Three Generations of Productive Agriculturalists
Herman Roberts
Holsteins, hay bales, and hard work would be three things that would accurately describe my childhood. Growing up, my five siblings and I spent the majority of our time during the summer months under the hot sun working on my family’s organic dairy farm. You start by watering the calves when you’re young, transitioning into moving pipe around late elementary and early junior high, then hauling hay by the time you’re graduated from high school. Everyone played a role in the operation and was seen as a valuable and integral part of the farm. Throughout my time on the farm, I’ve learned many invaluable lessons, from learning how to take initiative to gaining a mindset of efficiency and productivity. However, the best thing that the dairy has given me is a strong family dynamic. As an eighth-generation farmer, agriculture has not only been an occupation for us, but a lifestyle that has brought us together.
On our dairy, we have three generations of family involved. First off, we have my grandparents, Ellis and Mary Jo Roberts. They had six kids, my dad being both the oldest boy and second oldest within those six. David, my dad, met Kayla, my mom, and they got married, moved a couple blocks down the road, and had six children as well. Hannah, my older sister, is currently 24 years old and is the second oldest out of the children, just like my father. My grandpa, my dad, and my sister all embody what it means to be a productive agriculturist.
Hannah is the worker. She’s the leader of the third generation and has always had an inborn fondness for the responsibilities that come along with farming. Hannah is happiest when she’s busy, whether that’s rolling up fences, fixing water troughs, or swathing in the tractor. She is efficient, determined, and reliable. She is true to her word and is honest with her thoughts. Hannah is always the first to volunteer when there’s work to be done. She rarely complains and takes things on with a positive mind. She is the reason why our operation runs so consistently.
My father is the manager. He oversees the entire dairy from crops to cows. My father is the smartest man I know, both in general and in farming. He is tasked with managing all the business logistics, from employees to finances. He also has to be the problem-solver. My dad always navigates problems with an analytical mindset. Not only that, but he is the leader of Renown Dairy, in which he leads seriously, intelligently, and decisively. He is the reason why our operation continues to grow in a positive direction.
My grandpa is the director. He is always considering the next step and is optimistic about change. He laid the foundation for us to get involved and treats us grand kids with respect despite how young we might be. He is a teacher, a mentor, and a friend to us as well. Many of my memories with my grandpa involve the farm in some way, whether that be fixing irrigation problems or putting pipe away for the winter. My grandpa is the definition of a servant leader and has always been an example in my life. He is the reason why Renown Dairy has been successful from the beginning.
Ultimately, I cannot even begin to express how genuinely grateful I am for my sister, my father, and my grandpa. They have put a tremendous amount of time and effort into our farm, which has helped me in my personal life as well. They serve as my role models not only in my agricultural pursuits, but in my personal endeavors as well.
As an association, we are very appreciative of all the farmers within our great state. Agriculture in Idaho is so vital and important to the state as a whole, and we recognize the efforts of those who are involved within that sector. Thank you to those who are in production agriculture and who help to advance our industry day-in and day-out.