Lingen Dairy:
A Legacy of Innovation and Community
From Robotic Milking to Farm-Fresh Ice Cream: How One Family is Redefining Dairy Farming
Lingen Dairy, a family-owned farm, has been integral to the local communities for generations. This isn't just any ordinary dairy farm. By blending tradition with innovation, the Lingens have forged a distinct path, and we are proud to honor them during National Cooperative Month.
A Rich History: Rooted in Tradition
The story of Lingen Dairy traces back nearly a century, beginning when Josh Lingen's great-grandfather first settled on the land. Over the years, the farm has been passed down through several generations, each contributing to its legacy. Today, Josh and his wife, Sarah, are raising their children on the same land where Josh's ancestors once lived. His sister Heather, and her husband Reed Stepp, are also involved in the operation. They are deeply committed to their roots, taking pride in their dairy herd, and carefully breeding their cows to produce top-quality milk. They also prioritize sustainable farming practices to ensure that their land remains vibrant and productive for future generations.
Embracing Technology: A Modern Dairy
While honoring their heritage, Josh and Sarah also look to the future. A visit to their milking parlor features five robotic milking systems that operate quietly as roughly 350 cows come and go at their leisure daily. These advanced machines not only milk the cows but also gather data on each animal's health and milk production. This technological investment has transformed the Lingens' operations, allowing Josh to focus on other business aspects and spend quality time with his family. It has also enhanced the well-being of their cows, giving them the freedom to choose when to be milked, thus reducing stress and boosting milk production. "The robots have been a game-changer for us," shares Josh. "They've enabled us to be more efficient and sustainable while improving our cows' lives." As other producers closely monitors the rising costs associated with farming operations, Lingen Dairy also watches those costs. “Inflation continues force us to rethink our business strategies and find more efficient ways of working better”, says Josh.
From Cow to Cone: The Birth of an Ice Cream Dream
In recent years, the Lingens’ have embarked on an exciting new venture: creating and selling their own ice cream. Inspired by Sarah, who saw an opportunity to showcase their farm-fresh milk and cream in a delightful and innovative manner. "We've always been proud of the quality of our milk," Sarah explains. "We wanted to share that with our community in a fun and accessible way." With Josh's encouragement, Sarah dove into the world of ice cream making, dedicating countless hours to researching recipes, experimenting with flavors, and refining her skills. The result is a line of handcrafted ice creams that are both rich and delicious. The Lingens' two ice cream trailers have become a beloved presence at local events, farmers' markets, and festivals. When visitors stop by the Lingens' ice cream trailer, they aren't just purchasing a treat; they are gaining insight into the heart of a family farm.
A Bright Future: The Legacy Continues
As the Lingen children grow older, they are increasingly involved in the family business, helping on the farm, scooping ice cream and even brainstorming new flavor ideas. "It's wonderful to see our kids develop a passion for agriculture," notes Josh. "We hope they will continue the family tradition for many years to come." The Lingens are also optimistic about the future, exploring new avenues to expand their ice cream business and continually seeking ways to enhance their farming practices. "We're excited about what's ahead," Sarah says. "We believe there's a bright future for dairy farming, and we are proud to be a part of it."
Electricity: It Continues to Change Their Farm Operations:
“As part of our commitment to sustainability, we're exploring the benefits of a Bobman electric barn cleaning unit. These innovative machines not only minimize noise pollution but also eliminate diesel emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a quieter environment for our cows,” says Josh. Noise and disturbances can stress dairy cows, affecting their milk production, which is just one reason they are eager to upgrade to electric barn cleaning units. “We have collaborated closely with Nobles Cooperative Electric in the past to update our operations, and they have been instrumental in helping us find new ways to utilize electricity,” says Josh. “Recently, we have upgraded our coolers and freezers, and have now acquired 34 ice cream machines. Our next venture includes working on the electric barn cleaner and potentially an electric-powered Dodge Ram truck to assist in delivering our ice cream. One step at a time towards a sustainable future,” says Josh.
Contact the Lingens to bring some ice cream joy to your next event!
