National Dairy Conference-Visit to the Crave Farm
The first 4-H Dairy Conference materialized after Guy C. Noble proposed to the International Dairy Show Committee in 1954 that a program should be specifically designed for 4-H youth involved in dairy achievement projects. Several state 4-H leaders, other Extension staff members, and an American Guernsey Cattle Club Secretary developed the first agenda in 1955. Eighty-five 4-H members and their leaders representing Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin gathered for the first conference at Chicago’s historic Conrad Hilton Hotel.
The educational strength of the program was apparent from the very beginning. High standards were set at that first meeting that have been maintained in the years to follow. Respected authorities representing all areas of the dairy industry were present as speakers and for informal question-answer sessions. Tours of dairy processing plants, the Chicago Stockyards, numerous exhibits, and the International Dairy Show broadened delegates’ knowledge. The early days even featured a Dairy Show Parade down the Windy City’s famous State Street.
After 15 years in Chicago, the 16th Annual 4-H Dairy Conference opened in Madison, Wisconsin in October 1970 in conjunction with the World Dairy Expo. Madison, famous for its four lakes, scenic beauty, long-standing tradition as the state capitol, and excellent University of Wisconsin College of Ag and Life Sciences, has become the official meeting place for the National 4-H Dairy Conference. Since its beginning in 1955, approximately 11,800 young people have attended the National 4-H Dairy Conference. This year, the tradition continues as 4-H youth from 30 states and provinces meet for educational tours and seminars as well as networking opportunities with national leaders in the dairy industry and with youth from around the U.S.A. and Canada that share similar interests.
The National 4-H Dairy Conference is designed for youth in 10th – 12th grades to enable them to gain and share knowledge of the various aspects of the dairy industry through hands-on activities, workshops, large group seminars, off site experiences, and opportunities for networking. This event begins Sunday and ends at midnight Wednesday. During the conference, adults and youth will participate in large group activities which may involve while touring farms. One farm is in Dodge County: the Crave Brothers Farm.
The Crave’s milk Holstein cows on their rural Wisconsin dairy farm. The cows are fed homegrown, high quality forages consisting of corn, alfalfa, and soybeans. Their farm emphasizes conservation and sustainable practices, while consideration is given to what is best for the environment, the cows and the consumer. Their pampered cows receive plenty of exercise, fresh air, and individualized care. The cow’s manure is converted into energy and organic fertilizer through a manure digester located on our farm. Cows are bedded with composted manure solids from the manure digester. Innovation and hard work have characterized the farm. In 1999, the family discussed how to grow our business and offer opportunities for future generations. They wanted to use our own high quality milk to produce specialty cheeses for the consumer. Their cheese factory was constructed in 2001. The milk is piped directly from the dairy farm to the cheese factory within hours of milking for an incredibly flavorful, truly farmstead cheese.
Dairy Herd Facts
- 2,100 cows
- 30,600 lb herd average
- 2,500 acres
- 1000 calves born each year
- Heifers graze in the spring, summer and fall
The Crave Brothers work in cooperation with other local farmers for custom feed harvesting, custom heifer raising, and machinery sharing. They raise their crops using sustainable methods including minimum tillage and crop rotation. Their cropland is fertilized with recycled nutrients from their manure digester. In addition, their manure digester produces enough electricity to power their farm, cheese factory, and area homes in their community!
The group at the National Dairy Conference get a tour of the farm, educational workshops, dinner at the farm, and a barn dance.
