MYERSTOWN, Pa. — Over the past few years, a special dairy mom’s byline has appeared often in Farmshine — that of Renee Troutman, covering events and writing feature stories. Long before that, Renee’s voice stood out through thoughtful letters to the editor, which were clear, grounded, and written from lived experience on a dairy farm, as a mother, and as someone who stays informed.

With the gift she has for writing, it wasn’t long before Renee was asked to take on a journalism role as a Farmshine correspondent — an invitation she accepted, providing interesting and informative stories for our readers.

Renee and her husband Justin Troutman operate Re-Ju-Venade Holsteins near Myerstown, where their lives are rooted in faith, family, and farming. Together, they are raising five children, ages 10 to 20, in the rhythms of dairy life. Renee is also a steadfast advocate for whole milk in schools, lending both her voice and her writing to that effort.

This Christmas season, Renee’s story has taken an unexpected turn.

Just days before her sudden cancer diagnosis in late September, Renee was still doing what she has always done — milking cows, feeding calves, homeschooling her children, and managing family life. As she waited for next steps, she was in the parlor milking one day, and only a few days later arrived at the emergency room, where she found herself surrounded by a team of doctors and rushed into major spinal surgery as the cancer threatened her spine.

What followed has been a difficult recovery from that surgery, alongside aggressive treatment, bringing “normal life” to an abrupt pause. Such circumstances can overwhelm even the strongest and most faithful when they arrive without warning.

In recent weeks, Renee’s condition has become more serious, deepening the need for prayer and support as she continues this difficult journey.

Through it all, her faith has remained central. She speaks openly about God’s protection, the kindness of so many people, and the steady prayers that continue to surround her and her family. During this challenging time, her hope is in the Lord, and she needs our prayers now more than ever.

At home, the Troutman family has rallied together. Justin has taken on double duty, running the dairy while caring for Renee and supporting their children. Their kids have stepped up in countless ways, helping with chores, livestock, and daily responsibilities. Their oldest daughter, Evelyn, returned home to help on the farm and care for her mom, finding new work opportunities locally. The surrounding community has reached out as well, offering help, encouragement, and care in many forms.

It is the quiet strength of a farm family doing what farm families do best — showing up for one another.

Whether readers know Renee through her writing, through dairy promotion and youth activities, or simply as a fellow dairy mom, we wanted you to know. This dairy community is one that cares, and stories like this are never carried alone.

We ask readers to join all of us at Farmshine in extending prayers, encouragement, and heartfelt support to Renee and the Troutman family during this difficult time.

On a personal note, I am inspired by Renee’s heart, her courage, her honesty, and her faith in the face of an enemy no one sees coming. I continue to pray blessing, healing, strength, and peace for my friend and her family, trusting God’s word in Isaiah 40:31:

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

In this season of hope, faith, and love, the greatest of these is love. Cards and encouragement may be sent to: