The third-generation family farm operated by David and Angie Tauer milks 250 purebred Holsteins twice a day in a double 6 parlor. The Tauers were named Brown County Farm Family of the Year in 2022.

The free event organized by the New Ulm Farm-City Hub Club that included many agricultural organizations featured tractor-drawn wagon loads of people on farm tours, calf petting, photos with dairy princesses, more kid’ activities, educational displays, goodie bags and a chance to meet a veterinarian and other dairy princesses.

The event was formerly held at the Steven and Kerry Hoffman dairy farm south of New Ulm. The Hoffmans recently retired from dairy farming.

Angie Tauer, who also teaches science at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s School, talked about how dairy farming is going this year.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Sidney Tauer bottle-feeds a newborn heifer at Tauer Dairy at Family Night on the Dairy Farm Friday.

“It’s going pretty good. The heat and rain have been a bit of a challenge this summer, but we’re in a good run. We use a lot of fans, sprinklers and misters in the barns,” she said.

Dave Tauer said he usually milks at 5 a.m. and 5 p.m., but started his afternoon milking earlier Friday in preparation for Family Night on the Farm.

“There’s always challenges. That’s part of it. The markets have been difficult but it’s improving,” Dave Tauer said.

Angie said export trades are back up, improving the milk market.

The Tauer’s milk is transported to Agropur in Le Sueur where it is used to make dried whey protein and shredded cheese used in restaurants.

“Their special protein whey often goes to Asian markets,” Angie Tauer said.

The Tauers farm 500 acres of corn, soybeans, sorghum, alfalfa and rye cover crops.

“There is always something in the ground here. It’s easy feed and good for the dirt,” said Angie.

The Tauers bought the farm in 2006 and built a new heifer facility in 2021.

Several gardens contain lots of vegetables around the farm yard.

Angie Tauer said her favorite food is steak. She said Dave’s favorite food is yogurt.

Dave’s mother Darlene Tauer was carrying a bucket in the newborn heifer barn.

“My husband Robert milked cows across the road. We started with 30 cows. My kids all learned to work hard on the farm. Things are a lot more automated today, but farming is still a lot of work,” said Darlene Tauer.