Charles Krause named Progressive Dairy Producer
By Carol Stender
cstender@agrinews.com
Date Modified: 10/13/2011 8:41 AM
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BUFFALO, Minn. — Charles Krause's first trip to the World Dairy Expo will certainly be a memorable one.
The Buffalo dairy farmer will receive the National Dairy Shrine's Progressive Dairy Producer honor in the small herd division.
He will share the experience with his wife, Robyn, and the couple's children, Andrew and Morgan. His sister from Alaska and brother from Texas will also attend.
His father, Warren, suffered a heart attack when Krause was a high school sophomore. He took over the milking duties and farm operation while his father recovered. He milked the farm's 70 to 85 cows and attended high school.
"You go through something like this and you are either going to hate it or like it," he said. "It was a natural fit for me."
That was 30 years ago.
He attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in animal science in 1991.
"I always planned on coming back," he said. "I knew that from the time I was 10. That makes it easier for a kid when you go to school —you know what you want to do with your life."
He is the fourth generation of Krauses to farm and the second generation to farm on the operation his parents moved to 52 years ago.
The father and son set up an S-Corporation and incorporated eight years ago, he said.
In 2005, they built a double-8 parallel parlor. The family milks 170 cows. The herd averages 26,000 pounds of milk and has a 190,000 somatic cell count. The cows are fed a Totally Mixed Ration of haylage, corn silage and a custom protein mix plus high moisture corn.
Working with Krause are his employees including Robert Epple, who has worked full time with Krause for five years and part time workers Shannon Zachariason and Brad Ebert. The couple's children also assist with the milking when needed.
Krause spreads dairy's message through the Midwest Dairy Association's "Speak Out" program. Through the program, Krause and other dairy farmers tell their farming stories to organizations and groups. He recently delivered his message to the Minneapolis Lions Club.
Krause also serves on the MDA-Minnesota division's promotion council and is a Midwest Dairy Association board member.
Krause Holsteins has hosted foreign visitors from Great Britain, China and Russia.
"We like to be stewards of the land," he said. "Alfalfa is a good way to do that. Dairy farming is a valuable asset to the state."
They also strive to be good neighbors in their rural community. Rock Lake is only a half mile from the farm. The farm family informs neighbors when they will pump manure and inject it in the soil.
"Everyday is a gift to work with my dad and to also have that gift for my children who can also work alongside their grandfather," Krause said. "How many people have that same opportunity? It's a great story of the generations working together on the farm. It is one we farmers need to tell."