Yotters reveal new parlor at open house

LAKE CITY, Minn. – The Wabasha County Family Night on the Farm welcomed more than 1,000 people June 16 to Scotch Prairie Farms. Event goers learned how dairy farmers strive to take care of their animals and the land they farm, and how farmers, milk haulers and milk processors work to provide quality milk found at their local grocery store. They visited the freestall barn and outdoor exhibits to learn about what cows eat and how farmers take care of cows and calves. They also visited the rotary parlor and learned how cows are milked. Kids interacted with calves and goats, dug in a sand pile for prizes and rode pedal tractors. Families were also able to enjoy walking tacos, cheese curds, milk and ice cream treats thanks to generous sponsors.
Scotch Prairie Farms has been in the Yotter family since 1946, starting with Brian’s great-grandparents, Leslie and Alice, who began milking 25 cows in a tiestall barn. Brian is now the fourth generation to own and operate the farm. In 2004, the family began milking in a parallel parlor, and now, the 2,000 cows are milked in a 60-cow rotary parlor three times per day.