Part of the Local Landscape Gary LeClair will tell you that dairy farmers should appreciate that their operations are part of the local landscape. Sure, dairy farmers rarely have time to think about such things – they’re a busy bunch, after all – but Gary recalls one fellow stopping him one day to ask …
A Farm Philosopher Works with Mother Nature The famous Will Rogers may have been a cowboy philosopher, but Massachusetts dairy farmer Will Rogers of Rogers Farm isn’t without his own deep thoughts. Asked about his guiding principal in running his dairy farm, Rogers says simply, “Let Mother Nature do her own work.” Simple advice, but these words of …
Always a Challenge Karie Atherton recalls the memorable summer she worked on a Wisconsin dairy farm. The 20-year-old had answered a want ad, was interviewed over the phone, and soon found herself at Blue Star Dairy in Middleton, working alongside two brothers and their three sons, along with lots of other hired hands. Each noon, the work stopped and …
Pulling Together Dairy farmer Erica Hermonot’s family can look back at 100 years on the same plot of land and recognize that Fairholm Farm’s continued success is due to the power of pulling together. Erica, her husband, Jon, and her parents, Todd and Diane Morin have been farming for four generations in Woodstock. This year they have something …
Tall, green corn stalks reach up towards the clear, blue sky, trying to soak up every last ray of sunshine, as Tim and Steve Kayhart walk down the aisle of their free-stall cow barn. On this warm, sunny day, the fans in the barn whir – blowing fresh air on the herd of 1,000 Holstein …
We’re celebrating Mother’s Day, and there are plenty of dairy farm moms who not only care for their families, but work the farm as well. It’s hard work – being a mom and a farmer – but they love their jobs and their families! Darlene Reynolds of Crosswinds Dairy & Daughters Farm in Alburgh, VT …