ST. CLOUD, Minn. — Join University of Minnesota Extension at Borgerding Dairy for the Stearns County Dairy Field Day this summer! Dairy field days are offered around the state in order to provide local producers and the agribusinesses that work with them the opportunity to learn from Extension Educators, agricultural professionals and the farmers hosting the field day. This is also a great time to ask questions and gain insight while networking with multiple dairy producers in the surrounding area.
The Stearns County Dairy Field Day will be held on Tuesday, August 7 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Borgerding farm, owned and operated by Joe and Toni Borgerding along with their family. Borgerding Dairy is located at 39736 275th St, Belgrade, MN.
This field day will feature a unique farm that emphasizes cost savings, effective labor use, and a strong family partnership. The Borgerdings milk 160 cows, in addition to running 1,100 acres, and use biological farming methods to maximize soil health and fertility. This land includes 250 acres of pasture for grazing the cows. Cows are primarily bred to calve in the fall, and the farm uses Fleckvieh and Holstein genetics to produce cows suitable for freestall and pasture conditions.
Joe and his family have used innovative thinking to achieve cost savings while also meeting farm goals. Some of these innovations include unique approaches to drainage, ventilation, and feed management. Joe, Toni and their two sons, Danny and Tommy, share management responsibilities around the farm and are currently in the process of a farm transition. The Borgerdings also manage a custom farming enterprise and utilize organic management to increase profitability.
The Stearns County Dairy Field Day includes lunch and is offered free of charge thanks to generous sponsorships from Minnesota Dairy Initiatives – Central Region and Organic Valley.
Pre-registration is not required, but an RSVP is requested to help with the meal count. Questions and RSVP’s can be directed to Local Extension Educator Emily Wilmes at krek0033@umn.edu or 320-255-6169, extension 3.
— Michaela Simcoe, University of Minnesota Extension
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