\n
Holly\u2019s Story in her own words:<\/strong><\/h3>\nWhat is your role in the dairy industry? <\/u><\/h4>\n
My role in the dairy industry is to bring a variety of information to the table to be used in management decisions. DHI (Dairy Herd Improvement) no longer just provides Fat, Protein, SCC information on individual cows. Most farms operate on a herd, group, or pen mentality as far as feed consumption goes so our goal is to provide information that you or your consultants can use to produce the amount and quality of milk you desire. DHI also uses breeding, genetic, transition, and udder health data from regular testing intervals to give information on performance in comparison to peers or within a herd. Guess I was always in the dairy industry and since my husband and I enjoy it, it was natural. I tried working away from the industry and it was hard to relate in the workplace when my husband needed help on the farm or late-night fresh checks etc. It’s something I wouldn’t change it for anything and hope I can be in DHI a long time!!<\/p>\n
![\"Smith](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/smith-1.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat are 3 things you want consumers to know about the dairy products you produce?<\/u><\/h4>\n\n- Dairy products are the most strictly regulated and safe food in the food system. Every product is tested multiple times during the production process to ensure that a safe product is available for your family to purchase.<\/li>\n
- Dairy farming is something people do because they are passionate about farming. There are very few people who get rich farming and even if they do-they worked for it! It is a hard lifestyle and should be respected.<\/li>\n
- Ask a DAIRY FARMER questions before you make an assumption about a product. Buying local is always a great way to know where your food comes from if possible. Even though in reality all of it is good for you!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
![\"Smith](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/smith-2.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAs a Mom what do you want to share with others about the dairy industry?<\/u><\/h4>\n
As a mother and wife of a dairy farmer, I want to share that being a “modern” woman who juggles kids, career and farming is something that although difficult reaps many rewards. My kids get to experience the ultimate childhood as there are endless “forts” to play in, adventures with dad driving tractor, and running up and down the aisles in our barn offer lessons and a ton of FUN!!! My kids probably won’t get the opportunity to be in 4 different sporting events at one time because it will be impossible for me to cart them around since dad is “doing chores” but they will learn work ethic that I was taught by my parents. To the “general public,” I want them to know and wish they could understand just how much farming takes away from family time. Although we spend plenty of time together we also spend most of the time working in the barn. Most of our peers often get very few vacations or weekends or heck even weeknights to spend with just the family over a family dinner (before 7 that is).<\/p>\n
What is your favorite dairy product? <\/u><\/h4>\n
My favorite dairy product would have to be cheese. Anything with cheese just tastes better plus Wisconsin has several amazing cheese plants that offer fresh cheese curds and other delicious cheese products! Click here to see a Wisconsin traveler’s guide to cheese locations!<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is the most rewarding part of being in the dairy industry? Challenging?<\/u><\/h4>\n
The most rewarding part of working in the dairy industry would have to be all the people you get to meet. Most farmers don’t get off the farm very often so they enjoy having a conversation with you about what is new in their family and love to hear how other farms “do things”. In my line of work I closely monitor each dairy for management opportunities to make their dollar go further. Using the information we have such as a Fresh Cow Summary that monitors the transition from dry period to early lactation can show an individual how to make more money on the end of each lactation curve! Most challenging would have to be trying to help those that don’t want it. Farmers are independent people that work for themselves. Often you have to find a way to connect the dots for them but it can be a long process if someone is resistant!<\/p>\n
Who is your favorite cow? <\/u><\/h4>\n
My favorite cow would have to be a Holstein, Rotesown Gibson Ideal Ex 94 3E GMD. She was a cow that Smith-Crest bought as a two-year old. She was the ultimate Holstein. Not only did she look good but she made 281,922 pounds of milk in her lifetime. She was a gentle cow that often followed us to the fair much after her “prime” show days were over and my sister\u2019s class would take pictures with her. My daughter Leah and her cousin loved crawling all around her and called her “Grandma Cow”. She is definitely missed by all!<\/p>\n
What do you envision the future of the dairy industry looking like?<\/u><\/h4>\n
I envision the dairy industry doing exactly what is has done over the last 100 years-change. Farmers in general have always found better ways of producing quality food to feed not only America but the world. Now, we are experiencing more exposure to the public perception of the agriculture industry. Although society wants to know where their food comes from, they also average 3 generations removed from the farm. We need to get the story across that food is safe and nutritious.<\/p>\n
\nHolly, thank you for sharing your story with us!<\/p>\n
Entire Women in Dairy Series:<\/h4>\n\n- Joanna Lidback of The Farm at Wheeler Mountain, VT<\/a><\/li>\n
- Katie Boyke Grinstead of Vir-Clar Farm, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Alicia Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ysabel Jacobs of Ferme Jacobs, Canada<\/a><\/li>\n
