Almost 120 years ago, the Standerford family settled in Richardson County, Neb., just outside Humboldt. Fast-forward to today, and there have only been nine months without dairy production on their farm.
In an industry where small dairies are diminishing, Joe and Kim Standerford remain passionate advocates, carrying on the long legacy of Standerford Dairy.
“There are maybe 10% of the dairy farms still running that I remember from growing up,” says Joe Standerford, owner and operator of the family dairy.
While that’s a hard truth, several resilient independent dairy producers continue to operate across the state. Their role in the industry is crucial — not only for local communities, but also for statewide milk production.
“The dairy industry is not just a corporate world. It is still a family business,” Standerford says. “Every animal you see on the farm — whether it’s a cat, dog, cow or calf — they have a name and their own personalities.”
Independent solution
Bright and early each morning, Standerford and his two daughters, Izzy and Libby, head to the milking parlor before school. After classes and extracurriculars, they return to the barn — serving as the sole labor force for the farm.
With more than 350 acres of farmland and 80 head of cattle, the family maintains a steady rotation of about 20 cows milking at any given time. The Standerfords have found success by raising a variety of breeds to complement their milk production. Holstein, Jersey, Red and White Holstein and Brown Swiss are all represented, with crossbreeding helping enhance traits across the herd.
The farm also maintains a small bull battery to naturally service the cows. While artificial insemination is common across the industry, Standerford says this method works best for their operation.
Another way the farm stays viable and independent is through partnerships with local cooperatives to market grain and milk.
“I market all of my grain through a local cooperative, and we sell our milk to DFA [Dairy Farmers of America], so I certainly am an advocate for the cooperative way of thinking,” Standerford says.
While the number of small farms continues to decline, Standerford remains hopeful about the future of independent dairy producers in Nebraska. He has advice for anyone considering entering the industry.
“Try to get outside experience. Work on another dairy, even if you’re planning to take over your home operation,” he says. “Have the experience of working at another one because we all do things differently, and one set of rules does not work for everybody.”
More than a century
In 2006, the Standerford family received the Pioneer Farm Award from the Aksarben Foundation. To be eligible, families must own and actively farm a minimum of 40 acres for at least 100 years.
This recognition goes beyond land ownership. It symbolizes dedication and passion not only for agriculture, but also for the broader community.
Standerford is no stranger to community involvement. At the Richardson County 4-H fairgrounds in July or the Free Fair in September, you’ll find the family’s prized dairy cows on display — and Standerford himself playing an active role.
As president of the Richardson County Agriculture Society, he serves as the dairy and beef superintendent, running events and emphasizing the fair’s importance for youth development.
“The kids have all been in 4-H, so we’re involved in both the July and September fairs,” he says. “The September fair is our baby, and we put a lot of work into that. If something needs to be done, I always try to help where I can.”
His commitment to local youth stems from a deep appreciation for those who once helped him.
“To me, that’s the way I grew up. I don’t know any different,” Standerford says. “I’m trying to pay it forward to the people who worked the fairs and ran activities for youth when I was growing up — and for my kids — so they can continue for decades to come.”
Passing it on
That generosity and sense of service has been passed down to his six children, including Jessica, Cortny (Standerford) Augustine, TJ, Logan, Libby and Izzy.
“We’re told that our kids are very hard workers and are involved in their communities,” Standerford says. “Part of that work ethic, I feel, comes from growing up on the farm.”
Most of the Standerford kids remain connected to agriculture — from Logan working as a veterinary technician, to TJ helping a local farmer, to Cortny marrying a farmer, agriculture continues to shape their lives.
“Growing up, they were all in the barn, unless they had a really good reason not to be,” Standerford explains.
This dairy family is a living testament to the resilience and dedication of small, independent farmers and the value they bring to the dairy industry.
State of Nebraska dairy
Here are a few of the current statistics about the dairy industry, gleaned from the Nebraska State Dairy Association, National Agricultural Statistics Service and the International Dairy Foods Association:
- number of dairy cows: 49,000 (NASS, January to March 2025)
- number of Nebraska dairies: 77
- number of Nebraska dairy processors: 8 processors, including 5 commercial and 3 on-farm
- 2025 first quarter (January to March) milk production: 306 million pounds (down 3% from the first quarter of 2024, NASS)
- direct economic impact of Nebraska dairy: $1,166,953,700
- direct dairy jobs: 5,753
- total taxes paid resulting from dairy: $268,953,700
- total annual dairy exports: $27,858,000