I would like to introduce one of my best friends, Lisa Myers (age 30) from Hampstead, Maryland. I met Lisa in 2007 at the Illinois State Fair. Shortly afterwards, I moved to Northern Illinois and we lived 10 minutes apart. Some of my favorite memories are milking some really good Holsteins with Lisa, our Red Lobster dates or when she was a Bridesmaid in my wedding. Last summer, we took a road trip to Maryland to see Lisa and meet her family. While we might not talk or see each other very often, I am proud to call Lisa one of friends.
Alban Farm milks about 100 head of Holsteins and Holstein crossbreds (Normandi and Swedish red) in a double 6 herringbone milking parlor. They are a conventional grade herd that is on pasture up to 10 months of the year depending on the Maryland weather. Lisa’s family grows all of their own feed, including corn, soybeans, alfalfa, grass hay and wheat. Their milk is picked up every other day and is shipped to Maryland & Virginia Milk co-op where the end product is fluid milk.
Lisa’s Story in her own words:
I currently farm with my parents and uncle, I do a majority of the milking, I take care of herd health, vaccinations, breeding, keeping barns clean and help with field work especially in the spring. My mother helps milk in the mornings and babysits for me the rest of the time. My father does field work, the daily repairs of equipment, some milking, and purchasing of equipment and seeds. My uncle does the feeding and helps with field work.
What has been the most rewarding part of farming for you?
What has been the most challenging part of farming for you?
Who is your favorite cow?
What is your favorite dairy-filled Thanksgiving recipe?
Thank you Lisa for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our blog (no spam, just an email when we post a new blog) so you don’t miss any posts.
Entire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:
Sarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!
Melissa Collman – Boring, OR – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!
Macy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!
Karen Bohnert – East Moline, IL – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!
Lisa Myers – Hamstead, MD – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!
Rebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!
Heather Moore – Maquoketa, IA – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!
Katie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!
Brent Pollard – Rockford, IL – an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.
Krista Stauffer – Washington – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!
Diane Loew – Byron, MI – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!
Nicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!
Elinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!
Alise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!
Tara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!
Jenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!
Will Gilmer – Sulligent, AL – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!
Gene Zimmerman – Colby, WI – our only dairy goat farmer featured this month!
Darleen Moore-Sichley – Oregon – a Mom, AGvocate and Gurnsey dairy farmer!
Michelle Eilenstine – Mountain Grove, MO – a dairy farmer & University of Missouri grad!
Jenni Tilton-Flood – Clinton, Maine – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks 3400 Holsteins!
Kalli Ehrhardt – Baldwin, MD – A Mom and dairy farmer!
Craig Swenson – River Fall, WI – a dairy farmer who loves his red & whites!
Katie Harris – Washington – a mom & dairy farmer from Western Washington!
Annaliese Wegner – Ettrick, WI – the Modern-day Farm Chick!
Morgan Kliebenstein – Darlington, WI – a dairy farmer, Genex employee, Mom & wife!
Matt & Joe Engel – Hampshire, IL – the brother behind Luck-E Holsteins!
Stephanie Aves – Popular Grove, IL – a dairy farmer & agriculture teacher!
Beverly Donovan – Benton, Maine – a dairy farmer & accountant!
Sadie Frericks – Melrose, MN – a dedicated AGvocate, dairy farmer, mom & wife!
Greg Schulte – Darlington, WI – the cheesemaker at Brunkow Cheese!
Katie Deslippe – St Mary Ontario – a young lady that loves everything about dairy!
Carrie Mess – Lake Mills, WI – the well-known AGvocate Dairy Carrie!
birhan says
Am appreciate you