Meet the next generation of Dakin Dairy Farmers. Brothers Jason, Garrett, Grant, and Ethan Dakin are the new owners of the Dakin Dairy Farm in East Manatee County. In the Spring of 2024, the brothers bought the existing farm from their uncle, Jerry Dakin, when he decided to sell after 22 years.
Farming is a way of life for the brothers as they come from a long line of Dairy Farmers. Beginning with their grandfather, Pete Dakin, who ran a dairy farm in Livermore Falls, Maine, before moving to Florida and continuing the tradition of farming with his sons Cameron, Farren, Rodney and Jerry Dakin.
The boy’s parents, Cameron and Sondra Dakin, raised their four sons in Myakka City, Fl. Jason, Garrett, Grant, and Ethan grew up on the farm and began working at a young age. Whether working cows, herd help, operating tractors, managing crop lands or mechanic work – the young men learned every aspect and detail that goes into running a successful farm.
In 2012 the men purchased a dairy farm in Desoto County, Prairie Creek Dairy, where they are currently milking up to 800 cows daily. In 2020, after their uncle, Farren Dakin, passed away from COVID-19, they purchased his herd of dairy cows, now known as Boyz Ag, in efforts to keep their uncle’s unique dairy legacy alive.
While dairy farming itself is a familiar job to the brothers, the purchase of this new farm not only comes with new opportunities, but also its own challenges. The bottling plant and farm market at the farm is new to them. Since purchase, they have been working closely with engineers, feed nutritionist, and technicians to ensure production of a high-quality product.
This purchase is a big undertaking, but the family is invested in agriculture, farming, and keeping the Dakin Dairy legacy alive. With Dakin Dairy Farms, Cameron Dakin Dairy and Boyz Ag being the only remaining dairy farms in Manatee County, this is the next step in the continuation of that legacy. The bottling plant and café, now known as the Moofe Café, along with farm tours and events is top priority.
In addition to farming, Jason, Garrett, Grant, and Ethan are eager to continue educating the community about agriculture and investing in our youth. Maintaining a strong, long standing, relationship with the local 4H and FFA programs in both Manatee and Sarasota Counties – they will continue to sponsor animals for the fair and offer community service hours for time served at Dakin Dairy. Over the years the 4H and FFA clubs in both counties have been vital in keeping ag alive in the community by offering experience and opportunities to kids who otherwise may not have the ability or means to work with and show animals.
Third generation Florida farmers, with their own children already invested in agriculture, you can bet to see a fourth generation involved at Dakin Dairy in the future as well. After all, no farms no food.
