Staff photo by Fritz Busch The David and Angie Tauer family was recognized as the 2022 University of Minnesota Extension Service Brown County Farm Family of the Year and honored at Farmfest on Thursday. From left: Ruby, David, Angie and Adam Tauer.

BROWN COUNTY — Tauer Dairy, owned and operated by David and Angie Tauer of rural Hanska, was recognized as the University of Minnesota Extension’s Brown County Farm Family of the Year at Farmfest on Thursday.

The Tauers, along with their children, Ruby and Adam, are the third and fourth generations operating Tauer Dairy.

David and Angie purchased the farm in 2008 from his parents, Robert and Darlene, who continue to help with dairy operations.

The Tauers have long strived for progress, quality and environmental stewardship. Tauer Dairy consists of 250 head in a free stall and parlor setup. A state-of-the-art heifer-raising facility was added in 2021. 

The family runs a closed herd with a focus on genetics, quality milk/components and overall herd health. Tauer Dairy is continually ranked as a Minnesota Dairy Herd Improvement Association Top 200 herd.

The family also runs 450 acres of crop land planted with corn, rye, alfalfa and various cover crop/double cropping rotations. All the crops are used to feed the farm’s livestock.

Tauer Dairy is a University of Minnesota international training farm that has hosted 25 interns from 10 countries since 2010; the family has also hosted interns from Penn State University. 

The Tauers are active in their community. Angie created and managed the Brown County Ag Literacy Program working with area libraries and schools to make books related to agriculture available to students.