Dittbenner’s Spring Creek Dairy
Dittbenner’s Spring Creek Dairy began outside of Sleepy Eye in the late 1960s in a stanchion barn with 160 acres and gradually expanded to 40 cows and 500 acres over the next 25 years. In 1995, the operation grew to 120 cows with the construction of a milking parlor. In 2016, two milking robots were added. Today, the Dittbenners still farm around 500 acres, raising corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, and milking 120 cows.
The Dittbenner’s Spring Creek Dairy is a family operation managed by Craig and Joleen Dittbenner. They have three daughters, Courtney, Brittney and Destiney, who have contributed to the farm over the years. Additionally, Craig’s parents, Reynold and Vivian Dittbenner, are still actively involved in supporting the operation.
Craig and Joleen contribute to their community both on and off the farm. Craig is an active member of the local robot milking peer group, collaborating with other producers to share knowledge and best practices. He supports local farmers by helping with baling, chopping corn silage, combining, welding and any other tasks they need help with.
Joleen is deeply involved in the community, serving on the Sleepy Eye Public School Board for the past 14 years. Additionally, she has served as the Sleepy Eye Public Basketball Boosters chair and in many leadership roles at Trinity Lutheran Church.