Loyd Borntrager is a second-generation dairy farmer from south-central Kansas who has transitioned his family farm from conventional dairying to a pasture-based, direct-to-consumer raw dairy model. At Borntrager Dairy, Loyd focuses on grass-fed production, once-a-day milking, and building a resilient farm business centered on quality, family life, and strong customer relationships. His operation includes Dutch Belted cattle, on-farm dairy processing, and diversified livestock enterprises.
Topics Covered in This Episode
- Transitioning from conventional to grass-based dairying
- Why Dutch Belted cattle fit a grazing dairy system
- Once-a-day milking and its impact on cows and family life
- Direct-to-consumer raw milk sales under Kansas law
- Producing cheese, yogurt, butter, and other dairy products on-farm
- Using sprouted barley fodder as winter feed
- Pasture species mixes for dairy cows in a 30-inch rainfall region
- Strip grazing, fencing, and water infrastructure
- Integrating layers, hogs, and pastured rabbits into the farm system
- Shifting mindset from production volume to product quality
Why This Episode Matters
This episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to move away from volume-driven agriculture and toward a quality-focused, customer-centered farm business. Loyd shares practical lessons about breed selection, grazing management, and lifestyle tradeoffs, making this conversation especially valuable for graziers considering dairying, diversification, or direct marketing.
Resources Mentioned
- The Forgiveness of Nature by Charles Walters
- Acres USA
- Stockman Grass Farmer magazine
Find Out More
- Website: https://borntragerdairy.com
- Social media: Facebook and Instagram (Borntrager Dairy)
- Email list: Available through the Borntrager Dairy website