Eleven west central Minnesota dairy farms have made the top list of producers for producing milk with low somatic cell counts, which is an indicator of quality milk and good herd health.
Several dairy farms in the region are being recognized as top producers for their milk quality.
Every year the Minnesota Department of Agriculture recognizes the top Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell counts.
According to a news release, ag experts with the Ag Department and the University of Minnesota have worked since 2003 with the state’s dairy farmers to lower somatic cell counts, which is a key indicator of milk quality.
A lower somatic cell count is better for cheese production and shelf life of bottled milk. Somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food safety concern, but the count can be used to help dairy farmers measure the health of their cows.
The dairy producers on the top list have achieved the goal of having an average somatic cell count of 100,000 — or lower — in the previous year.
Kandiyohi County
- Marshall and Melanie Korn
- Peterson Dairy Farm
- Youngren Dairy Farms Inc.
Meeker County
- Christopher and Jessie Lee
- Del and Cindy Euerle
- Lux-Ury Holsteins Inc.
- Brian Libbesmeier
- Darin and Brierly Grimsgard
Renville County
- Nosbush Dairy
Swift County
- Riverview LLP, West Dublin
- Duckwitz Farm Partnership
Source: West Central Tribune