How have the Malcheskis survived when so many dairy farmers have been forced to quit in recent years?
Malcheski: As evidence of how dairy farm numbers have shrunk on just our country road, at one time 14 dairy farmers flourished compared with only five today. We brought in the second generation and have farmed in partnership with my sons John and Scott since 1996. We developed a rent/purchase agreement with my sons so the cattle, farm and equipment will eventually flow to them. The milk production average for our 200 cow herd is 25,000 pounds per cow per year. My son Steve operates an adjoining farm of nearly 100 acres and milks 60 cows. We market our milk supply to Land O’Lakes, Inc. (LOL). RC: How has your cooperative benefited from the joint agronomy venture between CENEX and LOL? Malcheski: It made our fertilizer system more efficient and lowered members’ nutrient costs that were passed on in patronage returns. We also built our cooperative’s service base with improved facilities, delivery equipment, and a trained staff. Some further centralizing of local services may be in the off
