ST. PAUL, Minn. – The state Agriculture Department has recognized dairy farms with low somatic cell counts, which is a measure of herd health. The lower the count, the better the cheese production and the longer the shelf life of bottled milk. Some 114 farms were recognized statewide. Among the southeast Minnesota farms:
> Fillmore County: Shir-Man Holsteins II.
> Houston County: Michael and Kris Banse; Dev-Lin Holsteins; Hammell Dairy; Hendel Fams; Houdek Dairy; Schulte Farms; Schulte Farms of Caledonia.
> Wabasha County: Tony and Matt Berktold; Bill Miller; John Miller; Duane; Maynard and Jeremiah Schumacher; and Karen Timm.
> Winona County: Barkheim Farms; D and D Dairy; Scott and Michelle Herber; D&L Johnson Dairy Farm; Robert, Terri and Mike Ketchum; Kiefland Holsteins; Nelson’s Organic Dairy; Pine Vue Farms; Rolling Ridge Acres; Selke Farms; Sobeck Brothers Farm; Trailside Holsteins; Valley Acres Dairy; Valley View Farm; Wortland Holsteins.