Become involved and make a difference

Some of my earliest memories revolve around life on the family dairy farm, such as feeding our calves as early as age 5. I always loved being around the animals back then and I still do today.

I eventually left home and went off to college where I figured I would work in finance. I interviewed with a few banks, but instead went to work as a herdsman at a dairy making twice as much money as the banks were paying.

It was a lot more work than being at a bank, but at that point in your life you weren’t concerned with that. You get around the animals and the great people in this industry and you experience a real feeling of being at home.

As my dairy career moved along, I couldn’t imagine not trying to make a difference in our industry. Through the years, I have never hesitated taking on leadership roles, whether they are here in my community or on the state or national level. I have worked on the promotion side of the industry, helping to find ways we can make the public better understand the need to keep dairy in their diets.  I also have a strong interest in research and enjoy seeing good science result in us becoming a stronger industry.

I don’t believe there is such a thing as being too involved in your community or your industry. I find it relaxing and a good change of pace from the day-to-day routine on the farm. When I do have free time, I enjoy hunting and traveling to Ohio to visit my daughter and her family at their dairy.

I live in the biggest dairy county in California and we are a very ag-friendly community. It’s the sort of place where the values are strong and you can still do business with a handshake. I never hesitate to get out and talk to students about what it means to be a dairy farmer and the commitment it takes. I get a big reward when I hear the teachers talk about career opportunities in the dairy industry that one day may be available to their students.

I’m a grandfather of four now but it doesn’t mean I’m not willing to learn a few new things. I like going to workshops where I can learn more about issues that affect our industry, such as water and air quality. Sometimes, it would be easier to hire a consultant and let them do the work. However, if I do it myself, it just means a little more. By thinking things through, I become more aware of what’s going on and how I can help the situation.

As a dairy farmer, I know how important it is to think positively and make that extra effort. By participating in your community and your industry, you can indeed make a difference.