Even though it ranks just outside the list of “major” dairy states, North Carolina’s dairy producers and industry aren’t immune to the same forces affecting other states, noted Brittany Whitmire, North Carolina State University dairy extension associate.

Dr. Ben Shelton (Rocky Creek Veterinary Services) moved his dairy from Apex to Olin, North Carolina, in 1992 with 400 cows on 450 acres. Today, the farm has 1,400 cows with 2,200 acres, where Shelton also owns and operates Rocky Creek Vet Service on the farm.