Hudson Valley Fresh Dairy

Millbrook Beef & Dairy is owned & operated by the Donovan family. Brian Donovan is a first generation dairy farmer who moved to the Hudson Valley to pursue his dream: dairy farming.

“My farming background was non-existent,” he says. “I thought you just bought the milk in the store and that was that.”

At age 23, after working around dairy cows for about five years, Brian bought his herd of 105 milk cows from a retiring farmer with the help of a USDA young farmer loan and moved to Millbrook.

Brian’s herd today is 80 percent Holstein and 20 percent Jersey. “The Jerseys bring up the butterfat and protein content,” he continues. “They’re different from the Holsteins, they’re always out, they sneak under the rail, they’re real troublemakers, but they’re fun to have.”

Like all farmers, Brian’s days are long, but he realized that’s what he signed up for when he chose this lifestyle. When he does have time to himself, though, you’ll find him at the skating rink. “I like to play a little hockey over in Poughkeepsie. And they upped the number of teams this year, so that’s fun. Even if it does mean sometimes you have to drive to Newburgh.”

Notable Awards and Community Involvement:

• Visit the Farm Store located at 1348 Shunpike Millbrook, NY 12545 or find them at local farmers markets to purchase their local beef, cheese, and our Hudson Valley Fresh products.