Almost Paradise Farm

By Denice Rackley

Almost Paradise Farm is where Jake and Jessie Hensley call home. “We chose this as our farm name, because we firmly believe that while the farm involves a lot of daily hard work, living off the land with our family is truly almost paradise,” emphasized Jessie.

This small Indiana dairy farm continues a five-generation tradition. While the Jersey cows are a relatively new addition, dairy farming has remained strong in this family since the turn of the century. In 1901, Jake’s ancestors moved from Wisconsin in search of more fertile farm ground, landing in east central Indiana.

“Traveling by rail, the family brought their two best dairy cows south to provide them a good start here,” Jake said. It seems every generation has moved the farm to a different location, attempting to gain an advantage for the family.
“Our family has lived near Daleville and Yorktown for quite some time,” Jake recalled. “When I was young, 25 years ago, there were 20 dairy farms in the county; now we are one of two that remain.”

Entire Family Involved

Almost Paradise Farm consists of 400 acres and is home to 40 registered Jersey cows. “Originally, we milked Holsteins, but about ten years ago we switched to Jersey to pursue high-component milk,” Jake explained.

The number of cows milked has varied, matching fluctuations in the dairy industry. At one time, they milked 120 cows, but tough times from 2009 to 2013 and the consolidation of family dairy farms, dairy plants, and hauling routes forced the Hensleys to adjust.

Switching to Jerseys with milk with higher component numbers enables the family to milk fewer cows and reduce input costs while maintaining a good return. “What we lack in volume is made up for in components,” Jake said.

The Hensleys operate a conventional dairy, milking twice a day year-round in a herringbone parlor. The registered Jerseys are artificially inseminated, giving the Hensleys the benefit of predicting calving dates and selecting sires to improve their dairy herd. The bull calves are sold, and heifer calves are raised in groups of ten.

Raising alfalfa baleage for the cows and clover for the heifers, the Hensleys are able to keep their feed fairly consistent. Growing their corn for silage but purchasing half the grain ration ensures there is plenty of protein available to maintain product consistency. Jake’s dad and brother, Jimmy, help on the farm, in the hay field, and at planting and harvest when extra hands are a blessing. And his mom pitches in wherever she is needed – driving equipment, milking or keeping her grandkids occupied.

“Dairy farming truly takes a family. We wouldn’t be as successful as a dairy farm if we didn’t have their help and support,” Jessie said. “We have been feeding about 16 pounds of grain per cow daily.” This includes five pounds of purchased dairy protein pellets, six pounds of cotton seed, and the remaining five pounds of corn silage.

The cotton seed is purchased locally but comes out of Wisconsin. “We feed cotton seed, because research shows it increases butterfat.” Whole cotton seed has been described as a ‘triple 20 feed’, meaning it is approximately 20 percent fat, 20 percent protein, and 20 percent fiber, making it unique. The Hensleys also offer VitaFirmR mineral, saying, “Since we have been using VitaFirmR, although it is pricey, we see increased conception rates.” With all the work that goes into artificial breeding, sticking the first go-round is vital.

Jerseys are known to be more prone to milk fever, but the Hensleys very seldom need to treat a cow after calving. “An added bonus of artificial insemination is knowing when the cows will calve. This allows us to boost their calcium and phosphorus levels with CMPK gel a couple of days before they calve. I can’t remember the last cow I had to treat with intravenous calcium,” Jake noted.

Considering both Jake and Jessie work off the farm, any management practice that saves them extra time and work is appreciated. Jessie is a registered nurse at the local hospital, and Jake hauls milk for National Farmers. After finishing work, Jessie is home to take care of the afternoon milking while Jake is making his rounds.

Supporting Family Farmers and the Dairy Industry

Jake is up and in the barn by 3 a.m. to milk and feed before going on his milk route. “I began hauling milk, because it was difficult getting our milk picked up. Hauling enables me to ensure I don’t have to be concerned about shipping. Driving the truck helps me give other dairy families peace of mind regarding shipping.”

“Hauling milk gives me a personal relationship that begins with each individual cow and extends all the way to dairy products sold on store shelves.”

Jake also appreciates the opportunity to learn from farmers who raise their cattle differently. “Driving a milk truck for NFO as a dairy farmer enables me to maintain and promote personal relationships between the corporations and plants, the other haulers and the dairy farmers,” Jake said.

Promoting the dairy industry and the families involved in dairying is important to the Hensleys. They show cattle and leverage their knowledge to raise and sell a few show calves each year. “There is nothing better than having entire families working side by side. Showing cattle encourages that hands-on involvement and offers opportunities to share a love of the cattle,” Jake explained.

Showing their cattle has contributed to meeting and making lifelong friends in the dairy industry. Jake’s sister, Ashley, lends a hand with the show cattle, and all the kids in the family are active in 4H. Jake and Jessie’s children, Dixie, 12, and Darren, 10, are all about fitting their calves for the local fair and creating that bond that lasts a lifetime.

But the Hensleys don’t stop with 4H shows; they have hauled cattle as far as Texas and Florida. A cow they raised, Kimberly, won Supreme at the Indiana State Fair in 2020 and was All American Cow in 2021 at the North American Livestock Exposition in Kentucky. “We have quite a few of her daughters in the herd,” noted Jake.

“Traveling and showing cattle can be stressful, but because of the cows, we have friends all over this country and Canada.”
When away from the farm at shows, Jake’s family takes over the daily chores and milking. Jake and Jessie believe that raising their family on the farm, working with the entire family, and continuing the Hensley dairy tradition, although hard work, is a nod to all those who came before them and pledge to those who will follow.

“To me and my family, Almost Paradise Farm holds exceptional traditions and memories from the past as well as our dreams for the future.”