- Dave and Jill Trotter
- Richard Waybright
- Karl Kroeck
- Harold Shaulis
- Clayton Woods
- Tom Croner
- Jeff Grove
- Duane Hershey
- Jim Lydic
- Vernon Horst
Harold Shaulis is proud of the dairy farm he’s owned and operated for 32 years. Staying involved in the dairy industry, including a commitment to his community, helps Harold shape the future of dairy farming in Pennsylvania.
The cows at HMS Haven Farm enjoy fresh feed twice a day and water at all times. Here, Harold Shaulis scoops out nutritious grain to one of his 100 dairy cows.
Dairy farmers know that taking good care of their cows is the key to their business success. Harold Shaulis treats his cows with respect and shows constant concern for their comfort.
Using clean equipment is a big factor in producing quality milk. At HMS Haven, the milking equipment is thoroughly cleaned twice a day with specialized cleaner and lots of hot water.
Harold Shaulis’ hobbies include woodworking and collecting John Deere toy equipment. The vintage toys are part of Harold’s childhood collection.
Shaulis Lives Dream on HMS Haven
Name: Harold Shaulis
Farm name: HMS Haven
Family: Wife, Carol; daughters Katie and Ronna; son Aaron
Location: Somerset County, Pa.
Harold Shaulis knows a thing or two about dairy farming. In fact, he’s learned quite a bit since turning his childhood dream of being a dairy farmer into a reality 32 years ago.
Harold doesn’t remember a time when he didn’t want to be a dairy farmer. From a young boy playing with John Deere tractors to a teenager working on local dairies, Harold’s love of dairying grew each day.
“I wasn’t raised on a dairy farm,” Harold explains. “I did spend one week a summer at my grandparent’s farm, and that was enough to convince me I wanted to make this industry my life’s work.”
Harold received a degree in education and taught school for five years before he became a dairy farmer full time. In 1974, Harold purchased a dairy in Somerset County, Pa., and continues to farm there today.
Cow Comfort is a Priority
Currently, Harold milks 100 cows, a mix of the Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss dairy breeds. The cows at HMS Haven rest on rubber mats covered with warm bedding during the winter and roam a nearby field during the summer afternoons. The barn’s temperature is always set for the cows’ comfort – mild during the winter and cooled by special fans during the summer. When in the barn, the cows have access to fresh feed and water all day long.
“Each day, every job and decision is made with the cows’ comfort in mind,” Harold says. “Our cows deserve respect and good care, because they provide for my family and yours.”
Quality Procedures
The milk from HMS Haven’s cows is processed by Schneider’s Dairy in Pittsburgh, where it is made into fresh dairy products. The plant provides Harold with daily test results that help him monitor the herd’s performance and ensure the cows are producing the highest quality milk possible.
“My procedures on the farm emphasize milk quality,” Harold says. “Milk is at its peak on farm, and it’s essential to keep it that way by using clean equipment that is properly maintained and by keeping our cows clean and healthy.”
Nutrient Management
In 1981, HMS Haven installed one of the first manure storage facilities in Somerset County. The storage allows Harold to fertilize his crop fields with nutrients only when they are needed. A firm commitment to his community motivated Harold’s early adoption of this new waste management system.
“My family drinks the water that runs under my fields, so I always ensure that this source is safe and wholesome by using best environmental practices,” he says.
Many Hats
Harold is quick to point out that being a dairy farmer isn’t as easy as some may think. The business requires a variety of skills, everything from knowing how to fix a broken down truck to knowing how to keep cows happy. Each job Harold conducts on the farm uses different abilities, helping him to constantly learn and grow in his work.
“Dairy farming is very complex,” Harold says. “Some people think a farmer doesn’t have to be smart or skilled, but that isn’t true. Every day, I’m a financial buff, a human resources director, a sales manager, a horticulture expert, a veterinarian, a mechanic, a chemist, a teacher, and a husband and father.”
The different challenges Harold faces each day are what makes dairy farming the best career for him. “I always want to get up in the morning and hurry to the barn,” he says. “I enjoy it immensely!”
Industry Activities
Harold is actively involved in the dairy industry, locally and nationally. His impressive resume includes the Somerset County, Pennsylvania and American Farm Bureaus, High Ridge 4-H Club leader and the Somerset County Visioning Group. He has been a director for the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program for 17 years and is a trained dairy spokesperson. Harold is also very involved in local and national legislation; each year he visits Washington, D.C., with other dairy farmers to lobby for dairy issues and has served on several national legislative committees.