Mesman farmers cooperate across generations
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October 31, 2018
OUT STANDING IN THEIR FEEDING BARN – Alan, left, and son Ben Mesman cooperate with each other in the running of their farm on Dodge Valley Road. They also cooperate with other farmers, as member-owners of farm co-ops. When they became an organic dairy, they joined Organic Valley, in 2007. – Photo by Ken Stern
Alan and Ben Mesman’s farm offer more than meets the eye. Their families live on two parcels totaling 190 acres stretching from Dodge Valley Road along Chilberg Road to Pleasant Ridge. But that is only half of almost 400 acres of land they own or rent, contiguous, nearby and on the flats of eastern Fidalgo Island.
They are milking about 100 cows, a variety of breeds and cross breeds including Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Normande. But that is only half the herd: There are 10 to 15 baby calves and bred heifers and another 85 cows not being milked. And neither said anything about...
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