In the dairy world, Sundays are rarely perfect in the traditional sense. The cows still need milking, the chores don’t pause for a day of rest, and the weight of the week’s challenges often follows us into the parlor.
This October, World Dairy Expo attendees will be invited to gather in the Tanbarks to witness a different kind of perfection — one rooted in resilience, vulnerability, and the shared hope that defines our lifestyle.
World Dairy Expo will host a special screening of Perfect Sundays, a compelling six-part limited TV series filmed right in the heart of Chester and Berks County, Pennsylvania — dairy country.
The series doesn’t just showcase the picture-perfect landscape of our industry; it dives deep into the soul of the farm family, exploring the intersection of family, farming, faith, and community.
Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
While the backdrop of the show is beautiful, the story is unflinchingly real. Perfect Sundays follows a fictional dairy family as they navigate a devastating tragedy on their operation. It is a journey that many in our industry know all too well — the internal battles that often remain hidden behind the barn doors.
“Hope — and ice cream — are at the center of this series as this fictional dairy farm family navigates a tragedy on the farm,” says Jayne Sebright, Executive Director at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “It is a heartfelt journey of resilience and hope, and it should resonate with anyone who recognizes the internal battles of depression.”
For an industry that prides itself on grit and perseverance, the topic of mental health has long been the unfortunate silent storm in the countryside. By bringing this story to life on actual U.S. dairies, the creators have provided a mirror for the community, reminding us that while the work is often solitary, we are never truly alone.
A Night of Connection and Conversation
This event is designed to be more than just a screening; it is an act of community. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the first episode of the series, followed by meaningful conversation about the themes woven throughout the show.
Creator and producer Samuel Goldberg, along with the Matthews family of Milky Way Farm and other industry leaders, will lead an open conversation focused on the real-life challenges depicted in Perfect Sundays. It promises to be a moment of collective vulnerability — a space where producers can set down the weight of “hyper-responsibility” for an hour and find strength in one another’s stories.
“Never Alone”
As we navigate slim margins and rapid industry shifts, the sense of community has never been more important. We are often so busy cultivating crops that we forget to cultivate the support systems that keep our own hearts beating.
“We thought this would be a special opportunity for the ag community to watch the beginning of the series and a good reminder that we are never alone when facing challenges on the farm,” says Sebright.
Whether you are a multi-generational owner, an intern just starting your journey, or a neighbor to the industry, this preview is an invitation to pause. It is a reminder that our identity is rooted in more than just the work — it is rooted in the faith and the family that holds us together when the “perfect” days seem far away.
Come to watch a fellow dairy producer’s story unfold. Stay for the conversation. Leave with the knowledge that the heartbeat of the dairy industry is strongest when we stand together.
