The Hand of the Lord is evident in the breeder’s eye and heart

HOWARD, Pa. — DJ Glick says he has a passion for good cows, and it shows. It’s evident in the barn as well as in his eyes. Inspired by what his father established as a foundation nearly four decades ago, the 31-year old Registered Holstein breeder currently has 75 cows and 75 heifers on his parents’ 150-acre farm. That’s a couple too many, he says, which explains why he’s sending a few head to Bob Landis’ Showtime Sale at the end of the month.

DJ’s surplus of  cattle came about as a result of good breeding, healthy animals, excellent care and the passion already mentioned. He’s not alone with that focused dedication. It is shared by every member of his family.

DJ’s wife, Thelma, feeds and cares for the calves and is always ready to help wherever she might be needed. Likewise, his mother, Martha.

DJ’s father, Jonathan, manages all the crops and mixes the feed in the morning while Thelma and DJ do the milking.

“Thelma and I are responsible for the daily chores; I do all of the herd health work … breeding, vaccinating, herd management, and so on.

“We all overlap to help each other as needed; relief milking, making hay and so forth,” affirmed DJ.

Their many hands also keep the place looking picture-postcard-perfect; fit to be seen and admired by dignitaries or even royalty. The beauty stands out especially because it’s unexpected after traveling up hill for a third of a mile on a gravel road that’s been ravaged by this summer’s rain.

The view from the meticulously maintained farmstead makes up for it and the farm’s name — “Scenic Gap” — is fitting.

Read more in this week’s print or digital edition of FARMSHINE. Subscribe now!

Farm features are available to FARMSHINE subscribers. Get access to feature stories, plus Sherry’s Market Moos, editorials, opinions, DHIA reports, market reports, classified advertising, and so much more by subscribing to the full version today. Receive it each week in your inbox or your mailbox. We’d love to have you!