Dairy farming is not for the faint of the heart. It requires early morning risings to milk cows, late evening phone calls when cows have gotten out, and managing a business on tight margins, on top of so many other events. But it’s also a lifestyle that comes with the privilege of working alongside family and animals that rely on you. It’s showing your children the reward of a hard day's work. It’s seeing that miracle of life often but never taking it for granted. These are just a few examples of why dairy farmers across the Southeast are thankful to farm!

“Even when I was growing up most kids didn’t have a job milking cows, much less turn around in their free time and sketch dairy barns. But everybody’s got a passion and mine was dairy farming.

I knew even back when I was milking for my cousin that I wanted to run my own dairy and raise my family there one day. And for the last 14 years that’s exactly what I’ve had the opportunity to do alongside my wife Paula and our three kids.

When I decided I wanted to be a dairy farmer, like a lot of farm kids I wanted to do it for reasons like getting to be outside and being my own boss. As I got older and actually became a dairy farmer, I realized that while those were perks of the job, they aren’t what make me love my job. Watching my children grow up on a dairy farm enjoying the animals and the farm life, the time we are able to spend together on the farm, the phone calls I get from the young farmers just starting out in my community who are looking for advice, and my neighbors stopping by to help out or just to talk. These are the reasons that I love being a dairy farmer.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a dairy farmer because of the cows. Now I know the real joy of being a dairy farmer is the people. I love being a dairy farmer because, even though my bank account wouldn’t tell you so, it’s made me a wealthy man.”

— Patrick Patterson of Lone Cedar Dairy in Nancy, Kentucky

“We are thankful to be dairy farmers because we truly enjoy tending to the land and caring for our herd. There’s something incredibly rewarding about working with the animals and the earth, knowing that our efforts contribute to nourishing the lives of others and being directly involved from grass to glass. We’re especially grateful to have direct contact with the milk customers. Hearing their stories about how our A2 milk has allowed them to reintroduce dairy to their diets brings a deeper sense of purpose to what we do. It’s a blessing to know that our hard work makes a positive difference in the lives of our community. Last, but certainly not least we are thankful to be raising the 5th generation right beside us in the barn and with the cows.”

— LD, Iris and Davis of Milky Way Farm in Starr, South Carolina

“This life is all that I have ever known. I think it’s the best place to raise a family. It’s a lot of hard work every day, but it is rewarding to see crops grow and cows make milk. I hope this farm will continue to prosper for generations to follow. I am very blessed to live this life!”

— Maxie Aker of Wolfpen Dairy Farm in Wytheville, Virginia

I’m grateful to be part of my family’s dairy farm, where I can carry on a legacy of hard work and dedication to both the cows and the land. Growing up on the farm, we’ve always shared a common goal as a family—working together to sustain and improve what we have. The satisfaction of providing wholesome, nutritious food to our community—and beyond—makes every day truly rewarding.

-Monica Schaapman of Schaapman Holsteins in Abbeville, Georgia

Some of the best lessons about dairy happen when agriculture comes directly into the classroom. Local partners from 4-H, FFA, Farm Bureau, and other agricultural organizations help students connect what they eat and drink every day to the farms and people behind it. Dairy Farmers and local ag educators were asked to share how they bring dairy to life for students, the farm facts kids love most, and their advice for helping the next generation learn more about dairy.