Michigan dairy farms are in trouble скачать в хорошем качестве

Michigan dairy farms are in trouble

By Tim Jagielo Mundy Twp. — It takes approximately three hours to milk 180 cows. Wearing rubber boots, Corner Oak Farm co-owner Julie Juengel walks up and down the milking parlor floor, making sure the milking machines are attached to the cows. She shuts off the ones that are done for the night. Juengel’s daughter, Amy, and son, Jason, 17, are helping to clean and treat the udders. When finished, they guide the cattle away from the parlor. Most know where they’re supposed to go, but are wary of anything new in their path — like a journalist with cameras. While everything appears to be fine at the farm and the grocery aisle, there is deep trouble for Michigan’s dairy farmers. For nearly four years, dairy farmers have been receiving approximately half the price for their milk, and dealing with escalating expenses. Worldwide, there is a surplus of milk, which is good for everyone but the milk producers. This surplus is pushing some producers out of the business and some have even considered suicide, according to milkbusiness.com. At Corner Oak Farm, the husband/wife team of Peter and Julie Juengel are hanging on by a thread, trying to keep the business going until it’s profitable again. “It’s rough,” Julie said. “We’re managing, we’re making cuts.” They’ve laid off employees, so everyone stepped in to do more.