Land O’Lakes’ Member Blue Diamond Dairy was named Minnesota’s 2012 Dairy Producer of the Year by the Minnesota Milk Producers Association at this year’s Midwest Dairy Expo in St. Cloud, Minn. The husband and wife duo, Glen and Sadie Frericks, have farmed for seven years, purchasing Blue Diamond Dairy in Melrose, Minn. five years ago when they were only in their twenties. The award honors dairy operations that exemplify serious commitment to the industry, along with regular activity and partnerships within their local communities and upholding farms for future generations of dairy producers. The Frericks’ Blue Diamond Dairy exemplifies all of these traits.
This passionate couple, who at times were called crazy for taking on an endeavor like Blue Diamond Dairy, wasted no time in prioritizing and implementing sustainability, animal comfort and public education after purchasing the production. Since the beginning, the Frericks installed better barn stalls, improved ventilation and lighting, and put in a manure storage system—all of which allow the pair to focus on other aspects of the farm, including the quality of their product and the health of their animals.
Blue Diamond Dairy is considered a “hybrid dairy,” and incorporates old-school practices with new technology. Their 75 cows—all of whom are named—spend the warmer part of the year grazing outside, and move indoors during the freezing temperatures. The farm also includes a flock of laying hens and other types of farm animals.
The Frericks proudly represent the future of farmers as they work to educate and collaborate with their local community. A continuing goal of Blue Diamond Dairy is to be open to the public. So far, they’ve hosted training sessions for energy auditors and camping for Girl Scout troops, including farm tours and education on dairy production.
“Glen and Sadie Frericks are a very deserving family to be selected as Minnesota Producer of the Year,” said Land O’Lakes Director of Ag & Governance Gary Weber. “They are a hard-working family who is engaged both in building their dairy business and also being a part of the local, state and national dairy scene. It pleases us to see one of our members honored in this way.”
Source: Land O’Lakes