Cow-Side Conversations

Author: Center for Dairy Excellence

Cowside Conversations is a monthly podcast brought to you by the Center for Dairy Excellence. Weve heard time and time again that dairy farmers learn the most from other dairy farmers. So, in this podcast were going to share real-time farmer insight, tricks of the trade, and inspiring stories from dairies across Pennsylvania.
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Language: en-us

Genres: Business, Management

Contact email: Get it

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Episode 1: Kerri Weber shares how an unexpected brain injury changed everything for their family and farm but how that taught her to celebrate each day
Episode 1
Monday, 1 December, 2025

Did you like this episode? Send us a text message and share your thoughts!“I always believed I was bringing my husband home. I also believed he could not come home to an empty barn. I was going to do everything to make sure there were cows here. He needed something to fight for.”In this episode of Cow-Side Conversations, Kerri Weber of Rustik Dairy LLC in Franklin County, Pennsylvania opens up about her journey navigating her husband Rob’s unexpected brain aneurysm 15 months ago. After more than 100 days in hospitals and rehab centers, Rob returned home to the farm just in time for Thanksgiving last year. This season is a reminder of what they walked through and how blessed they are to still have Rob with them. During the podcast, Kerri describes how their journey in dairy farming started and where they are now. Eight years ago, she and Rob started dairy farming from scratch, renting different facilities and growing their herd until they entered into a partnership with two brothers. About four weeks after her husband’s brain injury, Kerri was faced with finishing the transition process on her own and making the decision to sell the cows or buy out the rest of the partnership. Knowing Rob needed to come home to a full barn, Kerri made a decision to move forward with the transition. She reflects on her decision-making process, the trusted team they’ve built, the community that stepped up, and the simple joys she gathers from her animals and children. Ultimately, Kerri has learned how to be grateful for each day and for what they have even when the circumstances are not what she expected them to be.