Located off Jupiter Road across from Collin College, Lavon Farms has been a mainstay in Plano for years; however, many residents still do not know much about the farm or what it even offers, according to the family.
From left: Owner Todd Moore and his wife, Deanna, run Lavon Farms with the help of Cynthia and Wayne Patterson, Maribel Vasquez and Emily and Blake Patterson.[/caption]Looking for a weekend retreat away from the bustle of Dallas, Todd’s grandfather bought the property from the original homesteaders in the 1930s. The farm was once home to more than 200 cows, and in summer 2010 a new facility was completed in East Texas. A majority of the milking herd were moved to the new location, which offered more grazing space, Todd’s brother-in-law Blake Patterson said.
“Our cows not only provide [our customers] with delicious, fresh milk and other dairy products, but they look good doing it,” he said. “Over the years we have had the good fortune to exhibit quite a few national show winners and All-Americans as well as a few national champions.” A small group of cows remain in Plano to provide customers with fresh, unpasteurized grade A raw milk, which is available for purchase by the gallon in the farm store. For those who have never tried raw milk, the unhomogenized appearance may make some a little wary; however, the added nutrients and creamier texture have converted many to the unpasteurized product, Blake said.
“I was very skeptical at first,” Blake’s wife, Emily, said. “But once you try it you will never want to go back to store-bought milk. Now I have all of my friends from Rockwall coming out here [to get their milk].” Ten years ago the family became a partner in the Lucky Layla dairy product line, which makes drinkable yogurts, butter, creamy caramel milk and versatile yogurt cheese. The line was named after a Lavon Farms Geurnsey cow that became a three-time national champion.
“My grandparents were the ones who were [most] passionate about the dairy cattle,” Todd said. “Exhibiting cattle around the country is like racing horses—you’ve got to take good care of them.” Todd said his family takes animal husbandry seriously, as it is reflected in the extended life expectancies of their livestock. Since taking over the business in 1989 and expanding it to what it is today with a manufacturing plant in Garland.
Todd and, Deanna, his wife, said being a dairy farmer is more than just milking cows.“You’re an electrician and you’re a plumber and you’re a mechanic and a delivery person and a sampler and a milker, caregiver,” Todd said. “[There’s also the] plowing, planting, baling, raking and haying.” “You’re also an obstetrician,” said Deanna, who has been delivering calves since she was 16.
In addition to raw milk, Lavon Farms also sells several products from other local businesses. “I kind of call it a mini farmers market, as we have Plano honey, cookies, homemade jams [and] Texas olive oils to name a few,” Blake said.
