With a resolute desire to continually improve, McCarty Family Farms has grown exponentially over the years thanks to determination, innovation, strategic planning and community support. From their humble beginnings of milking a handful of cows in Pennsylvania, this family-owned venture now boasts five dairy operations in two states, a milk condensing plant and grain storage facilities. The journey of the McCarty Family Farms is a true testament to the power of strategic planning, teamwork, and valuable partnerships.
A Legacy of Growth and Innovation
McCarty Family Farms embodies the spirit of continuous growth and a commitment to excellence. They have expanded their operations significantly by leveraging innovation and forward-thinking strategies. This approach has allowed them to set up five dairy farms, each efficiently managed to ensure the highest standards of productivity and quality. Their partnership with the VanTilburg family to build MVP Dairy and the Dairy Learning Center in Celina, Ohio, illustrates their ability to think outside the box and their milk condensing plant and grain storage facilities further exemplify their dedication to optimizing their resources and operations.
“Success is not a path that you walk alone, and that extends to the local communities that have supported us,” says Ken McCarty, one of the farm’s owners. The unwavering support of the local communities has played a crucial role in their success. By fostering robust relationships with neighbors, the McCarty family has built a network of support vital to their growth and resilience.
Partnership with Danone
A critical element of their success has been their partnership with Danone, a Europe-based company. McCarty notes that working with Danone provides them with valuable insights into emerging regulations and consumer expectations. This partnership allows McCarty Family Farms to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring that they not only meet, but exceed industry standards and customer expectations.
“We have good fortune of having a customer that is progressively minded that has very high levels of expectation, which translates down to how we operate our farms and kind of how we operate our business,” McCarty says.
This collaboration has been instrumental in pushing McCarty Family Farms to continually refine their practices and uphold a culture of continuous improvement.
Embracing Technological Advancements
Technology plays a pivotal role at McCarty Family Farms. Innovating is crucial in standardizing farm practices, reducing labor and benefiting team welfare.
“We have a responsibility that the farms carry on, and the ability to implement technology, whether it be software-based, standardized data collection or data presentation technology to make the job of the teams on the farm or in the plant or wherever, better and easier and more consistent,” McCarty says. This commitment includes transitioning to Microsoft-based software within their teams and using Power BI for comprehensive data analysis.
McCarty points out that they have a unique viewpoint, as they have a connection with a product from the cow all the way to the finished good.
“It challenges us to think differently,” he says, noting that having this viewpoint helps them to be more progressively minded when looking at their operation.
McCarty notes that anything that they can do to standardize practices on the farm, drive down labor, and benefit the welfare of their team members is worth pursuing. He says there are benefits when implementing technology and management that go beyond just reducing pressure on their teams and farms.
With a deep commitment to caring for their land, cattle, and people, McCarty underscores the importance of doing the right thing, even with projects that may not always have a defined financial ROI.
“Doing things right is the first and most important part of the equation to consider in our view,” he shares.
Innovative Practices
McCarty also points out that technological decisions are heavily dependent on the providers and their expertise to help them be successful.
“We recently transitioned to Microsoft-based software within our teams and work with Power BI purely for data collection and data analysis perspectives,” he says. The goal is to streamline all data points into a standardized platform that is easily accessible.
They have also implemented Valley AGS, Parlor Boss, and are moving towards a needleless injection system to improve efficiency.
“We are hoping to streamline the efficiency of team members, days and schedules, but most importantly, the cow schedule,” he says.
Genomic Testing: A Game Changer
Genomic testing has been a tremendous tool in McCarty’s toolbox. They’ve tested 68,000 females since they began genomic testing in 2018.
“The value of genomic testing has evolved over time,” McCarty admits, noting he had initially resisted implementing genomic testing as dollars could be allocated elsewhere, such as focusing on improving facilities. However, he shares that the significant ROI, particularly with beef-on-dairy crossbreeding, has proven its worth.
McCarty eagerly anticipates new genomic results each month, which provide valuable perspectives on their progress and future direction.
“It’s those sorts of things that keep it fun and interesting,” he says. Their focus remains on high health traits, moderately framed animals with fantastic, long-lasting udders, and they continue to explore traits like feed efficiency and methane emission reductions.
For the past five years, the McCarty’s have implemented beef-on-dairy with their breeding program.
“All animals are ranked from a genomic perspective and the top half of the breeding herd creates the next generation, and the bottom half goes to beef, regardless of age or stage,” he says.
Currently, the McCarty’s market those cross calves as day olds. They recognize there may be some additional value in retaining ownership, their preference is to take away the burden on their employees.
“When we have an opportunity in front of us, our attitude is, we’re going to take it, and that’s really our approach when it comes to the beef-on-dairy side of things,” McCarty shares, noting they work really close with the buyer to generate the kind of calf that will benefits everyone involved.
Looking Ahead
McCarty Family Farms stands out as a model of balancing tradition with innovation. With their eyes set on continuous improvement and strategic partnerships, they demonstrate that forward-thinking choices and deep-rooted values can coexist to drive significant growth and excellence in the agricultural industry.
