The Otte family of Square Deal Dairy, Randolph, was named the Minnesota Milk Producers Association’s 2016 Producer of the Year.

The award was presented during the Minnesota Milk Dairy Conference and Expo in St. Cloud on Nov. 30. The Ottes were selected on the basis of their involvement in the dairy industry, their commitment to the future, their activity and interest in dairy, and their participation in the community.

As fourth-generation dairy producers, Blake and Christine Otte work with their son Tyler and his wife, Kelsey. Their son Bret and his fiancée, Kayla, assist while also holding off-farm jobs. Eric, their youngest son, is attending college. Twelve employees assist the family in running the 500-cow dairy and 1,500 acres of owned and rented land. The Ottes also operate a custom bale-wrapping and -chopping business.

“We have always believed that we are dairy producers, not just cow milkers,” says Blake Otte. “We are constantly looking into and improving the facilities for cow comfort, as well as investing in new technology.”

Square Deal Dairy built a new double-10 parallel parlor in 1997, upgrading from a barn originally built by Blake's grandfather. The parlor and freestalls were improved again within the last three years.

In addition, the Ottes have recently invested in electrical upgrades to address the challenges presented by stray current. A new manure system allows them to separate manure solids and reuse them for bedding.

The Ottes provide their community with access to the farm regularly, hosting tours for area schools, commodity groups and businesses. Last year, they began sharing presentations and chatting with a school in New York City.

“Our favorite event to date was a tour for the entire educational staff from an area school for one of its August prep workshops,” adds Christine.

In addition, the Ottes have been involved in 4-H, FFA, school and church activities.

“Representing a family farm that has been in the local community for more than 120 years, we have always felt the importance of being active and giving back,” Blake says. “We’ve raised our sons to follow that same path.”

As Producer of the Year, the family receives a $1,000 scholarship toward educational programming, a trip to the conference where the award was presented, and a framed and matted art print.

Source: MMPA