Born on the Farm: A Millennial’s Perspective on the Future of Dairy

I was literally born on the farm—almost in the barn—and that was very much by design. At the time, my family was in the middle of planting season, while also building a new milking parlor just a few hundred feet from our home. Taking a trip to the hospital simply didn’t fit the schedule. The farm and the cows came first; they always did.

When people hear this story, they often assume it belongs to a generation or two before mine. But the truth is, I’m a millennial—one of the few who can still say they were raised in the heart of a working dairy farm, where every family member had their hands, and hearts, in the work. That kind of upbringing is becoming rare, and it’s a loss that carries bigger implications than nostalgia.

As the American dairy industry continues to scale at an unprecedented rate, we’re heading toward a critical shortage—not just of labor, but of leadership and expertise. The middle managers, technical specialists, consultants, and educators who have long supported this industry often come from a unique background: they were born and raised on farms, steeped in decades of practical experience long before even graduating college. These individuals have been the backbone of our success.

But that natural talent pipeline is drying up. Fewer young people are growing up with a direct connection to dairy farming. The next generation of dairy professionals may not have the firsthand experience that once shaped our industry’s excellence. Soon, we may be forced to recruit globally for roles that, until now, were naturally filled by our own farm-raised youth.

Technology will no doubt play a major role in bridging some of these gaps, but it cannot replace the deep, intuitive understanding and dedication that comes from growing up immersed in the rhythms of the farm. That’s why it’s time for everyone in the dairy community—producers, industry partners, educators, and innovators—to think intentionally about how we engage and mentor the next generation. Can we lease a calf to the neighbors? Can we host a farm summer camp that evolves into part-time help for older students? Can we host a quality internship program that helps students find a place in the industry? We must help them build a connection to agriculture, nurture their curiosity, and provide hands-on opportunities to learn and lead.

Because if we fail to do that, no level of automation, policy reform, or market shift will solve the most fundamental problem of all: a shortage of people who truly know, love, and understand the work that keeps this industry alive.

By; Tera Baker, Nedap