- Heidi Kovacs of Sugar Maple Jerseys, NJ<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jolene Griffin, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Melissa Woolpert of Country by Chance, VT<\/a><\/li>\n
- Katie Sattazahn, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kim Bremmer of Ag Inspirations, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Abigail Copenhaver of Farmstead Nutrition, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jodi Cast of JJC Jerseys, NE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amy Rowbottom of Crooked Farm Creamery, ME<\/a><\/li>\n
- Britte Nooijens, Netherlands<\/a><\/li>\n
- Julianne Holler, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Cynthia Martel, VA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Abby Swan of Kemridge Farm, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jamie Van De Walle, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Joseta Halbur, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Holly Smith, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jenny L. Baerwolf of Sassy Cow Creamery, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jenna Jongenotter, Canada<\/a><\/li>\n
- Liz Neadow of Teacup Farm, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Hannah Worden of Will-O-Crest Farm, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Carla Wardin of Truth or Dairy, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amanda Freund of CowPots, CT<\/a><\/li>\n
- Mandi Pacitti of Misty Brae Holsteins, Australia<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jessica Chittenden Ziehm of Tiashoke Farm, NY<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- Lisa Myers, MD<\/a><\/li>\n
- Carissa Ann Tolzman, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Danae Bauer of FarmGirl Photography, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ashley Kennedy of Messy Kennedy, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emily Lyons, Washington DC<\/a><\/li>\n
- Joanna Rowher of Hollingstedt Schleswig Holstein, Germany<\/a><\/li>\n
- Rita Mosset, ND<\/a><\/li>\n
- Brianne Brown of Beslea Farms, Canada<\/a><\/li>\n
- Pam Bolin, IA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Janean Boss-Anderson, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jessica Peters of Spruce Row Farm, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amanda Williams, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Trisha Boyce, <\/a>PA<\/li>\n
- Melissa Hanke, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Tara Woyton, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Melisa Konecky, NE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lizzie Frazier, NE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Renee Norman-Kenny of Eat Farm Love, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amanda Killian of Dirt Road Holsteins, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kim Kester, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amy Ruegsegger, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Alba Alvarez Nunez – Spain<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emily Parker, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Nicole Kearns, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Cheyenne Ryzenga, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Freynie Lancaster of Royalty Ridge, OR<\/a><\/li>\n
- Maryanne Dudli, New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n
- Michelle, Keller, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ashley Abbott, VA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Brenda Rudolph of Raising a Farm, MN<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jennifer Heim, KS<\/a><\/li>\n
- Janet Bremer of My Barn Yard View, MN<\/a><\/li>\n
- Iris Barham Peeler, GA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Laura Daniels of Heartwood Farms, WI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Holly Smith grew up on a mostly Holstein and Jersey dairy farm until she was 8, when her parents Ray and Cindy Schowalter decided to sell the cows. Holly and her 3 sisters (Ashley, Monique and Tiffany) always had steers, pigs, chickens and most importantly Belgian draft horses. All three were in 4-H with various […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[396],"tags":[118,128,186,336,379,384],"yoast_head":"\n
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![\"Smith](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/11\/smith-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat are 3 things you want consumers to know about the dairy products you produce?<\/u><\/h4>\n\n- Dairy products are the most strictly regulated and safe food in the food system. Every product is tested multiple times during the production process to ensure that a safe product is available for your family to purchase.<\/li>\n
- Dairy farming is something people do because they are passionate about farming. There are very few people who get rich farming and even if they do-they worked for it! It is a hard lifestyle and should be respected.<\/li>\n
- Ask a DAIRY FARMER questions before you make an assumption about a product. Buying local is always a great way to know where your food comes from if possible. Even though in reality all of it is good for you!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nAs a Mom what do you want to share with others about the dairy industry?<\/u><\/h4>\n
As a mother and wife of a dairy farmer, I want to share that being a “modern” woman who juggles kids, career and farming is something that although difficult reaps many rewards. My kids get to experience the ultimate childhood as there are endless “forts” to play in, adventures with dad driving tractor, and running up and down the aisles in our barn offer lessons and a ton of FUN!!! My kids probably won’t get the opportunity to be in 4 different sporting events at one time because it will be impossible for me to cart them around since dad is “doing chores” but they will learn work ethic that I was taught by my parents. To the “general public,” I want them to know and wish they could understand just how much farming takes away from family time. Although we spend plenty of time together we also spend most of the time working in the barn. Most of our peers often get very few vacations or weekends or heck even weeknights to spend with just the family over a family dinner (before 7 that is).<\/p>\n
