BUSINESS

In Business: 17 dairy herds in tri-county area recognized for low somatic cell counts

Sarah Kocher
St. Cloud Times

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture recognized 14 dairy farms in Stearns County, two in Benton County and one in Sherburne County for low somatic cell counts.

According to MDA, somatic cell counts are an indicator of milk quality, and lower counts are better for cheese production and the shelf life of bottled milk. Somatic cell counts can also be used to measure cow health, according to MDA.

Here are the local dairy producers whose herds had an average somatic cell count of 100,000 or lower last year. The producers are listed in order of cell count, from lower to higher.

  • Brandon and Jill Marshik, Benton County
  • Jeff Middendorf, Stearns County
  • Overdale Dairy, Stearns County
  • Joe and Kim Engelmeyer, Stearns County
  • Merdan Dairy Inc., Stearns County
  • Evergreen Acres Dairy LLC #7, Stearns County
  • Glen and Rebecca Christen, Stearns County
  • Schefers Bros. LLC, Stearns County
  • Jeremy and Amanda Wentland, Stearns County
  • Travis and Angela Scherping, Stearns County
  • Schmitt Dairy Inc., Benton County
  • Knisley Dairy Inc., Stearns County
  • Wilwerding Dairy - West, Stearns County
  • Cargill Innovation Campus, Sherburne County
  • Funks Midway Dairy, Stearns County
  • Richard Kasper, Stearns County
  • Marvin Rademacher, Stearns County

Statewide, 114 Minnesota dairy farms were recognized for achieving the benchmark.

GSDC hires new communications and program specialist

Former City of St. Cloud employee Tammy Campion has joined the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation staff.

Campion worked in the city's planning office for 22 years, including most recently for 16 years as a senior planner and economic development specialist, according to a press release from GSDC.

Tammy Campion

Campion retired from her job with the city but then took the part-time job at the GSDC in June after the position became vacant. The role was formerly held by Amelia Barkley.

The Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation is a private collaboration of around 250 regional businesses and community leaders in the greater St. Cloud area focused on economic development.

College of Saint Benedict names vice president of institutional advancement

The College of Saint Benedict has promoted Heather Pieper-Olson to vice president of institutional advancement.

Pieper-Olson has served as associate vice president of institutional advancement since 2015. She has been part of the institutional advancement team since 2008 and has worked her way up through different leadership positions. Pieper-Olson also served as the interim vice president for institutional advancement in 2014 for 11 months, Saint Benedict's said in a press release.

Pieper-Olson also works as a volunteer assistant coach for the College of Saint Benedict volleyball team.

Castle Realty owner appointed to St. Cloud advisory board

The St. Cloud City Council has approved Castle Realty owner John Kerber's appointment to the city's park and recreation advisory board.

Kerber will serve in the voluntary position for two years. Duties for board members include analyzing the city's recreational needs and making recommendations on policies, recreational programs and park and recreation department heads, among others.