Take time to Smell the Roses
Few occupations require as much time, energy, commitment and determination as dairy farming. The job is a roller coaster of highs and lows mixed with uncertainty and the relentless challenge to do more with less. It can be profoundly isolating, and farm animals and farm equipment can test patience.
So why in the world would anyone start a dairy farm? And why would anyone continue it across generations?
Because, amid the rat race to get the cows milked, calves fed, and crops planted and harvested, there are moments of sheer joy and peace like none other. There is bliss in reaching a goal you have been working toward for a decade or more and a sense of wonder in experiencing things few others ever will.
When these moments come, be sure to savor every one of them. Better yet, find a blessing every day and take time to “smell the roses.”
The Jersey Journal asked members of your community to compose this month’s feature, a series of questions to reflect on the “why” of their profession and what makes the work special. We hope you enjoy their answers and spend a few moments considering your responses.
As we head into the quieter winter months, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you be graced with countless cherished moments that overflow the memory bank of this journey we call life.
What makes dairy farming worth all the work, long hours and marginal pay?
“We farm because it’s in our blood. It’s our passion to care for the cattle and the land and feed the world with great products. We feel there’s no better place to raise a family.” Max Bollenbacher Family, Bolle Acres Jerseys, Argos, Ind.
“It’s the joy of working with the cows and watching their progress over time. We have loved showing and judging cows across the country and the friends we made as a result of those travels. There is deep satisfaction in watching cow families improve across generations, knowing that the decisions we make today will have an impact for years to come. It’s hard work, but moments like those make it all worthwhile.” Alta Mae Core, Keightley-Core Jerseys, Salvisa, Ky.
“We love the entrepreneurial aspect of dairy farming. Our Jerseys have enabled us to expand and diversify our business. For example, we now market Jersey beef in our farm store from the bull calves we raise as steers. This strengthens our connection with the local community and helps us educate others about production agriculture and our role in feeding our communities.” Dreamroad Jerseys LLC, Johnstown, N.Y.
“There is a never-ending list of daily tasks that need to be completed. It is never mundane; there is always something new and challenging, and that tends to keep me going. I am guilty of putting too much on my plate at times and am not one to run from challenges. The independence of farming also appeals to me. While I work with people every day, I still get to make my own schedule and only have myself to blame for my failures.” Garry Jay Hansen, Lady Lane Farm, Mulino, Ore.
“It is the love of the lifestyle, love of the animals, and love of the family that is there by your side that makes it worth it. I recently spent some time with my oldest daughter and family in Massachusetts. Their free time is primarily watching TV, playing video games, and staying inside the house—definitely not a way I would like to spend my life.” Debbie Lawton, Lawton Jersey Farm, Newark Valley, N.Y.
“Dairy farming is a way of life. It’s in our blood. It has been a great way to raise our children, instilling work ethic, responsibility, compassion, resilience and other important life lessons. It’s our passion and desire to care for the animals and land that has been in our family for several generations. We want to see the farm passed to the next generation if that is what they want. It is all these reasons that keep us going despite all of the challenges.” Jennifer McReynolds, Lucky Hill Jersey Farm, Danville, Vt.
“You get a first-hand take on working with God’s creation day in and day out. You get to work with your hands to cultivate the land and care for your cows. Often, you get to work with your family to continue a legacy, something not many get a chance to do. Knowing you are part of that legacy makes it all worthwhile.” James Pearson, Piedmont Jerseys LLC, Lincolnton, N.C.
“The cows! It is rewarding to see the full circle of life and watch cow families grow. I mate a favorite cow to a bull that I am excited about and wait nine months for a calf. Hopefully, it is a heifer—and a live one at that! Then I get to watch her grow and eventually come into the milking herd.” Veronica Steer, Sunbow Jerseys, Cottage Grove, Tenn.
“For me, a few things make dairy farming special. I love to work alongside my kids as they learn more about taking care of calves and cows, master new tasks, gain responsibilities, and notice something that impacts our farm, like a sick calf or cow acting differently. I love to watch the baby calves mature into cows over a couple of years and I love selling cows that work well for other people.” Jennifer Zumbach, Kunde Jersey Farm, Manchester, Iowa
If you could tell someone not familiar with this business anything about it, what would you tell them?
