
<p>From the first light of morning to the steady pace of afternoon chores, the physical demands and quiet dedication of farm work are clear. Beyond routine and resilience, life for the team at Richards and Sons Dairy Farm requires a connection to the land, the animals and each other.</p>


Rain clouds roll in over Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York, where work continues no matter the weather. “Dairy farm never stops,” says the co-owner Ken Richards who oversees daily operations. “You live it 24/7.” Photo by Sadie Jones

Chip Somodevilla

Lauren Steel

Cows on Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York, gather at the barn entrance, pausing between feedings as the day’s work continues around them. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Angel an employee on Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York, moves hay into the barn preparing fresh bedding for the cows as it rains outside. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Cows eat along the feed line at Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York. Where consistency in routine helps maintain milk production. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Some cows at Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York, have unique names, like Soprano. Others include Night Vision, Wisdom, Moonglade, Fenway, Radar, Firefly, and Deja Vu. Photo by Sadie Jones

Ken Richards co-owner of Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York, speaks highly of the kind of people who succeed on the farm. “They gotta want to come and do this kind of work and be committed to helping it move forward,” he says of his employees. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Before the milking begins, Issac tends to the cows, cleaning their teats with an antiseptic salve. These routine steps are essential to daily life on Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Marisol gives young calves warm water to drink, a small but essential part of daily care on the farm. On Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York, every routine helps ensure the animals stay healthy and grow strong. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Santos shovels manure after the cows are milked, keeping the barn ready for the next round at Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York. Photo by Sadie Jones.

Ken Richards son Brett rides a lawn mower toward him. Passing on farm knowledge to the next generation just as Ken's father did, is important to the legacy of Richards &amp; Sons Dairy Farm in Skaneateles, New York. Photo by Sadie Jones.

The Alexia Fall Workshop

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SUSTAINING THE SOURCE

Produced by

Sadie Jones

Coached by

Chip Somodevilla

Lauren Steel