Partnering for Success: Dairy Farmers and their Advisors

The dairy community is larger than the dairy farmer and the cows. Dairy farmers work hand in hand with trusted advisors to help make the best decisions for their cows and their farm. There are trusted advisors who help with day-to-day operations on the farm, like milk truck drivers, nutritionists, agronomists, mechanics, veterinarians, cooperative staff, and more. They help dairy farmers with big decisions on the farm, identifying and solving potential issues, improving efficiencies, and more. As we celebrate National Agriculture Week in March and agrilculture’s role in Earth Month in April, it’s important to remember a successful farm is built with the support of the entire dairy community.

Dairy Farmers and Their Partners in Success (Advisors)

North Carolina dairy farmer Matthew Johnson in Statesville, North Carolina, shares how his large animal veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Whitener, is a trusted advisor on his farm.

“Our veterinarian, Dr. Amanda Whitener, is a trusted member of our team. She comes on a regular basis to perform general health checks for our cows, including checking for pregnancies and performing ultrasounds, which gives us important information about our herd. Milk sampling is another valuable service she provides. If a cow shows signs of mastitis, we can submit a sample to her office, and they will determine what bacteria is causing an issue so we can match the treatment to the cow’s needs. “

Dr. Amy Goggans grew up on a 200 head commercial cow operation in Wilkes County. After graduating from veterinary school at the University of Georgia (UGA), where she worked in the dairy during her undergrad years, she began working for Custom Livestock Solutions in 2022 focusing on bovine reproduction. She was named after her grandmother Amy, who owned and operated a dairy farm in Augusta, and it’s clear that this love of dairying passed on to Dr. Goggans.

One of the farms Dr. Goggans currently works with as a large animal veterinarian is Big Sandy Creek Dairy in Georgia, owned by the Benkoski family. Kaitlin Benkoski shares how Dr. Goggans brings a common-sense and innovative approach to how they manage the farm.

“Our veterinarian, Dr. Amy Goggans, has been a blessing to us at our farm. She is amazing to work with and is always willing to help teach us or try something new to best care for our animals. She brings an inquisitive mind, expertise in cattle, new technology, and is a common-sense vet. We don’t know what we would do without Dr. Amy and Custom Livestock Solutions!”

Kaitlin also credits University of Georgia Extension Agent Lucy Ray, who shares a bit about her work as a University of Georgia Extension Agent assisting dairy farmers and youth in Morgan County.

“Most of my work in extension consists of handling site visits and forage and crop questions on dairy farms. I work with Kaitlin Benkoski, the current president of the Morgan County Dairy Association, to plan quarterly educational programs. I also work with the Morgan County Dairy Show team and work with the Morgan County FFA teacher to host the Charles Bell Memorial Commercial Dairy Heifer Show and the Madison Area Commercial Dairy Show. I’ve served on the Ad Hoc Youth Livestock Show Committee for the Georgia Junior National Livestock Show for Commercial Dairy Heifers and help review rule changes and judge selection for our state show. I love working with the dairymen in Morgan County!”

“Lucy Ray does an amazing job as our local extension agent and a trusted advisor to our farm,” says Kaitlin. “Lucy works hard to be a great agent, neighbor, and friend. She is always a phone call away to help find answers to any questions whether it be for cattle or our crops!”

One trusted advisor on many dairy farms is a dairy nutritionist. Caden Cowherd of Cowherd Dairy in Campbellsville, Kentucky, shares how their nutritionist, Dr. Megan Taylor, CPC Dairy Nutritionist, helps formulate total mixed rations that utilize locally sourced ingredients and meet the farms' goals.

“Megan Taylor has excelled Cowherd & Son Dairy in the industry with her vast knowledge and devotion, since beginning with us in 2018. She works diligently to critique the right dietary plan for our operation and guides us through every change. Furthermore, consistently collecting forage samples to ensure a prestigious ration. Willingly answering phone calls, after hours, when a modification is needed. She routinely monitors our cattle and structures to ensure they are in superior condition.”