WEBVTT 00:00:10.220 --> 00:00:14.039 Creeping across the pasture land. Got dirt on 00:00:14.039 --> 00:00:18.719 the boots and a working hand. From the milk house 00:00:18.719 --> 00:00:24.000 home to the auction call. These are the folks 00:00:24.000 --> 00:01:02.869 standing strong and tall. Yeah, this is... Alright 00:01:02.869 --> 00:01:05.569 folks, welcome back to the Bullvine Podcast. 00:01:06.230 --> 00:01:09.969 Today I've got a story for you that's just, well, 00:01:10.150 --> 00:01:13.469 it's one for the books. We've been diving deep 00:01:13.469 --> 00:01:15.870 into an operation that's not just turning heads, 00:01:16.090 --> 00:01:19.049 they're rewriting the playbook for what a family 00:01:19.049 --> 00:01:21.930 dairy farm can achieve in this crazy industry. 00:01:22.849 --> 00:01:25.150 You've probably heard the name McCarty Family 00:01:25.150 --> 00:01:27.950 Farms. These are the folks who just got named 00:01:27.950 --> 00:01:31.590 World Dairy Expo's 2025 Dairy Producer of the 00:01:31.590 --> 00:01:34.329 Year. And let me tell you, this isn't just some 00:01:34.329 --> 00:01:37.689 pat on the back. This is recognition for a journey 00:01:37.689 --> 00:01:40.489 that's taken them from a tiny 15 -cow dairy in 00:01:40.489 --> 00:01:43.810 Pennsylvania to a nearly 20 ,000 -cow powerhouse 00:01:43.810 --> 00:01:47.269 across multiple states. But it's not just about 00:01:47.269 --> 00:01:50.269 the numbers, impressive as they are. It's how 00:01:50.269 --> 00:01:52.849 they've done it, staying true to family values, 00:01:53.069 --> 00:01:55.849 pushing the boundaries of sustainability, and 00:01:55.849 --> 00:01:58.329 frankly, showing a lot of us what's possible. 00:01:58.709 --> 00:02:01.950 So grab a coffee, settle in, because you're going 00:02:01.950 --> 00:02:04.049 to want to hear how the McCarty magic happened. 00:02:04.629 --> 00:02:09.550 Our story kicks off way back in 1914. Taylor 00:02:09.550 --> 00:02:11.849 McCarty, the great -grandfather of the brothers 00:02:11.849 --> 00:02:14.949 running the show today, starts milking cows near 00:02:14.949 --> 00:02:18.270 Sugar Run, Pennsylvania. And even back then, 00:02:18.389 --> 00:02:20.909 they were doing something right. Taylor's small 00:02:20.909 --> 00:02:23.289 herd actually got recognized by the National 00:02:23.289 --> 00:02:26.349 Dairy Association for their exceptional butterfat. 00:02:26.860 --> 00:02:29.360 Ken McCarty, the youngest of the four brothers, 00:02:29.539 --> 00:02:31.719 shared in an interview that his great -granddad 00:02:31.719 --> 00:02:34.479 was, and I quote, kind of an innovative guy. 00:02:34.879 --> 00:02:37.680 He sold tractors when everyone else was still 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:40.840 using horse and buggy. Now that's forward thinking 00:02:40.840 --> 00:02:45.219 for the early 1900s. Fast forward, Ken's grandfather, 00:02:45.460 --> 00:02:48.479 Harold, expands the herd to about 40 Holsteins. 00:02:49.500 --> 00:02:52.780 Then, Ken's parents, Tom and Judy, who were actually 00:02:52.780 --> 00:02:55.000 teachers, can you believe it, they jumped in 00:02:55.000 --> 00:02:58.189 full -time in 1970. They built a new barn for 00:02:58.189 --> 00:03:01.729 150 cows, and by 1981, the Pennsylvania governor 00:03:01.729 --> 00:03:04.409 was touring their place, calling it one of the 00:03:04.409 --> 00:03:07.949 most progressive dairies in the state. But here's 00:03:07.949 --> 00:03:10.150 where so many family farm stories take a tough 00:03:10.150 --> 00:03:13.729 turn. The 90s hit, and Tom and Judy realized 00:03:13.729 --> 00:03:17.050 all four of their sons, Mike, Clay, Dave, and 00:03:17.050 --> 00:03:20.430 Ken, wanted to come back to the farm. Amazing, 00:03:20.550 --> 00:03:23.810 right? But their Pennsylvania setup just couldn't 00:03:23.810 --> 00:03:26.500 support that kind of growth. Ken shared in an 00:03:26.500 --> 00:03:28.740 interview that his dad sat them down and said, 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:32.139 and this is a direct quote from Ken, Hey, we 00:03:32.139 --> 00:03:34.319 either need to completely change what we're doing 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:36.759 or we need to think about moving. Otherwise, 00:03:36.840 --> 00:03:39.560 we're probably not going to survive this. Talk 00:03:39.560 --> 00:03:42.680 about a crossroads. So what do they do? After 00:03:42.680 --> 00:03:45.000 a ton of research, they take this enormous leap 00:03:45.000 --> 00:03:48.560 of faith. They pack up, buy a wheat farm in northwest 00:03:48.560 --> 00:03:53.180 Kansas, and start fresh with 250 cows on April 00:03:53.180 --> 00:03:57.319 1, 2000. April Fool's Day. Ken apparently laughs 00:03:57.319 --> 00:03:59.520 about how many of their big life -changing