Did you know that 99% of California's Dairy farms are family owned?  The Dairy farm that I visit to take reference photos of Holstein cows and calves for my oil paintings is one of them.  The Van Ommerings not only have a working dairy, but they are also increasingly involved in sharing their farm operation with the public, helping to educate local
kids as to where their milk products come from. 


This is Milo.  Milo lives at the Van Ommerings Dairy, and I had the opportunity to meet him in person, and stare right into those sweet eyes!

Milo, 16"x20", oil on linen

There are some really wonderful video spots on the California Happy Cows website that give a glimpse into the world of a number of these family owned California dairy farms.  It really takes dedication and is most often a labor of love.