What aspect about your family’s dairy farm do you enjoy the most?

Norma: I’m a family person. By being a dairy farmer’s wife I get to be around my husband and my children. We’re down in our milking parlor and the kids are in and out helping, and you get to talk with them. We’re always communicating. Summer is the best time because they are here with us more. Our kids love these cows and enjoy this lifestyle as much as we do.

What does a day on the farm look like for your kids?

Jay: A typical day for them starts between 5:30 and 6:00 a.m. They help out with milking, feeding calves, whatever needs to be done. By 7:30 they will head into the house to get something to eat, clean up and then head to school. And when they get home from school, they continue to help out.

Does the size of a farm relate to how successful it is?

Jay: I don’t think farm size matters. I think it’s just about efficiency. Is there a reason for me to grow this farm? Not in my lifetime, I’m right where I want to be.

Are there any plans for the next generation to run this dairy farm?

Jake: After high school, I’m going to Ohio State ATI for two years to major in dairy management production. After that I’ll come back and put that to good use on the farm and hopefully take over for dad some day.

Jay: I think every dairyman likes that idea, but you have to be real about it. If none of them want to stick around, and they pursue other opportunities, that’s fine. I won’t have a problem with that at all.