These words were spoken by Rosie Middendorf, at the end of our story about a grass-fed dairy operation near the town of Bluegrass, Minnesota.
You'll never meet harder working people than a farmer and his wife, especially on a successful farm. Last September we had the honor of sitting down at the kitchen table and visiting with Dan and Rosie Middendorf, owners of MiddMinn Dairy, Josh Grundyson, a young farmer-in-training, and his wife Sharon. They make a compelling case for their method of raising cattle entirely on grass. Their herd spends the winter outdoors, only coming inside to get milked. Passionate about the land, about raising healthy animals and producing for Organic Valley, they were very willing to share the lessons they've learned with our viewers. I sincerely hope you'll watch this episode; I'm sure you'll appreciate what they have to say.
Josh Grundyson gets ready to move a calf pen on the Middendorfs' lawn.
Josh and Dan Middendorf inspect a newborn calf.
These photographs show how the young calves are raised in groups, right on the lawn where their pen can be moved frequently. Dan doesn't have to mow the lawn. Good idea, eh? As we filmed the story, it was especially fun to watch the entire herd of 130 cows cross the highway in less than five minutes.
2014 has been a tough year for the Middendorfs. In January, Dan was diagnosed with skin cancer. In March, he was broadsided in a car accident, so he also has to deal with issues related to the injuries he sustained. Just a couple weeks ago Rosie had a heart attack and had to be airlifted to St. Cloud for an emergency operation. They're still on the farm, managing to get by with the help of family and the Grundysons. So if you're so inclined, I hope you'll keep them in your prayers tonight. I know we will.