By Scout Nelson
In 1985, MoDak Dairy proudly displayed a plaque showing each cow produced about 15,000 pounds of milk per year. Today, that number has doubled to nearly 30,000 pounds. The growth comes from innovation, better animal care, and teamwork.
Greg Moes, a fourth-generation farmer, co-owns MoDak Dairy with his brother Jim and son Jacob. In 2025, he is honored as an Eminent Leader in Agriculture, Family, and Community. Greg says the secret is simple: “If you take care of the cows, they will take care of you.”
MoDak Dairy, located in South Dakota, has 2,600 cows living in cross-ventilation barns that keep them comfortable year-round. Skilled specialists provide daily care, bringing education, training, and new ideas to the farm. Greg believes that investing in people brings improvements in animal health, innovation, and efficiency. Employees are treated like family, with shared meals, celebrations, and photos displayed in the dairy office.
The farm’s story began in 1894 when Joseph and Elizabeth Moes immigrated from Germany and settled in Codington County. Their children continued farming, and in 1991 Greg and Jim officially formed MoDak Dairy.
Over the years, they introduced modern practices such as free-stall barns, artificial insemination, and cross-ventilation barns. In 2016, they also started finishing beef cattle, producing 3,000 head each year.
MoDak Dairy plays a key role in South Dakota’s dairy industry by supplying milk to Valley Queen Cheese Factory and participating in associations like the South Dakota Dairyman’s Association. Each June Dairy Month, more than 1,000 visitors tour the farm, enjoy milkshakes, and learn where their food comes from.
Greg Moes and his family believe in both honoring their past and preparing for the future. Their focus on people, cows, and innovation keeps the farm strong. On September 19, 2025, Greg will be recognized at the South Dakota Eminent Leaders Banquet, celebrating his lasting contributions to agriculture and community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vwalakte
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Dairy Cattle