Tell us about your family. <\/strong><\/h4>\nFarmer \u2013 I always refer to him in my blogs \u2013 have been married 43 years. My husband is 3rd<\/sup> generation and three of my four sons are on the farm and are the 4th. <\/span>I refer to the boys as Son #1, #2 and etc. to have some sort of anonymity. Three of the sons are married and I have 8 wigglies. Sons are 40, 38, 31 and 29. The wigglies are 6 boys \u2013 14, 12, 11, 7, 3 \u00bd and 1 \u00bd. The two girls are 9. Three golden retrievers and 1 beagle round out the tribe.<\/p>\n![\"File0770\"](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/file0770.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a>Diane’s Family!<\/p><\/div>\n
When you are not farming, what are your hobbies\/interests?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nI work part-time at my church in our bookstore. I write \u2013 2 books I\u2019ve authored are 101 Ways to Celebrate the Ordinary<\/em><\/a> and a children\u2019s book \u2013 Where\u2019s Charlie<\/em><\/a>. I blog<\/a>, contribute to two other blogs, volunteer my writing skills and other creative skills at church. I have a weekly radio spot on Holland, MI WHTC radio called Random Ramblings of where I talk about farm, family, and whatever else I want to. I have created a T-shirt to promote farming that I sell \u2013 Forget the Tree . . . Hug a Farmer. And I love to cook and bake. Most Sundays everyone comes home for dinner after church.<\/p>\nWhen did you start farming?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nI became involved with farming not by choice but by marriage. It was not a happy marriage for me \u2013 the farm and family. I came from the city and didn\u2019t understand a lot. As time went on I fell madly, deeply and totally in love with the farm, the land and the critters. I would not change my spot on this ball of mud for any other place.<\/p>\n
![\"IMG_2508\"](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/img_2508.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is the biggest misconception about the dairy industry? <\/strong><\/h4>\nFor me it\u2019s the whole \u201cfactory farm\u201d crap. We are a CAFO farm which most people use factory farm to describe. (CAFO stands for concentrated animal feeding operation.) We are 3rd<\/sup> and 4th<\/sup> generation farmers with 8 \u2013 10 other families that take care of our operation. The cows are well taken care of and come before us in all areas \u2013 ask me when my last vacation was. We are Environmentally Qualified which shows our excellence mind set.<\/p>\n![\"IMG_2755_-_Copy\"](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/img_2755_-_copy.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is one message you\u2019d like to get across to the general public about what you do?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIt\u2019s harder than what you think, more rewarding than believed and more necessary than you can ever imagine. Too many people get their food from the \u201cstores\u201d not even understanding what stands behind the stores.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"IMG_6691\"](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/img_6691.jpg?w=300\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming?<\/strong><\/h4>\nWork on a farm for someone else to get some idea of what really happens, take classes that will help with the financial side and if you truly want to farm, never give up until you have it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nStay connected with Diane on her blog, A Farm Wife<\/a>; Facebook page, A Farm Wife<\/a> and on Twitter<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Diane for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. Next time you are enjoying a Jack’s pizza, make sure you think of Diane and her family.<\/p>\n
Entire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – <\/a>an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington<\/a> – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI<\/a> – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!<\/p>\nNicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!<\/p>\nElinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN<\/a> – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!<\/p>\nAlise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN<\/a> – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!<\/p>\nTara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada<\/a> – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!<\/p>\nJenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL<\/a> – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!<\/p>\nWill Gilmer – Sulligent, AL<\/a> – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!