A Legacy of Stewardship: Dykstra Dairy
Near the Sioux and Plymouth county line, you’ll find Dykstra Dairy. A family that is a testament to hard work, faith, and a commitment to dairy excellence. Established in 2003 by Darin Dykstra, the farm has grown into a thriving operation with deep roots in family and community.
Eli and his wife Anna, Micah, Linda & Darin Dykstra.
The Dykstra Family
The Dykstra family consists of: Darin and Linda, and their sons Eli and Micah. Together, they embody the dedication and teamwork that fuel the farm’s success. Darin’s journey in dairy farming began years earlier, working on his family’s dairy in Southern California. In 2002, the Dykstra’s made the life-changing decision to move to Iowa, seeking new opportunities. By February 2003, the dairy was up and running, laying the foundation for what has become a flourishing business.
A Growing Vision
Dykstra Dairy has continually evolved to meet the needs of the modern dairy industry. In 2010, the family built a heifer ranch to raise their own calves, a move that enhanced the quality and consistency of their herd. Over the years, they’ve expanded their farmland, striving for greater self-sufficiency in feed production. This commitment to growth and sustainability reflects their dedication to improving both their farm and the environment.
Dairy at a Glance
Today, Dykstra Dairy milks 3,000 Holsteins three times a day using a state-of-the-art double 44 parallel parlor. The farm also grows a variety of crops, including corn for silage, soybeans, and cover crops like rye and oats. Recently, they began growing corn for grain, further diversifying their operation and ensuring they’re prepared for the future.
Passion for Progress
What excites the Dykstra family most about dairy farming? “Seeing the improvements in genetics in both our cows and crops that allow them to reach such high potential,” they share. It’s this dedication to continuous improvement that sets Dykstra Dairy apart. By combining innovation with tradition, they’ve built a farm that’s as resilient as it is productive.
Words of Encouragement
For the Dykstra family, their faith plays a central role in their work. “Knowing that everything we have on our farm is a gift from God helps me have a mindset of stewardship so that I can better care for the land and animals He has given us,” Darin and Eli reflect. “We are not the ones ultimately in control, even though we try to be. It is by God’s grace that we are able to have productive land and animals.”
This perspective not only sustains the Dykstra’s in their daily work but also serves as a source of inspiration for others in the dairy industry.
