Growing up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, my days were shaped by the rhythm of the cows and the turning of the seasons. Each morning began before sunrise, the air crisp with the scent of damp earth as my family and I made our way to the barn. The gentle lowing of the cows was our alarm clock, their needs dictating every hour. Summers meant long days baling hay and tending fields; winters brought the challenge of breaking ice in water troughs and cleaning icy yards. Even now, years after leaving the farm, that heritage remains woven into who I am. The values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for the land and animals continue to guide me, especially as June Dairy Month arrives each year.
June Dairy Month always brings a sense of pride and community across Wisconsin. As families gather for breakfasts on the farm and other celebrations, I’m reminded of the camaraderie that comes from being part of such a vital tradition. It’s a time to reflect on my roots, appreciate the dedication of today’s dairy farmers, and feel connected to the land and lifestyle that shaped my upbringing.
As a child, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of June Dairy Month. I simply felt the special energy it brought: early mornings in the barn, the mingled scents of fresh hay and silage, the gentle clatter of milk pails, and the creamy taste of fresh milk. My parents stressed that cows don’t wait, and chores don’t take vacations. I learned this during many summer afternoons as I missed parties and other gatherings to clean the cow yard. The cows needed tending, indifferent to my disappointment and frustration. In those moments, responsibility became more than a lesson, but a way of life.
Looking back, I see how my family’s story is part of a much larger one. Wisconsin’s identity as “America’s Dairyland” began with a dramatic transformation in the late-19th century, when wheat fields gave way to pastures and dairy barns. Innovations like the refrigerated rail car and the Babcock butterfat tester, along with the support of the University of Wisconsin, helped turn the state into a national leader in milk and cheese production. June Dairy Month, which began in 1937, celebrates the contributions of dairy farmers to our nutrition, agriculture, and economy.
What stands out most from those years is the sense of community. Our work mattered, not just to us, but to neighbors and friends who relied on us for fresh dairy, and to the local businesses that depended financially on our success. June Dairy Month specifically meant hearty breakfasts on the farm, farm tours, and the joy of sharing what we produced. These traditions instilled in me a deep appreciation for collaboration and generosity.
Though I no longer live on a dairy farm, those values guide how I raise my own family. We keep a small garden and some poultry, and I make sure my kids know where their food is sourced. Every June, we attend the local Breakfast on the Farm, reconnecting with my roots and supporting our neighbors. We make homemade ice cream and talk about the farmers who make it possible. These experiences help my family feel connected not only to our food, but to the people who produce it.
Today’s dairy farmers face unprecedented challenges: rising costs, unpredictable weather, ever-evolving pests and diseases, emotional strain, and the pressures of a global market, among many other worries. The long hours and physical demands deter many from continuing the legacy. And yet, every day, farmers rise before dawn, meeting each obstacle with grit and creativity. Their perseverance sustains not only their families, but our communities and traditions. Recently, I attended a June Dairy Breakfast with my parents and children. The aroma of fresh pancakes mingled nicely with the scent of blooming lilacs, and my kids’ eyes lit up at the sights and sounds. Watching my kids and my parents interacting together on the farm, I felt the invisible threads of community and legacy binding us together, a living tapestry woven from shared labor and respect. The future of farming depends on all of us: supporting local farms, honoring the land, and teaching the next generation about where food is sourced. In every glass of milk, every slice of cheese, and every community breakfast, the story of perseverance and pride continues. It’s up to us to ensure this heritage thrives for generations to come.
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Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-barn-235725/
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