Patrick Christian, a dairy farmer from Lomira, Wisconsin, never thought he would return to the family farm after pursuing a career in education. Like many young people raised on farms, he initially sought a different path. However, fate had other plans for him. Eventually, Patrick merged his passion for education with his love for dairy farming, and that decision has propelled the Christian family farm to new heights.
Growing up on the family farm, Patrick and his brothers were encouraged by their parents, Dale and Mary, to explore their interests and determine if farming was their calling. While Patrick initially pursued a degree in elementary education with a minor in biology, he soon found himself feeling burnt out from teaching. At the same time, the family farm was undergoing its first expansion in 2005, drawing Patrick back to the farm for what he thought would be a temporary break from education.
However, one farm project led to another, and before he knew it, Patrick had fully immersed himself in the operations of Christian Hill Dairy. Today, the farm is a testament to the Christian family’s dedication and hard work. With Dale and Mary at the helm, along with their four sons—Patrick, Chris, Curt, and Bob—the farm now milks 2,600 cows three times a day. Their latest expansion included upgrading their parlor to accommodate more cows, with plans to further expand to 4,000 head in the near future.
Despite the challenges that come with running a large-scale dairy operation, Patrick remains committed to sharing his knowledge and creating a culture of learning and growth among his employees. He understands the importance of effective training and consistency in executing daily tasks on the farm. To achieve this, Patrick utilises standard operating procedures (SOPs) provided in Merck’s Dairy Care365 program, ensuring that each procedure is clearly defined and followed by all employees.
In addition to managing the farm’s day-to-day operations, Patrick also oversees the farm’s books and milk quality program. His background in education and leadership has equipped him with the skills needed to inspire and motivate his team. By conducting regular employee meetings and incorporating unique learning opportunities, Patrick ensures that his employees are engaged and motivated to deliver their best work.
Reflecting on his journey back to the family farm, Patrick acknowledges the parallels between education and farming, especially when it comes to the challenge of finding and retaining skilled workers. However, his passion for dairy farming and his commitment to continuous improvement have driven him to overcome these challenges and lead Christian Hill Dairy to success.
One of the key highlights of Patrick’s career in dairy farming has been his involvement in industry organisations like the National Mastitis Council. As the president of the board of directors, he has been able to contribute to the advancement of milk quality standards and network with other industry professionals. Patrick recognises the value of staying engaged with industry events and leveraging the latest technologies and practices to ensure the success of his farm.
For Patrick, the excitement of the dairy farming landscape is unmatched. Each day, as he watches a tanker of milk leave the farm, he takes pride in knowing that he is helping to feed people around the world with a nutritious product. As a community leader, Patrick also takes the opportunity to share his knowledge and passion for agriculture with local schools and organisations, inspiring the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders.
Looking back on his decision to return to the family farm nearly two decades ago, Patrick has no regrets. The blend of education and farming has allowed him to fully embrace his calling and make a lasting impact on both his family and the broader farming community. As he continues to innovate and drive the success of Christian Hill Dairy, Patrick remains committed to upholding the values of hard work, dedication, and continuous learning that have defined his journey in the dairy industry.
In conclusion, Patrick Christian’s story is a testament to the enduring spirit of family farming and the power of education in driving innovation and growth in the agricultural sector. Through his unwavering commitment to excellence and continuous improvement, Patrick has set a shining example for the next generation of dairy farmers and agricultural leaders. His unique blend of education and farming experiences has shaped him into a visionary leader who is dedicated to making a positive impact on his family, his community, and the wider agricultural industry. As we look to the future of dairy farming in Australia and beyond, Patrick’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of passion, perseverance, and a commitment to lifelong learning in achieving success in agriculture.
