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Sauk Rapids, Minn.; Benton County
62 cows
How did you get into farming? I grew up on this farm and I took it over from my parents in the early 80s.
Tell us about your farm. We milk 62 cows in a tiestall barn. Our two youngest daughters, Jackie and Kelly, help out on the farm as well. My parents bought the farm in 1948, and it originally had 120 acres. Throughout the years the farm has expanded to 320 acres, and we are currently renting an additional 60 acres. We plant corn, soybeans, and alfalfa. We also feed out steers, and raise some chickens.
What has been the most challenging aspect of dairy farming for you? Weather conditions and fluctuating prices.
What is your favorite part about dairy farming? Being my own boss and seeing the newborn calves.
What has been your biggest accomplishment while dairy farming? How did you achieve this? Keeping the farm going for over 30 years, while at the same time raising a family of four with my wife Mary Ann. We accomplished this with a lot of hard work.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why? I would like to go to Alaska to see the wildlife and scenery.
What is your favorite dairy product? Milk from the bulk tank and cheddar cheese.
What is your favorite tool? Cordless drill.
What is your favorite piece of equipment? John Deere 320 skid loader.
What is your favorite technology? My cell phone.
How do you or your family like to spend time when you are not doing chores? I like to drive my four-wheeler around the farm to checkout the crops, and I like to take my motorcycle out for a spin.[[In-content Ad]]

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