Posted: 12.05.2011

A farm couple from Merrill have learned to say "no" to ag lenders that want them to expand their dairy operation.

Sunday, Ryan and Cheri Klussendorf of Merrill in Taylor county were named the 2011 Young Farmer and Agriculturist (YFA) Achievement Award winners from a field of 15.

In an interview with Pam Jahnke, the Klussendorf's said they have been thoroughly supported in their start-up dairy farming experience - in fact, a little too much support.  "They were very happy to see us come in with a business plan," she said about ag lenders they worked with.  "They don't see many people come in with a business plan that sets goals.  We were like 'ready, set, go - farm'!  They were very gracious - gave us everything we've asked for.  They tried to give us more then we asked for - but we politely passed."

That discipline of being able to say "no" may be one of the keys that set the young couple apart.  Both credited the WI Beginning Dairy and Livestock Farmers school with their approach to farming.  Ryan, who grew up in Waukesha county, said the biggest challenge they faced was moving from renting a farm to actually buying it.  "The numbers got a lot bigger!"  

His goal is to keep overhead low - pay off debt - and stay in control.

Cheri grew up on a farm in Outagamie county and works side-by-side with Ryan on a daily basis milking cows.  She's also kept very busy with three very young boys.  Cheri tells Pam Jahnke the only goal they hadn't accomplished on their YFA Achievement application was to take a family vacation.  By winning Sunday - WI Farm Bureau helped take care of that.  The pair will represent the state in Honolulu, HA in January.

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