Join the 7-LB Club

Because dairy producers are compensated based on the solids in milk, we wanted to recognize herds that produce the highest total pounds of milk solids across the four-state region. The herds highlighted here were nominated and verified to have produced an average of 7 pounds of combined fat and protein per cow per day over the course of an entire year.

The Four State Dairy Nutrition and Management Conference is continuing its tradition of recognizing elite high-production herds in the region. 

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify for the award, a herd must meet the following criteria:

1. The herd must be in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, or Wisconsin. 

2. They must have averaged over seven pounds of combined fat + protein during 2025.

3. The top three herds recognized at the conference last year are ineligible to be recognized at the conference this year.

Nomination Requirements:

Each nominator is eligible to nominate one herd. To apply, you must provide the following documentation.

1. Proof of 2025 (or more recent) milk production (daily, monthly or annual) and components from the processor.

2. Monthly or annual inventory averages that align with the milk production timeline. This could include items like DHI herd summary or software summary of inventory.

Recognition:

Herds must attend the conference to be recognized as a top three herd. These winners will be honored at the conference, receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the conference and receive an honorarium. They are to participate in a panel discussion of the keys to their success. 

Deadline:

Please send all information to Jim Salfer at salfe001@umn.edu by May 8. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Jim Salfer at salfe001@umn.edu or (612) 360-4506. 

The herds highlighted here were nominated and verified to have produced an average of 7 pounds of combined fat and protein per cow per day over the course of an entire year.

Platinum 

Hyde Park, Kevin and Kay Siewert, Zumbro Falls, MN

Kellercrest, Tim and Sandy and Mark and Kareen Keller, Mt. Horeb, WI

Prairie Dairy, Kraig and Rachelle Krienke, Lester Prairie, MN

Gold (>7.50-8.0)

Finger Family Farm, Finger Family, Pestigo, WI

Jauquet's Hillview Dairy, Dave and Stacy Jauquet, Luxemburg WI

Pollack Vu, Chris and Kelly Pollack, Ripon, WI

Fustead Holstein, Brian and Wendy Fust, Wausau, WI

Destiny, Matthew and Brittany Schueller, Marshfield, WI

Silver (7.00-7.49)

Echowood Holsteins, Dennis and Cindy Begert, Neillsville, WI

Lyn-dell Dairy, Troy and Sandy Madland, Lyndon Station, WI

Slowey, Slowey Farms, Westfield, WI

Rusk Rose, Eric, Carol and Evan Hillian, Ladysmith, WI

Delta Acres Dairy, Tom, Cherrie and Nicole Engelken, Earlville, IA

Waterlander Dairy, Harmen and Edna Waterlander, Pine River, WI

Abel Acres, Perry, Julie and Kyle Abel, Loyal, WI

Boon Farms LLC, Boon Farms, Greenwood, WI