350 | Ice Cream, Show Cows and Family Values: The Vandoske Dairy Farms Story
Today, Peggy Coffeen visits Bob and Tara Vandoske at Vandoske Dairy Farms in Cleveland, Wisconsin, to discuss how their 700-cow family dairy farm has grown into diverse business segments, including County Line Creamery, an on-farm ice cream store with viewing windows and open barn access, and a cattle boarding/show-cow facility. They share the farm’s multi-generational history, their three children’s roles (including show involvement and work responsibilities), and how these ventures create next-generation opportunities and consumer connection.
Bob explains the creamery grew from COVID-era interest in local food, progressed through careful planning, and started by bringing in products rather than processing milk. They describe the boarding business’ unexpected growth, recent dairy facility upgrades including a new double-12 parallel parlor, and the importance of faith, teamwork, and relationships. NutriQuest nutritionist Jeff Rortvedt, highlights the farm’s multiple enterprises and Bob’s investments in cow care and the future.
This episode is brought to you be NutriQuest.
The NutriQuest Dairy Nutrition Team is a group of experienced nutritionists committed to serving dairy producers by partnering with them to develop an un-biased, customized nutrition program that delivers maximum profitability, achieved through a holistic approach, engaging in all aspects that influence nutrition program success.
The NutriQuest Dairy Team is committed to serving the dairy industry and delivering their customers’ consistent results with a high return. Learn more at nutriquest.com/dairy-nutrition-solutions
01:49 Vandoske Farm Story
03:06 Kids and Farm Roles
04:51 Why Not 10000 Cows
05:33 County Line Creamery Idea
08:33 Planning the Build Out
11:05 Why Ice Cream Wins
12:27 Cattle Boarding Begins
15:37 Designing the Show Barn
18:11 Busy Saturdays and Events
21:02 Three Years of Rapid Growth
21:30 Heavy Decisions and Faith
21:51 Hardest Choices and New Roles
24:17 Dairy Upgrades and New Parlor
27:43 Raising the Next Generation
29:44 Future Plans and Tractor Time
35:25 A Nutritionist's Perspective
