Small Farm with Big Dreams

Name: Jeff and Brenda Raney

Farm Name: J-Ra Holsteins

Family: Son Adam and daughter-in-law Michele; daughter Erin

Location: Crawford County, Pa.

Small Farm with Big Dreams

Even though he did not grow up on a dairy farm, Jeff Raney knew as a young boy that he wanted to become a dairy farmer. With hard work, a supportive family and a little bit of luck, his childhood dream became reality.

As a child, Jeff worked on his uncle’s and grandfather’s dairy farm and helped local neighbors on their farms. Still passionate about making his childhood dream of being a dairy farmer come true, he worked as a herdsman on Black Pond Farm in Crawford County for four years after high school.

A chance meeting on a bus trip to Canada introduced Jeff and his wife, Brenda, to a gentleman who recognized a dedication to dairy farming in this hard-working couple. He offered them a chance to own their own dairy farm. Twenty-four years later, Jeff and Brenda own and operate J-Ra Holsteins, a 50-cow dairy farm with 250 acres in northwest Pennsylvania.

More Than Just Dairy Farming

The Raneys have been involved in their community for years. Jeff is in his third year as region one chairman of the AgChoice Farm Credit board of directors, which covers northwest Pennsylvania. He also serves on the Mideast Area Council for Dairy Farmers of America cooperative and on the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program board of directors. Brenda works part-time as a recovery nurse at Meadville Medical Center. The Raney family also enjoys showing Holsteins at local fairs.

In the past, the Raneys hosted farm tours for kindergarten and pre-school students. The tours gave students an opportunity to see what it was like to live on a dairy farm and to learn first-hand where milk comes from. The Raneys also support local youth who do not live on a dairy farm by leasing calves for 4-H dairy projects. “We want to let kids have the 4-H experience and show a calf for a few years,” Jeff says. “Some of the kids have grown up to become involved with the dairy business.”

Caring for Environment

The Raneys believe it is important to take care of the environment for future generations. Their local conservation district has been an asset in helping to provide resources to protect the environment. High tensile fence has been placed around streams on the farm to keep out the cows. The Raneys also have a milk house wastewater removal system that properly discharges milk house water away from nearby streams. Another conservation practice used on the farm is sod waterways, a filtration area that helps drain away storm water to protect the top soil from washing into the streams. It also helps to keep the water clean for wildlife habitat.

Animal Care is Most Important

The Raneys care about producing safe and wholesome dairy products, so they closely monitor the milking equipment to be sure it is always clean and well maintained. A certified inspector regularly inspects the farm to ensure it meets strict regulations.

Thoroughly sanitizing the cows’ teats before milking is another standard operating procedure at J-Ra Holsteins. This helps ensure healthy cows and quality milk. Likewise, another product is applied to the teats after milking to keep any bacteria from entering the cow’s udder. “Making sure the cows are healthy is the most important part of farming,” Jeff says.

Calf care is also important at J-Ra Holsteins. From the time they are born, the youngsters get everything they need, including vaccinations to make sure they stay healthy. Cattle live in clean, dry areas and have access to fresh feed and clean water. The Raneys consult with a nutritionist who oversees their feeding program. Jeff lives by one philosophy in life – if you take care of the animals and treat them well, they will take care of you in return.

Generations to Come

Jeff and Brenda’s son, Adam, works on the dairy farm full time with his wife, Michele. Adam cares for most of the heifers and dry cows at his farm, which is a mile down the road from the main farm. He enjoys farming just as much as his dad, and finds it to be a very rewarding experience. Jeff and Brenda’s daughter, Erin, a high school math teacher, pitches in during evening milkings. Erin’s fiancé, Tom Uber, lends a helping hand when needed.

“The biggest challenge I have now is trying to make this farm run well and keep it running for future generations, such as my son and my grandchildren,” Jeff says. “Dairy farming is a career that takes a lot of commitment, both time and financially. It is a way of life and a great way to raise a family.”