Ideal Dairy Farm, Hudson Falls
1.How would you describe your business and/or products?
We are a family owned dairy farm. We milk about 2,300 cows three times a day, producing about 24,000 gallons of high quality, wholesome milk daily. Dairy Farmers of America markets our milk. Most of it is packaged for fluid consumption at the Guida plant in Connecticut.
On our farm with focus on 4 main guiding principles - Care for our cows, and our team members (employees), stewardship of our soil and water resources, and fostering positive relationships within our community.
2.Why do you choose Washington County for your farm?
For over 100 years we have farmed in the same location on Vaughn rd. in Hudson Falls. Our roots run deep in Washington County, we are proud to be a member of the community, and are so appreciative of the strong network of farmers, venders, consultants, and service providers in Washington County.
3.What has surprised you most OR challenged you most as a farmer?
Along with the many joys of working in the dairy industry that drew our families to return to the farm, there are also many challenges. The margins seem to be slimmer than ever before, and our industry faces significantly increased government regulation, and pressure from external forces, that are changing the way we will be allowed to farm in the future. As fewer and fewer people have access to the individuals who produce their food, we as an industry need to focus effort on sharing all the amazing things we do on our farms, the quality of care we provide our animals, and the many practices we employ to ensure our environment is able to thrive and support the generations that will come after us. We are only here for a little while. Farmers are merely caretakers for a time, until the next generation transitions into the same role. Most farmers I know focus every day on improving their practices and doing a better job today, than they did yesterday, so we are building something that lasts to provide an opportunity for our children in the event they want the same life we have chosen. We need to share this story.
4.Why should someone buy your products?
Milk is an excellent source of 9 essential nutrients and vitamins. In addition to being delicious dairy is so good for you and a key ingredient for a healthy lifestyle. In addition to being packed with Calcium, and Vitamin D, Milk is also a great source of protein and potassium. For the low cost of a gallon of milk packed with nutrients, it is a great bang for your buck!
5.Is there are a particular moment, memory or achievement in your farm or business that stands out for you?
While there are many rewarding moments to choose from, one of my favorite moments on the farm happens every year. We pack each harvest into large bunkers covered with plastic and tires. The plastic and tires that cover these massive, mountain - like bunkers are placed there by hand. At the conclusion of harvest "covering bunk" is an "all hands on deck" activity. Regardless of which of the many jobs on our farm our team members typically do, when we cover bunk everyone is there, working together until it is done. As far as farm jobs go, this is towards the top of the list of undesirable tasks; but, it has to be done, and done well, in order to preserve the quality of our crop to feed our cows for the months ahead. The health of our herd, and in turn their productivity rides on the quality of crop we harvest and its proper preservation. When the bunk is finally covered, typically we are all covered in mud and tired after hours of throwing tire after tire, but usually enjoy some leisure time together over pizza and beverages. This event marks the culmination of a lengthy season of hard work and long hours often head to head with mother nature. On farms we face so many challenges every day - there is always more to do than you can get done in a day, so building an engaged team often occurs during these pauses, when all are in good spirits and take the time to enjoy one another's company. I always look forward to these opportunities, the nature of farming ensures it is always a challenge to get everyone involved, but well-worth the effort!
6.What is something people would be surprised to know about the dairy industry?
Many people may be surprised to know how much technology and analysis is involved in the dairy industry, and how intentional farmers are about everything they do. For progressive farmers, gone are the days of doing things "just because that is how we have always done them". Our viability and sustainability as an industry depends on us using innovative and research based practices to care for our cows and our environment. We collect data on everything, analyze it and use that analysis to inform changes and improvements to better animal health, soil quality, water cleanliness, employee engagement, and/or the economic viability of our farm business.
Last updated August 7, 2019