From a young age, Darren Benfer knew exactly what he wanted to be —a farmer. By the time he was eight, he was already running through the cow barns, soaking up every moment on the farm where he was raised. He admired his parents’ hard work and dedication and felt a connection to the industry and the products they produced. Farming runs deep in Darren’s roots as his family has farmed for five generations. For him, it’s more than a career; it’s a calling, and he carries that legacy with pride.
After finishing school, he returned home to form a partnership with his parents. Now, Darren wakes up every morning in beautiful Longford, Kansas, to tend to his 120-cow dairy farm, 365 days a year, with his family, his wife Gaye, and three children.
To Darren, these aren’t just dairy cows. They’re part of the rhythm of his life, the continuation of a tradition. It’s not just about producing milk, but about caring for each animal, knowing their personalities, and honoring the work his family has done for decades.
Darren was inspired to get involved with Midwest Dairy about 10 years ago because of his passion for milk and his belief in its value. “I’m proud of the product I produce,” he says, “and I enjoy being surrounded by other producers who share that same passion.”
He recognized that he couldn’t sell as much on his own without the support of Midwest Dairy’s promotional efforts and industry expertise. Beyond the business side, Darren was eager to connect with like-minded farmers. “It’s nice to have a neighbor encouraging me,” he adds, reflecting on the support he’s found through checkoff.
To stay connected with Midwest Dairy, Darren regularly uses materials from the Promotion Center both on and off his farm. Whenever he and his family attend county fairs, they’re excited to distribute Midwest Dairy merchandise and share their love for milk. At the Clay County Fair, his family hosts a booth to bring dairy to life through activities and giveaway items. The Promotion Center is a valuable resource for farmers like Darren who want to share dairy’s story with their communities and spark meaningful conversations about the industry.
Darren hopes to encourage other producers to share their stories and educate consumers about where dairy products come from. “Milk is the greatest drink we’ve got, with so many health benefits, and I think some people have a negative view of it,” he says.
He is passionate about speaking to the value of dairy and the hard work that goes into producing a safe, healthy product, and hopes that more dairy farmers will feel empowered to do the same.
He enjoys serving on the Midwest Dairy MoKan Division Board, participating in important conversations about the future of the dairy industry. He encourages fellow farmers to get involved, speak on behalf of their farms, and share their stories and perspectives with others. Darren believes that when farmers take an active role in shaping the conversation, they help ensure the industry continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.
After just a short conversation with Darren, it’s clear how much he loves cows; his passion shines through in every word. He says the best part of his job is watching calves grow into strong, healthy cows, and seeing the next generation thrive.
To keep his herd healthy and comfortable, the farm is equipped with misters and fans. Clean water is always a priority, and he works closely with a nutritionist. A trusted veterinarian is always just a call away, and Darren never hesitates to reach out.
“Sometimes it’s not easy to get up early,” he admits, “but what motivates me is knowing I get to see a group of cows that want to see me and are ready to produce a large amount of quality milk.”
It’s not just a job. Spending time with each cow is a part of Darren’s daily routine, allowing him to get to know their individual personalities. He has learned that some are more stubborn, others a bit goofier, and that by understanding each cow, he is better able to monitor their health and well-being. Reading their behavior helps him catch problems early and care for them with the attention they deserve.
“I couldn’t do it without my family. That’s what drives me as much as anything,” Darren says, adding simply, “Family matters.” It’s a powerful reminder that the work he does goes far beyond putting a product on the shelves. With four generations of farmers before him and likely more after him, Darren understands just how important family is, and that farming is a tradition built on hard work, love, and commitment.