National Agriculture Day takes place on March 24! We asked Pennsylvania dairy farm families to share photos of their families and the farms they call home. With so many multi-generational family farms across the state, these families contribute so much to our communities, economy and entire agriculture industry. Thanks for all you do! View their photos and messages below.
“The days on the farm are not always easy. Despite the struggles, we have come to realize that the most valuable thing we are raising on our farm is not the corn or the cows. The true reward is our children: the next generation. Knowing that we are shaping their lives and future is what keeps us going.” – Janette, Pitman, PA
“I’ve always been very passionate about the role of animal proteins, specifically from milk, in a healthy diet.
I love being able to take care of the cows who produce the milk and see the look on customers’ faces when they get to enjoy milk, ice cream and the farm!”
– Amy Brickner
“We want to leave a legacy that has a positive impact on each generation. The younger generations will bring ideas to the farm that the older generations might not be able to and we want that to be welcomed. We never want anyone to be afraid to discuss the future. Planning is an important, respectful part of a multi-generational business. Be open and honest and have fun along the way. Maintaining good relationships in the family are important, and they make a lasting impact on the attitude and views of the farm for the future.”
-JEM Farms, The Martin Family
“We have spent our life savings rebuilding the family farm and are in the process of building our own processing facility for milk and ice cream. Both of our sons plan to continue to farm, as it is what they grew up with and all they want to do.”
-Michael Family Farm
“At Green Slopes Farm we choose to farm day after day and be a part of the family business for generation after generation because we love farming and working together as a family. Everything we do is about farming and family. Some days are very challenging but you get through it and the rewards are always greater.” – Alicia McDonald
If you take a step back and reflect on what you do, what excites you about the dairy industry and being a dairy farmer in 2026?
“Watching our family be excited about farming and improving and caring for our cows.”
-Dan-ly Holstein in Lebanon, PA
“When we step back and reflect on what we do, what continues to excite us most is the privilege of providing what we truly believe is the perfect food. Milk is wholesome, nutrient-rich, and delicious. Being able to produce it ourselves and share it directly with our community is something we never take for granted.”
-Mitch-Hill Dairy Farm & Creamery
“We enjoy reflecting on how far our dairy has come. The barn we milk in was used as a second location for the main farm, so all we had to start with was the milking barn. We have since added an individual and group hutch set up, hoop barns for heifers, and we just completed a new pack barn. The new barn is for pre-breeding age, breeding age, dry cows, and 2 switch groups. We have worked through a lot of change and growing pains to get where we are, and we are excited for the future we are setting up for our young families.”
-Diamond Valley Dairy
“As first-generation dairy farmers, we strive to help our boys, the next generation continue, for years to come. Being a dairy farmer and raising the next generation means the world to us.”
-Donald Miller
Riverside Farm originated in 1957 when Clarence Fitze purchased the farm next door to his childhood farm. Andrew is the 6th generation to operate the farm and now has the seventh generation (Born in Feb) that can be raised in a farm family setting and enjoy all the experiences of farm life.
“We hope to share the love we have for our family, farm, and community; and to help others learn the importance of agriculture. We love providing a key nutritional food to our community and being a part of something bigger than ourselves. We love being together as a family, and there’s no better way to do that than farming together! – Amanda Bush
“In 2026, being a dairy farmer means being both a steward of tradition and a forward-thinking business owner. That combination makes the future of our farm and our industry something to be proud of. We are part of an industry that has deep roots, yet is constantly evolving. The advances in technology — from improved herd health monitoring to robotic milking and data-driven decision making — allow us to care for our cows more precisely and efficiently than ever before. That progress makes the work not only more sustainable, but also more rewarding.” -Lauren Brooks
“We hope to instill in our children great work ethic where they learn to show up on time, ready to complete their tasks for the day, and how to work well with their peers. They can use these skills whether they continue working on the farm or branch off into the world.” – Katie Hafer