Michigan farmer captures the heartbreak over her dairy’s closure

When Julie Alexander said “I do” 31 years ago to a dairy farmer, she had no idea the experiences they would have and the memories they would make on their Michigan operation, Na-Lar Farm. Forty years after the dairy farm started, she had no idea the response her thoughts on the family’s exit from the industry would garner on social media. Alexander posted, to her husband, Jeff’s, initial chagrin, her thoughts as the cattle trucks left their yard one last time and their days as a dairy family ended. She recounted the rewards and challenges of their life on the dairy farm that struck a chord online with those familiar with life on a farm, and those who are not.“I worked extensively at creating that to make sure my message was what I wanted it to be,” she said. “Something that would offer not only insight but a better understanding for those not involved in agriculture.”