Striving for excellence

PRINCETON, Minn. — Mid- March was a time like no other for Kristin Reiman Duden as her passion for Jerseys grew into her greatest accomplishment, receiving the Young Jersey Breeders Award.

“As soon as I got off the phone, after being told I was getting the award, I went running to my husband, Tom, and I was crying,” Reiman Duden said. “I was emotional because it is something I always wanted. It’s one of the few things that is really near and dear to my heart.”

This award is given to dairy farmers who are active in the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. and are involved with other community organizations. Around March 12, Reiman Duden received a call from John Maxwell, director of district eight for the AJCA.

“He told me I would be getting the award and we would be heading to Massachusetts to attend the ceremony,” Reiman Duden said.

Reiman Duden said her parents, Richard and Margaret, FFA and 4-H played a major role in her getting to where she is today.

“My mom had a lot to do with it,” Reiman Duden said. “At first, mom didn’t want Jerseys then she realized they were nice animals and got in contact with a Wisconsin breeder. FFA helped because (my Jersey herd) was my supervised agricultural experience. The Jersey herd really helped me get my State and American FFA Degrees.”

There are many parts of breeding her herd Reiman Duden said she enjoys, including picking bulls and sharing her herd with other people by leasing animals for the fair.

“Being able to be there for everything is amazing,” Reiman Duden said. “From seeing them born to having their first calf, the whole life cycle (is amazing).”

Reiman Duden said she is proud of her herd especially because it is a calm and well-worked group of cattle. However, there are some cows of which she is especially proud. Serenades Jade Serenity and Brickton Headline Valentine are both scored Excellent 94 and have been shown.

“Valentine was in our wedding pictures,” Reiman Duden said. “She is the granddaughter of one of my all-time favorite cows.”

Cattle are grazed throughout the year as weather permits.

“We don’t have a TMR, we just do hay, grain and silage in the winter for extra energy,” Reiman Duden said. “We aim to keep things simplistic. We don’t push for production, but we want to try and make sure we keep components up with a low SCC through cow comfort and health.”

Because of the premium package at First District Association where they ship their milk, the couple pushed to increase butter fat and protein levels of their milk. In 1995, Reiman Duden and her parents introduced the first Jersey heifer to the farm.

“Breeding really took off between 1999 and 2000,” Reiman said. “I have been doing A.I. since 2004. I have a few key blood lines that have really helped the herd. I focus on type conformation, components and purebred Jersey lines.”

Together the couple now milks around 40 cows with a herd of mainly Jerseys and a few Holsteins in a barn consisting of tie stalls and stanchions. Prior to transitioning to a mostly-Jersey herd, Reiman Duden and her parents had a herd of grade and registered Holsteins. This made for tough competition at shows.

“Especially in Mille Lacs County, it was pretty much all black and white Holsteins,” Reiman Duden said. “We used to have a really big show so it was kind of nice to branch out into another breed.”

While showing her animals and seeing how they do with other people showing them is a great feeling, Reiman Duden said her greatest achievement is attaining this award and keeping the family farm going.

“It is something I am very thankful for,” Reiman Duden said. “I grew up here and it’s my way of life. I don’t know if I would know any other way of life. I am so proud to be able to have my kids, Cordell and Marilyn, be a part of it as the fifth generation, and especially since they want to work.”

Being able to watch her kids learn about life through the cattle is something Reiman Duden said she cherishes.

“Just raising a family on a farm in a life style that less than 2% of the U.S. gets to partake in is really cool, especially with my son being really proud of it,” Reiman Duden said. “He proudly tells people he is a dairy farmer.”