moves 00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:03.379 happened on that exact date. And get this, the 00:04:03.379 --> 00:04:06.199 Pennsylvania operation they left? Ken described 00:04:06.199 --> 00:04:09.419 it in an interview as wildly inefficient. He 00:04:09.419 --> 00:04:12.520 said, we were farming about 1 ,000 acres on 135 00:04:12.520 --> 00:04:16.180 different fields spread 28 miles one way across 00:04:16.180 --> 00:04:20.500 the river through multiple towns. Yikes. Plus, 00:04:20.560 --> 00:04:23.509 they'd already battled through 200 -year floods 00:04:23.509 --> 00:04:25.850 just three years apart and weathered the brutal 00:04:25.850 --> 00:04:29.949 interest rate crisis of the 80s. So, moving west? 00:04:30.209 --> 00:04:32.829 It wasn't just about getting bigger. It was about 00:04:32.829 --> 00:04:35.250 survival and giving their family legacy a real 00:04:35.250 --> 00:04:38.589 future. So, they land in Kansas and things start 00:04:38.589 --> 00:04:42.490 moving. That initial 250 cow herd quickly grows 00:04:42.490 --> 00:04:46.910 to 800 as the brothers return. Then, in 2008, 00:04:47.189 --> 00:04:49.759 something pretty cool happens. A local economic 00:04:49.759 --> 00:04:52.519 development group in Bird City, Kansas, actually 00:04:52.519 --> 00:04:54.860 approaches them about building a second dairy. 00:04:55.120 --> 00:04:58.339 Why? Because they'd seen how dairies could breathe 00:04:58.339 --> 00:05:00.879 life back into rural communities and schools. 00:05:01.759 --> 00:05:05.399 Ken explained in an interview, At the time, we 00:05:05.399 --> 00:05:07.779 weren't financially capable of taking on that. 00:05:07.959 --> 00:05:10.779 But through creative financing, where the economic 00:05:10.779 --> 00:05:13.339 development group took a second position to our 00:05:13.339 --> 00:05:16.720 primary lender, they made it happen. That's smart 00:05:16.720 --> 00:05:21.009 community partnership right there. By 2009, they're 00:05:21.009 --> 00:05:23.790 named Kansas Distinguished Dairy Farm Family 00:05:23.790 --> 00:05:26.550 of the Year. They keep expanding thoughtfully, 00:05:26.730 --> 00:05:29.490 adding another spot in Scott City, growing to 00:05:29.490 --> 00:05:34.209 about 7 ,000 milking cows. But then 2009 hits 00:05:34.209 --> 00:05:36.910 the whole industry like a ton of bricks. Remember 00:05:36.910 --> 00:05:39.889 those milk prices? The McCartys, thankfully, 00:05:40.129 --> 00:05:43.209 had hedged about 50 % of their production. It 00:05:43.209 --> 00:05:45.149 was a tough lesson that really cemented their 00:05:45.149 --> 00:05:47.800 focus on risk management. a theme you'll hear 00:05:47.800 --> 00:05:52.120 a lot in their story. Then, in 2010, the real 00:05:52.120 --> 00:05:54.639 game changer, a simple phone call about different 00:05:54.639 --> 00:05:57.300 ways to market their milk leads to this revolutionary 00:05:57.300 --> 00:06:00.420 partnership with Danone, Danone Yogurt back then. 00:06:01.139 --> 00:06:03.680 Ken stated in an interview, we met with them 00:06:03.680 --> 00:06:06.620 in April 2010, the vision of a direct supply 00:06:06.620 --> 00:06:09.300 model immediately aligned between their teams 00:06:09.300 --> 00:06:12.740 and ours. This was huge. But to make it work, 00:06:12.899 --> 00:06:15.180 they needed something most dairies only dream 00:06:15.180 --> 00:06:18.560 of. their own on -farm processing plant. Now, 00:06:18.639 --> 00:06:22.079 think about this. Most of us, we ship our milk 00:06:22.079 --> 00:06:25.819 off, and that's the last we see of it. In 2012, 00:06:26.199 --> 00:06:29.339 the McCartys decide to flip that script. They 00:06:29.339 --> 00:06:32.339 build an on -farm milk processing facility at 00:06:32.339 --> 00:06:35.420 their Rexford, Kansas location. Talk about a 00:06:35.420 --> 00:06:38.560 steep learning curve. Ken admitted with a laugh 00:06:38.560 --> 00:06:41.160 in an interview, we had no experience running 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:44.889 a milk processing plant prior to 2012. We were 00:06:44.889 --> 00:06:47.250 heavily dependent on the Danone teams to help 00:06:47.250 --> 00:06:50.269 us develop our skill set. He also shared that 00:06:50.269 --> 00:06:52.750 they even hired their veterinarian, who was savvy 00:06:52.750 --> 00:06:55.670 with process flow and Lean Six Sigma, to help 00:06:55.670 --> 00:06:58.430 lay the groundwork for managing the plant. And 00:06:58.430 --> 00:07:00.410 the people they recruited with plant experience? 