From the June 20, 1983 edition of The Wayne Herald
Ma and Pa Kittle (and family) build efficient dairy operation
"Dairy farmers are becoming scarce," Ronald Kittle, a diary farmer for more than 20 years, said. "But those that are established are becoming better."
Ronald and Nellie Kittle, who have one of the top producing and highly efficient dairy herds in northeast Nebraska, have worked long and hard to achieve their standing.
Their son, Arlin, has been in partnership with his parents for four years and he and his wife, Rhonda, live in a newly-built home on the farm.
"A large number of imports, Nellie said, have attributed to lower milk prices. Although there seems to be an overproduction, almost 30 percent of this surplus comes from foreign countries."
The Kittles launched their diary efforts on a farm east of Winside, milking only 15 cows at that time.
The began selling bulk milk, Grade B, in 1960 and since then have become grade A producers for Mid-America dairymen, a dairy cooperative.
In 1969, the Kittles moved their growing herd of 40 milking cows to their present location, northwest of Winside. The newly established, Grade A producers built new facilities and repaired the old buildings on "Walnut Grove," the name given to the farm by its previous owners.
They now milk 70 cows and own a dairy herd of about 300 head.
Their large number of replacement heifers and calves gives them chance to "cull" or get rid of those cows that are not producing well.
