Sarah Lenkaitis, owner of Lenkaitis Holsteins in Illinois, is a shining example of what it takes to be a successful woman dairy farmer. Sarah, alongside her husband Andy, milks around 80 registered Holsteins in St. Charles, IL. Since the redo of their barn in 2018, they are now home to a robotic dairy operation and support dairy consumer education by hosting farm tours.
During the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Midwest Dairy recognizes and honors Sarah for her ongoing advocacy and leadership. Learn more about Sarah, her journey into dairy farming, and her advice for young women entering the agriculture industry.
How did your journey in dairy farming begin?
My father worked for a dairy farm in Pennsylvania and knew that he wanted to own his own dairy farm. So, he bought a dairy farm in Wisconsin in 1991, an hour northeast of Madison, WI. I grew up working alongside my dad on the farm, but my passion for dairy grew a little later in life. I attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I majored in dairy science and began to work alongside others in the industry, starting to appreciate dairy more. In 2014, my husband Andy and I began working on his parents’ farm together, here in St. Charles, IL.
What do you love most about dairy farming?
Dairy farming isn’t just a job; it’s our life’s work. So every day I strive to be a producer that consumers can be proud of. In dairy farming, I love the relationships and support networks. We really are a small, tight-knit group of farmers. We all have our own individual dairy farms, but we are all there for each other. We might have different management styles and business setups, but if anyone needs a helping hand, advice, or help troubleshooting, we are all there for each other and excited to help out. A win for a dairy farmer is a win for the dairy industry that we all care so much about.
What’s one fun or surprising fact about your farm most people wouldn’t expect?
When people drive onto our farm for the first time, they are often surprised by the location. We are close to a city and subdivisions. Most people think they either typed the address in wrong or are surprised to see rural agriculture so close to an urban landscape. It definitely helps that the town and neighbors are supportive and love having dairy in their community.
What changes, opportunities, and perceptions have you seen for women in agriculture during your career?
I think in previous generations, you’ve seen a bigger shift in what opportunities women have in agriculture. I think now we are in a unique age of women being the decision-makers, the doers. I think nowadays there isn’t anything a man can do that a woman can’t in dairy farming!
What does it mean to be a woman farmer in today’s dairy industry?
Being a woman dairy farmer, I’ve never felt out of the realm of possibility for me, because of the people around me. It was never something I thought I couldn’t do. My time at UW-Madison helped me to see how prominent women in the dairy industry actually are, so it wasn’t uncommon to see women finding their place within the industry. My time at UW-Madison also gave me the support I needed to see other women pursuing similar goals to mine.
How do you balance responsibilities with family, your leadership roles, and community involvement?
It is definitely a challenge. It’s important to realize that everyone is busy, but you make time for the things that are important to you.
What lessons in farming do you carry into your personal life?
There’s going to be ups and downs, challenges and opportunities, and you have to take all of that in stride. Some days are harder than others, and on the easier days, you celebrate those small wins!
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in dairy or agriculture?
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a strong support system. For me, that’s who we consult with: my husband, my family, dairy supporters, etc. Having the right team of people around you goes a long way in helping you achieve your goals. Those people can be the difference-makers. The good news is that the dairy industry is small and well connected. The internet and social media have only amplified that support as well. If I could leave you with a lasting suggestion, it’d be to never be afraid to reach out and ask for help; dairy is always ready to lend a helping hand!
Favorite dairy product?
National Ice Cream Month is in July, so in honor of that, I’d have to say ice cream. I love eating ice cream with my kids after a long day of chores. Sometimes we eat it at home, and more often in the summer we go to a few of the local ice cream shops around us. My favorite flavor would have to be mint chocolate chip!
Thank you to Emma Isenhart (Wiker), Midwest Dairy’s 2026 Illinois Farmer Relations Intern, for this article!