00:07:00.970 --> 00:07:03.889 Ken proudly noted in that interview, most of 00:07:03.889 --> 00:07:06.430 those team members are still with us 13 years 00:07:06.430 --> 00:07:10.500 later. That says something, doesn't it? Initially, 00:07:10.560 --> 00:07:12.759 that plant was designed for about half a million 00:07:12.759 --> 00:07:16.839 pounds of raw milk a day. Today, they've expanded 00:07:16.839 --> 00:07:19.480 it to handle up to 2 .2 million pounds daily 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:22.759 and are currently running about 1 .4 to 1 .5 00:07:22.759 --> 00:07:24.800 million pounds through it from their western 00:07:24.800 --> 00:07:28.639 operations. So, why is this on -farm processing 00:07:28.639 --> 00:07:31.939 such a secret sauce? Well, for starters, they 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.300 get real -time feedback on milk quality. Imagine 00:07:35.300 --> 00:07:38.420 knowing within hours, not days or weeks, if there's 00:07:38.420 --> 00:07:40.959 an issue with components or somatic cell counts. 00:07:41.139 --> 00:07:44.019 It creates this incredible closed -loop system 00:07:44.019 --> 00:07:46.959 where the farm team and the plant team are working 00:07:46.959 --> 00:07:50.399 in perfect sync. The plant condenses milk before 00:07:50.399 --> 00:07:53.300 shipping it to Danone, it separates and pasteurizes 00:07:53.300 --> 00:07:56.860 cream, and get this, it even reclaims water from 00:07:56.860 --> 00:07:59.060 the milk that they then use for cleaning and 00:07:59.060 --> 00:08:02.100 irrigation. Because of this, they've cut down 00:08:02.100 --> 00:08:04.389 the number of trucks they need on the road, by 00:08:04.389 --> 00:08:08.509 75%. That's a massive win for efficiency and 00:08:08.509 --> 00:08:11.029 for the environment. And this vertical integration 00:08:11.029 --> 00:08:14.250 has totally transformed their approach to herd 00:08:14.250 --> 00:08:17.949 health and antibiotic stewardship. Ken explained 00:08:17.949 --> 00:08:20.470 in an interview, we have limited the potential 00:08:20.470 --> 00:08:23.110 milk residue antibiotics that we use on farm 00:08:23.110 --> 00:08:26.769 to almost zero. Those that we do use are really 00:08:26.769 --> 00:08:29.110 tightly controlled, typically at one location 00:08:29.110 --> 00:08:31.970 that is not a milk producing site. It's our dry 00:08:31.970 --> 00:08:36.149 cow and calving facility. Smart. Of course, it's 00:08:36.149 --> 00:08:38.250 not without its own unique challenges. As their 00:08:38.250 --> 00:08:40.730 cows got more productive, routinely hitting 4 00:08:40.730 --> 00:08:44.210 .5 to 4 .6 % butterfat, their processing plant 00:08:44.210 --> 00:08:46.870 separators, which weren't designed for that richness, 00:08:47.190 --> 00:08:51.330 actually had to run slower. Ken noted, most dairymen, 00:08:51.450 --> 00:08:53.789 their connection to that separator ends at the 00:08:53.789 --> 00:08:56.389 back of a milk tanker. We see it all the way 00:08:56.389 --> 00:08:59.450 through. That's a level of integration most of 00:08:59.450 --> 00:09:02.590 us can only imagine. So, Their Western operations 00:09:02.590 --> 00:09:05.769 are humming, but the McCarty's are always looking 00:09:05.769 --> 00:09:10.210 ahead. By 2017, even with their expanded processing 00:09:10.210 --> 00:09:12.610 capacity, they were eyeing new opportunities. 00:09:12.970 --> 00:09:16.169 This led them east, to Ohio, where they partnered 00:09:16.169 --> 00:09:18.649 with another fantastic fourth -generation farming 00:09:18.649 --> 00:09:21.870 family, the Van Tilburgs, creating the McCarty 00:09:21.870 --> 00:09:25.870 -Van Tilburg Partnership, or MVP Dairy. Ken shared 00:09:25.870 --> 00:09:28.610 in an interview, the Van Tilburgs wanted to connect 00:09:28.610 --> 00:09:30.710 their crops more directly to finished goods. 00:09:31.320 --> 00:09:33.639 We brought our Danone relationship and dairy 00:09:33.639 --> 00:09:37.240 expertise. They brought the land and local reputation. 00:09:39.240 --> 00:09:43.460 That MVP dairy opened in November 2018, milking 00:09:43.460 --> 00:09:46.600 about 4 ,000 cows and shipping raw milk directly 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:49.879 to Danone's yogurt plant just 18 miles down the 00:09:49.879 --> 00:09:52.720 road. And here's what's so impressive about how 00:09:52.720 --> 00:09:55.200 these guys operate. They took what they learned 00:09:55.200 --> 00:09:57.779 in Ohio, especially about tunnel -ventilated 00:09:57.779 --> 00:10:00.570 barn designs, and brought those innovations back 00:10:00.570 --> 00:10:03.429 to improve their Kansas operations. That's continuous 00:10:03.429 --> 00:10:06.250 improvement in action. This led to what they 00:10:06.250 --> 00:10:09.350 call Rexford 2 .0. The newest Kansas facility 00:10:09.350 --> 00:10:13.049 now includes two 120 -cow Delaval rotaries with 00:10:13.049 --> 00:10:15.889 four six -row tunnel -ventilated freestall barns 00:10:15.889 --> 00:10:18.750 feeding each rotary. That's eight total barns, 00:10:18.750 --> 