DFA Leader MagazineDFA Leader Magazine

The DFA Leader is the official magazine of the Cooperative, and has been published since January 1998. The Leader provides members with information about DFA and the dairy industry, along with features on members whose innovative ideas are worth emulating. The quarterly magazine is sent to all member farms in 48 states, DFA employees, milk haulers, legislators and industry leaders.

For subscription information, please contact Marjie Knust, 816-801-6680, or mknust@dfamilk.com. For advertising requests, call John Thornburgh at 248-360-6996 or email him at leaderads@dfamilk.com.

January 1, 2013

Calculated risk

One family’s decision to expand in 2009 pays off

Although Paul and Cindy Heins of Heins Family Farms in Higginsville, Mo., saw the passion their son Chris had for the family farm while growing up, they encouraged him to step away to see what else was out there.

“We told him, ‘Only come back to...

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January 1, 2013

Working as a team

Through open communication and motivation, producers have learned the techniques for successful employee retention

All employers know that reliable, dedicated employees can positively impact the bottom line. But for many dairy producers, retaining a legal and stable workforce is challenging in today’s complex and ever-changing industry.

For dairies to retain...

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January 1, 2013

Breeding a better cow

How cutting-edge technology has helped DFA members and others in the industry increase production, improve herd health and produce quality milk

Data has always been a staple in agriculture. Even the early farmers kept track of the weather, how much milk their cows gave and the health of their herd. Over the centuries, data’s role in dairying has increased exponentially, with the collection of...

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January 1, 2013

Tradition of success

With clear and common goals, the Munk family works together to ensure their dairy’s success for generations to come

At 87, Bob Munk may play a less active role on his family’s dairy than he did a few decades ago, but that doesn’t mean he’s out of the loop.

“My three sons make most of the decisions,” he says. “But I keep my hand on the checkbook.”

Bob...

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© 2013 Dairy Farmers of America