#2 Navigating First-Generation Dairy Farming
Tackling a first-generation dairy farm as a family
Farming is a livelihood rooted in family, no matter where you are. From navigating the barriers to entry to dairy farming to celebrating the successes of a growing business, New Jersey dairy farmer, Sarah Lyness, shared her story on our second episode of the Farming on Purpose podcast.
While Sarah didn’t grow up in a dairy family, or even a farming family, she’s using those experiences to help educate those outside of the industry. It’s important for her to share with others the life lessons farming has taught her as well. Never forget to appreciate even the smallest things, like the sunset view over the dairy barn.
Sarah and her husband got their start by adding a dairy to his family’s existing farming operation. They now also operate a creamery, run by Dan’s mom. Together, they’re all tackling and overcoming, the unique challenges dairy farming presents.
About our guest: Sarah Lyness, Spring Run Dairy - New Jersey
Sarah Lyness owns and operates Spring Run Dairy and The Creamery at Spring Run Dairy with her husband, Dan. Their new on-farm creamery bottles white and chocolate cream line whole milk, and they feature seasonal flavors, like eggnog throughout the year.
Their dairy farm prioritizes sustainable land management practices, and high quality animal care is always a priority. They enjoy sharing their dairy farm with the community, and always encourage people to ask questions when they visit the on-farm store.
Sarah also works off the farm as a business attorney and enjoys volunteering with her local dairy promotion council, state Holstein Association, and county fair board.
You can find the Spring Run Dairy on Instagram @springrun.dairy , Facebook, or their website.
Episode at a Glance:
[5:52]: New Jersey dairies
“New Jersey is a very interesting environment to farm in, generally. We’re losing dairy farms at a crazy rate. About 4 years ago, we had 55-60 dairy farms, and now I think we’re down to about 35. So, we’re losing dairies, we’re not really adding. I think it’s challenging for people to start dairy farming in New Jersey, because there are just not the resources for something like that. It’s hard to find what you need around here.”
[8:42] The barriers to dairy farming
“It’s hard to find effective ways to use what you have for dairy, because it’s so specialized. I just think that’s the main problem. When you want to dairy farm, there’s so many things that you need. The barns, the parlors, the equipment. It’s all so specialized and that makes it cost prohibitive.”
[12:37] Sharing my story
“I really like sharing my story, because I like to use myself as an example. I didn’t grow up in this world, but I’ve come to love it and appreciate it. I try to use that to share with others that ag is wonderful and farming is great. That’s what I love.”
[18:14] Our ice cream
“We just started working with an ice cream shop. It’s like a mile down the road from us. They are fantastic. They take our milk and make ice cream in their shop, because they know what they’re doing. It’s fun to work with another business, too. So, that’s our newest product.”
[22:14] One step at a time
“It’s been challenging to just sometimes reign it in and remember to just take our time and we will get there. Sometimes we need to move slowly, because not everything can happen at once.”
[27:50] Your legacy of appreciation
“It’s just this feeling of appreciating what you have built for yourself and your family and those small moments. There’s something so satisfying and meaningful about the end of the day, and there’s a beautiful sunset and you’re looking around the property. And, just thinking ‘how lucky am I that I get to be here?’ I just think there’s something so special about this way of life.”
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
You may also enjoy…
#10 When You Have to Wait to Expand the Farm
#50 Building Your Dream on God's Time Through Daily Dedication
#52 Growing a First Generation Operation with Millennial Rancher Calli Williams
About the Host of Farming on Purpose, Lexi Wright:
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
Connect with me on Instagram @wrightatthemoment, Facebook, and TikTok.
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