Farmer Spotlight: The Next Generation, Austin Schmitt and Joelle Liddane
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By Halli Poppler, Communications and Marketing Intern
In Rice, MN, a new chapter in agricultural innovation and community connection is being written by Austin Schmitt and his significant other, Joelle Liddane. Together, they are practicing sustainable agriculture and niche market success through Austin’s family dairy farm, Schmitt Dairy, also known as Ralma Holsteins.
Austin and Joelle are focusing on innovation and community connection as the next generation on the farm.
The Legacy and the Vision
The Schmitt family moved onto their home farm 87 years ago. Austin Schmitt has always been deeply rooted in the farm life. Growing up on his family’s dairy farm he learned the ropes from his parents, Mark and Natalie Schmitt, and uncle, Al Schmitt. Austin and his three older siblings, Jon, Michael, and Katie, grew up heavily active in agriculture, showing cattle and participating in FFA and 4-H. His siblings are now growing their careers off the dairy farm, all still in agriculture, and starting to build families. Currently, Schmitt Dairy milks 90 cows and has 400 acres of crop land where they grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.
After gaining experience managing a dairy in South Dakota, Austin returned to the home farm with a renewed vision. He aims to implement regenerative agriculture practices and connect more closely with consumers. “Post COVID, income from commodities aren’t going up, and the expenses are,” Austin explains. “So, the closer someone can get to the consumer, the better the return on investment and profit margin.”
Joelle’s Floral Dreams
Joelle Liddane, an agriculture teacher at Royalton High School, moved to Minnesota from Wisconsin a year ago. Her passion for agriculture was ignited on her family’s dairy and beef farm, and her love for flowers has always been a source of joy. Joelle started with 1,400 seedlings in her kitchen this year, transforming them into a 50 by 50 feet flower field.
Joelle’s flower field has a vibrant display of more than 13 species of cut flowers and garlic. She is excited to continue learning new and different ways to help her plants grow.
Joelle’s flower field, known as “Fields of Plenty,” is not just a hobby but a strategic niche market. She plans to market her cut flowers as bouquets through a farm stand, Facebook and Instagram, farmers markets, and even invite people to visit the farm to cut their own flowers. “In past generations, people were more connected to where their food came from, and they understood. People are now really interested in who grows their food, in this case, flowers. People want to fill the gap, and I am excited to do it here with the flowers,” Joelle says.
Check out Feilds of Plenty Facebook page!
Regenerative Agriculture and Community Connection
Austin enjoys experimenting with new practices on his cropland and is dedicated to regenerative agriculture, which improves land health while also cutting costs. One of his proudest accomplishments includes planting corn into an alfalfa stand without working the ground, then killing the alfalfa off after the corn is planted in the spring. He also practices no-till farming to conserve water, a crucial adaptation given the challenges posed by local water regulations.
Austin uses regenerative ag practices on his farm to take better care of the land and cut costs.
These sustainable practices not only improve the farm’s efficiency, but also build a stronger connection with the local community. Austin and Joelle believe that the next generation is seeking a deeper connection to the farm. “We want to be a spot in the community where people get excited to spend time with people they love, whether it’s a neighbor or family member,” Joelle shares. “I also want to expand the garlic section of my garden to source it locally and sell it to others to grow or consume.”
Joelle and Austin’s Journey
Joelle and Austin’s journey together began in college, meeting through mutual friends and staying connected through calls and visits. Over time, their friendship blossomed into a relationship. As Austin reflects, “Now we help each other out and cheer each other on.”
Joelle and Austin have big dreams for their future and are looking to continue their growth in niche markets by expanding the flower field.
Together, they are not only preserving a family legacy but also innovating and adapting to new market demands. By integrating niche markets like Joelle’s flower field and practicing regenerative agriculture, they are creating a sustainable and profitable future for their farm. Their journey exemplifies how young farmers are redefining agriculture, blending tradition with modern practices, and aiming to forage stronger connections with their community.