National Dairy Month: MWI manager by day, dairy manager at night
By MWI Animal Health
In honor of National Dairy Month, we wanted to recognize and talk to members of the MWI team who are passionate about the dairy industry. Jami Van Loon, Territory Manager – Livestock, has a life-long connection to agriculture and, more recently, helps run her family's dairies in Breckenridge, MI.
Read below to learn more about Jami!
How did you get into the dairy industry?
I grew up my whole life as a "farm girl" in our small town of 1200 people. I married into the industry in 2013 but was involved since 2008/2009 when I started dating my husband. We had a finishing beef farm, raised about 4500 beef cattle, and farmed about 5000 acres. I have been around cash crop and cattle my whole life and had the opportunity to see my family, including my dad, uncles, and brothers, working on our farm every day. Looking back, it was super cool.
How are you currently involved in the industry? (ie. Own/operate farm, member of dairy associations, etc.)
My husband's family (brother, sister, and mom) own and operate two dairies and run five businesses, including an equipment company my father-in-law created. My father-in-law invented the VLM mower, the world's largest towable mower. We manufacture and sell these along with other hay tools, mixer wagons and manure management equipment. You can learn more about our company, Marloo Equipment, here!
Why are you passionate about the industry?
I am passionate about this industry because society has a huge disconnect, especially among our youth. If I am not pushing the correct information or diving in to help, I am also part of the problem.
What's something you wish other people knew about dairy?
It is HARD—not for the weak. It takes a lot of blood, sweat, tears, and
drive to get the job done. People might also not know how much
technology is needed in our line of work.
What's your favorite meal/recipe with a dairy product as a
main ingredient?
I make a killer spicy spinach artichoke dip!
