 00:03:16.939 they take in everything from nutrition and breeding 00:03:16.939 --> 00:03:20.180 to cow comfort and even how they manage their 00:03:20.180 --> 00:03:23.099 team. Think of it as a practical blueprint built 00:03:23.099 --> 00:03:25.800 on meticulous attention to detail, something 00:03:25.800 --> 00:03:28.240 you can really sink your teeth into. OK, so let's 00:03:28.240 --> 00:03:30.819 get down to blast tax, starting with what Mitch 00:03:30.819 --> 00:03:32.960 himself says is the foundation of their success. 00:03:33.400 --> 00:03:36.039 The basics of cow comfort in a good environment. 00:03:36.120 --> 00:03:37.580 Now, that might sound pretty straightforward. 00:03:37.900 --> 00:03:40.000 It does sound simple. But as we all know, the 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:41.900 devil's in the details, right? The execution 00:03:41.900 --> 00:03:44.520 is where they really shine. Precisely. And when 00:03:44.520 --> 00:03:46.240 you look at their key performance indicators. 00:03:47.020 --> 00:03:49.759 The numbers really back up that focus on the 00:03:49.759 --> 00:03:52.199 fundamentals. They're currently averaging that 00:03:52.199 --> 00:03:55.560 impressive 125 pounds of energy -corrected milk. 00:03:55.699 --> 00:03:59.080 ECM. Yeah. Good clarification. Right. And for 00:03:59.080 --> 00:04:02.159 those maybe less familiar, ECM adjusts milk production 00:04:02.159 --> 00:04:05.000 for fat and protein content, giving a more accurate 00:04:05.000 --> 00:04:07.819 picture of overall milk value. Their goal is 00:04:07.819 --> 00:04:10.719 even higher, though, aiming for 130 pounds. Wow. 00:04:10.919 --> 00:04:13.780 Their combined fat and protein is a robust 8 00:04:13.780 --> 00:04:17.230 .4 pounds, with a target of reaching 9 .0. Nine 00:04:17.230 --> 00:04:19.810 towns of components. Yep. Even their component 00:04:19.810 --> 00:04:22.689 percentages are top -notch, sitting at 4 .5 % 00:04:22.689 --> 00:04:25.949 fat and 3 .4 % protein. And you get this, their 00:04:25.949 --> 00:04:29.129 mature cows, you know, third lactation and beyond, 00:04:29.329 --> 00:04:32.430 are peaking at an average of 152 pounds of milk. 00:04:33.370 --> 00:04:36.670 152 peak? That's massive. It is. And their feed 00:04:36.670 --> 00:04:40.050 efficiency at 1 .90 pounds of ECM per pound of 00:04:40.050 --> 00:04:42.389 dry matter is also just a clear indicator of 00:04:42.389 --> 00:04:44.470 a highly efficient operation. Okay, let's dive 00:04:44.470 --> 00:04:46.370 into the physical setup then, starting with their 00:04:46.370 --> 00:04:48.850 barn. It's a six -row setup, and they're actually 00:04:48.850 --> 00:04:52.069 stocking it at 120 % for stalls and a whopping 00:04:52.069 --> 00:04:55.490 150 % for headlocks. Right. Now, for some, that 00:04:55.490 --> 00:04:57.430 higher stocking density, especially at the headlocks, 00:04:57.509 --> 00:04:59.949 might raise a few eyebrows. It might, yeah, but 00:04:59.949 --> 00:05:01.389 there's definitely a strategic reason behind 00:05:01.389 --> 00:05:03.850 it. What's the thinking there? Well, that higher 00:05:03.850 --> 00:05:06.589 stocking density at the feed bunk, the 150%, 00:05:06.589 --> 00:05:09.910 ensures that basically all cows have easy access 00:05:09.910 --> 00:05:12.759 to feed whenever they choose to eat. It minimizes 00:05:12.759 --> 00:05:15.500 competition, reduces stress around feeding time. 00:05:15.680 --> 00:05:18.660 Makes sense. Constant access. Exactly. But the 00:05:18.660 --> 00:05:21.879 120 % for stalls is particularly insightful when 00:05:21.879 --> 00:05:24.779 you consider Mitch's design philosophy. He specifically 00:05:24.779 --> 00:05:27.439 designed the stalls to properly fit older cows. 00:05:28.000 --> 00:05:30.600 Ah, okay. Not just the average cow, but the bigger, 00:05:30.620 --> 00:05:32.879 mature ones. Precisely. This might seem like 00:05:32.879 --> 00:05:35.220 a small detail, but as he pointed out, and this 00:05:35.220 --> 00:05:37.560 is a key insight for you listening, when we fix 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:40.040 this, we added a lot of productive life to our 00:05:40.040 --> 00:05:42.430 herd. So by making those senior cows more comfortable, 00:05:42.629 --> 00:05:44.370 they're keeping those valuable high -producing 00:05:44.370 --> 00:05:46.629 animals in the milking string longer. Exactly. 00:05:46.629 --> 00:05:49.110 It's all about maximizing longevity and getting 00:05:49.110 --> 00:05:51.490 more lactations out of those good cows. That's 00:05:51.490 --> 00:05:54.029 a fantastic point. It really highlights how seemingly 00:05:54.029 --> 00:05:57.230 minor design choices can have a huge ripple effect 00:05:57.230 --> 00:06:00.129 on the bottom line. So many operations, like 00:06:00.129 --> 00:06:02.089 Mitch mentioned, might inadvertently contribute 00:06:02.089 --> 00:06:04.569 to a higher cull rate just through facility design. 00:06:04.949 --> 00:06:07.589 Right. Maybe stalls are too small or the neck 00:06:07.589 --> 00:06:10.519 rail is wrong for the bigger cows. Yeah. But 00:06:10.519 --> 00:06:13.279 by prioritizing comfort for cows of all ages, 00:06:13.459 --> 00:06:15.899 they're really maximizing their investment in 00:06:15.899 --> 00:06:19.420 each animal. And speaking of culling, their approach 00:06:19.420 --> 00:06:22.019 there is also very intentional, isn't it? Yes, 00:06:22.040 --> 00:06:25.439 very much so. They have a clear focus on shifting 00:06:25.439 --> 00:06:28.360 away from involuntary culls. You know, the cows 00:06:28.360 --> 00:06:31.899 lost due to illness or injury towards more voluntary 00:06:31.899 --> 00:06:34.420 culls. Giving them more control. Much more control 00:06:34.420 --> 00:06:37.550 over their herd turnover. As Mitch put it, the 00:06:37.550 --> 00:06:40.410 art is selling the cow when she is at maximum 00:06:40.410 --> 00:06:43.050 value before she loses cull value and doesn't 00:06:43.050 --> 00:06:44.990 give enough milk to pay her way. That's a fine 00:06:44.990 --> 00:06:47.350 line to walk. It is. It's a proactive strategy. 