Nova Holsteins & Vineyard Jerseys
Our Farm Story
The People Currently Behind Our Farm
Welcome to our farm! We are proud to be a sixth-generation dairy farm family here in St. Croix County, and today our farm is a team effort involving Ryan and Erin Kamm and their son, Gatlin, Lance and Shannon Kamm and their daughters, Sophia and Stella, Carol and Scott Teigen, Jamie Koosman, and Ellis Frank.
For our family, dairy farming is more than a business. It is a way of life that brings together family, animals, land, hard work, and tradition. Gatlin, Sophia, and Stella are growing up as the sixth generation on the farm, learning the everyday responsibilities that come with caring for animals and working the land.
We are proud to share this farm with the next generation and hope they develop the same appreciation for agriculture, hard work, and family that has been passed down through generations.
Growing Feed for Our Cows
Our farm includes approximately:
- 575 acres of corn
- 250 acres of soybeans
- 300 acres of alfalfa and grass
Much of what we grow becomes feed for our own cows. We feed a total mixed ration, or TMR, made primarily from homegrown feeds. The ration includes baleage, corn silage, haylage, corn, and a protein mix containing the vitamins and minerals our cows need.
Growing much of our own feed allows us to be involved in every step of the process—from planting and harvesting crops to mixing the ration and feeding the cows.
It also creates a close connection between our land and our livestock. The crops we grow help feed our cows, and the cows, in turn, contribute to the farm’s nutrient cycle.
Our Cows
We currently milk approximately 160 cows, including both Holsteins and Jerseys.
Our Holsteins average approximately 88 pounds of milk per day, while our Jerseys average around 70 pounds per day and are milked twice per day. We still name every one of our animals. All of our animals are purebred and are registered with either the Holstein or Jersey breed associations.
While production is important, caring for healthy and comfortable cows is at the heart of what we do. Our cows are housed in freestalls, have access to pasture, and are milked in tie stalls. Each stall is equipped with a mattress for comfort, and fresh shavings are added daily to help keep the cows and their resting areas clean, dry, and comfortable.
Keeping cows cool is also an important part of cow care. Most of our barns are equipped with fans that move air throughout the buildings, creating a wind-tunnel effect. Barns without fans are open on the sides, allowing us to take advantage of natural wind and air movement.
These everyday details are part of our commitment to providing our cows with a clean, comfortable, and healthy environment.
The Story Behind “NOVA” Holsteins and “Vineyard” Jerseys
Nova Holsteins
We have used “Nova” as our Holstein prefix since 1970.
The Nova name originated with our uncle, Don Kamm, who used Nova as the prefix for his Jersey herd. When our dad, Tom, established a prefix for his Holstein herd, he decided to carry on the Nova name. The word nova means “bright star,” and Tom hoped that cows carrying the “Nova” prefix would shine light bright, new stars!
More than 50 years later, that name continues to represent the genetic side of our farm. When you see “Nova” in the registered name of one of our Holsteins, you’re seeing a connection to our dad and grandpa Tom and Uncle Don.
Vineyard Jerseys
Our Jersey story began when we added Jerseys to the farm around the time Ryan and Erin were married. We like to joke that Erin came with a “dowry” of Jerseys as her family, the Nelsons of “MARYNOLE” had a great herd of jerseys and holsteins as well.
Our Jersey prefix is “Vineyard.” The name came from a small grape vineyard we had on the farm and from our feeling that Jerseys are like fine wine—they get better with age!
A special thank-you to:
Jamie Koosmann, Ellis Frank, Pete Nusbaum, Derek Utecht, Dr. Schommer, Dr. Johnson, Tom and Sandy Morris, Tom Mahoney, Bryce Lee, Miranda Nelson, Josh Sazama, the team at Bill’s IBA, Misty Meadows Wood Products, and everyone else who has supported our family and our farm along the way.
A special thanks to our landlords for renting crop ground: Fran Klatt, Dennis and Darrell Stoddard, Ken Griffiths, Dave and Becky Quam, the Ring Family, Jeff and Darla Fern, Tom and Connie Schmit, Paul and Kristine Schmidt, Dick Forrest, Peggy and Brad Hermansen, and the Emmerts.
Since 1975, we have been fortunate to employ wonderful people who help with daily chores, cow care, and field work. The following have been important contributors to our success: Michael Holldorf, Rodney Holldorf, Don Wolf, Hank Junkans, Joel Kraemer, Brian Holldorf, Chad Holldorf, Ben Crowley, Reed Foster, Jennifer Helmueller, Adam Peterson, Joe Heinbuch, Jeremy Brathol, Sarah Delander, Sheila Klimpke, Jamie Koosmann, Travis Nawrocki, Cody Nawrocki, Mitchell Slind, Ryan Mahoney, Marshall Kemling, Nashia Benck, Bob Bodelson, Wayne Karis, Bruce Johnson, Derek Utecht, Ellis Frank, and Pete Nusbaum.
We are grateful for each person who has played a part in our journey.
Nova Holsteins and Vineyard Jerseys: A Timeline
1970: Tom Kamm begins the NOVA prefix and buys his first registered cows
1972: Tom and Carol are married
1974: Lance is born
1975: Tom and Carol purchase the 300 acre farm in Erin Prairie, renovate it, and begin milking 60 cows and raising youngstock.
1978: Ryan is born
1992: Purchase 72 acres of the Sarinski farm
2000: Barnfire destroys the barn and milking herd. Begin milking at our current location on Father’s day with 19 cows
2003: Purchase current location and 40 acres. Herd grows to about 100 cows. Lance and Shannon are married. Jamie Koosmann joins our team.
2005: Sophia is born. We have a genetic sale on the farm and sell about 100 cows and heifers
2007: Stella is born. Compost barn is built increasing milking herd to 135 cows
2010: Ryan and Erin are married. Shop and shavings storage are built. First jerseys arrive
2011: Host Farm City Day. Purchase site where Ryan and Erin build their home.
2012: Add north feed addition, south special needs pen, and lean-to for calves. Tom passes away.
2013: Gatlin is born
2016: Merrick is born
2017: Convert compost barn to freestalls. Herd grows to 160 cows.
2020: Ellis Frank joins the team
2023: Added south special needs barn and calf barn. Our first nominated All-American jersey
Thank You for Visiting
We are proud to share our farm and our story with you.
We hope that as you visit, you see more than cows and crops. We hope you see the generations of family, the people who work alongside us, the care that goes into our animals, and the connection between our land and the food it provides.
Most of all, we hope you leave with a better understanding of what it means to be a sixth-generation dairy farm family in St. Croix County.
And if you happen to meet a cow with Nova or Vineyard in her name, you’ll know that there is a family story behind it—and that story is still being written.