Vermont Weathervane -- Dairy Farmers of the Year

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Dairy Farmers of the Year
by Gus How Johnson

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Dairy Farmers of the Year
by Gus How Johnson

Roger and Claire Rainville find success in diversification.

Hard work and determination pay off as Claire and Roger Rainville of Alburg, Vt., can attest as winners of the 1997 Vermont Dairy Farmer of the Year Award.

Having grown up on a farm in North Hero, Vt. and operating Roger's father's farm for a number of years, the Rainvilles were excited to purchase this farm 14 years ago, and the family has worked hard to increase production, diversify to meet expenses, and keep the farm looking aesthetically pleasing.

Farming 235 acres along the Canadian border, the Rainvilles produce milk, raise ostriches, and raise their own crops.

"We feel we've maxed out the efficiency potential of our farm with the facilities that we have," said Roger, who reads a lot, attends meetings and seminars, and visits other farms to learn as much as he can. "We're doing everything we can to get maximum production and still remain as labor efficient as possible."

To support their herd of 80 dairy cows, mostly Holsteins, cropland on the farm includes 20 acres of corn for silage, 20 acres of grass, 66 acres of alfalfa, and 40 acres of high moisture shell corn.

This is the Rainvilles third year with Integrated Crop Management and "it has been a very successful tool for us" said Roger. The corn land is rotated every three years to alfalfa, and alfalfa fields are eventually turned back to corn.

"By applying these practices we have been able to increase crop fields with less soil compaction and erosion, less nutrient loss and runoff," said Roger. "This lets us manage our land and environmental concerns more efficiently."

Meeting the Challenge of Farming
Farming is a good business if you like a challenge and Claire credits Roger with always liking a challenge.

The Rainvilles tackled their challenges one by one, accomplishing at least one major project each year since they purchased the farm.

Areas of improvement included the barn, silos, barnyards, manure storage tank, house, feedbunks and dry lot.

In May, 1996, the Rainvilles decided to diversify and invested in ostriches. They currently have 14 ostriches and are incubating 30 eggs which should hatch soon.

"This is a gamble, but it's a good market," said Roger. "It's been fun, very easy work, and this climate is good for these adaptable birds."

Farm Family Values
Roger says that family is as high a priority as milk production. In addition to running her hair salon (located on the farm), Claire helps around the farm when needed, and does all the books and record keeping.

The family includes the Rainvilles' three children, Adam, Natasha and Danielle, who loved growing up on the farm and "aren't afraid to work," said Roger.

The kids are very active in school activities, theater, and church, and Claire is active in the local community.

"The farm is an excellent environment to raise kids," said Claire. "They learn a lot, mature, and have responsibilities. All of them enjoy living on a farm."

Integral to the farm operation is Tom Cameron, a full-time employee for 4 years, and his wife Jenny, who also helps around the farm when needed.

"As employers it's important to make employees feel that they are part of the business. We listen to them and reward them with incentives for a job well done," said Roger.

Roger has been active in the agriculture community with the Farm Services Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Districts, 4-H, Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Eastern advisory Board, Extension Advisory Council.

He has also served on the Grand Isle County Farm Bureau board of directors, and is currently a member of Farm Bureau.

"I'd advise other farmers to take courses if they are available and learn all they can," said Roger. "This is not just a family farm anymore, it's a business, and we have to run it like a business."

The Vermont Dairy Farmer of the Year Award is sponsored by the New England Green Pastures Committee, UVM Extension, and the Vermont Dairymen and Industry Association.
Gus How Johnson writes from the University of Vermont Extension System of Burlington, Vt.