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Herron Jersey Farm
The Herron Jersey Family Farm was established in 1964. Wayne & Bette Herron both were raised on Dairy Farms and had met at the local fair when Wayne was asked to escort Betty on the 4-H Royal Court. After their marriage, they partnered with Carl Herron (Wayne’s Dad) and 24 Jersey Cows. The Herron farm has currently grown to include 225 Jersey Cows, 3 children (Cindy Christiani, Rodney Herron, and Tim Herron), and 8 grandchildren.
The family farming partnership now includes Bette, Wayne, their son Tim, 225 cows, and 600 tillable acres. Bette handles the bookwork, cooking for the crew, and babysitting the grandkids. Wayne takes pride in feeding the dairy cows and tending to the calves and heifers. Dakota, Wayne’s grandson, loves to be by his side feeding “grandpa’s calves”. Tim keeps records on all the cows and plans each day including the milking. Out of the 225 Jersey Cows 124 are currently milked in the parlor that son Rodney planned and built with a double eight-raped exit system. Tim is assisted in the twice-a-day milking by Chris Herron (daughter in law), grandson Kyle and Rylee Farmer, a friend of the family, who is also the Columbiana County Dairy Princess. Alyssa is the adorable 2yr old in charge of hugging and kissing the cats.
Eleanor
#44
When asked what keeps them coming back generation after generation as Dairy Farmers, the Herron family looked around at each other and in unison said “the cows”. They love the cows. Eleanor, the oldest milking cow at 10 yrs, wears a bell around her neck. Kyle (grandson) swears he can feel Eleanor’s bones creek when he rests a hand on her back to help steady her. Kyle says this is her last year for milking and will be placed with grandpa’s (Wayne) other Eleanor’s that are non-milking. The family joke is that Wayne calls all the older cows Eleanor and they all become his favorite to live out a happy life on the farm. Then there is the feisty #44 Dairy Cow who will snatch the ball cap off your head and run with it. When you catch #44 and get your hat back, turn around and you will see a big cow tongue sticking out at you. Each cow has its own personality and name, and each family member has a different favorite. The Jersey Dairy Cows on the Herron Jersey Family Farm have definitely reached treasured pet status.
Bringing in the cows
Wayne and Betty Herron are not only outstanding Dairy Farmers they keep themselves informed and up to date with the industry. They are active in the Farm Bureau, and Winona Methodist Church. Wayne is involved in the Tri-County Ruritan, and serves as a Butler Township Trustee. Betty is actively promoting the Dairy industry by involving herself in the Columbiana County Dairy Boosters, holding the position of Director of the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council Mid East (ADAC Mid East), and Director of United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA), and Dairy Management Incorporated (DMI).
We at Minerva Cheese Factory have the utmost respect for our individual dairy producers. Strong family values and an unmatched work ethic continue to sustain this vital group of quality dairy farmers. Family members work side by side to keep small family farming alive for generations to come. We at Minerva Cheese Factory feel a strong connection with our farmers and the great work that they do. The purpose of this page is to highlight each unique dairy farm and pay tribute to their dedication. The highlighted farm will change every few months so keep checking back!
*Out of respect for our Amish Dairy Farmers and their culture we do not take their picture from any angle to use in the media.
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