00:10:21.269 tail -to -tail, sharing common feed lanes and 00:10:21.269 --> 00:10:23.889 manure management. It's all about optimizing 00:10:23.889 --> 00:10:27.049 cow flow, labor efficiency, and crucially, cow 00:10:27.049 --> 00:10:30.340 comfort. Meanwhile, they transitioned their Beaver 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:33.759 City, Nebraska, location into a specialized heifer 00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:37.320 raising facility. See the strategy? Specialization 00:10:37.320 --> 00:10:40.639 and optimization at every turn. And through all 00:10:40.639 --> 00:10:42.899 this, that strong relationship with the known 00:10:42.899 --> 00:10:46.740 North America remains central. Now I know what 00:10:46.740 --> 00:10:49.399 you're thinking. Four brothers, a massive complex 00:10:49.399 --> 00:10:52.039 operation, how do they make it all work without 00:10:52.039 --> 00:10:54.960 wanting to throttle each other? Well, the McCarty 00:10:54.960 --> 00:10:57.169 brothers seem to have cracked the code. Each 00:10:57.169 --> 00:11:00.070 one has found his own lane. Ken, the youngest, 00:11:00.289 --> 00:11:02.730 as he described in an interview, oversees the 00:11:02.730 --> 00:11:05.529 processing plant, the genetics work, and leads 00:11:05.529 --> 00:11:08.230 their environmental sustainability and animal 00:11:08.230 --> 00:11:11.250 welfare initiatives. He did say with a bit of 00:11:11.250 --> 00:11:13.870 a smile, my preference is working directly with 00:11:13.870 --> 00:11:16.669 cows, but I spend a lot more time in front of 00:11:16.669 --> 00:11:20.309 a laptop than I ever really intended to. I think 00:11:20.309 --> 00:11:23.090 a few of us can relate to that. His brother Dave, 00:11:23.309 --> 00:11:26.029 he handles, in Ken's words from that interview, 00:11:26.440 --> 00:11:29.820 Basically everything financial. Banking, budgeting 00:11:29.820 --> 00:11:33.080 with Danone, overseeing the office team, a more 00:11:33.080 --> 00:11:36.279 than full -time job, I'm sure. Then you have 00:11:36.279 --> 00:11:39.299 the two oldest brothers, Clay and Mike. They're 00:11:39.299 --> 00:11:41.720 focused on the farm operations, feed buying, 00:11:41.899 --> 00:11:43.779 and managing the farming side of the business. 00:11:44.299 --> 00:11:47.480 Their secret to cohesion? Ken put it simply in 00:11:47.480 --> 00:11:50.059 the interview. We more or less stay out of each 00:11:50.059 --> 00:11:53.230 other's areas. It's about genuine respect for 00:11:53.230 --> 00:11:55.250 each other's strengths and a shared commitment 00:11:55.250 --> 00:11:58.570 to that family legacy. They've used their complementary 00:11:58.570 --> 00:12:01.009 skills to build something pretty incredible. 00:12:01.470 --> 00:12:03.990 And they're already looking to the future, with 00:12:03.990 --> 00:12:06.929 11 members of the fifth generation, ranging in 00:12:06.929 --> 00:12:11.149 age from 8 to 24. The oldest is just starting 00:12:11.149 --> 00:12:14.990 to join the business after college. Ken acknowledges 00:12:14.990 --> 00:12:17.470 it's a different world. He and his brothers grew 00:12:17.470 --> 00:12:20.149 up with a shovel and a pitchfork, but today's 00:12:20.149 --> 00:12:23.610 dairy industry? It demands tech savvy, business 00:12:23.610 --> 00:12:26.590 smarts, and a deep understanding of environmental 00:12:26.590 --> 00:12:29.990 stewardship. Succession planning is clearly on 00:12:29.990 --> 00:12:33.690 their minds. Let's talk about people, because 00:12:33.690 --> 00:12:36.769 any operation this size hinges on a great team. 00:12:37.309 --> 00:12:41.230 The McCartys employ over 200 team members, and 00:12:41.230 --> 00:12:43.210 one of the things that really stands out is their 00:12:43.210 --> 00:12:46.830 commitment to employee care and retention. Ken 00:12:46.830 --> 00:12:49.769 stated in an interview, Great employees are the 00:12:49.769 --> 00:12:53.529 backbone of any successful operation. We strive 00:12:53.529 --> 00:12:56.750 to offer competitive compensation packages with 00:12:56.750 --> 00:12:59.309 comprehensive benefits including health insurance 00:12:59.309 --> 00:13:03.049 and 401K plans, which helps us attract and retain 00:13:03.049 --> 00:13:06.669 quality team members. Now, Ken was also upfront 00:13:06.669 --> 00:13:08.850 that recent inflation has made it challenging 00:13:08.850 --> 00:13:12.049 to keep pace with rising costs, but their dedication 00:13:12.049 --> 00:13:14.730 to creating a positive work environment through 00:13:14.730 --> 00:13:17.809 both compensation and culture remains strong. 00:13:18.360 --> 00:13:20.600 This approach has fostered remarkable stability 00:13:20.600 --> 00:13:23.860 in their workforce. Many employees have been 00:13:23.860 --> 00:13:28.399 with them for 10, 15, even 25 years. In rural 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:30.820 communities, that makes them an employer of choice. 