Cornbelt Dairy: A Legacy of Tradition and Innovation
Founded in 1876, Cornbelt Dairy has been a cornerstone of Cherokee County, with milking cows on the farm since the very beginning. Today, Mark and Sara, along with their son Joe, his wife Jill, and their child George (with another on the way), carry forward this proud family legacy. Mark’s father and uncle started selling milk commercially in 1947 with an 8-stanchion barn, and over the years, the farm has grown to its current capacity, milking 80 registered Holsteins in a double-8 parlor. A tornado in 1952 led to the construction of a 12-stanchion barn, and in 1990, Mark built a freestall barn, followed by the current milking parlor in 1993. Looking toward the future, the family plans to transition to a robotic milking system in 2025, with hopes of increasing the herd size as well.
Joe and Jill, along with Joe's parents, Mark & Sara Wilcox.
Beyond dairy farming, they also cultivate corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, ensuring their operation remains diverse and self-sustaining. As the only dairy farm in Cherokee County, the Wilcoxes are passionate about sharing their story with the local community. Every year, they host 5th-grade students from three nearby schools, giving them a firsthand look at where their milk comes from and how it’s produced.
Family members reflects on the challenges and rewards of dairy farming: “Dairying can be challenging, but it helps to remember that we are carrying on a legacy of all our family farms and hope to make it sustainable for years and generations to come. Also, who else gets to bring their kid to work every day?!”
George Wilcox with one of his favorite calves.
As they prepare for the future, the Wilcox family remains committed to blending tradition with innovation, ensuring that their farm thrives for future generations. With exciting plans for expansion and technology upgrades, they are eager to continue sharing their passion for dairy with both their local community and beyond.
George Wilcox poses with dad, Joe and grandpa, Mark during his first planting season.