“It is a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week job, so you must really love it. We take great pride in taking care of our animals and often put the cattle before ourselves, including weekends and holidays.” Max Bollenbacher Family
“I would say it is a lot more than just milking cows. There is so much care and planning that goes into it. Every cow has her own personality, and they really are part of the family.” Alta Mae Core
“Dairy farming is not just about the hard work and long hours; it’s driven by our passion for breeding exceptional Jersey cows with longevity and remarkable milk production records. It’s about being part of a supportive community where mentors guide us, and we can pass on this knowledge to the next generation.” Dreamroad Jerseys
“If you are truly passionate about cows and farming and want to do it, then go for it. It is rewarding from that perspective.” Garry Jay Hansen
“It takes a lot of work and dedication with financial and emotional ups and downs, but the rewards are worth it. I am thankful every day that I was born into an agricultural family and not a city family.” Debbie Lawton
“I would tell someone unfamiliar with dairy farming that it takes a special kind of person to do this work. Dairy farming is not for the faint of heart or weak-minded. It takes a lot of resilience, persistence and grit. In the same vein, I would tell them that it is something to be darn proud of.” James Pearson
“There are a lot of people on social media who make it look easy and romantic. It can be. But it certainly is not too. The death and hardships you deal with are unexplainable. It also involves a lot of science, and, while this is a fun life for me, I am also running a business.” Veronica Steer
“Dairy farming gives you the opportunity to learn lots of skills, like animal caretaking, financial budgeting, and problem-solving among others, and utilize them daily. We love producing nature’s most perfect food for people to consume.” Jennifer Zumbach
What question are you most asked about dairy farming and how do you answer it?
“People always ask, “Do you really wake up that early every day?” I laugh and say, “Yes, the cows don’t take days off!” It’s just part of the routine. You get used to it, and, honestly, there’s something peaceful about being up before the world wakes up.” Alta Mae Core
“A common question is why we continue to farm despite the challenges. Our answer is simple: the joy of working with our Jersey cows, the progress we see in our herd, and the friendships and memories we create within the farming community keep us going. Our parents started Dreamroad Jerseys in 1987, and we are dedicated to carrying on their legacy.” Dreamroad Jerseys
“I guess what I hear the most is not a question, but rather a statement: I admire your dedication to working long hours every single day; I don’t know how you do it. Honestly, sometimes I don’t either.” Debbie Lawton
“I am often asked: do you ever get a day off? I tell them, not very often. However, if I want one, I can take it anytime I choose.” Garry Jay Hansen
“I’m not sure if it is the most asked question, but it is my favorite one: Do you have a favorite cow? My first Jersey cow was named Fudge. I bought her at the Pot O’ Gold Sale in Louisville, Ky., when I was younger. She was the first cow I ever bought and the cow that made me love the Jersey breed. With the purchase of one Jersey, I was able to help buy my first truck, pay for my college education, and grow my herd. With over 30 descendants in our herd today tracing back to Fudge, it makes me happy to share how one cow made such an impact on my future. That might not seem like a lot to some people, but it means a lot to me.” James Pearson
“I always get asked how long a cow lives. That seems to be very important to the consumer. It is a difficult question to answer because, as an industry, we probably need to have cows that live beyond two or three calves and reach about five years of age. I will talk about how we love older cows, but they often have issues like arthritis as they get older. I always share how old our oldest cow is, usually 10 years or older.” Veronica Steer
What is your favorite chore and why?
“Our favorite chore is raising the baby calves because we spend so much time trying to breed the next “great” one! With each calf born, we have such high hopes and it is so challenging to raise them to their full potential.” Max Bollenbacher Family
“I love feeding the milk cows hay. There is something peaceful about it—it’s a quiet moment where you can see the cows happy and content.” Alta Mae Core
“My favorite chore is working in the calf barn. Ensuring our calves get off to a great start is incredibly satisfying. It has taught me to adapt to complex situations, pay attention to finer details, and reminds me to be patient. Watching the calves grow and develop is exciting and motivates me personally and professionally.” Dreamroad Jerseys
“My favorite chore at this point probably doesn’t directly involve the cows. I would have to say I most enjoy sitting in the cab of a tractor working in a field preparing for planting or harvesting feed. Here is where I can let all the other mental challenges of my business go away for a moment. I feel it becomes very therapeutic.” Garry Jay Hansen
“My favorite chore is raising calves; it is therapy for me. I enjoy caring for them, watching them grow, and learning their unique mannerisms and personalities.” Debbie Lawton
“It’s hard to narrow that down to one. I would say my top two are breeding cows and drilling small grains. It’s rewarding for me to work with our cows daily and take the time to plan matings and then see how those genetics play out for generations to come. As for drilling, well, that is what I consider my “me” time. It is peaceful to be in a beautiful field with nice views and have time to take it all in. It’s good for the soul.” James Pearson
“My favorite chore is calf care. Who doesn’t love calves?! Sit in a pen full of babies and just watch them run and play. It is fun to watch their personalities develop and some good old calf-loving turns a tough day right around. It is also fun to see what your breeding develops into. Mating cows and actually doing the breeding is my second favorite job. It is satisfying to see cows reach their potential and know that you helped give them the great start that got them there.” Jennifer McReynolds
“My favorite chore is feeding calves. I love watching the calves grow and the challenge of picking who will be the best down the road.” Veronica Steer
“My favorite chore is caring for our baby calves. I love watching them grow and laugh at their antics!” Jennifer Zumbach
Feature image photo courtesy Bolle-Acres Jerseys.
