Vaarendahl Dairy Farm in Black River Falls has been in Erica Gentry’s family for generations, dating back to the late 1800s when the family settled in
the area. Today, the farm is managed by Dominick and Erica Gentry in partnership with Erica’s parents, Dave and Sherry Olson, making it a 5th generation dairy farm. On the farm, they milk 80 organic dairy cows in addition to farming over 500 acres of land. The land they farm is used to feed their animals using many organic practices. Their milk then goes to the Westby Cooperative Creamery to be made into a variety of dairy products.
To become certified organic, the cows must have at least 30% of their dry matter intake come from pasture during the grazing season. Due to this requirement, the Gentry’s must keep rigorous management practices in their fields and pastures. At their farm, they use rotational grazing which means they rotate the cows on different pastures to ensure they are getting fresh grass. Along with pasture rotation, the Gentry’s keep a tight crop rotation, which prevents a weed seed bank from forming and a lower chance of weeds.
Implementing a new activity monitor system for the cows has increased efficiency in breeding protocols at Vaarendahl Dairy. Natural and proactive methods of monitoring the herd aligns with the organic standards the farm follows.
“We have to do a lot more record keeping to ensure we are following protocols and guidelines,” commented Erica. “We have to take proactive measures for the health of our animals.”
Incorporating grazing has benefited herd health and the overall sustainability of the dairy farm.
One of the biggest challenges Dominick and Erica face growing crops is weed control.
Erica mentioned, “We can’t use synthetic weed control or fertilizers. Our nutrients primarily come from organic sources such as the manure that is produced by our dairy cows.”
In recent years, they have found a method called flaming to help combat weeds.
Flaming is a method that is used to burn the weeds that are in the field so they do not overtake crops.
“Flaming is another tool we have that goes along with cultivating and rotatory hoeing. It is another tool in the toolbox that can give you a little more leeway on weed control,” said Dominick.
The flamer is attached to the back of a tractor and pulled throughout the field to remove weeds. The Gentry’s have found that this is an easier and faster way to manage weeds. Not only is it more efficient, but it’s more sustainable because it has lower soil disturbance.
Working together with other areas farmers has helped Erica and Dominick experiment with new practices. Dominick is part of a small organic dairy farmer group where farmers network and bounce ideas off of each other.
“There are a lot of organic dairy farmers in the area. The best thing you can do is hop on a phone call with them to see what they are doing,” Dominick said.
Erica’s role with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension offers cutting-edge insights and research strategies that she brings back to the farm to complement the practices they are doing. Erica is also a member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Sustainability Committee.
Like many farmers, sustainability is a key component of their farming journey. The Gentry’s road to sustainability began with Erica’s father.
“We can attribute our sustainability journey to my dad transitioning to organic in 2009,” Erica said. “It has been a way our farm has been able to remain profitable and incorporate more sustainable practices including grazing and maintaining soil health.”
When asked what sustainability means to her, Erica said, “It is preserving our farm for the next generation from a financial and environmental standpoint as well as ensuring we are satisfied in this challenging but rewarding lifestyle.”
Dominick added, “Sustainability is important for longevity. We want to leave things better than we found it.”
Leaders of the Land® is Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s brand for sharing sustainability stories. Monthly profiles highlight farmers across Wisconsin working hard to meet their environmental, social and economic goals.
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