It's All Good !!

Hey everyone,

Can you believe it's past time for our high school reunion? Time has flown by, and I'm looking forward to catching up with all of you. Here's a quick rundown of what's been going on in my world since graduation.

After high school, I started farming with my father, taking over the dairy in 1973. Spent the next several years building a registered Holstein herd with the intention of making it my life's work. The drought of 1983 and 16% interest rates brought a decision by the banks that I do something else.

Tried making a go of being a commissioned sales rep for a major feed company. That did not work out very well! Probably my fault, but I did learn a lot.

I then took on a role managing a Dairy for American International Dairies Inc. This experience introduced me to some slightly weird and amazing people. One had a photographic memory.

Later, I shifted gears to raising Holstein heifers on contract for the same company. Starting with 500 head or so a year it peaked out at around 2500 head on hand at any given time by 2001.

Life took an unexpected turn when American International Dairies Inc. went bankrupt. After learning more about federal bankruptcy law than should be allowed, it was time to get a "real job" or find something else to make a living.

I started a liquid feed business, serving local farms with waste byproducts from area distilleries. The business grew, and a couple of years later, I ventured into bulk feed blending for local dairies and feedlots, which turned out to be a successful endeavor.
The feed business always had a 3-to-4-month slow period during the summer. Too much regret my son and I decided to open a Kentucky Proud Farmers Market on our farm, a retail operation specializing in hydroponic vegetable production along with three acres of berries. (Blackberry,Raspberry,Elderberry)Now this was a TOTAL FAILURE!

After almost two decades, I sold the bulk feed blending business but held onto the liquid feed business, which I still manage today.

On the personal front, I've been married to Jeannie for 45 years. We're blessed with three children and seven grandkids who bring us much joy.

Looking forward to sharing more in person. Can't wait to see you all again!