00:13:31.860 --> 00:13:34.379 Their whole management philosophy is wrapped 00:13:34.379 --> 00:13:38.000 up in what they call their DIRT principles. Dedication, 00:13:38.220 --> 00:13:42.139 integrity, respect, and teamwork. These aren't 00:13:42.139 --> 00:13:44.559 just words on a wall. They guide everything from 00:13:44.559 --> 00:13:46.899 daily milking routines to long -term business 00:13:46.899 --> 00:13:50.259 decisions. They've invested in a full HR team 00:13:50.259 --> 00:13:52.740 focused on engagement and training, and they 00:13:52.740 --> 00:13:55.500 lead by example, living by their dad Tom's wisdom. 00:13:55.799 --> 00:13:58.379 If you ask a team member to be a foot deep in 00:13:58.379 --> 00:14:02.639 manure, you best be two feet. Love that. And 00:14:02.639 --> 00:14:04.320 here's a clever practice they've implemented, 00:14:04.519 --> 00:14:07.179 as Ken described. They use third -party remote 00:14:07.179 --> 00:14:09.720 monitoring not just to spot problems, but to 00:14:09.720 --> 00:14:12.360 catch employees doing things right. Ken said, 00:14:12.500 --> 00:14:14.899 when our remote viewers notice our team members 00:14:14.899 --> 00:14:17.559 scratching a cow's ear or doing positive things, 00:14:17.980 --> 00:14:21.059 We use that as training tools. That's how you 00:14:21.059 --> 00:14:24.559 build a culture of genuine animal care. So how 00:14:24.559 --> 00:14:27.100 do you manage consistency across multiple sites, 00:14:27.360 --> 00:14:31.360 multiple states, and all those cows? Ken emphasized 00:14:31.360 --> 00:14:34.539 in an interview their deep reliance on standardization 00:14:34.539 --> 00:14:38.120 and protocols. Each farm operates the same synchronization 00:14:38.120 --> 00:14:41.279 protocols, treatment protocols, breeding strategies, 00:14:41.500 --> 00:14:44.659 vaccination strategies, he explained. We work 00:14:44.659 --> 00:14:47.240 with the same nutritionist. use the same training 00:14:47.240 --> 00:14:50.039 protocols, and consult with the same independent 00:14:50.039 --> 00:14:53.500 experts. But it's not just about having protocols. 00:14:53.799 --> 00:14:56.659 It's about standardizing data entry and how things 00:14:56.659 --> 00:14:59.220 are coded. Ken admitted this took a couple of 00:14:59.220 --> 00:15:02.659 years to really nail down. Think about it. How 00:15:02.659 --> 00:15:05.899 do you define a retained placenta? Making sure 00:15:05.899 --> 00:15:08.460 everyone in their system defined it and entered 00:15:08.460 --> 00:15:11.539 it the exact same way was crucial for streamlined 00:15:11.539 --> 00:15:15.259 data analysis and farm management. He said in 00:15:15.259 --> 00:15:17.899 that interview, As we've stepped away from day 00:15:17.899 --> 00:15:20.600 -to -day cow -side activities and into more of 00:15:20.600 --> 00:15:24.000 a true ownership and management role, that standardization 00:15:24.000 --> 00:15:26.700 has really made our systems better. As opposed 00:15:26.700 --> 00:15:29.460 to managing by feel, we allow the data to drive 00:15:29.460 --> 00:15:32.779 many of our decisions. But, and this is important, 00:15:33.080 --> 00:15:35.440 they haven't abandoned traditional cow sense. 00:15:35.679 --> 00:15:38.279 They've augmented it with technology and analytics. 00:15:38.779 --> 00:15:41.559 Ken even noted that, in some ways, their current 00:15:41.559 --> 00:15:43.840 team members are even better cow people than 00:15:43.840 --> 00:15:46.139 he and his brothers were. thanks to that powerful 00:15:46.139 --> 00:15:49.299 combination of data -driven protocols and hands 00:15:49.299 --> 00:15:52.259 -on training. It's a fascinating blend of high 00:15:52.259 --> 00:15:56.980 -tech and high -touch. Now, let's talk sustainability, 00:15:57.279 --> 00:16:00.259 because this is where the McCartys are truly 00:16:00.259 --> 00:16:03.639 setting industry standards. In December 2020, 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:06.940 they achieved B Corp certification. For those 00:16:06.940 --> 00:16:09.500 of you who don't know, that's a huge deal. It 00:16:09.500 --> 00:16:11.620 means they're meeting the absolute highest standards 00:16:11.620 --> 00:16:15.070 of social and environmental performance transparency, 00:16:15.350 --> 00:16:18.149 and accountability. They're one of the very few 00:16:18.149 --> 00:16:21.909 dairy farms globally to hit this mark. Ken put 00:16:21.909 --> 00:16:24.750 it this way in an interview. Becoming a certified 00:16:24.750 --> 00:16:28.330 B Corp amplified our commitment by prioritizing 00:16:28.330 --> 00:16:30.570 mission -driven collaboration with our partners 00:16:30.570 --> 00:16:34.509 