Dairies and communities

Dairies and communities

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
In small towns and quiet places, dairy farmers contribute more than just a fresh milk supply to the nation’s consumers. They are invested neighbors and leaders, hoping to improve the communities in which they live. Lucas Sjostrom (SHOW-strum) explains the multi-generational impact dairy farms provide to a community.

“In a dairy farm, you're going to be here for generations if you put a footprint down like we have here. I think that creates good leaders on our school boards, our local townships. That's something that's kind of missed, the social fabric that dairy farmers maybe hold together.”

Sjostrom says that dairy farming is a long-term business. And one that’s far more important to society than most realize.

“When a calf is born, that is basically a five-year business plan. You're not going to make money back on that calf born until five years later on a dairy farm. When you think about that, when we pour concrete, when we put up buildings, that's a generational commitment.”

Investing in the community, supporting other local businesses and building strong school systems are all areas of interest for the nation’s dairy producers, Sjostrom says.  And rural areas benefit greatly when producers stay in business.

Dairy farmers ship a perishable product that needs to be produced with high standards — and delivered fresh. This means local service is important, and so too is choosing companies where you have a personal relationship.

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