One Kid and a bucket calf = a family cow, cheese - and much more!
A child’s simple request for a bucket calf began our family farm. It was a 4-H project gone overboard. However, the benefits of having livestock became immediately apparent. 
First, our farmstead and buildings, once abandoned and overrun by native prairie grass, was now teeming with activity. Second, in three short months we witnessed an incredible transformation in our strong-willed child who lacked self-discipline. Daily feeding the calf in all kinds of weather, taught him consistency, self-discipline and perserverance. He learned how to overcome a will stronger than his while breaking Buckey to lead. Ultimately, Andrew and Buckey would become inseparable.
A Craving for More
Buckey’s untimely death by foundering left our family heart broken with a yearning for livestock that grew to insatiable proportions. By October of 1999, the vacant livestock shed could be endured no longer. We had just begun to uncover the impact of family farming on our character. A lifetime of rearing livestock would provide innumerable opportunities for life lessons and service to others. The vacant livestock shed soon became home for Claire, a Holstein heifer.
We started with heifers anticipating that we would need to milk them at a later date. The plan was to spend the next few years building a dairy barn, before embarking on the actual milking adventure. This plan was turned on its head and greatly expedited by the life of, and our experiences with, Hannah the Ayshire heifer. It was imperative that all our animals have a gentle nature due to being handled by young children for showing in the 4-H program. Hannah was far from mild-mannered.
Trade-In
An agreement was made to trade Hannah for another young heifer. Indeed, she was replaced with another heifer, but one that was due to calve in three short months.
With the book The Family Cow, by Dirk Van Loon, we learned, theoretically, how to milk Liz. “Raw milk” was a foreign phrase to this family. For three months, research and a unit study took place on the qualities, character and temperament of raw milk. In theory, we learned how to make cottage cheese, yogurt, and farmstead cheese.
Overnight Dairy Farmers
The big day came December 22, 1999. Liz became a milk cow. Two very excited dairy farmers were ready to milk Liz by diagrams they had seen in books. 
A homemade stanchion was constructed in an open front shed as a make-shift dairy barn, just in time for the big event. In reality, all books make it look easier and less eventful than real life. It took effort to milk the first cow by hand. We acquired portable milk equipment, but on that below freezing day the pump would not work. A lot of singing, patting, blocking flying hooves, and repeatedly setting up the milk bucket took place during that first milking. Finally, we produced one quart of creamy rich milk. Eventually the milking sessions improved, and the cow and dairy farmers became less afraid of each other. Milk was then abundant.
Research Begins To Pay Off
Researching raw milk paid off. We learned that it was drinkable as presented from the cow if handled properly. Liz soon began to produce more than we could use, resulting in giving away raw milk and occasional kitchen experimentation. Then an interesting thing happened. As we offered raw milk to our friends and neighbors, they accepted it and wanted to pay for it. They respected the work it takes to milk cows. Many comments were made about having quality milk straight from the cow. We continued to donate milk to widows, and elderly people who missed good raw milk which was not available in our community.
Attempts were made to make products from the raw milk. Some products were successful homemade versions of yogurt and butter. Other products resembled cottage cheese, but the aroma brought waves of nausea to our three year old toddling through the room. After months of practice, making cheese and other products became easier. Most of these products were consumed by our family or given as gifts.
Where Have All the Small Dairies Gone?
Our initial goal was to build a small dairy barn debt free and sell our milk to a cooperative. Unfortunately, other dairy farmers we met did not encourage us in this desire. Milk prices bottomed out and local dairymen we knew were bailing out of the dairy business. Small farms were dying fast. The impact was taking its toll on the local community. We have watched our local dairy club in 4-H decrease to participation by just our family. On a state level, economics has pushed many farmers to maintain breeds known for high production. As a result, the Kansas State Fair no longer has a class for Guernseys. The Guernsey cow was a breed once seen on farms all across the United States is now approaching extinction in our state. Youth in dairy programs no longer can walk out their back door and train their cow for the fair. Many children lease their cows to a larger dairy. Preparing the cow for the fair involves leaving the house and driving a great distance to work with the animal. Limited access to cows causes youth to perform poorly at the fair. Simply, the death of the small dairy farm has hurt our community.
Regulations & Costs
Another barrier to building our dairy barn was the increased regulations needed because of corporate farming and environmental protection needs. For example, we needed to have a lagoon built for the waste anticipated from the dairy. This project became pricey due to testing the lagoon for leakage. Later, we had to install an expensive liner to prevent contamination to the ground water. We are also required to move our existing water well to another location to prevent contamination, which is expensive. We are striving to remain debt free to ensure the longevity of our farm. Because of our commitment to keep debt to a minimum, we have continued milking cows with a portable milk system for five years. We praise God for the barriers we faced building a dairy barn and selling to a cooperative. The past five years of waiting gave us time to think. We have spent time developing a vision to restore the small family farm and impact the community. During our journey we found people were tired of additives and preservatives in our food. There is a renewed interest in buying farm fresh. Our vision has changed as a result. We plan to continue to sell directly to customers. We found people yearn for high quality food produced by people who are driven by values, not the dollar.
Completing the Picture
Early morning milking did not seem complete without the crowing of a rooster. We 
began the poultry phase of our farm to fill this void. The poultry operation was less complicated. We purchased enough hens to provide eggs for our growing family. Customers’ requests for eggs led us to purchase more hens — or what we thought were hens. Sexing chickens is apparently difficult for the poultry professionals. We had one to many roosters with to much of an attitude. Butchering chickens for our family consumption again led to a new venture in raising pastured poultry.
Finally, not all calves born to dairy cows are heifers. We have had our fair share of bull calves. Raising our own beef has been rewarding, also. We have found that the flavor of home raised beef far surpasses what we have purchased in the grocery store. We like the idea of knowing where our food comes from and knowing what they have eaten. We are now committed to raising beef for our family and others. We have just started the beef phase of our operation.
The Small Family Farm Lives
Raising a family on a farm is rewarding. Our children have the benefit of walking out the back door and preparing their animal for the fair. They can personally provide feed and care for the animals. Frequently, they witness their 4-H project impacting our local community. They hear customers express gratitude for having farm fresh food regularly. This past year, our family purchased two registered Guernsey heifers. We intend to show them at the Kansas State Fair. The small family farm lives!
Looking to the Future
Dreaming about the future of our farm is exciting. There are endless possibilities to serve and influence our community. Our dream is to build a multi-generational farm legacy. A legacy immersed in Christian values and service. Because we are first generation farmers, much of this dream will unfold in our children’s lifetime.
Our hope is to continue to sell farm fresh products directly to customers. Over time, we would like to acquire more land to pasture our animals. We eagerly anticipate building a small creamery in the future. We covet your prayers as we look to the future and strive to follow God’s will with the farm.