<\/p>\nGene Zimmerman – Colby, WI<\/a> – our only dairy goat farmer featured this month!<\/p>\nDarleen Moore-Sichley – Oregon<\/a> – a Mom, AGvocate and Gurnsey dairy farmer!<\/p>\nMichelle Eilenstine – Mountain Grove, MO<\/a> – a dairy farmer & University of Missouri grad!<\/p>\nJenni Tilton-Flood – Clinton, Maine<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks 3400 Holsteins!<\/p>\nKalli Ehrhardt – Baldwin, MD<\/a> – A Mom and dairy farmer!<\/p>\nCraig Swenson – River Fall, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer who loves his red & whites!<\/p>\nKatie Harris – Washington<\/a> – a mom & dairy farmer from Western Washington!<\/p>\nAnnaliese Wegner – Ettrick, WI<\/a> – the Modern-day Farm Chick!<\/p>\nMorgan Kliebenstein – Darlington, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer, Genex employee, Mom & wife!<\/p>\nMatt & Joe Engel – Hampshire, IL<\/a> – the brother behind Luck-E Holsteins!<\/p>\nStephanie Aves – Popular Grove, IL<\/a> – a dairy farmer & agriculture teacher!<\/p>\nBeverly Donovan – Benton, Maine<\/a> – a dairy farmer & accountant!<\/p>\nSadie Frericks – Melrose, MN<\/a> – a dedicated AGvocate, dairy farmer, mom & wife!<\/p>\nGreg Schulte – Darlington, WI<\/a> – the cheesemaker at Brunkow Cheese!<\/p>\nKatie Deslippe – St Mary Ontario<\/a> – a young lady that loves everything about dairy!<\/p>\nCarrie Mess – Lake Mills, WI<\/a> – the well-known AGvocate Dairy Carrie!<\/p>\n
![\"File0770\"](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/file0770.jpg\")
<\/a>Diane’s Family!<\/p><\/div>\n
When you are not farming, what are your hobbies\/interests?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nI work part-time at my church in our bookstore. I write \u2013 2 books I\u2019ve authored are 101 Ways to Celebrate the Ordinary<\/em><\/a> and a children\u2019s book \u2013 Where\u2019s Charlie<\/em><\/a>. I blog<\/a>, contribute to two other blogs, volunteer my writing skills and other creative skills at church. I have a weekly radio spot on Holland, MI WHTC radio called Random Ramblings of where I talk about farm, family, and whatever else I want to. I have created a T-shirt to promote farming that I sell \u2013 Forget the Tree . . . Hug a Farmer. And I love to cook and bake. Most Sundays everyone comes home for dinner after church.<\/p>\nWhen did you start farming?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nI became involved with farming not by choice but by marriage. It was not a happy marriage for me \u2013 the farm and family. I came from the city and didn\u2019t understand a lot. As time went on I fell madly, deeply and totally in love with the farm, the land and the critters. I would not change my spot on this ball of mud for any other place.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is the biggest misconception about the dairy industry? <\/strong><\/h4>\nFor me it\u2019s the whole \u201cfactory farm\u201d crap. We are a CAFO farm which most people use factory farm to describe. (CAFO stands for concentrated animal feeding operation.) We are 3rd<\/sup> and 4th<\/sup> generation farmers with 8 \u2013 10 other families that take care of our operation. The cows are well taken care of and come before us in all areas \u2013 ask me when my last vacation was. We are Environmentally Qualified which shows our excellence mind set.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is one message you\u2019d like to get across to the general public about what you do?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIt\u2019s harder than what you think, more rewarding than believed and more necessary than you can ever imagine. Too many people get their food from the \u201cstores\u201d not even understanding what stands behind the stores.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming?<\/strong><\/h4>\nWork on a farm for someone else to get some idea of what really happens, take classes that will help with the financial side and if you truly want to farm, never give up until you have it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nStay connected with Diane on her blog, A Farm Wife<\/a>; Facebook page, A Farm Wife<\/a> and on Twitter<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Diane for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. Next time you are enjoying a Jack’s pizza, make sure you think of Diane and her family.<\/p>\n
