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Family finds success diversifying operation and transitioning it to the next generation

A family crop and dairy farm has had success diversifying and transitioning the operation to the next generation.

Four Brothers – Jim, Dale, Duane, and Ray – operate Koester Brothers Farms in Wadesville, Indiana, in Posey County. The operation was the first tour stop Thursday on Purdue University’s Farm Management Tour.

The oldest brother, Jim, says they will soon transition the farm to the next generation.

“It’s so important for that transition to take place and I think it’s quite important that the older generation is the one that does that,” he says.

He tells Brownfield communication is important.

“Because the younger generation may want to start transitioning in but if they don’t have the opportunity, it’s probably pretty hard for them to do that,” he says. “The older generation has to help make that move to make it happen.”

Dale Koester says the family enjoys working together.

“We’re all pretty hands on and enjoy working and seeing what we can accomplish together,” he says. “That’s a real joy. We’ve been blessed to transition the farm from our parents pretty seamlessly…and we’ll be doing the same to the next generation.”

The family raises corn, soybeans, and wheat and milks 250 cows. Four robotic milkers were installed at the farm in 2012. Koester Brothers prides itself on having a diversity of enterprises to maximize profitability and manage risk.

The Purdue Farm Management Tour will continue Friday morning with stops at Kron and Seib Farms.