Farming has always been a part of my life. Our family farm kept beef and sheep when I was growing up, and I have memories from a young age of going out and helping my Dad bring the cows in.
Lois went on to study agriculture at Greenmount after leaving school focusing on beef and sheep farming initially. “However, we used to buy calves from a farm next door for beef, and my relationship with dairy really began when that neighbour asked if I would help milking the cows. I grew to like the cows, and this experience of learning on the job really opened my eyes to the opportunities dairy could bring. When my neighbour talked about retiring, I took the step of taking over the herd, and from that point on it has been all systems go!” Lois said.
Lois set up her own business on the family farm in 2019 and is a member of dairy cooperative Dale Farm. One of Dale Farm’s best performing new entrants, Lois is milking a herd of 60 pedigree Holsteins. “Things have been going well and I’m really grateful for the help and advice I’ve received from family and friends along the way as well as the support from Dale Farm for the business,” Lois added.
Cows need care and attention and as you get to know them, you begin to see they each have their own personalities and preferences! But the effort you put in to caring for them really is worth it. Yes, dairy farming is very demanding, but it is also really rewarding.