The 77-cow combined Holstein and Jersey herd of Jerry
and Joan Bechtel of Martinsburg believes that central to
good dairy management Is keeping the cows comfortable.
They installed fans in the barn and look to ways of keeping
the cows comfortable and productive. Jerry said the farm
maintains 60 head of Holstelns and 17 head of Jerseys,
both registered and grade, with an additional 40 head of
young stock. They milk tiestali to pipeline. On DHIA, roll
ing herd averages 22,000 pounds for the Holstelns and
Cathy Haughwout, Quality Control Specialist and Dixie Burris, Lab Manager
Phone:800-344-8378
Fax: 814-865-3924
Web Site http:Zwww.clhia.psu.eclu
/t
i BLAIR
O
sm
Distinction
PA DHIA LAB
Ov£R.ALU SCOQ.EjPP/jOO
Ou sire. audit* scoo.e.iPO/'
Twis Arreuriou ro DerAf
R.£FL£Cr£D IM rU£ DAILY OP
of rwe Lab* Exceu_
Paul Sauve, National DHIA Quality Certifical
y i, * *' ** ' *r * **
Dairy of Dlatlnctlon Supplement to Lancaster Farming, Saturday, July 26, 1997—Page 7
JERRY AND JOAN BECHTEL
16,500 for the Jerseys, at 3.7 percent fat and 3.2 percent
protein. They use a computer to keep track of farm
accounts. Of the 110 tillable acres, the farm Includes 60
acres of corn, 40 acres of hay, and five acres of barley. The
Bechtels soil test regularly and have achieved good pro
duction from the crops, according to Jerry. Jerry farms
with wife Joan and three children, Including a son, Jason,
16 and two daughters, Jamie and Jennifer. The Bechtels
purchased the farm from John and Minnie Dean.