00:06:47.709 --> 00:06:49.629 Requires a deep understanding of your animals, 00:06:49.730 --> 00:06:52.509 the market. A real combination of data analysis 00:06:52.509 --> 00:06:55.829 and just, you know, experienced intuition. Cow 00:06:55.829 --> 00:06:58.069 sense. It's that forward thinking approach again. 00:06:58.110 --> 00:07:00.629 It seems to be a common thread. Now let's talk 00:07:00.629 --> 00:07:02.629 about what's fueling those high production numbers. 00:07:02.730 --> 00:07:04.769 What are these comfortable cows actually eating? 00:07:04.850 --> 00:07:07.970 Because 125 pounds of ECM doesn't just magically 00:07:07.970 --> 00:07:10.089 appear. You're absolutely right. No magic there. 00:07:10.209 --> 00:07:12.470 Their nutritional program is built on a foundation 00:07:12.470 --> 00:07:15.589 of high quality forage. It's a 70 -30 mix of 00:07:15.589 --> 00:07:19.050 corn silage and low lignin alfalfa, specifically 00:07:19.050 --> 00:07:22.069 the Harvester variety. Okay, 70 -30 forage to 00:07:22.069 --> 00:07:24.410 concentrate. That's pretty high forage. It is, 00:07:24.410 --> 00:07:26.470 yeah. Emphasizing rumen health and efficiency. 00:07:27.100 --> 00:07:29.160 And the corn silage they're using isn't just 00:07:29.160 --> 00:07:31.500 a single variety. No, they're employing a three 00:07:31.500 --> 00:07:35.300 -way blend of brown midrib, BMR, and conventional 00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:38.000 corn silage hybrids. Interesting. What's the 00:07:38.000 --> 00:07:39.980 rationale behind that combination? Why not just 00:07:39.980 --> 00:07:42.720 go all BMR or all conventional? Well, Mitch explained 00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:45.500 that this blend leads to very consistent silage 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:48.040 quality year over year, and it helps create smoother 00:07:48.040 --> 00:07:50.060 transitions when they switch between different 00:07:50.060 --> 00:07:52.819 feedstuffs or bunkers. Ah, buffering variability. 00:07:53.100 --> 00:07:56.300 Exactly. By combining the highly digestible BMR 00:07:56.300 --> 00:07:59.939 varieties with the perhaps more robust yield 00:07:59.939 --> 00:08:02.339 and consistency of conventional hybrids, they're 00:08:02.339 --> 00:08:05.259 aiming for both excellent nutritional value and... 00:08:05.610 --> 00:08:08.089 a stable feed supply so for your operation the 00:08:08.089 --> 00:08:10.410 key insight here might be to think about how 00:08:10.410 --> 00:08:13.050 you can ensure greater consistency and resilience 00:08:13.050 --> 00:08:15.790 in your forage program maybe through similar 00:08:15.790 --> 00:08:17.910 blending strategies that makes perfect sense 00:08:17.910 --> 00:08:20.209 it's like hedging your bets for consistent quality 00:08:20.209 --> 00:08:22.829 and digestibility and their nutritionist has 00:08:22.829 --> 00:08:24.870 made an interesting observation about the capacity 00:08:24.870 --> 00:08:27.949 of their cows hasn't she exactly she's noted 00:08:27.949 --> 00:08:31.009 that the mystic valley cows seem to have a greater 00:08:31.009 --> 00:08:35.100 capacity to consume dry matter more Intake potential. 00:08:35.440 --> 00:08:38.080 Right. This isn't just about physical size. It's 00:08:38.080 --> 00:08:41.620 about their ability to just eat more and maintain 00:08:41.620 --> 00:08:44.299 high levels of production, even when there are 00:08:44.299 --> 00:08:47.139 minor fluctuations in forage quality. Which probably 00:08:47.139 --> 00:08:49.720 ties back to genetics then. Most likely, yeah. 00:08:49.899 --> 00:08:52.220 A result of their long -term genetic selection. 00:08:52.720 --> 00:08:54.740 Breeding for cows that are efficient at converting 00:08:54.740 --> 00:08:57.500 feed into milk and have that drive to eat. Which 00:08:57.500 --> 00:09:00.059 directly ties back to that impressive feed efficiency 00:09:00.059 --> 00:09:04.539 target of 1 .90 pounds of ECM per pound of dry 00:09:04.539 --> 00:09:06.659 matter. That really underscores how effectively 00:09:06.659 --> 00:09:08.980 they're turning feed into milk components. It 00:09:08.980 --> 00:09:11.639 really does. And it's not just about what goes 00:09:11.639 --> 00:09:14.080 into the cows. They're also very efficient with 00:09:14.080 --> 00:09:16.360 what comes out, meaning the refusals, right? 00:09:16.539 --> 00:09:19.139 Absolutely. Their target for feed refusals is 00:09:19.139 --> 00:09:23.000 tiny, just 2 -3%. And even that small amount 00:09:23.000 --> 00:09:25.059 isn't wasted. What do they do with it? It's fed 00:09:25.059 --> 00:09:27.299 to their dry cows and heifers. So it demonstrates 00:09:27.299 --> 00:09:29.539 a really smart and resource -efficient approach 00:09:29.539 --> 00:09:33.440 to feed management. Nothing goes to waste. Okay, 00:09:33.519 --> 00:09:36.460 so we've got comfortable, well -fed cows. Now 00:09:36.460 --> 00:09:38.059 let's look at the daily rhythm at Mystic Valley. 