Leon King had one reason for nominating his farm for the Dairy of Distinction recognition — gaining customer confidence.
“Just to let the consumer know we try to do what we can to get quality milk to the dairy,” said King, who sells milk to Cloverland Greenspring Dairy in Baltimore.
He owns Honey View Dairy in Honey Brook, Pennsylvania — one of three dairy farms to receive the 2023 Dairy of Distinction recognition. King and his wife, Linda, have been farming their own land, along with their three small children, for the last six years.
The Kings milk 61 cows and keep 53 heifers — all of which are registered Holsteins.
When it comes to breeding, King opted to use Wisconsin-based American Breeder Service as well as a technician from Premium Select Sires.
“A lot of (farmers) do it themselves, but as a young farmer, I knew I could learn from people who have experience,” he said. “When I started farming I relied heavily on my nutritionist, technician and veterinarian to get good reproduction.”
King said the four of them work together to maintain balanced breeding for healthy traits and production.
To improve quality of his milk, both milking and dry cows have stalls with enhanced ventilation.
“I don’t regret doing that,” King said.
He also gives his cows immunity boosters and electrolytes during the hot summer months.
About three years ago, King opted to add Plenish soybeans to his ration and has seen his butterfat ratio increase by two points.
Although King is a fourth-generation farmer, he has only worked Honey View Dairy for six years and just purchased the farm last year.
King’s family farmed land that was purchased by his great-grandfather in the 1940s. While he is no longer working there, the property he now owns has been in dairy since the 1900s.
Source: lancasterfarming.com
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Dairy Cattle