For 112 years, a Central NY dairy farm family made milk and memories. Now they can sleep in

Key Points:

• After 112 years, the Luchsinger family is ending commercial milk production at Silver Spring Farm in Onondaga Hill, Syracuse, citing economic challenges and industry shifts toward larger dairy operations.
• The family will continue farming the land, running their seasonal market, and breeding and showing Jersey cattle, maintaining their connection to the herd despite ceasing milking.
• The herd, known for its high-quality Jersey genetics with a history dating back to the early 1900s, will be sold individually at an auction in Pennsylvania, with some cows expected to fetch up to $2,500 or more due to their lineage.
• The decision reflects broader trends in New York dairy farming, where the number of smaller farms is declining rapidly while large-scale operations with over 1,000 cows have increased significantly.
• Ending the twice-daily milking routine marks a major lifestyle change for the Luchsinger family, especially for the younger generation, but they plan to preserve farming values and responsibilities through continued cattle care and land stewardship.