Krenz Family
Josh is a third-generation farmer who was raised on a diversified dairy farm in Fall Creek, Wis. Maria grew up on a rural property with animals in Maribel, Wis. After they both attended the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Maria attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and received a doctorate in veterinary medicine. Josh attended Colorado State University and received a master's degree in business.
Josh and Maria settled in Princeton, where they purchased their farm in 2007. The farm was a corn/soybean rotation farm and they committed to changing the landscape of the land. Highland cattle and Shetland sheep animals were introduced in 2008. The couple slowly transformed the entire farm into a grass operation
The next generation of farmers includes Josh and Maria’s children, Hadley and Brixton, who have grown into big helpers on the farm.
Today, Windland Flats, the Krenz family farm, consists of almost 100 acres of land that is intensively rotationally grazed with a herd of AHCA-registered Highland cattle. The family rotationally produce and make hay on the pastureland. Using legumes and grasses, the Krenzes have implemented sustainable farming practices including no-till, intensive rotational grazing, and creating a biodiverse pasture. The family has planted over 3,500 trees on the farm and installed a solar system.
Highland cattle are grass-fed and the beef is sold directly to consumers. Shetland sheep are sheared, and the family sells wool products. The farm is home to an NPIP-certified hatchery. The Krenzes hatch show chickens to provide local 4-H and other poultry enthusiasts with a local source for NPIP-certified chicks and chickens. The farm is in the MN Agriculture Water Quality Certification Program and participates in Minnesota Grown.
Josh handles the daily activities of the farm and manages cattle breeding. Maria oversees animal health, sheep, and chicken breeding. Hadley and Brixton halter and train all sheep and chickens for show. They help feed and show a variety of animals.
Josh and Maria are both 4-H volunteers and are involved in several county 4-H committees. Hadley and Brixton are Cloverbuds in the Silver Lakers 4-H club. Josh is the current national president for the American Highland Cattle Association and has served on numerous committees. He also serves as the District V Supervisor for Sherburne SWCD. The Krenz family actively supports the Princeton FFA, the Discovery Montessori Academy, and participates in the Princeton School District’s Down on the Farm events. The Krenz family members are members of several cattle breed and farm organizations. Josh is a past president of the North Central NAMA and award winner of the Horizon Award. Maria’s veterinary practice, ZimmVet, was named the 2021 American Animal Hospital Association clinic of the year.