Riegel Farms: MORE THAN MILK
Brian Riegel responsibly manages the wellbeing of 700 dairy cows that produce milk and so much more 365 days a year. This third-generation dairyman is stepping off his family’s dairy farm near Washington in Agri-Ready Designated Franklin County and stepping up to the plate as a member of Missouri Farmers Care’s 2026 Race to the Plate Farm Team. Brian is ready to have fun while showing Cardinals fans and consumers how dairy farms can produce more than nutritious milk.
Riegel Dairy is a member of Midwest Dairy, a partner of Missouri Farmers Care in the Race to the Plate.
The Dairy Industry’s Message
Riegel Dairy began with Brian’s grandparents in 1947. Today, Riegel Dairy is a partnership between Brian, his cousin Jeff, and his brother Jon. His father Ken, and uncles Dave and Rick are still involved on the farm daily. Fourth generation Riegels Cole, Gavin, and Elliot are also employed by the business. The farm supports 40 non-family agriculture jobs in Agri-Ready Designated Franklin County. One employee has worked for the dairy for 40 years.
“Farmers can no longer operate dairy farms just because they ‘want’ to. We must operate with science and efficiency,” Brian shares. “We constantly improve our labor needs through automation and equipment. We continually research to improve our feed efficiency-per dollar spent and per acre used. Our next project is to make the dairy power and energy efficient, too.”
Cow Diet Science
Riegel Dairy grows the corn and wheatlage needed to feed their cattle. The operation is adopting the newest soybean technology on their farm.
“We are excited to feed our cows high oleic soybeans. These beans are more energy dense than traditional beans and are safe for our cows’ rumens. With this diet upgrade, our cows will produce more butterfat in their milk and butterfat is essential to making products like butter and ice cream,” Brian describes.
More Than Milk
Riegel Dairy is installing a co-digestion digester to upcycle farm wastes. Manure from the farm and other organic waste (such as food or yard waste that would fill up landfills) will be processed. Enzymes and monitored temperatures in the digester maximize breakdown. Carbon dioxide and methane will be captured. The solids that remain become biochar. The biochar will be heated to produce pure carbon in solid form. This carbon is a valuable soil amendment for farmers. The carbon dioxide will be sold in cylinders, and methane will be sold directly into the natural gas pipeline that runs parallel to the farm.
“Dairy cows are the best upcyclers. They eat things we can’t and make milk and beef. Now, we can take the wastes from their processes to produce energy and diversify the income of the farm,” Brian says.
When dairy farmers like the Riegels invest in upcycling technologies, dairy farms become net energy producers, creating more than they consume.
More than Just a Farm
From nutrient-rich milk to renewable energy and soil solutions, Riegel Dairy reflects the continual drive of Missouri agriculture – where innovation, opportunity and stewardship go hand in hand. For Brian and his family, the future of dairy isn’t about what cows produce, but how farms can give back to their communities, their consumers, and the land.
Brian serves on the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) resolutions committee. In pursuit of a passion to eliminate pharmaceuticals, Brian has diversified his income by growing fibrous and floral hemp.
What is the Race to the Plate Farm Team?
The Farm Team returns in 2026 as an advocacy partnership between the St. Louis Cardinals and Missouri Farmers Care. The Farm Team meets baseball fans where they are to connect them with agriculture through radio, print, farmers in the stadium, videos, and social media content. Meet the Farm Team at https://mofarmerscare.com/cardinals/.
Race to the Plate Partners
Missouri Farmers Care’s Race to the Plate is brought to you by Missouri Beef Industry Council, Missouri Corn, Midwest Dairy, Missouri Farm Bureau, Missouri Pork Association, and MFA, Inc.
Agri-Ready Franklin County. Agriculture, including food, feed and forestry, contributes $491.4 million in value-added products, $1,341.0 million in output, over 8,300 jobs, and adds $486.8 million to household incomes in Franklin County according to the 2021 Missouri Economic Contribution of Agriculture and Forestry Study.
What is Agri-Ready County Designation?
Agri-Ready County Designation is a voluntary program that recognizes counties committed to supporting and growing their agricultural industry. To qualify, a county must agree to support agricultural stewardship, growth, and economic interests. The designation helps counties promote themselves as agricultural hubs, attracting and supporting agribusiness. More information can be found at https://mofarmerscare.com/agri-ready/.
What is Missouri Farmers Care?
Missouri Farmers Care unites the state’s agricultural community to support the men and women who provide the food and jobs that sustain Missouri. With the partnership of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association and 45 other member organizations, MFC works to ensure all Missourians understand the truth about modern agriculture, food production, and the farm families behind it.