Dairy farmers are a breed apart. There aren’t many other occupations – and lifestyles – that can compare to the experiences raising and milking cows, and producing a commodity that is closely regulated, has a long history of volatile pricing and demands excellence in animal husbandry and environmental stewardship.

For years, consumers have been told to avoid full-fat dairy products. Guidelines from the USDA, the American Heart Association (AHA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and more have warned against consumption of saturated fats.

Steven Weaver of Meadowley Farm in Morrisville, New York, milks his seasonal herd of 65 cows in his handmade retrofitted parlor. With two people milking, the cows are all back out onto pasture in one hour. But it wasn’t always that way.

Most people don’t see the doctor or get a prescription for every scratch, sniffle or headache. Many people routinely take vitamins, probiotics, herbal remedies or over-the-counter medications to prevent or combat illness.