Pine Prairie Jerseys & Klinkner Holsteins
Hello, I’m Gail Klinkner. I co-own and operate Pine Prairie Jerseys and Klinkner Holsteins with my husband, Rob Klinkner. Our family dairy farm is located a few miles outside of Viroqua, Wis. in the unincorporated community of Liberty Pole, Wis.
I grew up near Westby, Wis. on a registered Holstein farm and Rob grew up in Cashton, Wis. where he helped out friends and family on their registered Jersey farms. We both enjoyed it so much that we decided to start our own farm together in 2002. Today, our farm has 50 registered Holsteins and Jersey cows.
It’s truly all about the cows for us. Most people think of cats and dogs when they think of pets but we consider cows to be ours. We treat them with the same care and love as a non-farmer would their cat or dog. Our 66-acre farm is designed to provide the cows a clean and comfortable home to live in. When we first moved into our farm, we added pasture matts, more fans and concrete for added comfort for our herd. Then in 2018, we renovated our calf barn.
Rob and I have five wonderful children, Reagan, Garrison, Rubi, Ginger and Rylan – all of which share the same love for life on a dairy farm. We enjoy showing our cows and participating in local events put on by Vernon County Dairy Youth. And each year, I organize the Little Britches Dairy Show at the Vernon County Fair.
Not only do we send our milk to Westby Cooperative Creamery, I also work as Westby’s FARM program coordinator. The National Dairy FARM Program creates accountability through on-farm, second-party evaluations. Farmers who sign a pledge of participation are subject to random third-party evaluations as well. My job is to evaluate Westby farms and make sure they are abiding by the FARM standards that ensure animal comfort and encourage best care practices. You can learn more about my job and the FARM program here.
Additionally, I’m a Director on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board, which promotes Wisconsin dairy products through the state’s milk check-off program. I’m a District 21 member that represents Vernon and Crawford counties.
In the summer of 2020, we opened our own little farm store, Klinkner Kountry Store. The store was previously an old granary that we renovated with help from our kiddos and Rob’s father, Arnie Klinkner.
We sell our farm-raised meats, eggs, Westby Cooperative Creamery dairy products, local seasonal produce, locally made salads and country décor. And on Friday’s, we sell doughnuts from Hansen’s Country Bakery near La Farge. Then in the fall we sell pumpkins and Christmas trees after Thanksgiving. Eventually, we would like to make and sell our own ice cream as well.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/klinknerkountrystore for directions and store hours. And while you’re there, give us a follow to stay up to date with all of the exciting things we have going on!
We love visitors, so please, if you are in the area feel free to stop by and check out Klinkner Kountry Store. See you then!
Sincerely,
Gail Klinkner