When temperatures fall here in Wisconsin, a lot of people start getting vacation on their mind. While our cows don’t have to pack their bags or worry about flight delays, they do get to enjoy a little vacation of their own each year. Their getaway happens a few weeks before they’re due to have a calf—so thankfully, weather doesn’t factor into their travel plans. 
Our cows produce milk every day—yes, weekends and holidays included—for roughly ten months out of the year. About six to eight weeks before their due date, they put in for some well-earned vacation time. This break is very similar to maternity leave in humans—except theirs comes before the baby arrives. On the farm, we call this time the dry period or dry-off period.
The dry-off period is extremely important for a cow for several reasons. During this time, the cow’s udder gets a break from milk production, allowing it to rest, repair, and regenerate in preparation for the next lactation. Giving the udder this break leads to a healthier and more productive lactation after calving. This period also allows the cow’s energy to shift away from milk production and toward supporting the growth and development of her calf.
A cow’s vacation destination might have more in common with your beach trip than you’d expect. Just like many people do before heading out, our girls start their vacation with a little self-care—specifically, a pedicure. Hoof trimming before dry-off helps ensure cows are comfortable and free of any issues so they can rest easily during the weeks ahead. 
During the dry period, cows are moved to a different barn than where they spend their lactation. This barn is typically quieter, without the hustle and bustle of cows heading to the parlor multiple times a day. Their diet changes during this time as well. While they’re not enjoying caviar and champagne, their ration is adjusted to be less energy-dense while still providing a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals that are essential for both cow and calf during this stage.
As the dry period comes to an end and calving time approaches, cows are monitored more closely throughout the day. This extra attention helps ensure that both the cow and her calf remain healthy and that any potential issues are addressed quickly.
This “vacation” may not involve sandy beaches or sunshine, but it plays a vital role in keeping our cows healthy, comfortable, and ready for the next chapter—welcoming a new calf and returning to the milking herd refreshed and prepared.
Timing is key. We wait until most crops are harvested and the soil is in good condition to absorb nutrients. If the soil is too wet, we risk compaction or runoff, so we closely watch weather forecasts before starting.
Fall on the farm is a season of change. The mornings are cooler, the leaves start to turn, and our fields transform into a hub of activity. For our dairy, harvest means one big thing—
the field long after the sun has set. It’s hard work, but it’s also a season that brings everyone together—family, employees, neighbors, and even curious visitors who stop to watch the machines in action.
