OUTSTANDING CONSERVATIONISTS

Outstanding Conservationists:

Each year the Stearns County Soil & Water Conservation District recognizes an individual(s) or organizations for outstanding accomplishments in implementing conservation practices and improving Minnesota’s natural resources.

From Tradition to Transformation, Udermann Family named Outstanding Conservationist for Stearns County and Minnesota

Nestled amidst the urban sprawl of Sartell, MN, Meadowbrook Dairy, Inc., is a prime example of a farm working towards sustainable agriculture. The farm's proximity to residential areas inspires a deep commitment to environmental stewardship.

For their hard work in conservation, the Udermann family was honored as the 2024 Conservationist of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) and the Stearns Conservation District (SCD). Their dedication to conservation farming practices was recognized at the 88th MASWCD annual meeting in Bloomington on December 4, 2024.

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The award honors individuals, families, and organizations that improve Minnesota’s natural resources. Regional finalists were showcased in a presentation during the luncheon, prior to the Udermanns being announced as the state winner. They are the first to be named State Outstanding Conservationist in the history of the Stearns Conservation District.

Meadowbrook Dairy, Inc., is a fifth-generation farm in Stearns County owned and operated by the Udermann family, including John and Mary Lou, their sons Alex and Jake, Alex’s wife Kirsten, and Jake’s wife Sam. Together they farm 1,000 acres—130 acres of which are irrigated—of corn, soybeans, small grains, and alfalfa, along with operating an 80-cow dairy and raising/finishing 300 steers, all while prioritizing soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.

“It’s been an incredible year for our family,” said Alex. “We were named First District Association 2024 Young Cooperators of the Year, achieved all five water quality endorsements, Kirsten selected as MN Farmfest woman of the year, were selected as finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award (through the Sand County Foundation), and were honored as Stearns Conservation District’s Outstanding Conservationist. We’re still overwhelmed by winning the MASWCD Area 2 and State Award. It’s been a fun journey, filled with both challenges and successes, and we’re incredibly grateful for this recognition.”

For decades, Meadowbrook Dairy, Inc., like many other farms, relied on traditional farming practices that involved heavy tillage, chemical inputs, and intensive methods. However, the Udermann family, driven by a deep-rooted passion for the land and a desire to protect the environment and ensure the farm’s sustainability, began to question the long-term viability of these methods. “We've faced significant challenges in recent years, including the pandemic, inflation, and prolonged droughts,” said Alex. “I was determined to find a more resilient and sustainable path for our farm and future generations.”

Inspired by the five principles of soil health, the Udermann family embarked on a journey to transition the family farm toward more sustainable, regenerative practices. They started with reduced tillage and no-till farming, a technique that minimizes soil disturbance and erosion. By leaving crop residue on the soil surface, they created a protective layer that helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. “I remember back in 2015-16, we were still doing full conventional tillage, and the idea of no-till and cover crops seemed like a distant dream,” said Alex. “We've come a long way in those eight years, transitioning the farm to conservation practices, including cover crops, no-till, nutrient management, and irrigation management.”

To further enhance soil fertility and biodiversity, they introduced cover crops into their rotation. These plants, such as rye, oats, vetch, turnips, and clover, are planted after harvest to cover the bare soil, preventing erosion and adding organic matter. Cover crops also help suppress weeds, improve water infiltration, and provide habitat for beneficial insects. “Our soil health has significantly improved since adopting cover crops and no-till farming,” said Alex. “Our soil is darker, has structure, and aggregates. The soil is rich in earthworms (1.5 million per acre) and diverse fungi. All is proof that what we are doing is working.”

Additionally, the Udermanns treat their manure as a valuable resource, applying lower volumes over more acres. This ensures plant productivity and reduces the potential for nutrient leaching into groundwater as well as nutrient runoff into nearby surface waters, specifically the Mississippi River and the City of Sartell. Since implementing a nutrient management plan the Udermanns have not purchased any commercial phosphorus (P) & potassium (K) fertilizers.

They have implemented buffer strips along waterways to filter runoff and protect water quality. In 2022, they initiated the first phase of a three-part, 245-acre wetland restoration project.

They have successfully restored 100 acres of wetland within the Mississippi River-Sartell watershed, with plans to restore the remaining 145 acres. Restoring the wetland has created valuable habitat for wildlife and improved water quality.

Meadowbrook Dairy, Inc., is the first farm in Minnesota to achieve all five endorsements in the MN Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program: integrated pest management, soil health, wildlife, irrigation water management, and climate-smart practices. These endorsements recognize the farm’s exceptional efforts in water quality and overall conservation.

The Udermanns’ commitment to conservation goes beyond their fields. Their leadership in conservation farming has not only benefited their own operation but also positively influenced the broader agricultural and conservation community. By sharing their knowledge and experience through field days, farmer panels, social media, and other community engagement opportunities, the Udermanns’ are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible and profitable farming. “We've gained valuable knowledge and become better stewards of the land. We've transitioned from being learners to educators, sharing our experiences with others. While we've made significant progress, we continue to learn and adapt.”

Looking ahead, the Udermanns remain focused on their ongoing conservation goals. “This is not the beginning, nor is it the end. We know we still have work to do. We’re committed to continuing our efforts to meet our new goals,” said Alex. “Over the next few years, we’re looking to start composting to increase fungal count and introduce new biology into our soils. We want to plant cover crops on 100% of our acres every year by interseeding. We’re also committed to growing only non-GMO crops and creating a new market for our beef, which we sell directly from the farm. We have a deep passion to better understand the connection between nutrient deficiencies in our food system and the soil’s health. Healthy soils with non-GMO crops lead to more nutrient-dense produce, and that’s something we’re really excited about”

While the Udermann family is humbled and honored to be recognized for their conservation efforts, they hope their success story will inspire others. “When we work together, the community, water, air, and soil thrive,” added Alex.