A no-nonsense checklist for first-time dairy buyers from your friends at DairyRealty.com.
1. What’s the water situation?
- Are there water rights?
- Is there enough supply for both cows and crops?
- What’s the quality, flow rate, and seasonal reliability?
2. Is the infrastructure functional, or a fixer-upper?
- Condition of the parlor, freestalls, waterers, feed lanes, fences, and manure system
- Is everything code-compliant, or will you be wrestling with permits?
3. Are cows included in the sale?
- If yes, ask for complete herd health and production records
- If no, what’s the local availability and cost to source quality replacements?
4. How self-sufficient is the operation on feed?
- Can you grow your own forage?
- How much land is tillable, irrigated, or leased?
- What’s the local feed cost if you need to buy?
5. What’s the current (or potential) production level?
- Look at rolling herd averages, SCC, and component tests
- Ask: is this a high-producing, well-managed herd—or one running on fumes?
6. What equipment is included?
- Is there a full lineup of tractors, mixers, and skidders—or just a rusty wheelbarrow and a prayer?
7. What does the P&L say?
- Request 3 years of profit/loss statements, balance sheets, and milk checks
- Ask to review labor costs, vet bills, feed expenses, and loan obligations
8. What’s the local market and processor access?
- Who buys the milk?
- Is there more than one processor in the area?
- What’s the hauling fee and route?
9. What’s the housing situation?
- Is there on-site housing for owners and/or workers?
- What condition is it in?
- Could you Airbnb it for extra cashflow if needed?
10. Who’s on your advisory team?
- Realtor or broker (ideally someone who speaks Dairy fluently)
- Ag lender or FSA contact
- CPA who understands farm taxes
- Nutritionist, vet, and an old-timer down the road who’s seen it all
Bonus:
Ask yourself—Do I love cows enough to shovel manure in the rain at 4:45 a.m.?
If yes: you’re built for this.
Print this. Bookmark it. Tape it to the tractor dash.
And when you’re ready to find your first dairy, hop over to DairyRealty.com — where big dreams and four-hooved futures are always welcome.