Where Kansas Meets the Future of Dairy: A Look Inside McCarty Family Farms
- Carson McLaughlin
- May 7
- 4 min read
Just outside of Colby, in Rexford, Kansas, sits one of the most impressive agricultural operations in the country—though you might never guess it from the highway.
McCarty Family Farms is not just a dairy. It is a fourth-generation family operation, a global supplier, an innovation hub, and a powerful example of what modern agriculture looks like right here in northwest Kansas.
And after experiencing it firsthand, I can confidently say—this is something you have to see for yourself.
A Firsthand Look Behind the Scenes
I recently had the opportunity to tour McCarty Family Farms, and not just from the visitor side—I got a behind-the-scenes look at their milking carousel, and it completely changed how I view modern dairy farming.
Standing next to it, you realize just how massive and precise the operation is. The carousel is constantly moving, cows calmly stepping on and off in a steady rhythm, while everything from timing to care is dialed in down to the smallest detail.
It’s not chaotic. It’s not overwhelming. It’s smooth, intentional, and honestly… impressive.
It’s one of those moments where you think:👉 “This is happening right here near Colby?”
A Legacy That Spans Generations—and States
Owned and operated by fourth-generation dairymen Ken, Mike, Dave, and Clay McCarty—alongside their father Tom—the McCarty family has been in the dairy business since 1914.
What began in Pennsylvania has grown into a multi-state operation, with dairies across Kansas, Nebraska, and even a partnership dairy in Ohio.
Today, they oversee one of the largest registered herds of Holsteins in the world, with their reach extending far beyond northwest Kansas.
From NWKS to Refrigerators Everywhere
One of the most fascinating parts of McCarty Family Farms is just how far their impact reaches.
They produce Non-GMO Project Verified milk exclusively for Danone North America, supplying well-known brands that many people recognize instantly. Danone’s broader brand family includes household names like Activia, Dannon, Oikos, Silk, International Delight, STōK, and more.
That means milk produced just minutes from Colby is transformed into products enjoyed across the country—and beyond.
👉 What happens here doesn’t stay here. It feeds the world.
The Scale of Milking Is Almost Unbelievable
At the heart of it all is the milking process:
A 120-stall carousel milks 120 cows every 8 minutes
There are two of these carousels in operation—the largest in the world for Holstein cows
Seeing it in person is what really drives it home. The scale, the movement, the precision—it’s something you truly have to witness to understand.
Designed for Cow Comfort (Yes, Really)
One of the biggest surprises? Just how much thought goes into cow comfort?
The barns are:
Freestall, which is designed for movement
Sand-bedded, with 95% reclaimed and reused
Climate-controlled with ~8,000 smart fans and cooling misters
Built with natural lighting panels
And yes—there’s even music, scratching posts, and enrichment built in.
Because at the end of the day, healthy and comfortable cows are at the center of everything.
Smart Farming: Every Cow Has a Story
Each cow is tracked and cared for individually using advanced technology:
ID tags for lifetime tracking
Activity monitors that track health and behavior
Precision feeding—about 100 pounds of balanced feed per day
It’s not just farming—it’s data-driven care at an individual level.
Sustainability That Actually Means Something
McCarty Family Farms is also leading the way in sustainability:
A water-neutral condensing plant that reuses milk’s natural water
A 75% reduction in transportation footprint through milk condensing
6,000 acres of crops grown to feed the herd
Conservation practices like cover crops, reduced tilling, and pollinator habitats
This is innovation that respects the land it depends on.
A Must-Visit Experience
The Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center is where the entire story of McCarty Family Farms comes to life—and the name behind it carries just as much meaning as the experience itself.
The center is named after Judy McCarty, who was known within the family as the original tour guide of the farm. Long before formal tours and visitor programs were established, Judy had a passion for opening the doors of the dairy and helping people understand what really happens on a farm.
She believed in connection—connecting people to agriculture, to food, and to the story behind it all.
Today, that same spirit lives on through the Learning Center.
Visitors can:
Watch the milking carousel in action
Explore interactive exhibits that walk you through milk’s journey from soil to yogurt cup
Learn about sustainability, cow care, and modern farming practices
Enjoy a family-friendly, hands-on experience
With over 10,000 visitors, guests from 48 states and 51 countries, the center has become a destination all on its own.
Come See It for Yourself
There’s something powerful about experiencing where your food comes from—especially when it’s done at this level.
From the moment you see the carousel in motion to understanding the scale behind every gallon of milk, McCarty Family Farms leaves an impression.
But maybe what makes it even more special is knowing that the experience you’re having—the ability to walk in, learn, ask questions, and truly understand—is rooted in one woman’s belief that people should feel connected to agriculture.
That belief still lives on today through the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center.
So next time you’re in Colby, take the short drive to Rexford. Step inside. See it for yourself.
Because right here in northwest Kansas, you’ll find more than just a dairy—you’ll find a story that’s feeding far beyond our region… and one that’s meant to be shared.