Entire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – <\/a>an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington<\/a> – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI<\/a> – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!<\/p>\nNicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!<\/p>\nElinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN<\/a> – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!<\/p>\nAlise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN<\/a> – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!<\/p>\nTara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada<\/a> – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!<\/p>\nJenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL<\/a> – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!<\/p>\nWill Gilmer – Sulligent, AL<\/a> – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!<\/p>\nGene Zimmerman – Colby, WI<\/a> – our only dairy goat farmer featured this month!<\/p>\nDarleen Moore-Sichley – Oregon<\/a> – a Mom, AGvocate and Gurnsey dairy farmer!<\/p>\nMichelle Eilenstine – Mountain Grove, MO<\/a> – a dairy farmer & University of Missouri grad!<\/p>\nJenni Tilton-Flood – Clinton, Maine<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks 3400 Holsteins!<\/p>\nKalli Ehrhardt – Baldwin, MD<\/a> – A Mom and dairy farmer!<\/p>\nCraig Swenson – River Fall, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer who loves his red & whites!<\/p>\nKatie Harris – Washington<\/a> – a mom & dairy farmer from Western Washington!<\/p>\nAnnaliese Wegner – Ettrick, WI<\/a> – the Modern-day Farm Chick!<\/p>\nMorgan Kliebenstein – Darlington, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer, Genex employee, Mom & wife!<\/p>\nMatt & Joe Engel – Hampshire, IL<\/a> – the brother behind Luck-E Holsteins!<\/p>\nStephanie Aves – Popular Grove, IL<\/a> – a dairy farmer & agriculture teacher!<\/p>\nBeverly Donovan – Benton, Maine<\/a> – a dairy farmer & accountant!<\/p>\nSadie Frericks – Melrose, MN<\/a> – a dedicated AGvocate, dairy farmer, mom & wife!<\/p>\nGreg Schulte – Darlington, WI<\/a> – the cheesemaker at Brunkow Cheese!<\/p>\nKatie Deslippe – St Mary Ontario<\/a> – a young lady that loves everything about dairy!<\/p>\nCarrie Mess – Lake Mills, WI<\/a> – the well-known AGvocate Dairy Carrie!<\/p>\n
When did you start farming?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nI became involved with farming not by choice but by marriage. It was not a happy marriage for me \u2013 the farm and family. I came from the city and didn\u2019t understand a lot. As time went on I fell madly, deeply and totally in love with the farm, the land and the critters. I would not change my spot on this ball of mud for any other place.<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is the biggest misconception about the dairy industry? <\/strong><\/h4>\nFor me it\u2019s the whole \u201cfactory farm\u201d crap. We are a CAFO farm which most people use factory farm to describe. (CAFO stands for concentrated animal feeding operation.) We are 3rd<\/sup> and 4th<\/sup> generation farmers with 8 \u2013 10 other families that take care of our operation. The cows are well taken care of and come before us in all areas \u2013 ask me when my last vacation was. We are Environmentally Qualified which shows our excellence mind set.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is one message you\u2019d like to get across to the general public about what you do?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIt\u2019s harder than what you think, more rewarding than believed and more necessary than you can ever imagine. Too many people get their food from the \u201cstores\u201d not even understanding what stands behind the stores.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming?<\/strong><\/h4>\nWork on a farm for someone else to get some idea of what really happens, take classes that will help with the financial side and if you truly want to farm, never give up until you have it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nStay connected with Diane on her blog, A Farm Wife<\/a>; Facebook page, A Farm Wife<\/a> and on Twitter<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Diane for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. Next time you are enjoying a Jack’s pizza, make sure you think of Diane and her family.<\/p>\n
