After many years farming with his brothers, raising hogs, cattle and crops, Victor Larson and his family found themselves at a crossroads. Interest rates were skyrocketing, and the St. Cloud, Minnesota, family decided to pursue another business: hoof trimming.

Age: 40 Location: Mercersburg, Pennsylvania My dairy’s history: I farmed with my father and brother until 2006, when my father passed. At that time, my brother and I formed an LLC and started R & J Skinner Dairy, LLC.

Age: 50 Location: Monroe, Wisconsin My dairy’s history: After marrying my wife, Sue, in 1991, we milked at Sue’s parents’ farm near Sycamore, Illinois, for a year. We then moved back to my parents’ place, where we farmed until 2012. In January of 2012, we purchased a dairy farm in Green County in southwest Wisconsin.

Age: 37 Location: Lexington, Kentucky Your agricultural background, in a nutshell: I grew up on a dairy farm in Rineyville, Kentucky. I received my bachelor’s degree from the University of Kentucky, my master’s from UW – Madison and my Ph.D. from Purdue. I have been an extension dairy specialist at the University of Kentucky since 2008.