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The Stovall Family Farm
Mark Stovall, a second-generation dairy farmer from Ila, Ga., has milked cows since he was nine years old. Mark’s father established Stovall Dairy in 1954 with 16 cows. Today, Mark milks more than 120 cows and farms 330 acres.
Comfortable cows produce more milk. That’s why Mark invested in a free-style barn in 2005. A free-style barn allows cows the freedom to lie down when they want as well as move around the barn. They also have access to feed 24 hours a day. Since milk production requires a high caloric intake, cows eat about 100 pounds of feed and drink up to 50 gallons of water each day.
Georgia summers are hot. A cow’s optimal temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so it’s important to keep them cool. In addition to increased ventilation due to the barn design, several large fans are placed throughout the barn to keep cows comfortable all year long.
Mark’s wife, Bonnie, and two sons Jake and Sam also live on the farm and enjoy feeding the calves. His daughter, Jessica, is attending nursing school.
Dairy farming is a family tradition that has been a way of life for many dairy farm families for several generations. Dairy farmers take pride in producing a wholesome, nutritious product for their neighbors and communities.
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