Tony and Jacob Brey purchased the farm from their parents last July. Tony, 32, has been on the farm full-time since graduating from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the spring of 2007. At that time the farm was home to 100 milking animals. Jacob, 26, worked as a classifier for Holstein Association USA for two years following his graduation from UW-Madison. He’s been on the farm full-time since the fall of 2015. Tony and Jacob share equally in the day-to-day management of the farm that includes 460 milking cows, 500 heifers and 1,200 acres.
Jacob is married to Lauren, also a UW-Madison graduate and director of marketing and research for the Dairy Business Milk Marketing Cooperative. Tony is married to Moriah, yet another UW-Madison graduate and assistant vice president of credit at GreenStone Farm Credit Services. Both spouses have farming backgrounds and are involved in the farm in addition to their off-farm work.
DBA: What have been some positive aspects of working through a family farm transition?
Breys: Going through a family farm transition has been a big challenge, but we’ve learned a lot in a short time that will benefit us as we continue to build our business. We’ve had the opportunity to learn about, and now are responsible for, every aspect of our farm. Forming relationships with our vendors has been beneficial and rewarding as well. You can learn something from everyone you meet and we appreciate all the expertise that has been shared with us. We’ve learned a lot from many people and will continue to farm with open minds as we go forward.
DBA: What part of farming is most rewarding?
Breys: Registered Holsteins are one of our passions. Through Junior Holstein activities, we had a lot of opportunities that sparked our interest in dairy farming. We are excited about our genetics and the potential for the future. A recent highlight is the current #1 ranking PTAT sires Cycle Doorman Jacoby and Cycle Mcgucci Jordy-Red. Looking ahead, we’re using the newest genetic information to breed healthier, more reproductively sound and profitable cows. It’s rewarding to see the progression in the herd.
DBA: What do you see as the major challenges facing your farm in the future?
Breys: Finding people to work on the farm has been, and will continue to be, a challenge. Environmental concerns and navigating increasing regulations are also something we will continue to face, especially with our location in Door County. It is becoming increasingly important for farmers to collaborate and work together as we face these challenges.
DBA: You’re involved in social media and local promotion, what would you say to those hesitant to open up their farms to social media and visitors?
Breys: It boils down to finding what works for you – and that might be different than what works for another farmer. Connecting with our customers is part of the new reality of dairy farming, so find what works best for you and try it! (You can also contact DBA for help if you don’t know where to start.) We work as a team to share our story through different channels and methods. Lauren leads social media and presentations to local groups, while Moriah shares our story in the community through daycare, school and church. Both Tony and Jacob are involved in local organizations and build relationships with a variety of people in our community. For example, Tony serves on the Peninsula Pride Farms board of directors. Jacob coaches the Southern Door FFA Dairy Judging team.
Print Page
Email to a Friend
