The Menze family of Ottertail has been honored as Otter Tail County’s “2024 Farm Family of the Year” by the University of Minnesota. The family farm, established in 1914 by Chris and Dorthea Menze, has been managed by multiple generations.
Michael and Denise Menze, the fourth generation on the farm, currently manage 80 Holsteins and 1,100 acres. Michael oversees finances and land management, while Denise takes care of family and employees. Their children, Jacob and Makayla, are also involved in the farm and 4-H activities.
The family has modernized their operations with improvements like a milking parlor and computer-run feeders. The farm’s success is attributed to Holstein dairy cows and rotational crop farming. Key contributors include dairy manager Taylor Sweazey and nephew Jared.