Dairy operations are as varied as the people who own them.

Various factors contribute to each herd's success and challenges – financial footing, labor, feedstuff availability, weather, and family dynamics. Each operation must assess its current status and make decisions that are the best fit for them today and in the future. These may not be the ideal option for their neighbor. We asked three individuals in the dairy industry what they see as the three biggest challenges the dairy industry will face in the next five years. They represent different age demographics, geographic locations, and operation dynamics. Hoard's Dairyman posed the question to each of them. Are these challenges affecting you today, or will they in the foreseeable future?

We are best able to handle obstacles when we know they are coming. What are your challenges and how to you envision overcoming them?