In 1997, my husband’s parents, Simon and Prina, immigrated to the United States with three of their five children—Adrie, Astrid, and Bennie—settling at Dan Martin Dairy with 250 cows. With the support of Dan and Janet Martin, they established their roots in the community. In 2015, their daughter, Sindie, also joined the family business.
Adrie, my brother-in-law, plays a vital role in our operation, using his leadership and expertise to help grow the business. He and his wife, Hannah, along with their daughters Eva, Savannah, and Ziva, are an essential part of the farm’s success.
Bennie and I both graduated from Sulphur Springs High School, married in 2013, and have two sons, Conrad (9) and Arie (8 months). Dairy farming runs deep in my family as well—my grandparents operated dairies in Hopkins County in the 1980s, and my great-grandparents, Ralph and Nela Faye Brown, were among the first to introduce an automated milking system in the county.
Since purchasing our second dairy in 2011, we have continued to expand, opening our fourth facility at the end of 2024. Today, our family milks an estimated 2,500 Jersey, Holstein, and crossbred cows across all four locations. It truly takes every family member to keep things running, and we are proud to be part of this incredible community.
Hopkins County has given us so much, and we couldn’t imagine a better place to raise our children. The Dairy Festival has always held a special place in our hearts, and we are grateful to serve as this year’s Grand Marshals. Thank you, Hopkins County, for your support—we look forward to celebrating with you all!
1st place- $200 ($100/child)