BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The dairy industry has seen a dip in milk consumption according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) but Carl Chaney and his facility, Chaney's Dairy Barn is still going strong.
What You Need To Know
- Chaney owns 60 dairy cows on his farm
- Dairy farms have dwindled to 421 from 2,100 in Kentucky, according to Chaney
- Ice cream production from homegrown milk has been a big key in staying afloat
Chaney says he owns 60 cows who produce over 3,000 pounds of milk. He then uses the milk for ice cream, which he says has been a saving grace.
“Honestly, if it wasn't for the dairy barn and the ice cream store subsidizing the dairy farm, we might have had to sell the cows," said Chaney. "Right now, we are making about 800 gallons of ice cream a week."
Customers like Barbara Martin are no stranger to the farm and its menu. She has been coming to Chaney's Dairy Barn for five years now and is grateful to have such a dedicated local farmer.
“It’s exciting to have somebody that is dedicated that much," said Martin. "Putting their milk into their own ice cream and making it and everything, so it's nice to have someone like that in the area.”
The Chaney family has been farming for over 80 years and each cow produces around $15,000 in revenue.
Despite the difficulties, Chaney is looking to keep the family tradition alive.
“I’m fourth generation on this farm, and to me, there is a big responsibility to keep it going," said Chaney. "To see my nieces and kids be involved and interested, it really is a good feeling.”
Chaney's Dairy Barn is open every day Monday through Sunday.