While the coronavirus has caused the cancellation or postponement of many events, the Fillmore County American Dairy Association found a creative way to mo-o-o-o-o-ve forward with their annual Dairy Night on the Farm. On Saturday, June 20, from 4-7 p.m., an estimated 750 dairy enthusiasts drove to the Mulhern Dairy farm on the outskirts of Fountain, Minn. The Mulherns have … [Read more...]
The many hats of dairy farmers
By Kelsey Biel When I think of hard-working, dedicated, persistent, and passionate people, a dairy farmer immediately pops in my mind. Dairy farmers are some of the most committed people to their work. They wear many hats besides being a farmer; dairy farmers are nutritionists, environmentalists, and community members. One of my favorite things on my family’s dairy farm is … [Read more...]
Jeff and Mariann Metz’s commitment to their family business
Always on the search for the best cheese curds lead to the Metz’s Hart-Land Creamery in Hart, Minn. Cheese curds so delicious, large, and squeaky that their garlic and herb curds won second place in the 2015 American Cheese Society annual competition. The award-winning cheese curds are the result of the family’s commitment to their herd and production. The business began in … [Read more...]
Wilmington Township dairy farmers keep milking through bad times and good
Although milk prices aren’t the best right now, a Wilmington Township family keeps pressing on. “Something’s gotta change for the good,” said Mark Gerard, whose family has milked cows in the same place on Four Corners Rd. for half a decade. Gerard, who grew up on a hog and beef farm right down the road, met his wife, Dianne (Stoltz) at a scavenger hunt party when the two … [Read more...]
Rein Dairy Farm runs with robotics
With technology running the world in a variety of ways, one typically doesn’t think about technology and farming. Robotic systems are becoming the future to feasibly allow small dairy farms to exist. Ben Rein of rural Highland, together with father Steve, wife Amber and children Steven, Jaime, Nora, Kim, and Rachel have automated their family dairy by the use of Lely robots. … [Read more...]
Princess Kay, in a whole new way
As in each of the past 67 years, a group of young ladies is vying to become Minnesota’s dairy princess. The winner is crowned each summer as “Princess Kay of the Milky Way.” The winner then spends a year as the goodwill ambassador of Minnesota’s dairy industry. Because of the pandemic, this year’s Princess Kay finalists were selected via a process through “Zoom” technology … [Read more...]
Dairy Night on the Farm, 2020 style
The Fillmore County chapter of the American Dairy Association invites everyone to their annual Dairy Night on the Farm event. This year’s event will be held June 20, from 4-7 p.m. at Mulhern Dairy. Cory Mulhern, of Mulhern Dairy, located at 25901 County Road 7 (between Fountain and Wykoff), stated that because of the pandemic, “We’re going to do a drive-through Dairy Night on … [Read more...]
Houston County American Dairy Association announces the 2020 Cowbell Hunt
Betsy the cow is distraught! She has not just lost one, but four of her precious cowbells. She is asking for help to find them. The four bells were lost in four different locations in Houston County: one on the Houston County Fairgrounds in Caledonia, one in the Spring Grove Trollskogen Park, one in the Houston City Park and one in the La Crescent City Park. Betsy is offering a … [Read more...]
Kappers’ Big Red Barn expands home milk deliveries
The Kappers family has always churned out creative ideas for their dairy. “Bob always had a plan. He’s an outside of the box thinker,” said Jeanette Kappers proudly in a 2017 Journal feature. Nestled into the community of Chatfield, the micro-dairy operates with the complete on-site production, processing, and packaging of their milk, as well as value-added products. In … [Read more...]
Top Minnesota dairy farms honored for superior cow care
ST. PAUL, MN – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen today released the annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk. In honor of June Dairy Month, 115 dairy farms are being recognized for … [Read more...]