A Profession of Hope

"So have you ever pulled a calf before?" said NC State's new herd manager, Alli.
"No, but I do you mind if I help?" I quickly answered.
"Grab a chain!"

And thus began my dairy career.

Having joined the NC State family only a month prior, I was amazed at how much life experience this young dairy farmer already had accumulated. Unlike myself, she grew up in the dairy world and yet that calf we pulled that morning began a lifetime friendship, despite almost polar opposite upbringings.  There are many lessons I have learned volunteering at NC State's Lake Wheeler Dairy, source of the famous Howling Cow Ice cream.

Keep the Faith (Even when the heifers break down the fence for the 5th time). If there is one great lesson I have learned from working with Alli at the dairy it is that there are many situations that are out of your hands. For example, during thanksgiving of 2013, when most people have stuffed themselves with turkey, I watched Alli chase down the latest escapees in the heifer lot. As much frustration as we had plowing through woods in the freezing cold, watching Iphones hit the ground and tears of exhaustion, one thing that never waned was faith, In farming, some years will bring nothing but disappointment. But there is always next year. And Fences can be rebuilt.

It's all about family. I am not just describing the blood relatives you were born with. Prior to working on this farm, I had no dairy experience. But instead of turning her head or ignoring my sometimes annoying request to help with late night dystocias, Alli and Tyler allowed me to be a small part of their lives. They helped me survive 2 years of veterinary school. I watched them exchange their vows. They helped my fiance propose. They gave me, and many other students a glimpse into the core value of dairy farming: Family is everything, whether or not you are genetically related.

This is a profession of hope. This farm is not a job, it is not where they work, it is not a career – this is their livelihood, this is their dream, and their heart and soul pours into every aspect of it.

It is with a heavy heart but a huge smile, that after 18 months in the land of the pines, Alli and Tyler will be rejoining her home dairy, Davis Brothers Dairy, operated by the Davis Family. Why you ask, would I be happy to have them leave?  As a hopeful future bovine practitioner, there is something special about seeing a a next generation dairy farmer return home to leave their own mark on the industry. They continue to push my own dreams forward, so I can help ensure their children can also return to their farm and to a thriving dairy industry.  It is through my friendship with Alli,Tyler and their families that I found my own passion for dairying. 

I have heard people say many times that you can't make a living dairy farming, but without even hesitating I already know what Alli's response would be...

"Well, doing anything else isn't really living at all."