With Door and Kewaunee County farmers looking forward to another planting season later this spring, dairy operators are focusing on keeping their cows and calves on healthy diets through the final weeks of winter.  Rich Olson of Olson Family Farm in southern Door County says the care given during winter varies slightly from other seasons.  He says the air ventilation in the barn is vital to eliminate respiratory problems with his animals this time of year. 

During extreme cold, Olson adds that calves are fitted with calf jackets that help to maintain their body heat, especially the first two months after birth.  He says the recent milder-than-normal temperatures have area farmers looking towards this spring and, hopefully, an early planting season.