00:09:38.620 --> 00:09:41.159 How do they maintain this level of consistent 00:09:41.159 --> 00:09:44.259 production day after day? Routine must be key. 00:09:44.600 --> 00:09:47.080 Routine is absolutely critical. They milk three 00:09:47.080 --> 00:09:50.419 times a day. 3x milking. And Mitch is very deliberate 00:09:50.419 --> 00:09:52.559 about minimizing the amount of time cows spend 00:09:52.559 --> 00:09:54.639 away from their pens. Keeping them in their comfort 00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:57.679 zone. Exactly. Lockup times are kept short. His 00:09:57.679 --> 00:09:59.639 reasoning is straightforward. Every minute a 00:09:59.639 --> 00:10:02.399 cow isn't resting, ruminating, or eating is potentially 00:10:02.399 --> 00:10:04.960 a minute her productivity could suffer. It's 00:10:04.960 --> 00:10:07.519 all about maximizing those key activities. That 00:10:07.519 --> 00:10:09.539 aligns perfectly with what we know about cow 00:10:09.539 --> 00:10:12.159 behavior and productivity. Time budgets are crucial. 00:10:12.649 --> 00:10:15.149 And they're also strategically using technology 00:10:15.149 --> 00:10:17.909 to maintain that consistency in their daily operations, 00:10:18.049 --> 00:10:20.690 aren't they? Yes, definitely. They utilize the 00:10:20.690 --> 00:10:23.750 TAP feed system for precise and consistent diet 00:10:23.750 --> 00:10:26.730 delivery, making sure every cow gets the correct 00:10:26.730 --> 00:10:29.210 ration every time. So consistency in feeding. 00:10:29.370 --> 00:10:32.210 Got it. And beyond that, they've integrated activity 00:10:32.210 --> 00:10:34.929 and rumination sensors. Now, this isn't about 00:10:34.929 --> 00:10:37.389 replacing the keen eye of the farm team. I'm 00:10:37.389 --> 00:10:40.220 venting it. Exactly. Enhancing it. These sensors 00:10:40.220 --> 00:10:43.360 can detect subtle changes in behavior, less activity, 00:10:43.659 --> 00:10:46.399 lower rumination that might indicate a cow isn't 00:10:46.399 --> 00:10:48.960 feeling quite right, allowing for timely intervention. 00:10:49.340 --> 00:10:51.600 It's like giving the farm team superpowers, catching 00:10:51.600 --> 00:10:54.259 potential issues, maybe hours or even a day before 00:10:54.259 --> 00:10:56.460 you'd see obvious clinical signs. Precisely. 00:10:56.460 --> 00:10:59.299 An early warning system. Okay. Makes sense. Now 00:10:59.299 --> 00:11:01.179 let's switch gears and talk about the genetics 00:11:01.179 --> 00:11:03.820 that underpin this high -performing herd. Mystic 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:05.759 Valley has built a strong reputation for the 00:11:05.759 --> 00:11:08.000 quality of their animals. What's their overarching 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:10.220 breeding philosophy? Their approach is really 00:11:10.220 --> 00:11:13.039 centered on balance. They aren't chasing extreme 00:11:13.039 --> 00:11:16.779 traits in one specific area, you know, at the 00:11:16.779 --> 00:11:19.379 expense of overall functionality and longevity. 00:11:19.740 --> 00:11:22.320 Not just index numbers, but the actual cow. Right. 00:11:22.700 --> 00:11:24.679 Confirmation, particularly in their older cows, 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:27.539 remains very important to them. This contributes 00:11:27.539 --> 00:11:30.039 significantly to the long and productive lifespans 00:11:30.039 --> 00:11:32.320 they achieve, which we touched on earlier with 00:11:32.320 --> 00:11:34.519 the stall design. And when it comes to selecting 00:11:34.519 --> 00:11:36.799 bulls, what are the key traits they prioritize? 00:11:37.679 --> 00:11:39.659 Components must be high on the list, given their 00:11:39.659 --> 00:11:41.659 production. Oh, yeah. They live for bulls with 00:11:41.659 --> 00:11:45.639 high combined fat and protein, CFP. But Mitch 00:11:45.639 --> 00:11:48.019 emphasizes the importance of a balanced contribution 00:11:48.019 --> 00:11:51.360 from both components. Why balanced? Well, given 00:11:51.360 --> 00:11:54.139 the fluctuations we see in milk pricing, being 00:11:54.139 --> 00:11:57.000 strong in both fat and protein provides more 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:58.720 economic stability. You're not putting all your 00:11:58.720 --> 00:12:01.000 eggs in one basket, so to speak. Good point. 00:12:01.360 --> 00:12:03.360 protects against market swings. What about other 00:12:03.360 --> 00:12:05.919 traits? They also place a significant emphasis 00:12:05.919 --> 00:12:08.519 on secondary traits that contribute to a more 00:12:08.519 --> 00:12:10.799 resilient and profitable herd in the long run. 00:12:10.899 --> 00:12:14.200 Things like mastitis resistance, fertility, and 00:12:14.200 --> 00:12:17.559 overall livability. the health traits. Building 00:12:17.559 --> 00:12:19.860 a cow that lasts and stays out of the hospital 00:12:19.860 --> 00:12:22.039 pen. Exactly. They've also developed some really 00:12:22.039 --> 00:12:24.639 impressive daughter groups from a few key sires 00:12:24.639 --> 00:12:26.539 over the years. Can you tell us a bit about some 00:12:26.539 --> 00:12:28.620 of those influential bulls? Absolutely. They 00:12:28.620 --> 00:12:32.259 currently have around 65 milking daughters from 00:12:32.259 --> 00:12:34.179 Parfect, which is a significant group. Yeah, 00:12:34.179 --> 00:12:37.179 65 is a lot. They're about 40 from Conway, another 00:12:37.179 --> 00:12:39.779 40 from Sheepster, who's a trooper son, and around 00:12:39.779 --> 00:12:42.500 30 from Gameday. So some real sire power there. 