The Minnesota Department of Agriculture released an annual list of top Minnesota dairy herds recognized for low somatic cell counts this month. Out of 112 Minnesota herds, 25 of those are producers for First District Association in Litchfield.
Somatic cell count is an indicator of milk quality. The lower the count, the better it is for cheese production and provides a longer shelf life for bottled milk.
The herds that are recognized have achieved an average somatic cell count of under 100,000. Dairy farmers monitor somatic cells due to the cells’ influence on the health of their cattle.
“It’s especially important to recognize these dairy farmers at a time when milk prices are low and the dairy industry is struggling,” said Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson in a news release. “Despite this adversity, these producers have worked hard to improve the management of their herds to reach this level of excellence.”
Clint Fall, CEO at First District, said each and every one of their producers have been doing “a great job.”
“We’re proud of those producers that keep a low cell count,” Fall said. “It’s just an incredible achievement.”
