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Starbuck, Minn.; Pope County
54 cows
Tell us about your farm. I live here with my wife, Jessica, and my children Addison (7), Brody (4) and Delaina (8 months). We have two herds, one here and one at my dad's. I milk using a double-8 herringbone parlor and we have 900 acres of corn, soybeans and alfalfa.
What makes dairy farming a great career? I like that I don't have a boss. I really enjoy seeing the calves born and watching them grow - it's rewarding. I also think it's the best life for kids to learn responsibility and that hard work pays off.
What gets you up in the morning? Dairying is in my blood. For as long as I can remember I have had something to do with dairy.
What are your thoughts and concerns about the dairy industry for the next year? It will be concerning to see if we have enough feed with the wet year we've had.
What is the best purchase you've ever made on your farm? Why? My front wheel assist tractor with the loader; I love that tractor. It helps me do more by myself.
What is your plan for your dairy in the next five years? My wife and I hope to expand our herd to 80 cows and move them all here from my dad's. I also want to slowly start a beef operation and have that be at 50 head.
What is your favorite job to do on the farm? Milking cows - being with the animals is calming to me.
What is your favorite dairy product? I'd say cheese, probably extra sharp cheddar. We put it on everything.
Looking back, if you could change one thing that you did on your farm, what would it be and why? I wish I would have had enough money to fix the barn that I started in so I could have stayed and not had to split my cattle between here and my dad's.
What do you like to do in your spare time? Sit and have family time with my wife and kids.[[In-content Ad]]

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