00:12:42.960 --> 00:12:45.340 Definitely. And they still see the lasting influence 00:12:45.340 --> 00:12:48.120 of their foundation sire, Renegade, throughout 00:12:48.120 --> 00:12:50.980 the herd. Their primary source of genetics now 00:12:50.980 --> 00:12:54.000 is through X -Gen bulls from select sires, focusing 00:12:54.000 --> 00:12:57.220 on high total performance index, TPI sires. Sticking 00:12:57.220 --> 00:12:59.799 with select sires mostly then. Primarily, yeah. 00:13:00.299 --> 00:13:03.299 Especially those X -Gen bulls, which represent 00:13:03.299 --> 00:13:07.419 the top genomic young sires. And their longstanding 00:13:07.419 --> 00:13:09.820 collaboration with Kevin Jorgensen from Select 00:13:09.820 --> 00:13:12.279 Sires seems to be a really crucial element in 00:13:12.279 --> 00:13:15.240 their breeding success. How so? Well, Mitch credits 00:13:15.240 --> 00:13:17.320 Kevin as being instrumental in guiding their 00:13:17.320 --> 00:13:20.320 sire selections for many, many years. But their 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:23.639 partnership goes even deeper. They actually co 00:13:23.639 --> 00:13:26.179 -own several cows together. Interesting. So it's 00:13:26.179 --> 00:13:28.259 a real partnership. It really solidifies their 00:13:28.259 --> 00:13:30.279 collaborative approach to making breeding decisions. 00:13:31.100 --> 00:13:34.000 Kevin's expertise and his understanding of the 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:37.000 market value of their specific genetics are invaluable 00:13:37.000 --> 00:13:39.820 assets to Mystic Valley, both for breeding and 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:42.100 marketing, which we can touch on later. Yeah, 00:13:42.220 --> 00:13:44.259 good point. It's interesting to hear about their 00:13:44.259 --> 00:13:46.799 continued focus on building significant daughter 00:13:46.799 --> 00:13:49.559 groups, even in this genomic era where sire turnover 00:13:49.559 --> 00:13:52.460 can be so rapid. It is. Mitch mentioned that 00:13:52.460 --> 00:13:54.879 in the pre -genomic era, their goal was often 00:13:54.879 --> 00:13:57.620 to get around 50 daughters from bulls they really 00:13:57.620 --> 00:14:00.870 liked. Right. Build that proof. Yeah. While that's 00:14:00.870 --> 00:14:02.870 more challenging with the faster pace of genomic 00:14:02.870 --> 00:14:05.669 sires today, they are excited about the substantial 00:14:05.669 --> 00:14:07.990 daughter groups they've developed from bulls 00:14:07.990 --> 00:14:10.950 like Parfect and Conway. It allows them to really 00:14:10.950 --> 00:14:13.309 observe and understand the impact of those specific 00:14:13.309 --> 00:14:15.429 genetics within their own management system. 00:14:15.629 --> 00:14:17.990 Seeing how they actually perform on their farm. 00:14:18.169 --> 00:14:20.269 Exactly. And the results speak for themselves. 00:14:20.389 --> 00:14:24.909 A remarkable mannet. 115 cows in their current 00:14:24.909 --> 00:14:28.789 herd have surpassed 150 ,000 pounds of lifetime 00:14:28.789 --> 00:14:33.759 milk production. Wow, 115 cows over 150K. That's 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:35.980 a testament to consistent management and smart 00:14:35.980 --> 00:14:38.879 breeding for longevity. It absolutely is. As 00:14:38.879 --> 00:14:40.440 Mitch pointed out, it typically takes at least 00:14:40.440 --> 00:14:42.799 five lactations for a cow to reach that milestone, 00:14:43.080 --> 00:14:45.460 which is well beyond the industry average. Way 00:14:45.460 --> 00:14:47.779 beyond. That kind of longevity is a direct result 00:14:47.779 --> 00:14:50.700 of their unwavering focus on cow comfort, proactive 00:14:50.700 --> 00:14:52.940 health management, and that balanced breeding 00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:55.580 philosophy we discussed, keeping cows happy and 00:14:55.580 --> 00:14:58.539 healthy for longer. Now, let's delve into a phase 00:14:58.539 --> 00:15:00.860 of the production cycle that is absolutely critical 00:15:00.860 --> 00:15:03.460 for setting the stage for a successful lactation. 00:15:03.879 --> 00:15:07.659 The fresh cow period. Mystic Valley has a very 00:15:07.659 --> 00:15:10.139 detailed, almost scientific approach here. You're 00:15:10.139 --> 00:15:13.419 spot on. Mitch considers transition cow management 00:15:13.419 --> 00:15:16.600 to be one of, if not the most, underrated aspects 00:15:16.600 --> 00:15:19.399 of achieving consistent success on a dairy. I 00:15:19.399 --> 00:15:21.419 can see that. Get the transition right and the 00:15:21.419 --> 00:15:23.740 whole lactation goes better. Precisely. They 00:15:23.740 --> 00:15:25.840 have a comprehensive seven -step protocol that 00:15:25.840 --> 00:15:29.120 begins even before the cow calves. Very systematic. 00:15:29.559 --> 00:15:31.360 Okay, walk us through that protocol. What are 00:15:31.360 --> 00:15:33.600 some of the key steps? Well, it starts pre -calving, 00:15:33.659 --> 00:15:35.860 where they pay close attention to the anion -cation 00:15:35.860 --> 00:15:38.019 balance and the diet decat management, basically. 00:15:38.240 --> 00:15:40.500 Right, managing mineral balance to prevent milk 00:15:40.500 --> 00:15:43.480 fever. Exactly. And they even monitor urine pH 00:15:43.480 --> 00:15:45.440 to ensure the cows are metabolically prepared 00:15:45.440 --> 00:15:48.179 for calving. Then at calving, they emphasize 00:15:48.179 --> 00:15:50.799 moving cows to the calving area just in time, 00:15:50.919 --> 00:15:54.279 minimizing stress. Not too early. Right. Immediately 00:15:54.279 --> 00:15:57.379 after calving, each cow receives a five -gallon 00:15:57.379 --> 00:15:59.600 drench of warm water fortified with calcium. 