Dairy Farming: A Family Tradition Rooted in Care, Commitment, and Community

Dairy farming is more than just producing milk—it’s a way of life built on dedication, responsibility, and a deep respect for animals and the land. Across the country, dairy farmers work tirelessly every single day to ensure their cows are healthy, comfortable, and productive. Their commitment not only supports their families but also provides communities with nutritious dairy products we enjoy daily.

95% of dairy farms are family-owned, and most have fewer than 3,000 cows, highlighting the strong tradition of family agriculture in the U.S.

Farmers work from sun-up to sundown, 365 days a year, because cows need consistent care, feeding, and milking every single day.

Cow comfort and health are the top priorities, with farmers focusing on proper nutrition, clean living conditions, and regular veterinary care.

Dairy farmers are dedicated environmental stewards, using sustainable practices to protect the land, water, and future of farming.

Dairy farming is a full-time lifestyle, centered around caring for animals and producing high-quality milk for families everywhere.

From early mornings in the barn to late evenings in the fields, dairy farmers combine tradition with innovation to keep farms running efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of animal care and sustainability.

Meet the Moooo-vers and Shakers in Dairy

Frank Doll

Doll Dairy, Greenville, IL

A third-generation dairy farmer, Frank Doll carries on a legacy that began in the 1930s. At Doll Dairy, he manages a herd of 250 Holstein and Ayrshire cows alongside his son and a team of part-time workers. Milking three times a day, Frank also grows soybeans and other crops to feed his herd. When he can step away, he enjoys spending time in Florida with his wife, Pam.

Toby Probst

Probstland Dairy, Wheeler, IL

Toby Probst works with his brother and son on their third-generation family farm, home to 380 cows. Producing around 31,000 gallons of milk daily, their milk is processed into familiar quarts and gallons found in grocery stores. Toby emphasizes cow comfort as the key to producing high-quality, nutritious milk.

Bryan Henrichs

Henrichs Dairy Farm, Breese, IL

Founded in 1933 by his grandfather, Bryan Henrichs’ farm now milks 250 cows twice daily using a modern rotary-style milking parlor. His milk is used to create lactose-free products and ice cream mix. Bryan’s passion for working with animals is matched only by his love for spending time with his wife, Emily, and their five daughters.

Josh & Emily Reinhardt

Reinhardt Dairy Farm, Red Bud, IL

Since 1954, the Reinhardt family farm has grown from 20 cows to a herd of 240. Today, Josh and Emily use robotic milking technology, allowing cows to be milked on their own schedule—typically 2–3 times per day. With deep roots in agriculture, they see farming as more than a job—it’s part of who they are.

Melinda Morrison Schoen

Schoen Farm, Oak Ridge, MO

A fourth-generation dairy farmer, Melinda Morrison Schoen continues over 100 years of family tradition. Her herd of 250 cows, primarily Holsteins with some Milking Shorthorns, produces nearly 2,000 gallons of milk each day. For Melinda, the best part of farming is doing what she loves every day—it never feels like work.

Craig Meng

Ravendale Farm, Freeburg, IL

Craig Meng’s family farm dates back to 1948 and milks about 150 Holstein cows daily. The milk produced at Ravendale Farm ends up in grocery store cartons and gallons across the region. Craig enjoys the independence of farming and values time spent with his family, whether at his sons’ sporting events or out boating together.

Dairy farming continues to thrive because of passionate families like these—farmers who are committed to caring for their animals, preserving their land, and providing wholesome dairy products for generations to come.

Dairy Farm Videos

Inside Dairy Farming: See It in Action

Take a closer look at life on a dairy farm. This video showcase daily routines, cow care, milking processes, and the dedication it takes to produce fresh, nutritious milk every day.

Discover Dairy Farming: From Cow Care to Sustainability

Step behind the scenes of modern dairy farming and see how farmers care for their animals, produce milk, and protect the environment. These downloadable resources make it easy to explore everything from calf care and cow nutrition to milking practices and sustainability in a way that’s engaging, educational, and easy to understand.

Resources to Download

Calf Hutch

Explore a calf hutch and learn how dairy farmers keep baby cows healthy with cozy bedding, grain, fresh water, milk replacer, and daily care.

Download Resource

Cow Comfort

Learn how dairy farmers keep cows comfortable with clean bedding, fresh air, fans, misters, and cozy winter gear for calves.

Download Resource

Dairy Cow Breeds

Meet popular dairy cow breeds, from Holsteins and Jerseys to Guernseys and Milking Shorthorns, and discover what makes each unique.

Download Resource

Life of a Farmer

Follow a day in the life of a dairy farmer, from feeding cows and milking to managing the farm and caring for animals year-round.

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Milk is Local

Follow milk’s journey from local farms to your table, where it’s packaged fresh or made into foods like cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

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Milking Parlor

Explore how dairy farms work by matching parts of the farm and milking process, from pasture to bulk tank, and learn how milk is collected safely.

Download Resource

Sustainability

Learn how dairy farmers support sustainability through animal care, water conservation, recycling, and renewable energy while producing nutritious foods.

Download Resource

Waste Management

Learn how dairy farms turn manure into renewable energy and fertilizer, supporting sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

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What do Cows Eat?

Learn what cows eat at each stage of life, from milk as calves to grains and silage as adults, and how nutrition supports healthy milk production.

Download Resource

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