Agriculture
The agriculture industry continues to be an integral part of Melrose’s success. Dairy and turkey, along with pork, beef and crops are the dominant agricultural industries in our area. The dairy industry continues to have traditional 60- to 90-cow farms with pipeline milkers, while most expansions now include a milking parlor, free stall cow housing and dairy herds of 150 to 1000 cows. Farms are growing in size as family members decide to farm together, versus separately. According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, Stearns County had 69,000 dairy cows on 720 dairy farms. The average cow produced 22,000 pounds of milk annually compared to 10,000 pounds of milk produced annually in 1975. A few reasons for the increase are better feeding practices, improved genetics and increased use of technologies, which allow farmers to provide individualized care. Stearns County is the #1 county in Minnesota for milk production, total milk cows and total cash receipts for livestock sales, along with cattle and calves on inventory. There are a number of turkey farms in the area as well. A majority of them have contracts with Jennie-O Turkey Store to raise a certain number of birds. A majority of the turkeys that are contracted with Jennie-O Turkey Store are processed at the plant here in Melrose. There are also pork and beef producers in the area, however much of the hog finishing has gone to contract finishing, so not as many small farmers in the area have been choosing to raise pork.
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210 Main Street, COLD SPRING, MN 320-685-7070 • Fax: 320-685-7071
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306 East Main Street, MELROSE, MN 56352 320-256-7070
Cash crops are also raised in the Melrose area. These crops include corn, soybeans and alfalfa. Some of these crops will be sold to the feed mills in town or hauled to another site. The majority of the alfalfa that is raised as cash crops is sold locally to dairy farmers or brought to a hay auction. Stearns County is the #1 county in Minnesota for hay production and oat production. The Melrose economy continues to be vibrant and is highly dependent on the agriculture industry.
HERE FOR YOU & YOUR ANIMALS All From ONE Company • Animal Health (from pets to livestock) • In-House Animal Pharmacy • Route/Farm Delivery • Dairy Parlor Efficiency & Maintenance • Automated/Robotic Milking Equipment Whatever you need for your dairy, we can help you meet your goals for herd health & productivity.
Stop in, call, or visit our website! Keeping Families on the Farm Melrose Store: 222 County Road 173 SE Melrose, MN 56352 M-F, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Office: 800.996.3303 Order: 877.608.3877 Leedstone.com
control # 36975563_0920D
1-877-396-6577 | www.star-pub.com | 2020 Melrose Resource Guide • Page 27
