Holstein World: You have made one of the toughest transitions in the dairy industry - taking over the family farm from previous generations.  Are you glad that you had the chance to continue the family farm?  Pros and cons of doing that?  Advice to others going through the same transition?

Long: I taught school for three years and decided I wanted to do something else.  My parents had a dispersal in 2000, but started milking some cows again.  We made the decision to move back and help my parents out on the family farm.  I don’t think there is a better place to raise a family than on a farm.  Our kids love being able to see grandpa and grandma everyday.  There are always ups and downs when you are in this business.  It seems there is always something that needs fixing or something comes up that is unexpected.  However, the rewards that come along with working with good cows and good people make it all worth it.  Getting to know other people in this industry has been very rewarding as well.