In this episode of Dawn's Dirt, I sit down with sixth-generation Wisconsin dairy farmer Tristan Swartz, the man behind "Doing It Wrong Dairy," to talk about what right really looks like in farming. We go deep into old-school dairying, why he still milks in a stanchion barn with "outdated" equipment, and how leaving calves on their mamas actually improves health, production, and peace in the herd. Tristan shares how community used to work in rural life—neighbors just showing up with tractors when you were in trouble—and why he refuses to trade integrity for corporate convenience. We also pull back the curtain on raw milk laws, COVID butchering insanity, and how creative farmers are quietly outsmarting bureaucratic rules to keep families fed.

If you're craving proof that small, scrappy, values-driven farms can feed a community and push back on a broken food system, this conversation will light a fire under you.

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Episode Highlights: farm childhood, old-school equipment, calves-with-mamas, community support, work ethic, side hustles, raw milk laws, food control, resilience, creativity, regenerative farming, food freedom

Takeaways:

• Farming doesn't feel like work when it's who you are
• Old equipment and "doing it wrong" can still be profitable
• Leaving calves with their mothers can improve health and behavior
• Community support on the land is worth more than fancy machines
• Creativity lets farmers work within the rules without betraying their values
• Our food system is about control and dollars, not always health
• Real change starts when ordinary farmers and eaters simply say "no"

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Links & Resources Mentioned

Tristan's Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/doitwrongdairy

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Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I've been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land, selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it's garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I'll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let's talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let's get started!

Book Your FREE Call Today!

Visit Dawn's Website | https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/

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Dawn's Dirt Podcast Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/dawnsdirtpodcast/

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