to drive real systemic change and create impact 00:16:34.509 --> 00:16:38.450 at scale. And their sustainability metrics, they're 00:16:38.450 --> 00:16:40.850 impressive when you stack them up against industry 00:16:40.850 --> 00:16:43.990 benchmarks. They've achieved a reduction of 8 00:16:43.990 --> 00:16:49.450 ,474 tons of CO2 equivalent. Now, while the dairy 00:16:49.450 --> 00:16:52.110 industry has decreased greenhouse gas intensity 00:16:52.110 --> 00:16:55.570 since 1971, total emissions have actually gone 00:16:55.570 --> 00:16:59.110 up due to production growth. So, the McCarty's 00:16:59.110 --> 00:17:01.970 are significantly outpacing that trend. They 00:17:01.970 --> 00:17:05.410 implement cover crops on 95 % of MVP dairy's 00:17:05.410 --> 00:17:08.569 4 ,500 acres. That's far beyond typical adoption 00:17:08.569 --> 00:17:11.509 rates. And their innovative manure management 00:17:11.980 --> 00:17:14.640 It aligns with research showing advanced tech 00:17:14.640 --> 00:17:18.220 can slash GHG emissions from manure by 58 to 00:17:18.220 --> 00:17:21.180 80%. They've achieved these results partly through 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:23.799 just getting better at what they do, increasing 00:17:23.799 --> 00:17:27.980 milk production by 14 to 15 % without using synthetic 00:17:27.980 --> 00:17:30.779 growth hormones. Ken explained in an interview 00:17:30.779 --> 00:17:33.460 all that has been achieved by improved feeding, 00:17:33.660 --> 00:17:36.380 milking procedures, and the elimination of stress. 00:17:37.500 --> 00:17:40.400 Their resource conservation is top -notch too. 00:17:41.069 --> 00:17:43.230 We learned they worked with Kansas State University 00:17:43.230 --> 00:17:46.369 to redesign sand reclamation units that now capture 00:17:46.369 --> 00:17:50.809 over 97 % of sand for reuse as bedding. Smart 00:17:50.809 --> 00:17:53.690 cow cooling systems that don't waste water, continuous 00:17:53.690 --> 00:17:56.990 evaluation of electrical and fuel use, it's all 00:17:56.990 --> 00:17:58.930 part of the package. They've even become the 00:17:58.930 --> 00:18:01.369 first farm in the world to achieve the highest 00:18:01.369 --> 00:18:04.549 animal welfare status from Validus. And they 00:18:04.549 --> 00:18:06.549 don't just protect the environment, they actively 00:18:06.549 --> 00:18:09.950 enhance it. We're talking planted trees, pollinator 00:18:09.950 --> 00:18:14.190 habitats, over 58 wildlife boxes, and 25 acres 00:18:14.190 --> 00:18:18.029 of native plants just for pollinators. A 2024 00:18:18.029 --> 00:18:20.930 study out of Ireland actually validates their 00:18:20.930 --> 00:18:24.150 whole approach, showing that implementing climate 00:18:24.150 --> 00:18:26.450 change mitigation strategies can cut emissions 00:18:26.450 --> 00:18:30.569 and increase farm net savings. The McCartys are 00:18:30.569 --> 00:18:33.130 living proof that environmental and economic 00:18:33.130 --> 00:18:36.990 sustainability can and absolutely should go hand 00:18:36.990 --> 00:18:39.789 in hand. Okay, so they've got the family dynamics, 00:18:40.049 --> 00:18:42.549 the team, the operations, and sustainability 00:18:42.549 --> 00:18:46.150 dialed in. But what about the curveballs? The 00:18:46.150 --> 00:18:49.029 things you just can't predict? Ken was asked 00:18:49.029 --> 00:18:50.990 in an interview about the industry's biggest 00:18:50.990 --> 00:18:53.569 challenges, and his answer was immediate. Risk 00:18:53.569 --> 00:18:56.769 mitigation in an increasingly unpredictable world. 00:18:58.029 --> 00:19:00.529 They were called black swan events because they 00:19:00.529 --> 00:19:03.099 were pretty dang rare, he observed. but it seems 00:19:03.099 --> 00:19:05.400 like black swan events happen about every six 00:19:05.400 --> 00:19:09.000 months anymore. He mentioned consolidation, dwindling 00:19:09.000 --> 00:19:11.759 consumer connection to ag, geopolitical impacts. 00:19:12.119 --> 00:19:15.500 Sound familiar? The McCarty's approach? It's 00:19:15.500 --> 00:19:18.079 all about long -term stability, not short -term 00:19:18.079 --> 00:19:20.980 gambles. That crucial Danone relationship allows 00:19:20.980 --> 00:19:23.819 them to take a much longer -term view of management 00:19:23.819 --> 00:19:26.420 strategies, investments, and risk management, 00:19:26.579 --> 00:19:29.619 as Ken stated. What does that look like in practice? 