Post-Dip Method Lowers SCC For Empet Farms ANDY ANDREWS Lancaster Farming Staff KINGSLEY (Susquehanna Co.) In 1988, the somatic cell count (SCC) was 89,000. The SCC dropped the next year to 76,000. Then, in 1990, the count was the best ever 60,000 the lowest SCC for the 20-100 cow group in the state. Empet Farms, managed by Dale and Peggy Empet and family, owes a great deal of the recogni tion for the best SCC to a post-dip, dry treat method of managing the cows. After each milking, the cows’ teats are dipped into a solu tion to clean them and help prevent bacteria from entering the udder and causing mastitis. Empet Farms also dry treats with antibiotics to prevent masti tis, thus reducing the SCC and ena bling a better count. “Our cows aren’t stressed,” said Peggy Empet. ‘‘We don’t push them.” She and her husband milk about 75 cows twice a day, and manage 70 replacements of mostly registered Holsteins. But it was the month-by-month checking by the DHIA that showed BATAVIA, NY William G. Zuber, a dairy farmer from Churchville, N.Y., was re-elected president of the Regional Cooperative Marketing Agency (RCMA). Mr. Zuber heads the slate of officers and Executive Committee members that were unanimously re-elected at RCMA’s December Board of Directors meeting on December 7 in Syracuse, N.Y. H BUILDINGS AND SUPPLIES STRUCTURAL INSULATED BUILDING PANELS • Custom Lamination of 1 / 2 ” MR Drywall, Expanded Polystyrene, and OSB (or required facing) 4’xB’ (Standard Size) to 4’xl6’ • Tongue & Grooved for ease of installation means savings on labor costs. • Energy Efficient with high R factors means savings on heat ing and cooling costs for your client. For more information, contact Emanuel B. King Bruce W. Melding*r Rlaaaant Valiay Supply Eagle Rigid Spans, tap. 811 Coopes Dr., Kirkwood PA 17898 P.O. Box 1213, Bismarck* )to 06502 V * (701) 224-1877 them which cows were having problems and how they could con- trol the problems of SCC. ‘ ‘Each month, a sample is tested for SCC, and we keep a running account of how each individual test stands up,” said Peggy. Peggy and Dale grew up on dairy farms, she near Avondale, Pa., and he in Kingsley. After they married, they rented a farm for eight years and bought the machines for the operation. The farm, in the family since the early 19605, was rented to Peggy and Dale from Dale’s father, Arthur. In 1985, Peggy and Dale purchased heifers and other animals from Arthur Empet. Peggy and Dale now manage about 400 acres (300 tillable) and milk twice a day. The Empets live on a separate farm about three miles from the main farm. They arrive on the dairy farm about 6 a.m., and milk with a pipeline from a lie stall. The rest of the day is taken up by vari ous chores, including managing the feed (they raise their own hay but purchase high moisture corn). “We would like to go to total mixed rations, sometime down the RCMA Elects Officers The presidency of RCMA, a Other officers re-elected were dairy bargaining cooperative with Vice President Norman Harvey of 22,000 members in 11 states of the Florence, Vt., who is president of Northeast, continues a distin- Agri-Mark cooperative; Treasurer guished leadership career in agri- Lloyd Patterson of St. Johnsbury, cultural organizations for Mr. Vt., president of Cabot Coopera- Zuber, who was first elected live; and Secretary William Mur- RCMA president in 1984. phy of Stamford, N.Y., indepen dent director of RCMA Region 11. He is president of Upstate Milk Cooperatives, based in Le Roy, N.Y., a post he has held for 11 years. He has also been active in the Cooperative Extension Ser vice of Monroe County and the American Dairy Association. He was formerly president of the Monroe County Farm Bureau. CONTRACTORS The panels fit Eagle Rigid Span wood-frame farm buildings with spans from 12 feet to 120 feet. The buildings, according to the manufacturer, are designed to eliminate bird problems. The build ings can be economically insulated from R-19 to R-38, have a ready-to-finish interior, and include a raised center which allows use of lower sidewall. Residential Commercial road,” said Peggy. If given the chance, the Empets would like to diversify into other types of farming, particularly sheep farming. “But that’s not feasible now,” she said, “maybe not until retirement.” The family recently grew 2-3 acres of sweet com and would like to expand their produce operation in the future. Part of why Peggy and Dale remain farmers is “we get to be our own boss. Every job has its stresses, and ours are a different type than others.” The only regret Peggy has about farming is not being able to take time away from farming responsi bilities every once in a while, she said. They have a part-time employee. Bill Raub, who helps them in the evenings. But the Empets involve their children, Rick, 16; Tim, 14; and Becky, B—all of who are enrolled in the Mount View school system on the farm. “We like this occupation, because the whole family is involved,” she said. “The child ren know what we are doing every day.” Re-elected to the Executive Committee were Robert Storch of Troy; George Demeree of Little Falls, N.Y.; Don Duncan of Robe sonia; Roy Hetrick of Bemville; Harold Howrigan of Fairfield, Vt.; Lewis Gardner of Galeston; and Clyde Rutherford of Otego, N.Y. Lancaster Farming, Saturday, Osctmbar 15, 1990-C9 The Empets, in front, Becky, 8; Rick, 16. In back are Peggy and ■I FARM EQUIPMENT ''•w'' <nVlrw S I | I i 1988 Ford 2910 Tractor | With Loader & Backhoe, u 183 Hrs., Turf Tires, Like New, H Recovered Theft k | FOUR WAY | L 717-354-3199 I -soabc ' ****<■^ left, her Tim, 14; and right husband Dale.
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