Mason Dixon Farms stands today as both a working dairy and a living record of American agricultural history, with its roots stretching back to the earliest years of the nation. Located on both sides of the Pennsylvania-Maryland line, the farm encompasses roughly 2,900 acres and milks 1,700 Holstein cows in a double-24 parallel parlor.  

How can farms rise above financial risks and a volatile market to eventually move toward growth? Three dairy producers opened up about their journeys and offered honest insight during a recent panel discussion.

It’s not always as starting from the ground up as a young producer. It arguably takes more passion to make it work than ever before. Sixty miles out of Washington D.C., Charlie Sasscer is putting that passion to work and figuring out what works for creating his own operation.

Hannah Canon, Hannah Noel Photography, Hanover, Pennsylvania