See how these dairy farms have utilized the On-Farm Team grant program to form a trusted team of advisors to help reach their business goals.
Keeping a Family Business Profitable: PA Dairy Farmer Shares How They’ve Kept Overhead Costs Low and Navigated Partnership Agreements
Chad Hoover sometimes farms with four generations working together at a time. As a sixth-generation dairy farmer at Thousand Hill Dairy, LLC in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, Chad realizes how fortunate he is to have a business and lifestyle that are rooted in family. His grandfather, father, and uncle are all still involved in the 200-cow dairy operation, and Chad’s eldest son marks the seventh generation. How have the Hoovers been able to build a family partnership that thrives financially with their bottom line always in mind? Chad says it starts with appreciating all the different generations and perspectives that are around the table to achieve a common goal – along with a lot of perseverance, sharp management practices, and consultants they trust.
Chester County Dairy Producer Gives the Scoop on Launching Wholesale Ice Cream Business From the Ground Up
Kacie Hershey grew up at Ar-Joy Farms in Chester County, Pennsylvania, but it wasn’t until a year ago that she returned to the farm in a full-time capacity. As the third generation, Kacie farms alongside her parents, Duane and Marilyn Hershey. Her main responsibilities include day-to-day, farm-level work and assisting with calves, employee management and office work. Soon after she returned to her family’s farm last June, Kacie was surprised to find that both generations had the same pipe dream of one day making ice cream.
Dairy Producer Gains Confidence to Transform Farm with New Technology
As Donny Bartch of Merrimart Farms in Perry County, Pennsylvania brainstormed ideas for the future of his dairy farm, he thought about a few key questions. How do he and his wife want to end their careers in dairying? If their kids come on board, what kind of opportunities do they want them to have? With the help of a Transformation Team Grant he received through the Center for Dairy Excellence, Donny was able to consider whether transforming the farm with robotic milking technology was a good fit for his future. His team of advisors helped him evaluate his options and turned his pipe dream into a reality.
Berks County Dairy Producer Shares Perspective on Transition Planning, Robotic Milking Technology and More
Through a Transition Team Grant from the Center for Dairy Excellence, Jared and Tim Kurtz took the first steps in building a plan for both of their futures. They formed a team of advisors who helped them navigate the process with open minds, including a transition consultant from the Center, Dr. Charlie Gardner, and their attorney, accountant, representatives from Penn State Extension, and even a representative from their bank. After having important conversations with their team, they had a clearer picture of what they were working toward over the next three years to ensure their family farm had a sustainable future.
Dairy Farmers Connect with Community by Opening New Creamery
Jessica and Jason Kennedy have more than 15 years invested in the dairy industry. When the market crashed and they were faced with financial challenges, they had two choices: leave the world of dairy farming or find a way to take their passion and move forward. After a lot of research and extensive planning, the Kennedy family decided to diversify their dairy business and enter the value-added space by creating a creamery and store.