00:15:59.940 --> 00:16:02.320 Rehydrating and giving calcium right away. Yep. 00:16:02.379 --> 00:16:05.360 The following morning, they administer a bovocalc 00:16:05.360 --> 00:16:08.639 bolus for more sustained calcium. And throughout 00:16:08.639 --> 00:16:11.870 the entire transition period, they give... A 00:16:11.870 --> 00:16:14.110 K -vital bolus. Another bolus. What's the focus 00:16:14.110 --> 00:16:16.549 of that one? They find the K -vital is particularly 00:16:16.549 --> 00:16:19.929 effective at stimulating rumination, getting 00:16:19.929 --> 00:16:22.929 that rumen moving again quickly. Ah, okay. Rumen 00:16:22.929 --> 00:16:25.350 health focus. And of course, they utilize those 00:16:25.350 --> 00:16:28.070 activity sensors we mentioned to closely monitor 00:16:28.070 --> 00:16:31.309 fresh cows for any early signs of health issues. 00:16:31.529 --> 00:16:33.909 Plus, they have specific intervention protocols 00:16:33.909 --> 00:16:37.179 ready if needed. Like what? Things like BHBA 00:16:37.179 --> 00:16:39.679 checks, which measure ketones in the blood as 00:16:39.679 --> 00:16:42.700 an indicator of energy imbalance, maybe offering 00:16:42.700 --> 00:16:45.379 a palatable alfalfa meal mix to entice eating, 00:16:45.539 --> 00:16:48.720 or administering rumistart boluses if needed. 00:16:48.840 --> 00:16:50.980 So multiple tools in the tool docs, depending 00:16:50.980 --> 00:16:53.019 on what the cow needs. Exactly. It's proactive 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:55.539 and tailored. That K -vital bolus seems to be 00:16:55.539 --> 00:16:57.899 a relatively recent and important addition to 00:16:57.899 --> 00:16:59.600 their strategy, you said. Yeah, Mitch mentioned 00:16:59.600 --> 00:17:01.600 they recently made the switch. They found it 00:17:01.600 --> 00:17:04.539 to be not only less expensive, but also highly 00:17:04.539 --> 00:17:07.000 effective at getting rumination established quickly 00:17:07.000 --> 00:17:10.319 in those critical early days post -calving. Interesting. 00:17:10.420 --> 00:17:12.480 So they're still tweaking, still looking for 00:17:12.480 --> 00:17:14.880 improvements. Absolutely. It's a perfect illustration 00:17:14.880 --> 00:17:16.980 of their commitment to continuous improvement, 00:17:17.180 --> 00:17:19.720 always seeking ways to optimize their protocols. 00:17:20.079 --> 00:17:23.059 And the results are clear that average peak milk 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:26.740 of 152 pounds for their mature cows. Yeah, that's 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:29.200 about 50 % higher than average, isn't it? Right 00:17:29.200 --> 00:17:31.119 around there, yeah. Yeah. It really indicates 00:17:31.119 --> 00:17:33.599 they are setting these cows up for success right 00:17:33.599 --> 00:17:35.920 from the start, thanks to that intensive fresh 00:17:35.920 --> 00:17:38.609 cow care. It's clear they leave very little to 00:17:38.609 --> 00:17:41.069 chance, especially during that vulnerable transition 00:17:41.069 --> 00:17:44.069 period. Now, running a high -performing operation 00:17:44.069 --> 00:17:46.890 like Mystic Valley obviously requires a dedicated 00:17:46.890 --> 00:17:50.369 and skilled team. What's their philosophy when 00:17:50.369 --> 00:17:52.750 it comes to managing their people? Well, they 00:17:52.750 --> 00:17:55.710 operate with a relatively lean but highly effective 00:17:55.710 --> 00:17:58.470 team. It's eight full -time staff members, including 00:17:58.470 --> 00:18:01.369 Mitch himself, and one part -time employee who 00:18:01.369 --> 00:18:04.289 handles feeding. So, fairly efficient staffing 00:18:04.289 --> 00:18:06.950 for a herd that size and production level. Very. 00:18:07.289 --> 00:18:11.190 Mitch's leadership style seems built on several 00:18:11.190 --> 00:18:14.250 key principles. Thorough training, empowering 00:18:14.250 --> 00:18:16.210 individuals to take ownership of their roles, 00:18:16.410 --> 00:18:19.069 clearly communicating what is valued and expected, 00:18:19.470 --> 00:18:21.529 and providing consistent coaching and support. 00:18:22.029 --> 00:18:24.630 So setting clear expectations and giving people 00:18:24.630 --> 00:18:26.769 the tools and trust to meet them. Pretty much, 00:18:26.890 --> 00:18:28.970 yeah. And they seem to have been quite successful 00:18:28.970 --> 00:18:31.130 at retaining their staff, which, as we know, 00:18:31.250 --> 00:18:33.450 is a huge challenge for many dairy operations 00:18:33.450 --> 00:18:35.789 these days. Huge challenge. What do you think 00:18:35.789 --> 00:18:38.250 contributes to that stability at Mystic Valley? 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:41.839 Mitch credits their success in maintaining consistent 00:18:41.839 --> 00:18:44.940 staffing, primarily to a culture of mutual respect, 00:18:45.220 --> 00:18:47.960 having those clearly defined expectations we 00:18:47.960 --> 00:18:50.420 just talked about, and his own willingness to 00:18:50.420 --> 00:18:52.539 work right alongside his employees. Leading from 00:18:52.539 --> 00:18:55.119 the front, basically. Yeah, he believes in leading 00:18:55.119 --> 00:18:58.000 by example, demonstrating that he's not asking 00:18:58.000 --> 00:18:59.720 his team to do anything he wouldn't do himself, 00:18:59.960 --> 00:19:02.359 that kind of environment. It fosters loyalty, 00:19:02.599 --> 00:19:05.039 dedication, and ultimately stability within the 00:19:05.039 --> 00:19:07.509 workforce. It's a powerful reminder that even 00:19:07.509 --> 00:19:10.769 in this increasingly tech -driven industry, the 00:19:10.769 --> 00:19:14.190 human element, that team dynamic, remains absolutely 00:19:14.190 --> 00:19:16.630 crucial for success. Couldn't agree more. Now, 00:19:16.650 --> 00:19:18.529 Mystic Valley isn't just focused on producing 00:19:18.529 --> 00:19:20.990 milk. They've also built a successful business 00:19:20.990 --> 00:19:23.569 marketing their high -quality genetics through 00:19:23.569 --> 00:19:27.430 annual cattle sales. That's right. The sale of 00:19:27.430 --> 00:19:30.750 approximately 140 young milking cows each year 00:19:31.339 --> 00:19:33.480 primarily first and second lactation animals 00:19:33.480 --> 00:19:36.759 that are, say, 15 to 60 days fresh, provides 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:39.619 a really significant and valuable secondary revenue 00:19:39.619 --> 00:19:42.640 stream for the farm. 140 head is a decent number. 