Entire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – <\/a>an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington<\/a> – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI<\/a> – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!<\/p>\nNicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!<\/p>\nElinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN<\/a> – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!<\/p>\nAlise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN<\/a> – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!<\/p>\nTara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada<\/a> – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!<\/p>\nJenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL<\/a> – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!<\/p>\nWill Gilmer – Sulligent, AL<\/a> – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!<\/p>\nGene Zimmerman – Colby, WI<\/a> – our only dairy goat farmer featured this month!<\/p>\nDarleen Moore-Sichley – Oregon<\/a> – a Mom, AGvocate and Gurnsey dairy farmer!<\/p>\nMichelle Eilenstine – Mountain Grove, MO<\/a> – a dairy farmer & University of Missouri grad!<\/p>\nJenni Tilton-Flood – Clinton, Maine<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks 3400 Holsteins!<\/p>\nKalli Ehrhardt – Baldwin, MD<\/a> – A Mom and dairy farmer!<\/p>\nCraig Swenson – River Fall, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer who loves his red & whites!<\/p>\nKatie Harris – Washington<\/a> – a mom & dairy farmer from Western Washington!<\/p>\nAnnaliese Wegner – Ettrick, WI<\/a> – the Modern-day Farm Chick!<\/p>\nMorgan Kliebenstein – Darlington, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer, Genex employee, Mom & wife!<\/p>\nMatt & Joe Engel – Hampshire, IL<\/a> – the brother behind Luck-E Holsteins!<\/p>\nStephanie Aves – Popular Grove, IL<\/a> – a dairy farmer & agriculture teacher!<\/p>\nBeverly Donovan – Benton, Maine<\/a> – a dairy farmer & accountant!<\/p>\nSadie Frericks – Melrose, MN<\/a> – a dedicated AGvocate, dairy farmer, mom & wife!<\/p>\nGreg Schulte – Darlington, WI<\/a> – the cheesemaker at Brunkow Cheese!<\/p>\nKatie Deslippe – St Mary Ontario<\/a> – a young lady that loves everything about dairy!<\/p>\nCarrie Mess – Lake Mills, WI<\/a> – the well-known AGvocate Dairy Carrie!<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is the biggest misconception about the dairy industry? <\/strong><\/h4>\nFor me it\u2019s the whole \u201cfactory farm\u201d crap. We are a CAFO farm which most people use factory farm to describe. (CAFO stands for concentrated animal feeding operation.) We are 3rd<\/sup> and 4th<\/sup> generation farmers with 8 \u2013 10 other families that take care of our operation. The cows are well taken care of and come before us in all areas \u2013 ask me when my last vacation was. We are Environmentally Qualified which shows our excellence mind set.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is one message you\u2019d like to get across to the general public about what you do?<\/strong><\/h4>\nIt\u2019s harder than what you think, more rewarding than believed and more necessary than you can ever imagine. Too many people get their food from the \u201cstores\u201d not even understanding what stands behind the stores.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming?<\/strong><\/h4>\nWork on a farm for someone else to get some idea of what really happens, take classes that will help with the financial side and if you truly want to farm, never give up until you have it.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\nStay connected with Diane on her blog, A Farm Wife<\/a>; Facebook page, A Farm Wife<\/a> and on Twitter<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Diane for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. Next time you are enjoying a Jack’s pizza, make sure you think of Diane and her family.<\/p>\n
Entire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – <\/a>an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington<\/a> – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI<\/a> – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!<\/p>\nNicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!<\/p>\nElinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN<\/a> – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!<\/p>\nAlise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN<\/a> – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!<\/p>\nTara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada<\/a> – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!<\/p>\nJenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL<\/a> – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!<\/p>\nWill Gilmer – Sulligent, AL<\/a> – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!<\/p>\nGene Zimmerman – Colby, WI<\/a> – our only dairy goat farmer featured this month!<\/p>\nDarleen Moore-Sichley – Oregon<\/a> – a Mom, AGvocate and Gurnsey dairy farmer!<\/p>\nMichelle Eilenstine – Mountain Grove, MO<\/a> – a dairy farmer & University of Missouri grad!<\/p>\nJenni Tilton-Flood – Clinton, Maine<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks 3400 Holsteins!<\/p>\nKalli Ehrhardt – Baldwin, MD<\/a> – A Mom and dairy farmer!<\/p>\nCraig Swenson – River Fall, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer who loves his red & whites!