The Future of Dairy Farming: Tradition Meets Innovation

These four farm profiles show how dairy families in Virginia, Georgia, and Kentucky are planning for the future. Each story describes a different mix of family involvement, equipment, and day-to-day farm decisions.

Nolandia Farm, Catlett, VA

Kraig and Heather Smith have made investments for the future of their dairy and growing family. The Smiths built a bedded pack barn with robotic milkers which not only improved cow comfort but also provided them a more flexible work schedule. Their son, Kolton, is already at the farm every day helping with chores!

Tramildia Holsteins, Montezuma, GA

As a dairy farmer and father, Troy Yoder of Tramildia Holsteins values sharing the farm family experience with his children just as his father did for him.

“I had a great dad who was a great teacher. At a young age he allowed us boys to help make decisions on the farm. It isn’t always easy, but having a life on the farm is something we really treasure. When silage chopping time comes, we all help. The girls pitch in and drive tractors, and we make memories that last a lifetime. My favorite part of farming is working with my family and working with good cows, and we want each of our kids to enjoy their time on the farm. God has blessed us so richly as a family here and it’s been a wonderful time and wonderful life.”

Roy Farms, Russell Springs, KY

As a dairy farmer, Trent Roy, the owner of Roy Farms, has been dedicated to increasing his operation to provide for the next generation, his son Ben.

Trent started the dairy operation in 1992, with 40 cows and a double 3 herringbone barn. Ben joined the workforce in 2012 and became a full partner in Roy Farms in 2017. Trent has expanded his dairy operation over the years in order to provide a business that will sustain his son and grandsons. Working together, Trent and Ben have increased their herd size, increased their system to a double 7 herring bone with 14 milkers, and added a freestall barn.

As a next-generation farmer, Ben has been focused on bringing new technology and new agricultural practices to the farm while maintaining the traditional values and work ethic. He has added the GEA Cow Scout system to the herd, developed a newer manure management plan utilizing a flush system, and increased crop production with the use of precision farming technology. Today, the farm operation is definitely more technology-based which increases the capability to monitor herd production and improve crop yields. Roy Farms is blessed with future generations that will continue their farming legacy.

Fullerview Farm, Mt. Solon, VA

Fullerview Farm is a 120-cow dairy that has taken steps to plan for the future. As the farm management transitioned from Barbara and Aubrey Fuller to their son Jason and his family, a new robotic milking facility was built. The new milking system reduced the need for additional labor. According to Jason, it has helped the family have a more positive position for the future because it allows for a more flexible schedule and reduced the stress that can come with managing employees. Jason, his wife Cassandra, and their children Sebastian, Gabriella, and Breighton handle all the farm chores along with some help from Jason’s parents.

These four farm profiles offer different perspectives on day-to-day work and plans for the next generation. Explore more dairy farmer stories, or read the Traylor family’s Alabama profile.

Every dairy farm looks a little different, but one priority remains the same: keeping cows healthy, comfortable and well cared for. Dairy farmers put careful thought into the housing they provide, creating spaces that give cows a comfortable place to rest, access to fresh food and water, and protection from changing weather conditions. From barn design to bedding and ventilation, meet the dairy farmers who are putting cow comfort at the center of their everyday care.