Life is a series of ebbs and flows, a constant movement of change and growth that shapes who we are. We witness this in our daily lives on the dairy as seasons change. We work daily, tackling projects, caring for our cows, harvesting our crops and finishing chores. In these daily tasks, we suddenly realize that time has flown and we’ve journeyed far and grown more than we expected.
Moving forward is not about forgetting the past but about learning to carry it with grace as we step into the unknown. There are moments when life feels calm and predictable, like a gentle tide, and other times when it surges unexpectedly, sweeping us into unfamiliar territory. Change can be painful — whether it is a missed opportunity, an unfulfilled dream, or perhaps something sudden and forced upon us. However, change can also open the door to something new and unexpected. As Ivy Baker Priest, the U.S. treasurer under Dwight D. Eisenhower, said, “The world is round, and the place which may seem like the end may also be the beginning.”
If there is anything that dairy farmers understand, it is that life rarely stands still, as much as we wish things wouldn’t change. When things seem challenging and we are forced to a halt, we later look back and find that those moments of pivot led us to new heights. Though we may long for permanence, it’s through transition and change that we truly evolve. Moving forward doesn’t mean we’ve failed; it often means we’ve grown.
As the tide pulls away, it leaves behind space for renewal — new ideas, people and experiences we might never have imagined. Embracing this rhythm helps us live more fully, knowing that each ending is simply the beginning of something else. Life is not about holding on tightly but about learning to flow with the current, trusting that even in uncertainty, there’s forward direction.
Our legacy of dairy farming is woven from generations of dedication, innovation and hard work. On each individual farm, this tradition forms the foundation for ongoing growth. Every challenge faced — whether it’s unpredictable weather, fluctuating markets or the demands of animal care — offers an opportunity to develop resilience, adaptability and new skills. As stewards of our land and livestock, we are constantly changing: adopting sustainable practices, leveraging new technologies, and striving for a balance between efficiency and care for our animals.
Moving forward, greatness on our dairies comes from a willingness to embrace change and to view every setback as a lesson for future progress. By cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning and collaboration, we honor the past while forging our own unique path in the dairy industry. Ultimately, our growth helps ensure that each farm remains a vital, vibrant part of our shared legacy and our communities.
It has been an honor to share our experiences and thoughts with you all over the last several years. We hope that in some small part we have provided inspiration for you to continue the legacy of dairy farming that we have all chosen to follow. Dairy farming is not easy; many may say the challenges can often outweigh the stretches when everything is operating as it should. In those times of trial and tribulation, we challenge you to remember that if it was easy, everyone would do it. There is also something special about working with the land and our cattle, the satisfaction in a job well done, or a new project completed.
Though the future is uncertain, there’s a quiet thrill in not knowing exactly what’s next, only that something new awaits. If there is one thing that we hope you remember, it is that though the adventure of dairy farming is tough, long and demanding, very few are blessed and fortunate enough to walk this path. In the end, every step is worth it.
Megan Schrupp and Ellen Stenger are sisters and co-owners of both NexGen Dairy and NexGen Market in Eden Valley, Minnesota. They can be reached at Nexgendairy@gmail.com.
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