Six dairy production awards for 2000 were presented in March to four dairy farms in Chatham County. Manco Farm, Inc. of Pittsboro took high herd in milk production for 2000. Their herd of 117 registered Holstein cows produced 20,466 pounds or 2,380 gallons of milk in 2000. Lynn and Dee Mann and their son, Jesse, accepted this award along with the high cow in fat award. Cow 611, a six year old Holstein, produced 1,230 pounds of fat.
Brush Creek Swiss Farms of Siler City took two awards that evening. This herd of 75 registered Brown Swiss cows produced 839 pounds of fat and 687 pounds of protein. Norman Jordan, Sr. and Norman Jordan of Brush Creek Swiss Farms also received the most improved herd award for 2000. The herd increased production in 2000 by 2,916 pounds or 339 gallons of milk per cow.
Lindley Farms of Snow Camp were recognized for winning the reproductive award. This award recognized the reproductive efficiency of their 132 Holstein cows. Janice Lindley accepted the award for the farm. On average, the cows in this herd gave birth every 13.5 months which is a goal that all dairy producers strive to achieve in order to increase the profitability of the operation.
The final award presented was the high cow in milk award. This award was presented to Hillside Dairy of Pittsboro. Glenda Andrews and Lillie Bouldin are the owners of the high producing cow. This five year old Holstein produced 34,048 pounds or 3,959 gallons of milk in 2000.
How does Chatham compare to other dairy herds in North Carolina? According to Sheila A. Jordan, Area Dairy Agent with the NC Cooperative Extension, the average dairy producer in North Carolina milks 156 cows producing 2,334 gallons of milk per cow per year. Chatham County dairy producers milk 119 cows which produce 2,173 gallons of milk per cow per year.
Dairy producers work long hours to produce high quality milk. Daily activities performed on the dairy include: milking twice a day, feeding the milking herd, caring for the dry cows, manure management, record-keeping, getting the cows pregnant to calve yearly and care of the young calves and heifers. Other activities on the dairy include raising the silage and hay needed to feed the herd along with managing the pastures used by the youngstock on the farm.
2000 began with the milk prices paid to dairy farmers at their lowest level since 1978. The prices remained low throughout the year. Hopefully 2001 will see improvement in the price received for milk.