Caledonia Argus

Ingvalsons enjoy farming, family

Posted: 6/11/02

by Jane Palen
Managing editor

For most families involved in dairy farming, the more work there is to do, the less time there is available for family activities. But Mike and Kris Ingvalson of rural Caledonia said their decision to expand their dairy operation five years ago grew from a desire to spend more time with their

family. Mike said that he figured if his operation got large enough, he would be able to hire enough help and delegate the responsibilities in order to have time for his family.

The reasoning worked out well for the Ingvalsons, who milk 300 cows three times a day at their dairy operation west of Caledonia. Since they expanded, they have been able to watch their children participate in sports and music, and the farm hums along just fine without them.

The Ingvalson children include Laura, a 2000 CHS graduate who attends UW-L; Joe, a recent CHS graduate who will be going to Winona State University in the fall; and Tricia, who will be a junior in high school this fall. The family will host this year's Dairy Breakfast on the Farm on Saturday, June 15.

"The main thing (in making the decision to expand) was seeing our kids grow up," said Mike, "We can delegate things, we have good people. Our employees are a key part of our operation." The Ingvalsons have seven employees, and when Mike isn't around, he is always accessible by his cell phone, which he calls a "blessing." "They can call me when they need me," he said. The cows seem to be milking just fine without Mike's constant presence. His herd average is 26,500 lbs., compared to a state average of about 20,000 lbs. The cows are milked at 3:30 a.m., noon, and 8 p.m. "The extra milk pays for the additional labor, utilizes the parlor more efficiently, and creates less stress for the cows," explained Mike. The cows are milked in a double 6 herringbone parlor that was built in 1979. The parlor is essentially the same as it was then with some important updates, including improved ventilation and better lighting. Each milking session lasts about 41/2 hours. He said he would eventually like to expand the parlor and have it used up to 18 hours a day.

But it's not as though the family isn't involved in the operation. The Ingvalson children have had the opportunity to work on the farm since they were young, and Kris said that she believes it has helped them develop a sense of responsibility, a strong work ethic, and confidence. Occasionally, Kris will even be called in. "When they can't find anyone else, they call me," she said. Kris was raised on a dairy farm in north central Minnesota, and met Mike when they were students at the University of Minnesota-Waseca. Her full-time job is as a registered nurse at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

Mike's dad, Harlan, also works on the farm and his mother, Joanne, does the bookkeeping for the operation. Mike and Kris agree that it has been a wonderful bonus to have the kids grow up so close to their grandparents, who live right next door. The grandparents have also been big supporters of the kids in all their music and sports activities, they said.

Mike has about 500 acres of tillable ground on the farm, which he puts into hay and corn. He is able to produce enough forage to meet his needs, but buys shelled corn. About one calf a day is born on the farm, but they aren't there for long. The heifers are custom-raised in Preston until four-five months of age, and then are taken to Foundation Feeders in Spring Grove until they are ready to freshen. Mike also feeds out between 50 and 90 steers.

The Ingvalsons have one herdsman and one full time milker. The rest of the employees fill in where needed with either fieldwork or milking. There are four high school boys who the Ingvalsons call their "Weekend Warriors." They are able to work weekends so the rest of the help can get time off. They have enough employees so that it's not a problem to fill in when someone needs time off, said Mike. Although the Ingvalsons have experienced labor crunches, they are fully staffed right now, and even have a Russian intern who will work for 12

months learning the dairy business before returning to his native land.

Kris pointed out that employees get scheduled time off, health insurance and other benefits and competitive wages. Employees have break room and restroom facilities complete with a shower. The teenagers who work on the farm are required to pass a farm safety course before Mike will hire them. "It's nice to see kids interested," said Mike. "Dairy farming has been hurt by the attitude that it's all hard work. You've got to know when to quit." While "there's no such thing as a lazy dairy farmer," Mike said, the attitude that dairy farming will rule your life hurts the industry and discourages people from getting into it. Kris agrees. "It's a lifestyle, but it's also a business. We tried to make a change in attitude."

Although the industry faces many challenges, including a lack of understanding of the economic impact of dairy and the increasingly restrictive environmental rules and regulations, Mike said he is excited about the future of the dairy industry in Minnesota. "We've got labor, cheap feed, good climate and an infrastructure in place. What more can you ask for than that?"

The Ingvalsons expect 1,000 to 1,200 people to attend the dairy breakfast on June 15. The breakfast will be held in the new shop, and there will be pancakes, sausage, eggs, orange juice, Yo-J, milk, cheese and ice cream served beginning at 6:30 a.m. The Ingvalsons are looking forward to hosting this year's breakfast.

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