What is your favorite dairy product? <\/u><\/h4>\n
My favorite dairy product would have to be cheese. Anything with cheese just tastes better plus Wisconsin has several amazing cheese plants that offer fresh cheese curds and other delicious cheese products! Click here to see a Wisconsin traveler’s guide to cheese locations!<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is the most rewarding part of being in the dairy industry? Challenging?<\/u><\/h4>\n
The most rewarding part of working in the dairy industry would have to be all the people you get to meet. Most farmers don’t get off the farm very often so they enjoy having a conversation with you about what is new in their family and love to hear how other farms “do things”. In my line of work I closely monitor each dairy for management opportunities to make their dollar go further. Using the information we have such as a Fresh Cow Summary that monitors the transition from dry period to early lactation can show an individual how to make more money on the end of each lactation curve! Most challenging would have to be trying to help those that don’t want it. Farmers are independent people that work for themselves. Often you have to find a way to connect the dots for them but it can be a long process if someone is resistant!<\/p>\n
Who is your favorite cow? <\/u><\/h4>\n
My favorite cow would have to be a Holstein, Rotesown Gibson Ideal Ex 94 3E GMD. She was a cow that Smith-Crest bought as a two-year old. She was the ultimate Holstein. Not only did she look good but she made 281,922 pounds of milk in her lifetime. She was a gentle cow that often followed us to the fair much after her “prime” show days were over and my sister\u2019s class would take pictures with her. My daughter Leah and her cousin loved crawling all around her and called her “Grandma Cow”. She is definitely missed by all!<\/p>\n
What do you envision the future of the dairy industry looking like?<\/u><\/h4>\n
I envision the dairy industry doing exactly what is has done over the last 100 years-change. Farmers in general have always found better ways of producing quality food to feed not only America but the world. Now, we are experiencing more exposure to the public perception of the agriculture industry. Although society wants to know where their food comes from, they also average 3 generations removed from the farm. We need to get the story across that food is safe and nutritious.<\/p>\n
\nHolly, thank you for sharing your story with us!<\/p>\n
Entire Women in Dairy Series:<\/h4>\n\n- Joanna Lidback of The Farm at Wheeler Mountain, VT<\/a><\/li>\n
- Katie Boyke Grinstead of Vir-Clar Farm, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Alicia Lamb of Oakfield Corners Dairy, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ysabel Jacobs of Ferme Jacobs, Canada<\/a><\/li>\n
- Heidi Kovacs of Sugar Maple Jerseys, NJ<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jolene Griffin, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Melissa Woolpert of Country by Chance, VT<\/a><\/li>\n
- Katie Sattazahn, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kim Bremmer of Ag Inspirations, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Abigail Copenhaver of Farmstead Nutrition, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jodi Cast of JJC Jerseys, NE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amy Rowbottom of Crooked Farm Creamery, ME<\/a><\/li>\n
- Britte Nooijens, Netherlands<\/a><\/li>\n
- Julianne Holler, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Cynthia Martel, VA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Abby Swan of Kemridge Farm, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jamie Van De Walle, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Joseta Halbur, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Holly Smith, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jenny L. Baerwolf of Sassy Cow Creamery, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jenna Jongenotter, Canada<\/a><\/li>\n
- Liz Neadow of Teacup Farm, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Hannah Worden of Will-O-Crest Farm, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Carla Wardin of Truth or Dairy, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amanda Freund of CowPots, CT<\/a><\/li>\n
- Mandi Pacitti of Misty Brae Holsteins, Australia<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jessica Chittenden Ziehm of Tiashoke Farm, NY<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
- Lisa Myers, MD<\/a><\/li>\n
- Carissa Ann Tolzman, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Danae Bauer of FarmGirl Photography, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ashley Kennedy of Messy Kennedy, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emily Lyons, Washington DC<\/a><\/li>\n
- Joanna Rowher of Hollingstedt Schleswig Holstein, Germany<\/a><\/li>\n
- Rita Mosset, ND<\/a><\/li>\n
- Brianne Brown of Beslea Farms, Canada<\/a><\/li>\n
- Pam Bolin, IA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Janean Boss-Anderson, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jessica Peters of Spruce Row Farm, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amanda Williams, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Trisha Boyce, <\/a>PA<\/li>\n
- Melissa Hanke, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Tara Woyton, NY<\/a><\/li>\n
- Melisa Konecky, NE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Lizzie Frazier, NE<\/a><\/li>\n
- Renee Norman-Kenny of Eat Farm Love, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amanda Killian of Dirt Road Holsteins, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Kim Kester, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Amy Ruegsegger, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Alba Alvarez Nunez – Spain<\/a><\/li>\n