<\/p>\nKatie Harris – Washington<\/a> – a mom & dairy farmer from Western Washington!<\/p>\nAnnaliese Wegner – Ettrick, WI<\/a> – the Modern-day Farm Chick!<\/p>\nMorgan Kliebenstein – Darlington, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer, Genex employee, Mom & wife!<\/p>\nMatt & Joe Engel – Hampshire, IL<\/a> – the brother behind Luck-E Holsteins!<\/p>\nStephanie Aves – Popular Grove, IL<\/a> – a dairy farmer & agriculture teacher!<\/p>\nBeverly Donovan – Benton, Maine<\/a> – a dairy farmer & accountant!<\/p>\nSadie Frericks – Melrose, MN<\/a> – a dedicated AGvocate, dairy farmer, mom & wife!<\/p>\nGreg Schulte – Darlington, WI<\/a> – the cheesemaker at Brunkow Cheese!<\/p>\nKatie Deslippe – St Mary Ontario<\/a> – a young lady that loves everything about dairy!<\/p>\nCarrie Mess – Lake Mills, WI<\/a> – the well-known AGvocate Dairy Carrie!<\/p>\n
It\u2019s harder than what you think, more rewarding than believed and more necessary than you can ever imagine. Too many people get their food from the \u201cstores\u201d not even understanding what stands behind the stores.<\/span><\/p>\n Work on a farm for someone else to get some idea of what really happens, take classes that will help with the financial side and if you truly want to farm, never give up until you have it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stay connected with Diane on her blog, A Farm Wife<\/a>; Facebook page, A Farm Wife<\/a> and on Twitter<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n Thank you Diane for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. Next time you are enjoying a Jack’s pizza, make sure you think of Diane and her family.<\/p>\n Introduction<\/a><\/p>\n Sarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\n Melissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\n Macy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\n Karen Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\n Lisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\n Rebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\n Heather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\n Katie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\n Brent Pollard – Rockford, IL – <\/a>an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/p>\n Krista Stauffer – Washington<\/a> – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/p>\n Diane Loew – Byron, MI<\/a> – a writer, blogger and dairy farmer from Michigan!<\/p>\n Nicole Fletcher – Southampton, MA<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks Holsteins & Jersey’s!<\/p>\n Elinor Opitz – Maple Lake, MN<\/a> – a young lady just starting her Ayrshire dairy!<\/p>\n Alise Sjostrom – Brooten, MN<\/a> – one of the readheads behind Redhead Creamery!<\/p>\n Tara McIntosh – Ontario, Canada<\/a> – our only dairy farmer featured from Canada!<\/p>\n Jenna Kilgus – Fairbury, IL<\/a> – a Jersey dairy farmer that bottles their own homogenized milk!<\/p>\n Will Gilmer – Sulligent, AL<\/a> – our only dairy farmer from the “south”!<\/p>\n Gene Zimmerman – Colby, WI<\/a> – our only dairy goat farmer featured this month!<\/p>\n Darleen Moore-Sichley – Oregon<\/a> – a Mom, AGvocate and Gurnsey dairy farmer!<\/p>\n Michelle Eilenstine – Mountain Grove, MO<\/a> – a dairy farmer & University of Missouri grad!<\/p>\n Jenni Tilton-Flood – Clinton, Maine<\/a> – a Cabot Creamery dairy that milks 3400 Holsteins!<\/p>\n Kalli Ehrhardt – Baldwin, MD<\/a> – A Mom and dairy farmer!<\/p>\n Craig Swenson – River Fall, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer who loves his red & whites!<\/p>\n Katie Harris – Washington<\/a> – a mom & dairy farmer from Western Washington!<\/p>\n Annaliese Wegner – Ettrick, WI<\/a> – the Modern-day Farm Chick!<\/p>\n Morgan Kliebenstein – Darlington, WI<\/a> – a dairy farmer, Genex employee, Mom & wife!<\/p>\n Matt & Joe Engel – Hampshire, IL<\/a> – the brother behind Luck-E Holsteins!<\/p>\n Stephanie Aves – Popular Grove, IL<\/a> – a dairy farmer & agriculture teacher!<\/p>\n Beverly Donovan – Benton, Maine<\/a> – a dairy farmer & accountant!<\/p>\n Sadie Frericks – Melrose, MN<\/a> – a dedicated AGvocate, dairy farmer, mom & wife!<\/p>\n Greg Schulte – Darlington, WI<\/a> – the cheesemaker at Brunkow Cheese!<\/p>\n Katie Deslippe – St Mary Ontario<\/a> – a young lady that loves everything about dairy!<\/p>\n Carrie Mess – Lake Mills, WI<\/a> – the well-known AGvocate Dairy Carrie!<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is one message you\u2019d like to get across to the general public about what you do?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
\nEntire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:<\/em><\/h4>\n