BLANCHARDVILLE — For as long as he can remember, Jason Gruenfelder wanted to be a dairy farmer.
People are also reading…
Since switching from confinement feeding to rotational grazing, Jason Gruenfelder said his cows produce less milk, but the farm is more profitable because his costs are so much lower.
Return to grazing represents a bright spot for small dairy farmers.
Jackson
Halle, Jaxon and Cal Gruenfelder play in a pasture on their farm. Their father, Jason Gruenfelder, said grass-based farming allows him more time with his family, and there's less dangerous machinery than a traditional confinement dairy.
Jason Gruenfelder reattaches a portion of electric fence after moving cattle to fresh pasture. The cows are moved twice a day and spread their own manure, which helps regenerate the grass before they return to that section.
Jason and Kris Gruenfelder have been farming since 2008. In addition to milking about 80 cows, they also raise hogs, goats and chickens to diversify their income.
Halle and Cal Gruenfelder hold a newborn calf as their father, Jason, drives them to the barn on their 335-acre Iowa County dairy farm.
LeZaks
Gratton
Photos: Jason Gruenfelder's grass-fed dairy
Grazing
Jason Gruenfelder moves cows onto fresh pasture at his farm near Blanchardville. Gruenfelder uses rotational grazing, a model researchers say can make farms more profitable and more environmentally friendly.
Grazing
Halle, Jaxon and Cal Gruenfelder play in a pasture on their farm. Their father, Jason Gruenfelder, said grass-based farming allows him more time with his family, and there's less dangerous machinery than a traditional confinement dairy.
Grazing
Jason Gruenfelder reattaches a portion of electric fence after moving cattle to fresh pasture. The cows are moved twice a day and spread their own manure, which helps regenerate the grass before they return to that section.
Grazing
Halle and Cal Gruenfelder hold a newborn calf as their father, Jason, drives them to the barn on their 335-acre Iowa County dairy farm.
Grazing
Since switching from confinement feeding to rotational grazing, Jason Gruenfelder said his cows produce less milk, but the farm is more profitable because his costs are so much lower.
Grazing
Jason and Kris Gruenfelder have been farming since 2008. In addition to milking about 80 cows, they also raise hogs, goats and chickens to diversify their income.
Grazing 10-11192020133506
Jason Gruenfelder prepares to move part of his dairy herd to fresh pasture on his Iowa County farm.
Grazing 12-11192020133506
Lydia, 3, and Halle Gruenfelder, 8, share a moment with a newborn calf on their family's dairy farm.
