BROWN COUNTY — Four Brown County dairy herds were among the best Minnesota dairy herds with low somatic cell scouts (SCC), according to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Each year, the MDA recognizes the top state dairy herds with low SCC, a key indicator of milk quality. A lower SCC is better for cheese production and a longer shelf life of bottled milk. Somatic cell counts occur naturally and are not a food safety concern.

Dairy farmers monitor SCC because it can be used as a way of measuring the herd health. Processors pay a premium for milk with low SCC. A farmer with a low SCC herd can receive a significantly higher price than a farmer whose herd’s SCC is average to high.

Area Minnesota dairy herds with low SCC include Autumn Breeze Dairy, Kevin Braulick, Colleen Berscheidt and Michael and Judy Sellner in Brown County; Joe Wuethrich, Michael Hoernemann, and Kraig Krienke in McLeod County; Nosbush Dairy in Renville County; John Wenninger in Sibley County and Allen Dauer in Nicollet County.

For more information, visit https://www.mda.state.mn.us/food-feed/minnesota-dairy-herds-low.