Hometown: Millerton, Pennsylvania My dairy background: I come from a small dairy farm where my family milks 50 cows. Both of my parents came from dairy farms. Besides my parents working on the farm, my sister Christina is also involved in the operation. Both of us help manage cow and crop work.

Hometown: Stewartville, Minnesota My dairy background: I am the third generation on my family’s farm. We milk 300 Holstein cows. I am the oldest of five siblings. I grew up being active in both 4-H and FFA. I have loved showing and judging dairy cattle. This past year I was a runner-up for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Age: 36 (Alicia) and 39 (Jonathan) Location: Oakfield, New York My dairy’s history: Lamb Farms, Inc., is a third-generation dairy farm. It was started by Jonathan’s grandfather Leslie who milked about 45 cows. Currently, the farm milks about 5,700 cows at three locations, and tills 11,000 acres. The farm is a partnership of Jonathan and his brother Matthew, their father Gordon, and a non-family partner, Jim Veazey.

Age: 32 Location: American Falls, Idaho My dairy’s history: My parents, Alan and Norma Andersen, built Seagull Bay Dairy the year that I was born. They began with 100 cows. We now milk 600 cows at Seagull Bay Dairy as well as 1,400 cows at Andersen Dairy in Declo, Idaho. Along with our parents, my brother Ben and I operate the two dairies today.

Age: 42 Location: Chillicothe, Texas My dairy’s history: My great-grandfather started milking cows in 1941. My grandfather milked cows and farmed until his death in 1952. Overstreet Dairy was started in 1972 by my dad. In 2001, my dad and I formed a partnership.

Your age: 53 Your location: Monticello, Wisconsin My dairy’s history: Our farm (Voegeli Brown Swiss) was homesteaded in 1854 by our Swiss predecessors. In 1895, my great-grandfather purchased a registered Brown Swiss and we have had registered Brown Swiss ever since. Currently, the sixth generation is involved in operations at the farm. My mother Alice, brother Jimmy, myself and my two kids, Brienna and Christopher – along with a great work force – operate our farm.

Junior, University of Wisconsin-Madison Genesis Intern with Genex Shawano, Wisconsin Background Q. What is your dairy background? I grew up on a dairy farm in Tillamook, Oregon, of about 180 Jerseys and Holsteins. I was in charge of feeding calves, checking for heats, milking and whatever other responsibilities came my way. My parents relocated to Stratford, Wisconsin, about two years ago and are now milking only 30 cows. Now that they have moved, I am more involved with the genetics and mating to improve the herd.

2012 graduate, Virginia Tech Dairy Genetics Intern with Genex Based in Shawano, Wisconsin Background Q. What is your dairy background? I grew up on the Rutter’s Dairy Farm in Pensylvania. It consisted of 100 head of registered Holsteins and Guernseys until the herd sold out in 2004. All the Guernseys but the show herd were sold to Hoard's Dairyman, and the Holsteins were sold privately to herds in the area. The Guernsey heifers are still raised on the farm, and the cows are milked at another location. For the heifers, I am responsible for the mating decisions. Q. In what area did you obtain a degree? I graduated with a bachelor's of science in dairy science and a focus in statistics.

Senior, University of Wisconsin-Platteville Genesis Intern with Genex Based in Shawano, Wisconsin Background Q. What is your dairy background? I grew up working on my uncle's dairy farm doing various tasks such as feeding calves and milking cows. I also showed dairy for seven years. Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree? I'm majoring in animal science with a dairy emphasis.

Senior, University of Wisconsin-Madison Advertising and Promotions Intern with ABS Global Based in DeForest, Wisconsin Background Q. What is your agricultural background? My dad had a 70-cow dairy farm until I was about 10. He had to sell his herd due to poor milk prices at the time. After that I had a strong desire to one day help the dairy industry so another dairy farmer would not have to go through selling their life-long dream. I also enjoyed showing and judging dairy cattle at the fair throughout my entire life. Q. In what area are you pursuing a degree? I am double majoring in life sciences communication and agricultural and applied economics. I plan to focus on agricultural marketing.