WKSU: Family Farms

Family Farms declined during the 1980s...but across the nation and here in Ohio the numbers have started to stabilize. In Lorain County, third generation dairy farmer Dave Conrad and his brother maintain a 300 cow herd.

In "Family Farms," WKSU's Kevin Niedermier interviews Conrad, who talks about the grind of milking three times a day, everyday...and the satisfaction the job gives him. He also describes the changes in the industry since his grandfather bought the property decades ago...changes such as stricter environmental laws and urban sprawl. And he wonders whether or not his kids will carry on the tradition. Listen to "Family Farms" full-length audio - part one Listen to "Family Farms" full-length audio - part two Read or Print a transcript of part one Read or Print a transcript of part two



Lorain County dairy farmer Dave Conrad shows WKSU's Kevin Niedermier how today's farms use a mix of traditional and modern tools to run much of the business right from the barn... Listen to part one of the Dave Conrad interview Listen to part two of the Dave Conrad interview



NASS -- The National Agricultural Statistics Service web site. United Producers, Inc. -- Devoted to helping producers market their livestock, by offering networking services, forward pricing, risk-management services, insurance products, and genetic improvement programs. Ohio Department of Agriculture -- Provides regulatory protection to producers, agribusinesses and the consuming public; promotes Ohio agricultural products in domestic and international markets; and educates the citizens of Ohio about its agricultural industry. OFWN.org -- The Ontario Farm Women's Network is a provincial network of farm women who act together to identify and address issues important to farm women, farm families and the family farm.





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