Beyond the Feed: A Whole-Farm Approach to Dairy Success
At Cornerstone Ag Management, we believe that true dairy performance is about more than just nutrition. It’s about understanding the entire operation. That’s why our team of consultants partners closely with producers to support herd health, forage planning, crop rotations, and long-term efficiency.
A recent article in Tri-State Neighbor highlighted the work of our own Brent Van Middendorp and his integrated role at Hilltop Dairy in Elkton, South Dakota. His work there reflects our broader philosophy: when nutritionists collaborate with the full farm team, herdsmen, vets, calf growers, and feed crews, great things happen.
What does this whole-farm support look like?
- Customized Nutrition + Forage Strategy: Brent helps Hilltop Dairy make decisions about crop selection, field rotations, and harvest timing, ensuring the feed they grow matches their herd’s nutritional needs and supports soil health.
- Hands-On Herd Oversight: From walking barns and observing cow behavior to adjusting rations based on forage quality, our visits are about more than numbers; they’re about knowing your herd.
- Future-Focused Calf Care: Calf performance today impacts the milking herd tomorrow. At Hilltop, calves are raised nearby under attentive care and customized rations designed by Cornerstone, helping achieve a 90% return rate to the milking herd.
- Efficiency Through Local Sourcing: Brent works with dairies to source ingredients smartly, balancing cost, quality, and proximity to drive long-term sustainability.
As Brent says, “Our milk production today is the result of what we failed or achieved over the last three years.” That’s why every decision matters.
Looking for a partner who sees the big picture? Let’s talk about how Cornerstone Ag Management can support your entire operation!