00:19:30.200 --> 00:19:32.960 securing energy costs years in advance acquiring 00:19:32.960 --> 00:19:36.599 more cropland to stabilize feed costs developing 00:19:36.599 --> 00:19:39.099 solid relationships with equipment providers 00:19:39.099 --> 00:19:42.180 to minimize maintenance surprises essentially 00:19:42.180 --> 00:19:45.519 creating systems designed to weather market volatility 00:19:45.519 --> 00:19:48.640 ken acknowledges that tools like lrp and drp 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:51.880 didn't even exist 25 years ago so the industry 00:19:51.880 --> 00:19:54.980 is getting better at managing risk but it's still 00:19:54.980 --> 00:19:57.200 a massive challenge to implement comprehensive 00:19:57.200 --> 00:19:59.750 risk management while juggling the day -to -day 00:19:59.750 --> 00:20:03.049 chaos of running a farm. Their focus on stability 00:20:03.049 --> 00:20:05.990 over speculation is a powerful lesson for all 00:20:05.990 --> 00:20:08.950 of us. So what's a day really like at a McCarty 00:20:08.950 --> 00:20:12.549 farm? Well, from what we've gathered and from 00:20:12.549 --> 00:20:14.809 detailed reports from their Rexford operation, 00:20:15.109 --> 00:20:18.490 it's impressive. The day starts early, of course, 00:20:18.609 --> 00:20:21.730 but what seems to stand out is the calm, methodical 00:20:21.730 --> 00:20:24.789 vibe. In the control room of one of those 120 00:20:24.789 --> 00:20:28.329 -cow rotary parlors, Large monitors display real 00:20:28.329 --> 00:20:31.490 -time data on every single cow, milk flow, yield, 00:20:31.690 --> 00:20:34.509 conductivity that might flag mastitis, activity 00:20:34.509 --> 00:20:37.630 patterns. Reports indicate a herdsman might point 00:20:37.630 --> 00:20:40.390 to a dot on the screen and note, her activity 00:20:40.390 --> 00:20:43.029 spiked last night, she's showing signs of heat. 00:20:43.930 --> 00:20:47.549 She'll be bred today. It's that seamless dance 00:20:47.549 --> 00:20:50.650 between technology and deep biological understanding 00:20:50.650 --> 00:20:54.410 that defines their system. In the barns, that 00:20:54.410 --> 00:20:56.890 tunnel ventilation creates a comfortable environment, 00:20:57.150 --> 00:21:01.049 even on a hot Kansas day. Cows are lounging on 00:21:01.049 --> 00:21:03.990 clean, reclaimed sand bedding, feed lanes are 00:21:03.990 --> 00:21:06.609 pristine, and the communication between the farm 00:21:06.609 --> 00:21:09.009 and the processing plant teams? It's reportedly 00:21:09.009 --> 00:21:12.329 constant. A milk tanker arrives at the plant, 00:21:12.529 --> 00:21:15.309 gets tested immediately, and those results are 00:21:15.309 --> 00:21:17.369 back with the farm managers within the hour. 00:21:17.849 --> 00:21:21.730 Talk about a rapid feedback loop. The commitment 00:21:21.730 --> 00:21:24.170 to animal welfare is evident in their protocols 00:21:24.170 --> 00:21:27.750 and certifications. Cows move easily through 00:21:27.750 --> 00:21:30.210 well -designed handling systems, employees are 00:21:30.210 --> 00:21:32.910 trained to use gentle voices and touch when interacting 00:21:32.910 --> 00:21:35.730 with the animals, and vet protocols prioritize 00:21:35.730 --> 00:21:39.069 prevention. And their water reclamation system? 00:21:39.430 --> 00:21:42.289 Ken shared in his interview, nothing goes to 00:21:42.289 --> 00:21:44.609 waste here. That's part of our commitment to 00:21:44.609 --> 00:21:48.009 being good stewards. It truly is high -tech meeting 00:21:48.009 --> 00:21:50.690 high -touch. All this dedication, innovation, 00:21:50.990 --> 00:21:53.950 and sheer hard work culminated in March 2025, 00:21:54.269 --> 00:21:57.650 when Ken, Mike, Tom, Dave, and Clay McCarty were 00:21:57.650 --> 00:22:00.769 named World Dairy Expo's 2025 Dairy Producer 00:22:00.769 --> 00:22:03.970 of the Year. It's the industry's top honor, recognizing 00:22:03.970 --> 00:22:06.930 excellence in efficient production, quality breeding, 00:22:07.130 --> 00:22:10.750 and progressive management. So, what really makes 00:22:10.750 --> 00:22:13.589 them deserving? So many things, but here are 00:22:13.589 --> 00:22:16.519 a few standouts. That vertical integration model 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:18.839 gives them incredible control and stability. 00:22:19.319 --> 00:22:21.960 Their direct supply relationship with Danone 00:22:21.960 --> 00:22:25.660 is a model of economic resilience. Their B Corp 00:22:25.660 --> 00:22:28.700 certification? That's verified commitment, folks. 00:22:29.039 --> 00:22:31.480 Despite their size, they've held on to those 00:22:31.480 --> 00:22:34.160 core family values and that hands -on approach. 00:22:34.460 --> 00:22:37.059 They consistently adopt and adapt technology 00:22:37.059 --> 00:22:39.700 to make things better. And with that fifth generation 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:42.880 starting to come in, they're a textbook case. 00:22:43.319 --> 00:22:47.099 of successful farm succession. Ken was asked 00:22:47.099 --> 00:22:50.299 in an interview what makes him most proud. His 00:22:50.299 --> 00:22:53.319 answer was pretty profound. Survival is honestly 00:22:53.319 --> 00:22:56.759 the thing that I take a lot of pride in. Very 00:22:56.759 --> 00:22:59.119 few businesses ever make it beyond the first 00:22:59.119 --> 00:23:01.700 generation, let alone the second or the third. 