- Emily Parker, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Nicole Kearns, PA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Cheyenne Ryzenga, MI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Freynie Lancaster of Royalty Ridge, OR<\/a><\/li>\n
- Maryanne Dudli, New Zealand<\/a><\/li>\n
- Michelle, Keller, WI<\/a><\/li>\n
- Ashley Abbott, VA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Brenda Rudolph of Raising a Farm, MN<\/a><\/li>\n
- Jennifer Heim, KS<\/a><\/li>\n
- Janet Bremer of My Barn Yard View, MN<\/a><\/li>\n
- Iris Barham Peeler, GA<\/a><\/li>\n
- Laura Daniels of Heartwood Farms, WI<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Holly Smith grew up on a mostly Holstein and Jersey dairy farm until she was 8, when her parents Ray and Cindy Schowalter decided to sell the cows. Holly and her 3 sisters (Ashley, Monique and Tiffany) always had steers, pigs, chickens and most importantly Belgian draft horses. All three were in 4-H with various […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[396],"tags":[118,128,186,336,379,384],"yoast_head":"\n
Women in Dairy: Holly Smith from Wisconsin. ~ Mackinson Dairy Farm<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/women-in-dairy-holly-smith-from-watertown-wisconsin\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Women in Dairy: Holly Smith from Wisconsin. ~ Mackinson Dairy Farm\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Holly Smith grew up on a mostly Holstein and Jersey dairy farm until she was 8, when her parents Ray and Cindy Schowalter decided to sell the cows. Holly and her 3 sisters (Ashley, Monique and Tiffany) always had steers, pigs, chickens and most importantly Belgian draft horses. 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As a mother and wife of a dairy farmer, I want to share that being a “modern” woman who juggles kids, career and farming is something that although difficult reaps many rewards. My kids get to experience the ultimate childhood as there are endless “forts” to play in, adventures with dad driving tractor, and running up and down the aisles in our barn offer lessons and a ton of FUN!!! My kids probably won’t get the opportunity to be in 4 different sporting events at one time because it will be impossible for me to cart them around since dad is “doing chores” but they will learn work ethic that I was taught by my parents. To the “general public,” I want them to know and wish they could understand just how much farming takes away from family time. Although we spend plenty of time together we also spend most of the time working in the barn. Most of our peers often get very few vacations or weekends or heck even weeknights to spend with just the family over a family dinner (before 7 that is).<\/p>\n My favorite dairy product would have to be cheese. Anything with cheese just tastes better plus Wisconsin has several amazing cheese plants that offer fresh cheese curds and other delicious cheese products! Click here to see a Wisconsin traveler’s guide to cheese locations!<\/a><\/p>\n The most rewarding part of working in the dairy industry would have to be all the people you get to meet. Most farmers don’t get off the farm very often so they enjoy having a conversation with you about what is new in their family and love to hear how other farms “do things”. In my line of work I closely monitor each dairy for management opportunities to make their dollar go further. Using the information we have such as a Fresh Cow Summary that monitors the transition from dry period to early lactation can show an individual how to make more money on the end of each lactation curve! Most challenging would have to be trying to help those that don’t want it. Farmers are independent people that work for themselves. Often you have to find a way to connect the dots for them but it can be a long process if someone is resistant!<\/p>\n My favorite cow would have to be a Holstein, Rotesown Gibson Ideal Ex 94 3E GMD. She was a cow that Smith-Crest bought as a two-year old. She was the ultimate Holstein. Not only did she look good but she made 281,922 pounds of milk in her lifetime. She was a gentle cow that often followed us to the fair much after her “prime” show days were over and my sister\u2019s class would take pictures with her. My daughter Leah and her cousin loved crawling all around her and called her “Grandma Cow”. She is definitely missed by all!<\/p>\n I envision the dairy industry doing exactly what is has done over the last 100 years-change. Farmers in general have always found better ways of producing quality food to feed not only America but the world. Now, we are experiencing more exposure to the public perception of the agriculture industry. Although society wants to know where their food comes from, they also average 3 generations removed from the farm. We need to get the story across that food is safe and nutritious.<\/p>\n Holly, thank you for sharing your story with us!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Holly Smith grew up on a mostly Holstein and Jersey dairy farm until she was 8, when her parents Ray and Cindy Schowalter decided to sell the cows. Holly and her 3 sisters (Ashley, Monique and Tiffany) always had steers, pigs, chickens and most importantly Belgian draft horses. All three were in 4-H with various […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1315,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[396],"tags":[118,128,186,336,379,384],"yoast_head":"\n<\/a><\/p>\nAs a Mom what do you want to share with others about the dairy industry?<\/u><\/h4>\n
What is your favorite dairy product? <\/u><\/h4>\n
What is the most rewarding part of being in the dairy industry? Challenging?<\/u><\/h4>\n
Who is your favorite cow? <\/u><\/h4>\n
What do you envision the future of the dairy industry looking like?<\/u><\/h4>\n
\nEntire Women in Dairy Series:<\/h4>\n
\n