Meet Katelin Benkoski of Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Katelin Benkoski.

Hi Katelin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My grandfather and grandmother started our family farm in 1947  in Madison, GA, after moving their dairy farm south from Connecticut. Our family farm has operated for over 75 years at the same location.

As time has passed, we expanded our operation to include agritourism. With my mom being a school teacher and my dad having been a former school bus driver, they realized there was a gap between producers and consumers in agricultural education. Many students didn’t know how their food was produced or where it originated. As more generations are removed from the farm, we have continued to see a need to provide first-hand education on the farm. We have become passionate about educating others on agriculture as well as giving back to the community by also volunteering with 4-H and FFA, amongst other groups.

More recently, we have been featured on three television shows, we are a host farm for the national adopt-a-cow program, we hold a farm 5K, and I (Katelin) have been accepted to the Young Dairy Leaders Intitute (YDLI). Through all of our active participation, we hope to continue positively impacting our community. Sharing our lifestyle with others, we hope to create a greater appreciation within society for agriculture as a source of food and fiber products.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Gosh no! As a family, we struggle with normal hardships and challenges that any other household faces, but we have also added layers. Working with family can be challenging but also very rewarding. We have days when we get along and work efficiently and others where we disagree.

Having a dairy farm, though? We have to care daily for our livestock to ensure they are fed, watered, and well cared for. We have to balance their needs with our farm finances as well. Milk and feed prices change from month to month, which can be very challenging when it comes to budgeting. Going on vacation is hard, and unlikely that we all get to go. The cows have to be milked twice daily, without a day off. Cattle and livestock are also living beings. They have minds of their own that lead to unique challenges as they are very curious, and often find trouble.

Cattles are also susceptible to injury and sickness like any other living being. We use all the resources and time available to ensure our animals are cared for, and our business remains operational.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm?
Big Sandy Creek Dairy Farm is a family owned and operated business. Each of us plays a part in making our farm successful. I (Katelin) help work on the farm with daily chores and responsibilities, but I also do a great deal with our outreach. I coordinate with the Adopt-A-Cow Program and lease out our heifers for 4H and FFA students to show. Preparing presentations for tours, organizing our on-farm 5K, hosting dairy judging practices, and operating most of our social media are some of my extended responsibilities.

I think our business is set apart from others as we are a family business in agriculture. We value education, animal care, and giving back to our community. It would be great if readers would want to learn and come visit us for a farm tour or follow us on social media to help our footprint grow.

This will help us continue our legacy for years to come.

What does success mean to you?
In my opinion, success is positively impacting my community while ensuring all the needs of our family and livestock are met. If we can be good stewards of our land, good shepherds for our animals, and educate others on where their food comes from, we have done our part.

Pricing:

• Dairy farm tours are $10 per person
• Dairy Day Camp is $240 per camper

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bigsandycreekdairy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bscdairy/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigSandyCreekDairy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigsandycreekdairyfarm

Image Credits
Katey Penton Photography and Rita Vanette Studios