00:23:02.079 --> 00:23:04.380 And we've been fortunate enough to survive to 00:23:04.380 --> 00:23:06.619 the fourth generation, hopefully survive to the 00:23:06.619 --> 00:23:09.019 fifth, but not only survive, but we've been able 00:23:09.019 --> 00:23:11.460 to prosper in the dairy industry. And that's 00:23:11.460 --> 00:23:14.119 a hell of a lot of fun. He also said something 00:23:14.119 --> 00:23:16.759 that really resonated, to be able to survive 00:23:16.759 --> 00:23:20.000 and to prosper and to do it in such a way in 00:23:20.000 --> 00:23:22.259 an industry that you actually love being in. 00:23:22.339 --> 00:23:25.299 I don't feel like I go to work any day. I just 00:23:25.299 --> 00:23:28.180 get to go do what I enjoy. And when asked about 00:23:28.180 --> 00:23:32.460 retirement, never. I love what I do. That passion, 00:23:32.579 --> 00:23:35.299 that genuine love for dairying, it's evident 00:23:35.299 --> 00:23:38.380 in everything they do. So what's the bottom line 00:23:38.380 --> 00:23:41.200 here? What can we all take away from the McCarty 00:23:41.200 --> 00:23:44.690 success story? First, vertical integration, if 00:23:44.690 --> 00:23:47.230 you can swing it even on a smaller scale, can 00:23:47.230 --> 00:23:50.569 create incredible stability and control. Second, 00:23:50.829 --> 00:23:53.509 standardized protocols combined with solid data 00:23:53.509 --> 00:23:55.789 are your best friends for managing complexity 00:23:55.789 --> 00:23:58.849 and making smart decisions. Don't ditch the cow 00:23:58.849 --> 00:24:00.990 sense, but give it some high -octane backup. 00:24:02.029 --> 00:24:05.109 Third, sustainability and profitability are not 00:24:05.109 --> 00:24:08.029 enemies. The McCartys prove they can and should 00:24:08.029 --> 00:24:11.660 drive each other. Fourth, For family operations, 00:24:12.059 --> 00:24:14.400 clear roles and responsibilities are absolute 00:24:14.400 --> 00:24:17.900 gold. Respect each other's lanes. And finally, 00:24:18.000 --> 00:24:20.319 thinking long -term, even when the short -term 00:24:20.319 --> 00:24:22.740 is screaming at you, is crucial for building 00:24:22.740 --> 00:24:26.019 resilience. We've learned that one of their team 00:24:26.019 --> 00:24:28.579 members put it this way. The McCartys aren't 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:30.460 just building a business, they're building a 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:33.519 legacy. And that focus on long -term sustainability, 00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:37.319 environmental, social, and economic, has put 00:24:37.319 --> 00:24:39.640 them right at the forefront of our evolving industry. 00:24:40.380 --> 00:24:43.240 They show that scale and sustainability aren't 00:24:43.240 --> 00:24:48.039 mutually exclusive. Nearly 20 ,000 cows, and 00:24:48.039 --> 00:24:50.059 they're setting industry standards for environmental 00:24:50.059 --> 00:24:53.339 performance and animal welfare. From everything 00:24:53.339 --> 00:24:56.019 we've learned about their story, it's not just 00:24:56.019 --> 00:24:59.220 the incredible growth that's impressive. It's 00:24:59.220 --> 00:25:02.160 how they've done it, with integrity, relentless 00:25:02.160 --> 00:25:04.980 innovation, and a genuine commitment to their 00:25:04.980 --> 00:25:08.799 people, their animals, and the planet. In an 00:25:08.799 --> 00:25:12.180 era where family farms face so many headwinds, 00:25:12.220 --> 00:25:14.660 McCarty Family Farms is a powerful testament 00:25:14.660 --> 00:25:17.559 that with vision, guts, and a whole lot of hard 00:25:17.559 --> 00:25:20.279 work, the family farm doesn't just have a place 00:25:20.279 --> 00:25:23.880 in modern agriculture, it can and should lead 00:25:23.880 --> 00:25:27.500 the way. And that, my friends, is why their recognition 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:31.400 as World Dairy Expo's 2025 Dairy Producer of 00:25:31.400 --> 00:25:34.369 the Year isn't just well -deserved. It's a damn 00:25:34.369 --> 00:25:36.690 hopeful sign for the future of dairy farming 00:25:36.690 --> 00:25:39.450 in America. What's the one piece of McCarty magic 00:25:39.450 --> 00:25:41.769 you're going to think about bringing to your 00:25:41.769 --> 00:25:45.589 operation? Chew on that one. Thanks for tuning 00:25:45.589 --> 00:25:48.230 in to the Bullvine Podcast. We'll catch you next 00:25:48.230 --> 00:25:51.210 time with more insights to help you dominate 00:25:51.210 --> 00:25:52.069 the dairy game.