00:19:42.819 --> 00:19:44.859 It is. It's a testament to the demand for their 00:19:44.859 --> 00:19:47.119 genetics and their management practices. People 00:19:47.119 --> 00:19:49.640 want those cows. And their collaboration with 00:19:49.640 --> 00:19:52.059 Kevin Jorgensen extends to this aspect of their 00:19:52.059 --> 00:19:53.720 business as well, doesn't it? You mentioned his 00:19:53.720 --> 00:19:56.220 market knowledge. Absolutely. Mitch emphasizes 00:19:56.220 --> 00:19:58.400 that their success in marketing their cattle 00:19:58.400 --> 00:20:00.779 wouldn't be the same without Kevin's active involvement. 00:20:01.039 --> 00:20:03.700 He plays a key role in connecting them with potential 00:20:03.700 --> 00:20:06.619 buyers, leveraging his extensive industry network. 00:20:06.720 --> 00:20:09.130 He knows everyone. Pretty much. And he has a 00:20:09.130 --> 00:20:12.069 deep understanding of the market value of Mystic 00:20:12.069 --> 00:20:15.450 Valley's specific genetic lines. He knows what 00:20:15.450 --> 00:20:18.009 they're worth. What's Mitch's overall philosophy 00:20:18.009 --> 00:20:20.509 when it comes to selecting and selling these 00:20:20.509 --> 00:20:22.910 animals? Is he just selling the bottom end? No, 00:20:22.910 --> 00:20:25.430 not at all. His guiding principle is to only 00:20:25.430 --> 00:20:28.029 sell cows that he himself would be happy to milk. 00:20:28.269 --> 00:20:31.589 Ah, quality control. Right. Ensuring they are 00:20:31.589 --> 00:20:34.690 of consistently high quality. Their selling approach 00:20:34.690 --> 00:20:37.609 is also quite strategic. Currently, they typically 00:20:37.609 --> 00:20:41.210 offer buyers a selection, a choice from a larger 00:20:41.210 --> 00:20:43.950 group of animals, all at a predetermined price. 00:20:44.329 --> 00:20:46.410 Interesting. So the buyer gets some choice within 00:20:46.410 --> 00:20:49.289 a price point. Exactly. And Mitch believes it's 00:20:49.289 --> 00:20:51.390 essential to have a strong understanding of the 00:20:51.390 --> 00:20:53.509 current market conditions and to price their 00:20:53.509 --> 00:20:56.190 animals accordingly. Know your market. Makes 00:20:56.190 --> 00:20:59.410 sense. And the recent... Big increase in beef 00:20:59.410 --> 00:21:01.809 on dairy breeding across the industry has likely 00:21:01.809 --> 00:21:04.230 had a significant and positive impact on the 00:21:04.230 --> 00:21:06.130 market for their high -quality dairy heifers, 00:21:06.210 --> 00:21:08.190 hasn't it? Oh, it's been a very significant factor 00:21:08.190 --> 00:21:10.990 for them. A huge benefit, really. Well, the reduction 00:21:10.990 --> 00:21:13.509 in the overall supply of dairy heifers, because 00:21:13.509 --> 00:21:16.349 so many farms are using beef semen now, has really 00:21:16.349 --> 00:21:19.630 driven up demand and, consequently, the prices 00:21:19.630 --> 00:21:22.430 for top -tier dairy replacements. Supply and 00:21:22.430 --> 00:21:25.349 demand. Exactly. It's created a very favorable 00:21:25.349 --> 00:21:28.680 market for Mystic Valley's surplus animals. It's 00:21:28.680 --> 00:21:31.140 a great example of how adapting, or at least 00:21:31.140 --> 00:21:34.079 being aware of industry trends, can create new 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:36.380 opportunities, even if they weren't the ones 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:39.240 driving the trend initially. It certainly is, 00:21:39.380 --> 00:21:41.460 and it highlights the importance of having a 00:21:41.460 --> 00:21:44.140 quality product that is in demand, regardless 00:21:44.140 --> 00:21:46.880 of broader market shifts. Of course, no dairy 00:21:46.880 --> 00:21:49.619 operation, no matter how successful, is immune 00:21:49.619 --> 00:21:52.740 to challenges. What are some of the major headwinds 00:21:52.740 --> 00:21:54.900 that Mystic Valley currently faces? Yeah, Mitch 00:21:54.900 --> 00:21:57.279 identified labor finding and keeping good help. 00:21:57.579 --> 00:22:00.140 and the ongoing pressure of inflation as the 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:02.079 two most significant hurdles they're navigating 00:22:02.079 --> 00:22:04.619 right now. Pretty common issues across the board, 00:22:04.640 --> 00:22:06.400 unfortunately. Yeah, tell me about it. So what's 00:22:06.400 --> 00:22:08.119 their strategy for dealing with those rising 00:22:08.119 --> 00:22:10.619 costs? Just tighten the belt. Not necessarily 00:22:10.619 --> 00:22:14.140 just cutting costs, no. Their primary strategy 00:22:14.140 --> 00:22:16.559 is actually to focus on improving their profit 00:22:16.559 --> 00:22:20.170 margin through... Better output, increased efficiency, 00:22:20.549 --> 00:22:23.250 higher production, better components, rather 00:22:23.250 --> 00:22:25.869 than simply trying to cut expenses, which could 00:22:25.869 --> 00:22:27.869 potentially compromise their productivity in 00:22:27.869 --> 00:22:29.950 the long run. Focus on the revenue side of the 00:22:29.950 --> 00:22:32.609 margin equation. Exactly. Getting more out of 00:22:32.609 --> 00:22:34.750 what they have. And those cattle sales likely 00:22:34.750 --> 00:22:37.410 provide a crucial financial buffer in times of 00:22:37.410 --> 00:22:39.230 tight milk margins, don't they? Oh, absolutely. 