Udermann Family
Meadowbrook Dairy
Meadowbrook Dairy Inc., nestled in Sartell, is a fifth-generation family farm rooted in tradition and driven by innovation. Established in 1911 by Val Udermann, the farm has grown from humble beginnings into a model of regenerative agriculture, environmental stewardship and local food leadership.
Today, John and Mary Lou Udermann work alongside their sons, Alex and Jake, and daughters-in-law Kirsten and Sam, continuing the legacy with a strong focus on sustainability and soil health. The family farms over 1,000 acres (including 130 acres of irrigation). They milk 80 cows, finish 300 beef steers annually and market their regenerative, raised grass-fed beef directly to customers across Minnesota.
Since 2016, Meadowbrook Dairy has fully transitioned to a no-till system with diverse cover crops and advanced precision tools, including GPS, soil probes and weather stations. The result: reduced erosion, improved water quality and thriving soil biology. The Udermanns were honored as 2024 Minnesota Outstanding Conservationists of the Year. They were also finalists for the Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award.
The Udermann family has the first Minnesota farm to earn all five endorsements from the Minnesota Ag Water Quality Certification Program, and Kirsten was named the 2024 Minnesota Farmfest Woman Farmer of the Year.
Beyond their own land, the Udermanns offer custom services including no-till planting, manure hauling and cover crop seeding. They actively host field days, speak at conservation events and serve as mentors to farmers transitioning toward regenerative practices.
Meadowbrook Dairy is more than a farm. It is a living example of what is possible when tradition meets transformation. With deep roots and a forward-thinking mindset, the Udermanns are proving that healthy soil, healthy food and a strong community can all grow together.