Meierbachtol Farms
Meierbachtol Farms had humble beginnings on the rolling hills along the Minnesota River in Scott County. Martin Meierbachtol was able to expand the acreage and was the patriarch of this third-generation farm. His son, Ray, hauled cattle to South St. Paul and brought farm goods and groceries back to Belle Plaine. Ray later expanded into a grain-hauling business and longer trips to haul livestock. Ray and his sons, John, Donald, and Dale, farmed side-by-side until Ray’s retirement. Then the brothers took over the operation.
The Meierbachtols’ farm enterprise consists of corn, soybeans and a pastured cow/calf business. They also raise Holstein steers at another farm site near Blakely. The farm operation consists of the three brothers and their families: John and Kate; Donald and Margaret and their sons, Mark and Michael; and Dale and Kim and their son, Adam.
All family members work together, keeping lines of communication open in good times and bad. They prioritize the workload every day and are very thankful for good family and friends.
The Meierbachtols have worked with Scott County SWCD to implement many conservation practices on their farm to reduce soil erosion in the bluff areas including terraces and water sediment basins.
The family was very involved in FFA and 4-H and are now members of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and Minnesota Corn Growers Association. John and Donald are members of the Scott County Pork Producers Association. Dale is a supervisor for Blakely Township. The families were awarded the Scott County Conservationists of the Year Award in 2006 and 2013. They are very active in their church.