Farming with multiple generations comes with its challenges, but the Drager family of Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, has turned it into one of their greatest strengths. Through decades of hard work, smart decisions, and a shared vision for the future, they’ve built a pig business that grows stronger with each generation.
Grounded in Family
Farming is more than a job for the Dragers—it’s a way of life. Most of the family lives within five miles of the farm, which means workdays often flow into family time. That close proximity shapes how they operate the business and how they live.
“It’s a unique dynamic,” says third-generation Jordan Drager. “You’ve got to read people’s minds a little more often than normal, but on the farm or off, when you’re talking with a member of the Drager family, you’re talking with all of us. We’re kind of a package deal.”
That package includes shared responsibility, shared decisions, and plenty of shared laughs. Dusty Drager adds, “Growing up on the farm with our cousins—Sam, Mackenzie, Charlie, and Michael—created memories we still talk about today. Hopefully, we are giving our kids that same opportunity.”
One Big Decision
The family’s journey into pig production began in 1970, when Orland and Virginia Drager built their first farrowing barn. “That 100+ sow farrow-to-finish barn was a big deal for us,” recalls Bill Drager. “It was our first real step into pig production.”
In 1994, the second generation—Bob, Bill, and Bruce—invested in a cooperatively owned sow farm in southern Minnesota. “The pigs from that cooperative were dramatically healthier than what we had on our own farm,” Bill says. “That really opened our eyes to how important herd health is.”
That focus on health and long-term sustainability led the Dragers to partner with Pipestone in 2022, by stepping into the Hiawatha flow. They expanded that commitment in 2025 by investing in Mallard Bay, a sow farm managed by Pipestone—one more strategic step to improve herd health and operational flow.
“We saw that larger groups and faster flows are a big deal—not just for efficiency but for keeping the pigs healthier. And it was an opportunity that allowed the third generation to step more fully into the heart of the operation,” Bill explains.
Today, Drager Farms finishes about 60,000 pigs annually. Their operation includes an on-farm mill processing their own corn for feed, alongside a commercial mill supporting most finishing barns.
Handing Over the Reins
Succession planning is often talk—but for the Dragers, it’s happening in real time. The third generation is stepping up, and the older generation is making space.
Bob’s four sons—Dusty, Jordan, Logan, and Mitch—are all involved. Logan works full-time on the farm; the others hold off-farm jobs but remain active contributors. In 2024, they formed Drager Farms LLC to farm a portion of land independently, while also owning shares in Mallard Bay and selling pigs to Drager Farms Inc., which is managed by the second generation.
This deliberate structure gives the next generation room to grow, lead, and learn. And although the younger Dragers are eager to compete and “do it better than they did,” they also recognize the invaluable lessons experience offers. “I don’t think it would be possible [to farm today] without that support,” says Jordan.
Bruce reflects on what handing over the reins really means: “Our father wanted us to continue this tradition in agriculture. He kind of just turned things over to us and said, ‘I made plenty of mistakes. You’re gonna make mistakes too, but you can still be successful. You just have to learn from them.’”
Now, Bruce, Bill, and Bob are offering that same opportunity to the next generation—to try, to fail, to succeed, and to figure it out.
In Their Corner
While the Dragers value their independence, they also lean on trusted partners like Pipestone to help them improve. “They push us to be better,” says Bill. “They recommend things we never thought of, all focused on increasing throughput and reducing cost.”
That input has helped shape everything from barn flow to long-term planning. The structure and accountability have been especially helpful as the third generation steps up. “They come here and meet, and you can say all this stuff, but they expect you to follow through and do what we talked about,” says Jordan.
Dusty agrees that Pipestone’s involvement has helped them think more strategically and plan long term. Bill’s wife, Colette, adds, “That structure helps take the pressure off. When you get home at night and your head’s full of everything happening on the farm, it’s a huge relief to have that kind of support in place.”
Diversify
The Dragers are always looking for ways to grow—and that includes going beyond traditional farming. In recent years, they’ve launched MTRY & Co., an e-commerce platform for direct-to-consumer pork sales. What began as an interest in product differentiation has grown into a successful business.
Jody and Colette (wives of Bruce and Bill) lead the effort. “There’s constant learning every day,” says Jody. “The online world moves fast, and you have to stay on top of it.”
“It’s a unique chance to showcase the best quality meats made right here in the Midwest,” Colette adds. “We want consumers to know exactly where their food comes from—that is real transparency.”
Initially featuring Drager Farms’ own products like bacon and hot dogs, MTRY & Co. now includes meat from other trusted local producers. “It’s all about local support and local presence,” Jordan says. “It bridges the gap between city consumers and the farmers who raise their food.”
A Legacy in Motion
When asked what advice they’d offer others, the Dragers are refreshingly candid.
“Get together frequently, talk and communicate,” says Bill. “And celebrate your successes. You’re gonna have ups and downs, but when you do have some success, pat each other on the back.”
Bruce adds, “You tend to not want to make decisions or put decisions off. I think we probably had some instances where we waited too long to make a tough decision.” His advice? Don’t hesitate, even when it comes to new tools or technologies.
The third generation values transparency and lifelong learning. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions,” says Jordan. Dusty laughs, “But also, just know the answer to those questions sometimes.”
They all agree knowing your strengths—and your gaps—is key to growth. “Try to cultivate a diverse set of skills,” Bill says. “And if you do have some holes, try to fill ’em with some knowledgeable expertise.”
For the Dragers, this isn’t just about pigs—it’s about family, community, and preparing for what’s next. “We take pride in raising a good crop, healthy pigs, and producing food for the world,” Bill says. He believes deeply in hard work and being involved in their rural community, not just for business, but because it’s where their family was built and where they’re raising the next generation. “You don’t farm this long in one place without building strong ties to your community. We’re proud to be part of it.”
As for the future, Jordan says it best: “Us four boys… we all have the same goal—get it to the next generation.”
