Schelling Dairy

Rooted in the heart of northwest Iowa, Schelling Dairy has been a multi-generational family operation grounded in hard work, innovation, and a deep love for farming.

The story began in 1953, when Gilbert and Wilma Schelling purchased the farm and started milking 10–20 cows by hand. Alongside the dairy, they also raised hogs, broiler chickens, and laying hens. As the years went on, their passion and dedication paved the way for growth and progress. By 1975, the family had expanded to 80 cows and built their first freestall barn, along with a homemade double-4 herringbone parlor—crafted by Grandpa and his brother-in-law.

In 1991, they upgraded to a double-9 parallel parlor and expanded to 120 cows. By 2000, another barn was added, including a fresh pen and calving area, supporting a herd of 180. Then in 2021, a major leap forward came with the construction of a new barn housing four Lely robotic milkers, as well as space for dry cows and calving. Today, the Schelling family milks 250 cows in the robot barn and 130 in the parlor, totaling 380 Holsteins in production.

The family includes Marvin and Kathy, Keith and Krystle, Alex and Sydney, and Josh and Brook—each playing a vital role in the daily operations and long-term vision of the farm. They raise all of their own replacements and market many day-old beef cross calves. The land also supports corn silage, high oleic soybeans, and rye, which is double-cropped with soybeans to maximize efficiency and soil health.

What keeps them excited about dairy? “Working with livestock, the family lifestyle, drinking milk straight from the tank, and the variety in our days,” they shared. “From cows to calves, cropping to equipment, we’re proud to care for our animals and produce a safe, delicious product.”

When asked to share a word of encouragement with other dairymen, the Schelling family offered this:
“There will occasionally be tough times, but the good times always come around.”