Zigan Dairy
Derek and Amanda’s farm was started in 1959 by Derek’s grandparents. They built a new stanchion barn that held 25 cows. When Derek’s parents took over the farm, they added another 30 stalls and some automated feeding. As Derek and his brothers grew up, the dairy herd grew as well to a herd count of over 80 cows. After two years at Ridgewater College, Derek returned to take over the family farm in 2005. A year later, Derek met Amanda and they began moving Zigan Dairy to another level of advancement. By 2014, they built a new robotic milking facility and had grown the herd to 130 cows.
The Zigans milk their Holstein cows with two Lely A4 robots. Derek and Amanda raise all their young stock and farm 400 acres of corn and hay. They raise 25 head of black Angus cow/calf pairs as well as finish out a few Holstein steers. The Zigans do custom baling and custom trucking for haylage and silage harvest. They raise their cows and crops with a “full potential” strategy by providing the cows and land with all the things needed to perform at their absolute best, producing wholesome, quality products.
Derek handles feeding and bedding daily. He takes care of fieldwork and custom harvesting as well as managing all the young stock and beef animals. Amanda manages the dairy herd, the fresh cows, and the baby calves. She also takes care of the farm’s finances. Their son Jax is a huge help with mixing feed, cleaning lots and bedding, as well as fieldwork. Daughters Chloe and Jovi do a great job feeding calves and barn work. They also assist with feeding round bales and bedding. Son Alec is helpful in gathering and washing calf pails and washing equipment. Derek’s father, Dennis, is on the farm daily helping where needed. Derek’s mom, LuAnn, and Amanda’s parents, Randy and Lori, also provide help when needed especially during the busy seasons.
Derek serves on the Todd County Breakfast on the Farm Committee as well as the county ADA board. He served in the past on the Todd County Livestock Advisory Committee. Amanda is secretary of the Todd County ADA and very active in 4-H with the kids. Amanda is secretary of the Trust Committee at Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteers at the kids’ school. Amanda wishes to pursue training to be an EMT. The Zigans are also members of the Minnesota Farm Bureau and First District Association’s Young Cooperator Board.