David Krafft
Hometown: Frankenmuth, Michigan
District: 4
David Krafft is the fifth-generation farmer on his family’s dairy, Krafft Farms LLC, in Frankenmuth, Mich. Established in 1872, the farm is now operated by David and his father, who milk 120 Holstein cows using two robotic parlors. Guided by the mission to “work hard and be good at it,” David and his father aspire to expand their legacy by opening a creamery in Frankenmuth.
Q&A:
Q: What’s your favorite chore? Why?
Fetching cows. It is a peaceful walk through the barn where I get to hang out with over 100 of my best friends.
Q: What’s one practice you’d try on your farm if you knew it was impossible to fail?
I would put a week’s worth of food in front of the cows so that they always have food in front of them so that I don’t have to mix every morning.
Erich Lautner
Hometown: Traverse City, Michigan
District: 4
Erich Lautner is the fifth-generation farmer on his family’s farm, Lautner Dairy Farm, in Traverse City, Mich. Established in 1991, the dairy is run by Erich and his father, Terry, who milk 80 cows in a double-eight parallel parlor. Guided by a commitment to sustainability, the farm has turned its geographic limitations into opportunities by diversifying into the cherry industry. Looking to the future, Erich is dedicated to preserving the family legacy by ensuring his children have the chance to take over the farm and plans to expand their operations with the addition of a bottling facility.
Q&A:
Q: What’s your farms greatest achievement?
Staying strong through it all. My grandfather joined MMPA back in 1952 and back then he believed in what the CO-OP stood for. Two years after he received his 35-year letter he passed, and my father took over the operation and he received his 35-year letter last year. Currently we are the only dairy farm remaining in Leelanau County with many challenges with urban sprawl, but we have built an operation that fits where we are.
Q: Describe your farm management style in three words.
Adaptive, innovative, and calm.
Ty & Tammy Spicher
Hometown: Paw Paw, Michigan
District: 2
Ty and Tammy Spicher are fourth generation farmers on Hood Farms Family Dairy, in Paw Paw, Mich. Established in the 1890s, the farm began milking cows in the 1940s and currently milks 480 Holstein cows in a parallel parlor. The Spichers are dedicated to “working together to ensure the production of high-quality milk.” They fulfill this mission by continuously evolving and improving with new technologies and efficiencies while maintain a focus on herd health, along with productivity.
Q&A:
Q: What’s your farms greatest achievement?
Having our farm in the family for over 100 years were the 4th generation in dairy farming.
Q: How can someone easily improve their milk quality?
Minimize stress to the cow, provide a clean environment, consistent milk routine and schedule and diet. It takes a team of people.
Ross & Markel Williams
Hometown: Homer, Michigan
District: 2
Ross and Markel Williams, sixth-generation farmers, operate Ross and Markel Farms LLC in Homer, Mich. Established in 1849, the farm currently milks 100 cows using two robotic parlors. Committed to producing high-quality milk and ensuring exceptional animal health, the Williams plan to uphold this mission as they expand their herd and explore potential diversification opportunities.
Q&A:
Q: What do you love about being a farmer?
I love being able to care for animals. It’s one thing that brings me the greatest joys in life. It is sometimes stressful but there is more you gain out of it, just between bonding with the animals.
Zach Steiner
Hometown: Creston, Ohio
District: 1
Zach Steiner works alongside his parents and brother, Christian, on Steinhurst Farms LLC, in Creston, Ohio. Established in 1959, the farm currently milks 675 Holstein cows in a double-ten parallel parlor. The Steiners are dedicated to maintaining healthy cows that produce high-quality milk. This commitment is reflected in their focus on employee care, clear communication of job expectations and always remembering they are a dairy farm first. Their future goals at the farm are to become the most efficient 700 cow herd with their current facilities.
Q&A:
Q: What’s your farms greatest achievement?
Our greatest achievement here at Steinhurst Farms over the short three years that I have been employed full-time has been our relationship with our employees. Our farm belief is that a healthy cow produces high quality milk, and that is only possible with exceptional handlers. My family strives to bridge the gap between owners and employees, and it starts with the way we all treat each other. The success in the milk tank will follow.
Q: Describe your farm management style in three words.
Consistency, Efficient, Grace
This article was originally published in the May/June 2025 issue of the Milk Messenger. Subscribe »