Bret is a fourth-generation dairy farmer with deep roots on both sides of his family. Originally from a smaller farm three hours away, Bret attended Morrisville State College and Cornell University, with a clear plan to return to his parents’ farm. However, a chance opportunity with Barbland Dairy changed his path. Chip, a senior partner at Barbland, approached Bret and his colleague Luke with the idea of a long-term partnership. In 2008, as Chip’s children pursued careers outside of farming, Bret and Luke were invited to join Barbland as junior partners, transitioning into ownership roles as Chip approached retirement.
Understanding that what we did yesterday is not what we need to do tomorrow. We’re always looking to continually improve.
Growth and Partnerships
Since joining Barbland Dairy, Bret has been instrumental in expanding the operation from 900 to 4,400 cows, with four milking facilities and approximately 10,000 acres of crop land across Fabius and Hamilton, NY. Barbland’s structure is unique in the region—it functions as a single farm on the crop side but maintains two distinct herds across multiple facilities. In 2019, Barbland formed a partnership with White Eagle Dairy, bringing another 1200 cows to its growing operation to their current 4,400 cow herd, and furthering their role as a prominent local milk producer.
Barbland’s Partnership Model for the Future
Unlike many traditional farms passed down within families, Barbland’s partnership model represents an innovative approach to succession planning and sustainability in agriculture. Bret and Luke’s chosen-family partnership allows the farm to grow and evolve without the complications of bloodline inheritance, which has become an effective model as larger farms often face unique generational challenges. By building strong partnerships, Barbland Dairy not only maintains but strengthens its commitment to producing quality milk, supporting a stable workforce, and fostering local agricultural resilience.
Dedication to Quality, Sustainability, and Innovation
Farming at Barbland isn’t just about production—it’s about creating a legacy that respects the land, the animals, and the people involved. Their approach to sustainability is multi-faceted, encompassing environmental stewardship, responsible business practices, and the well-being of their employees, many of whom have been with Barbland for 10 to 45 years. As the farm continues to grow, Bret emphasizes continual improvement and teamwork, ensuring each employee has the tools and support needed to meet Barbland’s high standards.
Community Engagement, Agricultural Advocacy and Creating a Legacy
For Bret, success is about more than milk production. It’s about creating a thriving community and nurturing the next generation of agricultural leaders—all while producing nutritious, local dairy products that sustain the region.