Organic Choice LLC, Next Generation Dairy: Sam Danzinger Family Farm

Sam was born and raised on this farm. He married Janet Olson, a native of South Dakota, who is a stay at home mom yet but plans to go back to school to pursue a career in teaching. School, church, band, music lessons, ball games, tai kwondo and school plays all keep everyone happy and busy besides farm chores.

Ralph and Carol Danzinger are Sam's parents and they have been farming for over 50 years on this farm. The original farm was homesteaded in 1858 from the U.S. Government and passed through many hands before Ralph's parents; Joe and Rose Danzinger purchased it in 1950 for their son, Ralph. Ralph rented the farm from his parents but in 1951 was called to serve his country and was sent to Korea in 1952 until his return in 1953. While he was gone, his brother, Bernard took over for him and when Ralph returned, he was also drafted. When Ralph came back from Korea, he married Carol Karshbaum, his neighborhood sweetheart and they continued farming ever-adding land and buildings as the family grew and are still involved with the day-to-day operations. They had eight children, five sons and three daughters, all still living near. Ralph and Carol are now semi-retired and live just over the hill from the main farm where Sam moved in 1990.

Danzinger Farms was incorporated in 1982 after the fifth neighboring farm was added, one after another in order to accommodate five sons who, as young adults wanted to farm, with their dad. Gradually as times became rough in the late 1980's they went on to seek other jobs and work was combined and worked out so that by 1990 all the boys were married with families and had found other successful occupations while still living in the neighborhood. This required a decision of who wanted to continue the farming operation and Sam, being the youngest, made the decision to take over the family farm. He now has full management of the operation. He milks about 75 cows at all times, raises his own replacements and feed and sells some steers and bred heifers. He does all the work with the help of occasional part-time help and his father, who is at the farm every day helping with chores, driving tractor and doing odd jobs while his mother continues to do the farm bookwork and help out as needed.

Like everyone else, Sam farmed with the typical chemical type of agriculture, using all the toxic substances that were increasing year by year. Sam became interested in the organic way of farming about 1997 after talking with different feed dealers who referred him to others and soon he realized why there were so many problems with feeds, soils and disease. It was heartening to know there was a better way. He became involved then with this method of promoting healthy crops and animals which in turn passes on to our families. He's glad he's a farmer and as the steward of the soil, he plans to make it the best place to raise his family in as much of a non-toxic environment as he possibly can.

Sincerely,

Sam Danzinger, Founder

Organic Producer

Durand, WI

Organic Choice, LLC. 251 Industrial Drive Mondovi, WI 54755

(715) 926-4788

Website Created by Janet Brunner

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Danzinger Family Farm

Sam Danzinger, Founder

Organic Producer

Durand, WI

Our 700-acre farm lies about 20 miles north of the Mississippi River in southwestern Buffalo County near the Pepin County line. We are surrounded by a magnificent year-round view with rolling hills and valleys and many varieties of trees. This farm is home to Sam and Janet Danzinger and their five daughters.

This page was last updated: March 3, 2008