Farm Horizons Farm Horizons 4/16 | Page 26

Farm Horizons • April 4 • Page 26 Some producers share cautious optimism regarding dairy prices By Mark Mitten Correspondent A common viewpoint in the dairy industry is that, over the years, prices rise and fall. There is a natural rhythm of ups and downs. The year 2009 stands out as one of the worst in recent memory, while 2014 saw prices hit a five-year peak – a welcome relief for Minnesota dairy farmers. Currently, prices are low again, but there is a sense of cautious optimism among local producers. Roger Engelmann, a dairy farmer in Plato for 42 years, has 500 milk cows. “I’ve seen a lot of things,” Engelmann said. “2014 was the best year in terms of prices in history, but things have gone lower now in 2016. Hopefully, it’s the bottom . . . I am confident it will go up again.” Many things can cause price swings, from supply and demand, to the price of fuel, fertilizer, and feed. This February, the Minnesota Milk Producers AssociaPhotos by Mark Mitten ABOVE: Roger Engelmann grew up on the same farm that he owns now, located in Plato. He has been a dairy farmer for 42 years. LEFT: The Engelmann dairy, run by Roger and Peggy Engelmann, has more than 500 milk cows. Exterior Painting Hendricks Insurance Agency, of Watertown Farm - Home - Commercial Farm • Health • Auto • Home • Life Houses, barns, storage buildings, machine sheds, etc. Please call for a free estimate! Bruce Raisanen Painting Cokato, MN Cell: [phone] home/fax: [phone] David G. Heldt Lic. # 64840 952-955-2667 952-955-2376 fax [email protected] 209 Lewis Avenue PO Box 1119 Watertown, MN 55388