A Farm Dream Realized: Inside McGarry Dairy’s Award-Winning Journey

McGarry Dairy in Enosburg Falls, VT, is the realization of Diane and Ed McGarry's shared dream. After studying agriculture in college and working extensively with farmers, the couple began milking their own herd in 1989 and officially established McGarry Dairy in 1993. 

"It was in my blood."

The couple met while employed as University of Vermont extension agents, and Ed continued working as an extension agent for a few years after they got married, later deciding to pursue farming full-time. "People thought I was crazy to give up my steady job," Ed recalls with a chuckle, "but it was in my blood, and I knew I would never be happy if I didn't at least try. From the time I was little, farming was what I knew I wanted to do." 

Although neither Diane nor Ed grew up on farms, they both had family members involved in agriculture and were exposed to that lifestyle at a young age. Diane shared her husband's dream. "Running your own business is always a challenge, but a challenge can be fun," she says. "I've always liked animals, doing physical work, and being outside." The New York State natives searched all over northern New York and Vermont for a farm to purchase and eventually found one just six miles from where they were living at the time.

Passing the Torch

Today, Diane and Ed are in the process of transitioning ownership of the farm to their youngest son, Brian, a Virginia Tech graduate. "Brian has brought a lot of great new ideas and practices to the table," says Ed. "He has stayed up to date on current technology and trends and has proven that he has what it takes to continue managing this farm at a high level." Brian has worked closely with his family, the state of Vermont, and independent research partners to implement progressive animal and land management practices.

The herd has grown from about 40 milking cows in 1989 to roughly 120 today, and the McGarrys raise all of their own replacement heifers, bringing the total to about 200 animals on the farm. "It's important to me to grow the farm in a way that makes sense for our land and business model," says Brian. "Herd health is absolutely critical to making high-quality milk—happy cows are productive cows." The McGarry Dairy herd enjoys customized feed rations developed by a nutritionist, a free-stall barn equipped with spacious stalls fitted with mattresses, and animal health is monitored hourly through wearable technology.

Sustainable Growth

In addition to growing the herd at a sustainable rate, Brian, Diane, and Ed have also implemented a number of forward-thinking land practices. McGarry Dairy uses limited tillage to preserve soil integrity, manure injection to minimize environmental impact, and crop rotation to conserve soil fertility and composition. "I've worked closely with researchers and agronomists to implement these practices. They're not only environmentally sustainable, they're economically sustainable and allow our farm to continue its legacy here in Vermont," Brian remarks.

The McGarrys' dedication to excellence and sustainability was recognized when they were honored as the 2021 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. This made for a full-circle moment for the McGarrys, receiving the award for being an exemplary dairy farm by the University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry in cooperation with the New England Green Pastures program. 

A Legacy of Farming Leadership

Brian McGarry continues the family legacy of dairy farming leadership, recently named an inductee to the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame as the recipient of the 2024 Emerging Leader award. The category highlights emerging leaders under 40, “the next generation of agricultural leaders in Vermont who are poised to lead the Ag community into the future.” His recognition highlighted many notable efforts, including being a leader in exploring new technologies, his remarkable efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact, and his active membership on the Agri-Mark/Cabot Creamery Sustainable Farms Committee. 

Together, the McGarrys' extensive background and passion gives them a broad perspective on the dairy business, and they greatly appreciate the value of the Agri-Mark coop and Cabot brand. "So much has changed since we were extension agents thirty years ago. You can't just do things the way your father or grandfather did them. You have to stay on top of your game," Diane says. "With fewer and fewer people involved directly in agriculture, we have to have a voice out there. I think it's good to show consumers the faces behind the milk."

Speaking of faces behind the milk, if you'd like to get a closer look at the farm, you can rent the McGarry's 1860 Farmhouse for a taste of Vermont.