00:22:39.650 --> 00:22:42.809 The ability to effectively market and sell their 00:22:42.809 --> 00:22:45.569 surplus cattle provides a vital financial safety 00:22:45.569 --> 00:22:47.849 net. It allows them to generate additional revenue 00:22:47.849 --> 00:22:50.529 during periods when milk prices might be less 00:22:50.529 --> 00:22:53.210 favorable. Gives them flexibility. That makes 00:22:53.210 --> 00:22:55.710 a lot of sense. Mitch was also very open about 00:22:55.710 --> 00:22:57.569 the topic of succession planning, describing 00:22:57.569 --> 00:22:59.529 it, I think you said, as their biggest weakness 00:22:59.529 --> 00:23:02.009 at the moment. Yes, he was quite candid about 00:23:02.009 --> 00:23:05.630 that. He's taking a very thoughtful and non -pressured 00:23:05.630 --> 00:23:08.130 approach, though. How so? He's encouraging his 00:23:08.130 --> 00:23:10.630 children to first gain experience outside of 00:23:10.630 --> 00:23:13.829 the farm environment. Get jobs elsewhere. See 00:23:13.829 --> 00:23:16.240 different things. Bring back outside perspectives. 00:23:16.700 --> 00:23:19.140 That's the hope. Hoping that they will bring 00:23:19.140 --> 00:23:21.400 back diverse perspectives and skills if they 00:23:21.400 --> 00:23:23.279 ultimately choose to return to the operation. 00:23:23.660 --> 00:23:26.319 He really emphasized that he doesn't want them 00:23:26.319 --> 00:23:28.799 to feel obligated to come back unless they have 00:23:28.799 --> 00:23:31.339 a genuine passion for dairy farming. That's a 00:23:31.339 --> 00:23:34.200 really refreshing and frankly mature perspective 00:23:34.200 --> 00:23:36.920 on a topic that can be really challenging for 00:23:36.920 --> 00:23:39.660 many family farms. Left pressure, more passion. 00:23:39.819 --> 00:23:42.720 Agreed. Looking ahead, even with their current 00:23:42.720 --> 00:23:45.680 impressive performance, Mystic Valley isn't content 00:23:45.680 --> 00:23:48.680 to stand still. They've got future goals. What 00:23:48.680 --> 00:23:51.000 are they aiming for next? Well, their next ambitious 00:23:51.000 --> 00:23:53.799 goal is to reach an average of 9 pounds of combined 00:23:53.799 --> 00:23:57.039 fat and protein per cow daily. 9 pounds. Up from 00:23:57.039 --> 00:23:59.640 8 .4 now. Yep. And along with that, increasing 00:23:59.640 --> 00:24:02.720 their energy -corrected milk target to 130 pounds 00:24:02.720 --> 00:24:07.279 per day. Moving from 125 to 130 ECM. Still pushing. 00:24:07.440 --> 00:24:09.539 Still pushing. Yeah. They place a strong emphasis 00:24:09.539 --> 00:24:12.559 on ECM because, as we discussed earlier, it provides 00:24:12.559 --> 00:24:14.519 a more accurate measure of the economic value 00:24:14.519 --> 00:24:16.539 of their milk by counting for those valuable 00:24:16.539 --> 00:24:18.220 components. Yeah. It's a better reflection of 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:20.220 profitability than just pounds of mole. Right. 00:24:20.240 --> 00:24:22.559 Pays the bills better. And with their current 00:24:22.559 --> 00:24:25.900 component levels already so high, 4 .5 % fat 00:24:25.900 --> 00:24:28.900 and 3 .4 % protein reaching those new targets, 00:24:29.140 --> 00:24:32.400 especially the 9 -pound CFP, will be a significant 00:24:32.400 --> 00:24:35.599 achievement. What does Mitch see as the biggest 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:37.720 challenge in getting there? Mitch believes the 00:24:37.720 --> 00:24:40.059 primary hurdle will be meeting the substantial 00:24:40.059 --> 00:24:43.259 energy demands required to sustain that level 00:24:43.259 --> 00:24:45.119 of component production. Just getting enough 00:24:45.119 --> 00:24:47.819 energy into the cow. Exactly. Particularly in 00:24:47.819 --> 00:24:50.319 their first lactation animals. ensuring those 00:24:50.319 --> 00:24:53.099 younger cows have the capacity and the diet formulation 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:56.920 to consume enough high -quality feed to meet 00:24:56.920 --> 00:24:59.140 those energy needs without causing metabolic 00:24:59.140 --> 00:25:01.660 issues, that'll be the critical balancing act. 00:25:01.779 --> 00:25:03.319 It sounds like they're constantly pushing the 00:25:03.319 --> 00:25:05.519 boundaries of what's achievable in high -performance 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:08.019 dairy. So to bring it all together, what would 00:25:08.019 --> 00:25:10.640 you say is the core philosophy that truly drives 00:25:10.640 --> 00:25:12.940 Mystic Valley's consistent success? Is it one 00:25:12.940 --> 00:25:14.720 thing? You know, it really boils down to that 00:25:14.720 --> 00:25:16.619 central principle we started with, doing 100 00:25:16.619 --> 00:25:20.230 little things right. There's no single revolutionary 00:25:20.230 --> 00:25:23.309 secret weapon. No magic bullet. No magic bullet. 00:25:23.529 --> 00:25:26.109 Instead, it's the comprehensive and integrated 00:25:26.109 --> 00:25:28.829 system they've meticulously built over decades, 00:25:29.130 --> 00:25:31.970 where science -based management practices are 00:25:31.970 --> 00:25:35.329 consistently applied alongside careful and compassionate 00:25:35.329 --> 00:25:38.769 animal husbandry. Science and stockmanship. Exactly. 00:25:38.869 --> 00:25:41.970 With meticulous attention paid to every detail 00:25:41.970 --> 00:25:44.750 across all aspects of the operation. As Mitch 00:25:44.750 --> 00:25:47.069 simply put it, we just want to do things well. 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:49.920 And that dedication to excellence in the fundamentals 00:25:49.920 --> 00:25:52.960 day in and day out is what sets them apart. And 00:25:52.960 --> 00:25:54.980 that straightforward yet powerful philosophy 00:25:54.980 --> 00:25:57.559 has clearly led to remarkable results. Those 00:25:57.559 --> 00:25:59.440 impressive production numbers we keep mentioning, 00:25:59.599 --> 00:26:01.819 the high component levels, that low turnover 00:26:01.819 --> 00:26:04.329 rate. all within a sustainable operation that, 00:26:04.349 --> 00:26:06.849 frankly, serves as an inspiration for the wider 00:26:06.849 --> 00:26:09.650 dairy industry. Exactly. Mystic Valley isn't 00:26:09.650 --> 00:26:11.970 just a high -producing farm. It's a living example 00:26:11.970 --> 00:26:14.009 of the power of daily commitment to excellence. 00:26:14.269 --> 00:26:17.130 It's a relentless pursuit of continuous improvement 00:26:17.130 --> 00:26:19.710 in their practices and finding that crucial balance 00:26:19.710 --> 00:26:22.210 between leveraging scientific advancements and 00:26:22.210 --> 00:26:24.990 adhering to sound, time -tested principles of 00:26:24.990 --> 00:26:28.039 animal care. A blueprint, almost. It really is 00:26:28.039 --> 00:26:31.319 a blueprint for dairy success that's built on 00:26:31.319 --> 00:26:33.680 the consistent and diligent execution of the 00:26:33.680 --> 00:26:36.740 fundamentals. So as we wrap up this deep dive 00:26:36.740 --> 00:26:39.000 into the exceptional operation at Mystic Valley 00:26:39.000 --> 00:26:41.819 Dairy, the key takeaway really seems to be that 00:26:41.819 --> 00:26:44.119 the extraordinary success they've achieved isn't 00:26:44.119 --> 00:26:46.940 attributable to one single groundbreaking innovation. 00:26:47.019 --> 00:26:49.880 Not at all. Instead, it's built on the solid 00:26:49.880 --> 00:26:52.240 foundation of meticulous attention to detail 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:55.619 in every area, from ensuring optimal cow comfort 00:26:55.619 --> 00:26:58.660 and providing precisely balanced nutrition, to 00:26:58.660 --> 00:27:01.480 implementing a strategic breeding program, diligently 00:27:01.480 --> 00:27:04.660 managing fresh cows, and fostering a strong and 00:27:04.660 --> 00:27:07.720 engaged team. The whole package. It is. Mitch 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:10.059 Breunig's philosophy of consistently doing a 00:27:10.059 --> 00:27:12.319 hundred little things right truly shines through 00:27:12.319 --> 00:27:14.660 in every aspect of their farm. And for you, our 00:27:14.660 --> 00:27:16.599 listeners, it really prompts the question, doesn't 00:27:16.599 --> 00:27:19.460 it? Which of these seemingly little things might 00:27:19.460 --> 00:27:21.619 you be able to implement or perhaps further refine 00:27:21.619 --> 00:27:23.619 on your own dairy? Yeah what's one thing you 00:27:23.619 --> 00:27:26.599 could focus on? It really underscores the profound 00:27:26.599 --> 00:27:29.819 impact that a holistic and detail -oriented approach 00:27:29.819 --> 00:27:32.279 can have on achieving high levels of performance 00:27:32.279 --> 00:27:34.700 and sustainability in dairy farming. It certainly 00:27:34.700 --> 00:27:37.349 does. And it makes you think that perhaps the 00:27:37.349 --> 00:27:40.029 real key to reaching elite levels of dairy production 00:27:40.029 --> 00:27:43.210 isn't always about chasing the next big technological 00:27:43.210 --> 00:27:46.769 advancement, but maybe it's more about the unwavering, 00:27:46.769 --> 00:27:49.650 consistent, excellent execution of those fundamental 00:27:49.650 --> 00:27:52.630 best practices day in and day out. That consistency 00:27:52.630 --> 00:27:56.809 is so hard, but so crucial. It really is. Definitely 00:27:56.809 --> 00:27:59.599 something to consider. Absolutely. And we encourage 00:27:59.599 --> 00:28:01.660 you to head over to the Bullvine website, that's 00:28:01.660 --> 00:28:05.359 www .thebullvine .com, to share your own thoughts 00:28:05.359 --> 00:28:07.519 on Mystic Valley's impressive approach. Let us 00:28:07.519 --> 00:28:09.500 know what you think. Discuss which of these insights 00:28:09.500 --> 00:28:11.579 resonate most with you and your operation. And 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:13.740 hey, maybe even suggest other high -performing 00:28:13.740 --> 00:28:15.759 farms you'd like us to explore in future deep 00:28:15.759 --> 00:28:18.819 dives. We always value hearing from you and learning 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:21.119 from your experiences as well. And that's a wrap 00:28:21.119 --> 00:28:24.779 on today's episode of the Bullvine Podcast. Before 00:28:24.779 --> 00:28:26.900 I let you go, I want to thank you for tuning 00:28:26.900 --> 00:28:30.009 in. The dairy industry moves forward because 00:28:30.009 --> 00:28:32.750 of people like you who never stop learning and 00:28:32.750 --> 00:28:36.029 improving. If you enjoyed the show, take a second 00:28:36.029 --> 00:28:38.509 to subscribe so you never miss an episode and 00:28:38.509 --> 00:28:41.069 leave us a review to help other dairy folks find 00:28:41.069 --> 00:28:44.369 us. You can catch all our content at thebullvine 00:28:44.369 --> 00:28:48.089 .com or follow us on social media for daily updates. 00:28:48.549 --> 00:28:50.930 Until next time, when we'll bring you more of 00:28:50.930 --> 00:28:54.150 the conversations that matter in dairy. Keep 00:28:54.150 --> 00:28:57.029 those cows comfortable and those components high.