<\/a><\/p>\n

If you follow this blog, you may realize that I am not a regular blogger.  So, when I was challenged to participate in Holly Spangler’s 30 Day challenge I was scared.  How was I, the girl that hates to write going to come up with 30 blog posts.  I slept on the idea (which is easier said then done with two young children, a husband and a full-time job).  Then on October 10th, I received an email with a link to this video, “A Youthful Return to Farming<\/a>.”  The video was featured on USA Today and highlights millennial dairy farmers Andy and Sarah Birch of Maple Grove Farms located in Derby, Vermont.  The video gave me goosebumps and this<\/strong> video is the inspiration for my 30 Days of Dairy.<\/p>\n

The purpose of my project is to showcase those individuals in the millennial generation (born in 1980’s to early 2000’s) who are diving head first into the dairy profession by sharing their stories.  Each day this month, I will feature a dairy farmer who works very hard and shows compassion for the health and care of their cows.  Their stories will give you goosebumps and you will feel their passion for the dairy industry.<\/p>\n

The dairy farmers spotlighted are located from coast to coast and each one has their own management style.  You will meet some brand new 1st generation dairy farmers, some of which are employees while others have returned home to their families operation.  They will share with you their goals, achievements and challenges.  They will tell you about their favorite cow(s), share a few words of advice and their hope for future generations.<\/p>\n

You will meet real people, in real places, with a real passion for producing real food.  Sit back and enjoy the ride!<\/p>\n

Mary<\/p>\n

Entire “Thirty Days of Dairy” Series:<\/em><\/h4>\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

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you follow this blog, you may realize that I am not a regular blogger.  So, when I was challenged to participate in Holly Spangler’s 30 Day challenge I was scared.  How was I, the girl that hates to write going to come up with 30 blog posts.  I slept on the idea (which is […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"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":[389],"tags":[16,276],"yoast_head":"\n