HILLSBORO, Wis. – Commitment is the overriding theme at Ocooch Dairy pf Hillsboro, one of the virtual-tour farms to be featured at World Dairy Expo, Oct. 4-8, in Madison, Wisconsin. While owner Jim Mlsna and his adult children are definitely devoted to their cows, their commitment goes beyond the farm, to community involvement and creating greater understanding of agriculture.
Ocooch commitment: Cows, community
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Jim Mlsna, owner of Ocooch Dairy near Hillsboro, Wisconsin, believes in being involved in community. He created this cow as part of Vernon County's June Dairy Month project, 'Cows in the County.' Ocooch is one of 20016 World Dairy Expo's virtual-tour farms.
Ocooch Dairy is managed by a family team. Jim Mlsna, right, operates the Vernon County farm with his daughter, Jacqui Davison, left, and daughter Stacy Sosinsky, not pictured, and son Peter Mlsna, not pictured. Davison's son, Henry, will perhaps be part of the family farm's future team.
Jim Mlsna's grandson, Henry Davison, 3, helps feed calves.
Calves at Ocooch Dairy are provided jackets and plenty of bedding to keep them warm on cold winter days. Tending calves this past winter is Stacy Sosinsky, who is in charge of the nursery on the 2016 World Dairy Expo virtual-tour farm.
Hillsboro, Wisconsin. farmer and retired veterinarian Jim Mlsna posts his philosophy on a sign at the entrance to his farm.
Flowers, and a mixer turned into a sculpture in the background. greet the many visitors to Ocooch Dairy near Hillsboro, Wisconsin. The southwest Wisconsin farm with 700 milking cows hosted the county dairy breakfast and welcomes many school children for tours.
Ocooch Dairy of Hillsboro, Wisconsin, welcomes a new set of twins.
This whimsical cow at Ocooch Dairy has its own set of 'fans.'
Ocooch Dairy has a separate parlor in which to milk just-fresh and treated cows.
A tunnel-ventilated barn and enclosed cow walkway to the parlor were recently constructed at Ocooch Dairy.
Ocooch Dairy recently added a farm shop, which owner Jim Mlsna says has been a money-saver because they're better able to wash machinery and make repairs in a better working environment.
Alfalfa is an important crop for Ocooch Dairy in the hilly driftless area of southwest Wisconsin. Owner Jim Mlsna stands in alfalfa that was cut four times this year.