DBMMC Member Profile: Steve Holland

Farmer: Steve Holland
Gratiot, Wis.

When was your farm established?
My farm was established in 1997

How long have you shipped to Decatur Dairy?
16 years

How many cows do you milk?
75

How many family members work on the farm?
Just myself

How many employees do you have?
No regular employees, just relief milkers

What is some interesting technology that you use around the farm?
Rotational grazing and group calf raising

What is your milk made into?
Specialty cheeses at Decatur Dairy
 
What it your favorite dairy product?
It’s a tie between curds and Greek yogurt

Where do you see the future of your farm?
Switching to grass fed beef or heifer raising if no family members want to take over

What is your favorite job on the farm?
Moving cows to new pasture, they act like kids in a candy store!

What are you most proud of?
We started with nothing and made it, raising four kids along the way.

Is there someone that has influenced you and your farm’s success?
No one in particular, but countless comments from people who said they loved seeing the cows and what we’ve done with the farm.

What is something you think is important for customers to know about your dairy farm?
Our cows are fed a heavy forage/grass diet and get plenty of exercise along with sunlight. We try to keep the cows in their natural environment as much as possible.