10 reasons why we are thankful to be dairy farmers

This is the time of year when things tend to settle down ever so slightly and giving us a chance to reflect on the past year. We settle upon our finances, think through what worked well and what didn’t, and make plans for the year ahead. As ideas start surfacing we are often reminded of why we are thankful to be dairy farmers.

So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving here are 10 reasons why we are thankful to be dairy farmers:

1. Family. The top reason we are thankful for being dairy farmers is that we get to spend each and every day working with our family. Growing up in a young dairy farming family we got to enjoy each and every day as a family. And now having the creamery its a blessing to have nearly our entire immediate family involved.
2. Food. We get to help produce a single product that goes into producing dozens of different products. That is something in itself to be thankful for….milk, ice cream, cheese, butter, yogurt, sour cream…. think of all of the products that are derived from milk. It’s pretty amazing.
3. Exercise. Although by the end of most days we are dragging, we get to move and stay active each and every day.
4. Animals. We have always had a love for animals specifically cows, but being able to enjoy every day around our herd of cows is simply amazing. We grow to have a love for each and every cow on our farm.
5. Fun. Our kids didn’t grow up attending daycare or preschool. While most were already in school by the time we started dairy farming, the younger ones came out to milk the cows each morning with us. They got to experience the farm. The farm provided them with fun, creative outlets of all kinds. They got to be around animals, enjoy the fresh air, ride in tractors, all while learning the value of hard work.
6. Learn. We have found that since starting to milk cows we learn something new each and every day. There is always an opportunity for us to educate ourselves and learn more about the agriculture and dairy industries.
7. Variety. Never in the last twenty years of dairy farming have anyone in our family been bored. There is always something new and exciting happening and to have the variety of work is so rewarding and keeps us going.
8. Community. Have a farm and a creamery right in-between two metropolitan areas is a blessing in itself. We have two great markets where we can educate the community and provide them with the freshest quality products. Not to mention, our community in itself is amazing and we are thankful for all that live in Ely, Iowa.
9. Purpose. Having a job where you feel a sense of purpose is incredibly fulfilling. Every single day, seven days a week, 365 days each year we go out to milk the cows in the morning and the night. It’s not always easy in the negative 30-degree weather or the 100-degree heat to go milk, but knowing our purpose and getting to see customers enjoy our product make each of those challenging days especially worth it.
10. Roots. We are a first generation dairy farming family with a legacy plan that lasts a long time. Our roots here in Ely, Iowa are deep and we are so grateful to be surrounded by a community so accepting and supportive of our passions.