Sustainability Spotlight: Fowler Dairy Farm

MMPA is committed to cooperative social responsibility and sustainable business practices throughout our entire supply chain. At the farm level, MMPA members are also on a sustainability journey. We’re checking in with a handful of member farmers leading the charge with this sustainability spotlight series.

Ben, Rodney and Robert Fowler

First-generation dairy farmers Rodney and Robert Fowler aren’t afraid to challenge convention. The two brothers, along with Rodney’s son Ben, operate a progressive dairy farm in Chesaning, Michigan, where innovation and sustainability are always top of mind. What began just before Rodney’s 15th birthday with the calving of their first heifer has since evolved into a thriving dairy business, supporting over three families, 200 cows and a vision that never stops moving forward.

The Fowlers are always trying new things to run their operation as efficiently as possible. “We’re not smarter than anybody else,” Robert says modestly. “But we work hard at doing the right thing at the right time, and we’re always learning.”

One of their first significant changes to tackle labor challenges was the installation of four Lely A4 robotic milkers 10 years ago. Their original setup, stanchions converted to a double-eight parlor, is now a labor-saving robotic system that milks cows more efficiently and more frequently while improving cow care. This past November they made the upgrade to the latest Lely A5 models.
“The upgrade in models alone has saved us 40 seconds of milking time per cow and allowed high-producing fresh cows to be milked four to five times a day, improving animal comfort and milk production,” stated Rodney.

Shortly after the robots were installed, the Fowlers increased their focus on how they could raise healthier heifers. Rodney explains, “In 2017 we installed robotic calf feeders in the old stanchion barn. The ceilings were too low and we struggled with ventilation, so in 2021 we built a new barn for the calves.” Robert adds, “The goal was to raise better heifers, and that’s why we built the barn, for a healthier calf, and in two years a healthier cow.”

Their approach is labor-efficient too. With only Rodney, Robert and Ben, full-time employee Brad of 25 years, their mother and a part-time calf feeder making up the labor force, automation is critical to their continued success.

Looking to the future, Ben hopes the farm will grow, but acknowledges it hinges on labor availability, “In 15 years I would like to grow the dairy, but it depends on labor. My dad and uncle may want to slow down and I’ll have to consider what can be done with one or two workers.”

“We want to still be a dairy farm in 15 years,” Robert adds, noting plans to add an automated Lely Vector feeding system and automatic alley scrapers to continue improving efficiency.

One of the most impactful operational improvements has been the installation of their soybean roaster. About a year and a half ago they started roasting high-oleic soybeans, a cost-effective and more sustainable alternative to imported palm fat.

“If we weren’t feeding roasted beans, we wouldn’t be getting over 4% butterfat and 100 pounds of milk per cow,” Rodney says.

Along with the roasted beans being included in the cows partial mixed ration (PMR), they are also targeted to individual cows based on need.

“The robotic milkers evaluate each cow’s production and dispense beans accordingly, some receive up to six to eight pounds per day, while about 60 cows don’t receive any at all,” Rodney explains.

They’ve even optimized the roasting process, cutting the energy demand from a 24 hour per day roller mill to just 40 minutes of operation every three days.

“Our goal is to get the most out of every resource,” Rodney explains. “Whether it’s a cow, a half-acre or a full acre of land, we’re not okay with average. We aim to be in the top 25 percent of producers.”

With sandy soils and a desire to improve crop yields, the Fowlers have embraced cover cropping to build healthier soils.

While pest pressures from slugs and seed corn maggots have created learning curves, Robert remains focused, “It’s about doing a better job than we did last week, every year. We’re always grabbing at the short straws, learning when to manage and when to let go.”

They’re also strategic about nutrient management, spreading manure across over 500 acres rather than concentrating it.

“We measure organic matter, soil fertility and we’re doing a better job with manure use across more land,” Robert says. “That helps us make a big difference, not just on our farm but across the ecosystem.”

As first-generation farmers, the Fowlers say their biggest advantage is not being tied to tradition.

“We didn’t have a grandpa telling us how it was always done,” Rodney states. “Don’t do stuff the same. Question everything.”

Robert echoes that sentiment, “Quit doing it the way you were, be open to change. If you’re forced to change, roll with it and learn what you can.”

The Fowlers are consistently questioning how they can change to be better than they have been.

“We know that average isn’t good enough,” Rodney explains. “If we stay still, average will catch up to us. That’s why we push, whether it’s milk per cow, protein per acre or tons per square foot. You’ve got to define your goals and go after them,” Robert adds.

They often experiment on a small scale before implementing large changes and value their relationship with organizations like The Nature Conservancy, through their involvement in Feed in Focus, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

“We keep the records they need, and they help us improve. It’s a win-win,” Robert says. “We want to work with anyone who wants to make farming better.”

The Fowlers are open to any new ideas on ways they can keep improving their operation and be a sustainable business that is around for years to come.

“We’re doing everything we know to the best of our ability with the resources we have,” says Robert. “And if someone knows a better way, if it’s viable, we’re all ears.”

KEYWORD

High Oleic Soybeans: High oleic soybeans are soybean varieties bred to produce oil with a high concentration of oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat, typically 70% or more. Standard soybeans contain high levels of linoleic acid that can reduce milk fat when used in the ration. By contrast, high-oleic beans have a fattier acid profile, but much lower linoleic acid, which helps promote higher milk fat production and can help lower feed costs.

Nutrient Management: The practice of managing the rate, source, placement and timing of plant nutrients and soil amendments to maximize plant health and productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. This involves developing a nutrient management plan that considers all sources of nutrients, including commercial fertilizers, manure and other organic by-products, to optimize nutrient use efficiency and minimize potential risks to water and air quality.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Agriculture