Superior milk quality, UltraFutures mean success for Minnesota's Mintens

    Dairying, family and National Farmers go hand-in-hand for Mike and Jennifer Minten, who own a small dairy in Minnesota near Perham, nestled in the rolling landscape of Otter Tail County.
     The couple are raising their five children, Billy, 8, Jimmy, 6, Gracey, 6, Benny, 6, (Yes, triplets.) and Macey, 9 months, on the dairy farm where Mike was raised, and learned dairying from the generation before, his parents, Joe and Delores Minten. Jen works in the operation - as much as raising children allows - and the kids are becoming involved, as well.
     "They feed calves, clean barns, and so on," Mike said. (Except little Macey.) "They like being around Dad and helping out. They get mad when I send them to the house for school in the morning."
     The Mintens milk 44 head, and they raise their own youngstock, with 40-45 heifers on hand. Most of the cows are Holsteins, with a few Holstein crosses.
     Using National Farmers UltraFutures, the family has been locking in a solid price for their operation. "When milk gets over $20, you might as well contract it, because it doesn't happen very often," he added.
     When producers work as hard as the Mintens at putting quality milk on America's tables, they might as well reap the monetary rewards. "I have the privilege of being both a neighbor and a fieldman for the Mintens," said Bob Lewis, National Farmers MaximumMarketing service representative. "Living just a few miles from their farm, I know them, and their operation, quite well.
     "They have received superior quality awards for the past three years. They're very committed to producing quality milk. All their cows are both pre- and post-dipped at each milking. Their barn and milk room are always very clean."
     Lewis noted that the Mintens' hard work pays off. ".they have received several perfect inspections from the state sanitarian, as well as a perfect inspection on an IMS (Interstate Milk Shippers) survey.
     "I know that Mike is very concerned about herd health," Lewis said. "The cows are very well cared for, and I'm sure that has a lot to do with their low somatic cell counts."
     Lewis passed on some of Mike Minten's advice about cows that aren't performing. "I have also heard Mike say the best treatment for a problem cow is a trip to the NFO livestock marketing center," the service rep added.
     On July 14, 1963, Mike's father was one of the first farmers to join NFO in Otter Tail County. Mike's parents were very committed members over the years they farmed, and Mike worked very closely with them.
     Fast forward 30 years. On January 1, 1993, Mike and Jen took over the operation. However, the strong commitment to National Farmers Organization certainly didn't end with that change, Lewis said. "Dad was a member - so I am, too," Mike said.
     Mike has served as secretary for Otter Tail County National Farmers, and on the regional dairy committee. Jen is the treasurer for both Otter Tail County NFO, and Minnesota's 7th District.
     When it comes to National Farmers business meetings, it's not always just Mike and Jen greeting fellow Minnesota agricultural producers. "You generally see them at local NFO functions, and it's not uncommon to see all or some of their five children with them," Lewis said.
     What better reminder of the importance of National Farmers' marketing and risk management programs than Billy, Jimmy, Gracey, Benny and Macey - who might just want to continue the dairying legacy?