Stearns County is the King of Minnesota Milk Production

(KNSI) – As dairy month ends, Stearns County is being recognized as Minnesota’s king of milk production.

The county is number one in the state and number 21 in the nation regarding the number of gallons pumped from cows. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says Stearns County has more than 500 dairy farms.

Along with its vast production network, many area farmers produce some of the highest quality milk.

Fourteen farms were honored earlier this month for their top herds with low somatic cell counts (SCC). Somatic cell count is a key indicator of milk quality – a lower SCC count is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life for bottled milk.

Although somatic cells occur naturally and are not a food safety concern, dairy farmers monitor them because they can be used to measure their cows’ health. Processors also pay a premium for milk with low counts. A farmer with a very low count can receive a higher price.

The farms honored are:

Cory and Jenna Middendorf – Stearns County
Evergreen Acres Dairy LLC #7 – Stearns County
Jeff and Austin Middendorf – Stearns County
Jeremy and Amanda Wentland – Stearns County
Joe and Kim Engelmeyer – Stearns County
Knisley Dairy Inc. – Stearns County
Magedanz Foreview Dairy LLC – Stearns County
Merdan Dairy Inc. – Stearns County
Paul Mehr – Stearns County
Randy and Amanda Hartung – Stearns County
Schefers Bros LLC- Stearns County
Schwing D. Farm – Stearns County
Scott and Denise Gathje – Stearns County
Vogt Dairy LLC – Stearns County

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