Celebrating Farm & Ranch Families: Ries Family Farm

April 26, 2015 – By #South Dakota Farmer UnionIn 1950, Donald and Armella Ries purchased some farmland a few miles southeast of Watertown and began milking four cows. A year later, their son, Mel, was born. Today Mel, his wife Orla, and three of their five grown children continue to milk cows on the farm.

“I was raised with it, so I guess dairying stays in your blood,” explains Mel, who began buying his own cows as a teen and farming full-time with his dad right out of high school.
In 1990 he purchased the farm from his folks.

His sons, Jason, Deric and Todd, joined the family farm much the same way; first buying cows in high school, then renting farm acres and today operating a 300-head cow/calf herd as well.

Now with families of their own, the brothers continue to slowly expand the farm’s diversified operations.

“This is a family farm. Anyone and everyone who wants to be involved, is involved,” explains Orla, as she rocks her young grandson, Walker, who is sleeping on her lap.
Three years ago, Orla retired from her off-farm job to babysit. She and Mel have 15 grandchildren and three on the way.

Last Modified: 04/26/2015 9:31:21 pm MDT