Episode 1: Neil Hertzler gives inside look at rotational grazing operation & how to drive strong milk production, herd and pasture health

Cow-Side Conversations

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With fall harvest wrapping up, many dairy farms are looking ahead to the winter months. For the grazing herds in Pennsylvania, this means moving their herds off the grass. To kick off Season 4 of Cow-Side Conversations, Neil Hertzler of Rock Hollow Dairy LLC in Perry County, Pennsylvania shares how his family transitioned their dairy operation to a rotational grazing model years ago. With 240 milking cows, they are passionate about giving their cows as much grass and sunlight as possible. Neil describes some of the rewards of a pasture-based model, including strong milk production, herd health and longevity, and lower equipment costs. He also opens up about some of the challenges, including weather patterns, moving large groups of cattle, heat spells and lameness.