Doug & Amy Prochnow — A Family Farm Built on Tradition
For Doug, farming has always been more than a job—it’s a way of life.
Growing up, Doug helped his family raise pigs and dairy cattle, but swine quickly became his favorite. As a kid, he showed pigs at the Dunn County Fair, sparking a lifelong passion for raising quality livestock.
In 1988, at just 18 years old, Doug purchased a 250-acre farm just outside Menomonie, where he and his wife, Amy, live and farm today. In those early years, the farm centered primarily around about 60 Holstein dairy cows. But Doug always made room for pigs, farrowing around 15 sows and gilts simply because, as his family will tell you, he loved raising them.
It was on this farm that Doug and Amy raised their two daughters, Kira and Meghan, building a family and a farming tradition that continues today.
A New Chapter
In June 2015, the family faced an unexpected turning point when their dairy barn burned down. Thankfully, the cows were out on pasture and were safe.
After the fire, Doug and Amy decided it was time to make a change. They sold the dairy cattle rather than rebuild and take on the many challenges that came with continuing the dairy operation.
Doug began working part-time for the Menomonie School District while continuing to raise and finish pigs. He also added feeder cattle to the farm, creating a new direction for the family operation while keeping him busy doing what he loves.
The Farm Today
Today, Doug and Amy continue to raise both pigs and beef feeder cattle—with plenty of room on the farm for the horses owned by Amy and their daughters.
Their 250 acres allow them to grow their own soybeans, corn, and hay to feed their livestock and horses.
Each year, they purchase approximately 40–60 head of feeder cattle and finish them on the farm. But if you ask the family what Doug really loves, there’s no question: it’s the pigs.
Doug breeds and farrows approximately 10–15 sows and gilts each year. He finishes around 50 pigs for his own operation and sells the remainder as feeder pigs. He also enjoys helping young people get started, selling pigs to 4-H members who want to experience what it’s like to raise livestock.
And perhaps his favorite part of all? Sharing that experience with the next generation.
When baby pigs arrive, Doug loves inviting his young great-nieces and great-nephews out to the farm to see them. It’s a simple tradition, but one that reflects what farming has always meant to Doug: family, animals and passing a love of agriculture on to the next generation.
Why Grain Bin?
Doug and Amy choose to do business with Grain Bin for many reasons, but quality is at the top of the list.
They appreciate the high-quality meat products and the team’s willingness to work with them and accommodate their needs—including butchering right on the farm.
Just as important is the relationship they’ve built with the people at Grain Bin.
“Jason, Aron and the entire staff are very friendly. They make it feel more like a family business, rather than just another customer.”
Doug and Amy also appreciate that the Grain Bin team isn’t afraid to try something new. Some of their favorites include the pork-filled hot dogs and the variety of seasoned pork sausages.
Of course, a trip to Grain Bin isn’t just about picking up meat. The retail store has become part of the experience, too. From spices and cinnamon rolls to meat sticks and ice cream, there’s always something to discover.
A Farm Rooted in Family
After decades of farming, Doug’s operation may look different than it did when he first bought the farm at 18. But the heart of it hasn’t changed.
It’s still about raising good livestock, working the land, spending time with family and sharing the farming lifestyle with the next generation.
And if you ask Doug’s wife and daughters, there’s one thing that will probably never change either: Doug will always love raising pigs.
The Grain Bin Butchery & Market is proud to work with Doug and Amy and grateful to be a small part of their family farm story.
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