23 | Loyd Borntrager, Borntrager Dairy

Loyd Borntrager is a second-generation dairy farmer from south-central Kansas who has transitioned his family farm from conventional dairying to a pasture-based, direct-to-consumer raw dairy model. At Borntrager Dairy, Loyd focuses on grass-fed production, once-a-day milking, and building a resilient farm business centered on quality, family life, and strong customer relationships. His operation includes Dutch Belted cattle, on-farm dairy processing, and diversified livestock enterprises.Topics Covered in This EpisodeTransitioning from conventional to grass-based dairyingWhy Dutch Belted cattle fit a grazing dairy systemOnce-a-day milking and its impact on cows and family lifeDirect-to-consumer raw milk sales under Kansas lawProducing cheese, yogurt, butter, and other dairy products on-farmUsing sprouted barley fodder as winter feedPasture species mixes for dairy cows in a 30-inch rainfall regionStrip grazing, fencing, and water infrastructureIntegrating layers, hogs, and pastured rabbits into the farm systemShifting mindset from production volume to product qualityWhy This Episode Matters This episode offers a real-world look at what it takes to move away from volume-driven agriculture and toward a quality-focused, customer-centered farm business. Loyd shares practical lessons about breed selection, grazing management, and lifestyle tradeoffs, making this conversation especially valuable for graziers considering dairying, diversification, or direct marketing.Resources MentionedThe Forgiveness of Nature by Charles WaltersAcres USAStockman Grass Farmer magazineFind Out MoreWebsite: https://borntragerdairy.comSocial media: Facebook and Instagram (Borntrager Dairy)Email list: Available through the Borntrager Dairy website Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey