Traveling the Guernsey path together

LESTER PRAIRIE, Minn. — After years of dedication to the Guernsey breed and developing an in-depth breeding program, brother and sister — Kevin Anderson and Karen Johnson — were recipients of the American Guernsey Association’s 2024 National Outstanding Young Farmer award.

“We can’t beat the community we have in the Guernsey breed to help foster what we’ve done, what we’re working towards, and seeing other young people our age or younger that are just doing amazing things to help our breed,” Anderson said.

Anderson and Johnson currently operate Up the Creek Farm with their parents, David and Donna Anderson. The family milks 35-60 cows in a tiestall barn near Lester Prairie. The milking string size varies because the family has a strong market for private treaty sales. The herd is primarily registered Guernseys but also includes several Holsteins and Brown Swiss.

The duo received their award in June at the National Guernsey Convention in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.

The award is given to a Guernsey breeder under the age of 35. The applicant must bring a positive light to the dairy industry and have proven success within their herd.

In the application, the producer must answer five questions related to why they own Guernseys, their breeding program and responsibilities, involvement off the farm and future goals for the farm.

“It is unique that we applied together,” Johnson said. “Most of the time it is a single person. We applied together because we do this together and we wanted to present it that way.”

Kevin Anderson works on the dairy operation while Johnson helps when she can between raising two children and a full-time job with the University of Minnesota Extension. Johnson maintains animal health records and prepares cattle for shows.

The pair strives to improve the herd. Anderson does this through his genetic program. The duo strives to balance three things: production, health traits and functional type.

The siblings said they spend a lot of time doing research and weighing their genetic options within the Guernsey breed. They aim to use high Cow Productivity Index bulls from strong maternal lines.

“We are trying to be a balanced herd,” Anderson said. “We have probably 5-6 cows in the barn that at any point in time can be considered the best (cow).”

They said having their parents both come from a background in Guernseys has been an advantage. Growing up they were able to learn the different characteristics, management techniques and variety of genetics.

“It takes time to be a really good herd with any of the breeds,” Johnson said. “It’s fair to say that by having that exceptional Guernsey foundation we had to keep it going. We couldn’t let that go, and some of my best moments have been with the Guernsey cows.”

Guernsey cows were introduced to the farm around 1950 when one was gifted to their grandpa, Glen. The Guernsey numbers continued to grow until it became a registered Guernsey herd.

Johnson is eager to get her kids involved with the farm with hopes of getting them excited about what the Guernsey breed has to offer.

“Kevin and I are very fortunate that we have been able to grow alongside the Guernsey cows that have provided opportunities that we have seen the full benefit of over the years,” Johnson said.

Between work at the farm and the time spent off the farm within the Guernsey community, including serving on genetic committees and more, the pair hopes to continue making progressive impacts on the dairy industry.

“Trying to take that next step to be young leaders within the Guernsey breed and getting to see that come in full (circle) was very special to me,” Johnson said.