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The secrets to our success!

Krista Stauffer
Stauffer Dairy, family photo

Often times I am asked what is the secret to our success. I really think that most everyone expected our dairy farm to fail in the first year.

My answers are very simple:

  1. God: Yes, I said it. God is the main reason for our success. We are far from perfect, we fail every day to meet God’s expectations. We sin just as everyone else. Every day we strive to be better and strive to live according to God’s word. Most importantly when talking about the farm, we gave it to God. We had hit a wall where we were not certain we could take anymore and we gave it to him. We said let it be what you want it to be. If you want us to farm, please help us to continue to farm. If you want us somewhere else, please put us somewhere else. BUT please walk by us as we do it because we CANNOT do it on our own. We strive to be better, strive to live the way we should, strive to let go of the reins and let Him have complete control. And when we get a little off course, He is quick to remind us we cannot do it on our own.
  2. Farmer: He is hands down the hardest worker I have ever known in my life. He has no “quit” in him. He pushes forward when most would walk away. Not only does he put in the physical work but he is so incredibly business smart. He knows all his girls, he knows all their daughters, he know who is producing what, he knows who is pregnant and how far along.  I guarantee he knows who was sold, who has passed and how they went or why. He knows this farm and the girls like the back of his hand. He takes his business relationships very seriously and works hard to honor his word or make things right when needed. I could go on but I think you get the point that I think my farmer is so beyond amazing.
  3. Other Farmers: I think this is something most people overlook when talking about success of a farm or farmer. We have AMAZING people that we buy feed from. They are so willing to work with us. The allow us to pay as we feed as we operate on a cash flow only basis. They make their feed prices reasonable and their payments easy for us to afford. They are there when we need them. So many times one farmer in particular has provided us with tractors when ours were down. Most of the farmers we do business with are either dairymen or former dairymen. They understand dairy farming and know how hard we work. I hope they know how much we appreciate them. We are very grateful for the other farmers, some we think of as family and many would be there if we needed them. We would be there if they need us. Farmers need other farmers or at least we do!

So that sums it up as to why we are successful. But what exactly is success?! To some it is determined by what you drive, what we wear or where you live. Some it is what your paycheck says or the amount in your bank account. Some it is a fancy title. To us, it is that we go out every day and chase the “American Dream”. We are successful because we are trying, we are working hard, we have goals, dreams and aspirations in life. We are working every day to make those dreams reality.

Thank you to all the farmers that have helped make us “successful”.

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Krista Stauffer

Owner at Stauffer Dairy
Krista didn't grow up on a farm but fell in love with a dairy farmer and now works alongside her husband on their family dairy farm, raising five children. Despite her non-farm upbringing, she embraces farm life, enjoys gardening, and remodeling their farmhouse. She also runs a successful women's boutique, manages social media for local businesses, and serves on the board of a non-profit creamery, showcasing her dedication to entrepreneurship and community service.
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