When I was growing up, all I wanted to be was a Physical Therapist.  This choice of occupation probably was due to the thousands of hours I spent doing gymnastics.  Tumbling and flipping for over 15 years will result in a few injuries that require a physical therapist.  Well fast forward to college and the quick realization that I was just not cut out for life as a Physical Therapist.  Instead I found myself graduating with 2 Bachelor of Science Degrees ~ Agribusiness and Crop Science.

As I left the beautiful campus of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, one would think I should naturally find employment in some area of agriculture. I mean I grew up in Napa, how about a winery or vineyard gig?? But when you meet and fall in love with a dairy farmer from Washington State, life takes a different path.  My destiny was to become a dairy farmer and work side by side with my husband and 3 kids running an organic dairy.

Now for the record, I had no idea about dairy farming.  I had never milked a cow, driven a tractor, or fed a calf.  I was a “green” or “naive” as anyone could possibly be.  So when you pair that with the fact I was a true “city” girl, I didn’t have much going for me.  But I will say this, I had the desire to learn, the desire to listen, and the ability to just go with the flow because quite honestly I did not know any better.

So what do this have anything to do with “Why I Love Being a Dairy Farmer”?  Dairy is full of all different types of people, opinions, cows, farm types, and styles of farming.  As long as you have a desire to learn and listen, the dairy community is full of all kinds of people willing to teach and help.  As long as you are humble, willing to listen, and respectful to those around you, anything is possible.  As for this former “city” girl, I am so blessed I can work along side my husband every day running our successful organic dairy.  For the record, I still enjoy a nice trip to the city ~ I can always find something to bring home from Macy’s and Costco.