HOWARD COUNTY - The Schatz family of Cresco of Schatz Dairy Farm has snagged the Kiwanis Farm Family of the Year award, and it’s easy to see why. Aaron, Melissa, and their kids Nolan and Alanna run a bustling dairy farm that’s not just about hard work—it’s about family, community, and a whole lot of heart.
Their farm is no small operation. With about 250 cows, mainly Holsteins, and 1,600 acres of corn, soybeans, and hay, the Schatz crew keeps things humming year-round. They grow most of their own feed, but also sell some crops, teetering a balancing act to keep the farm running as smoothly as possible. Their cows live the good life in a comfy 200-cow freestyle barn, and every day they’re milked in a busy double-eight parallel parlor that’s been part of the farm since 2008.
Mornings start early in the Schatz household. Aaron and Nolan are up and outside at 4 a.m., mixing feed and scraping stalls, while Alanna feeds the calves at 6 a.m. Then Aaron and the kids head to Melissa’s restaurant, Sue-Z-Q’s, which she arrives at by 5 a.m. daily and they enjoy a hearty breakfast together. It’s not just a meal; it’s a community gathering spot where neighbors catch up and share stories. That’s the Schatz way—work hard, but stay connected.
Aaron sums up work on the farm perfectly: “It’s about having a close-knit group to work with. You have your people and make your team.” And that team extends beyond the farm gates also. Melissa is active on the local 4H committee, the farm assists with plots for FFA and plenty of meals have been donated over the years to the Crestwood wrestling crews.
The family doesn’t just farm; they care for the land like it’s part of their extended family. They use minimum tillage and cover crops to keep the soil happy and healthy, making sure their farm stays productive for generations. Their cows get the royal treatment too—sand bedding, regular hoof trims, a visit from the vet (Aaron’s brother!) every two weeks and lots of TLC to keep them comfy and healthy.
Melissa’s restaurant, Sue-Z-Q’s, is another way the Schatz family ties into the community. It’s a local hotspot where folks gather, laugh, and enjoy good food—fuel for the hardworking farm crew and their neighbors alike.
Aaron knows farming isn’t always easy. The current low milk prices and tight margins make it a tough gig. But with their own acres for feed and a strong work ethic, the Schatz family keeps pushing forward. “I love the way of life,” Aaron says. “It’s a great place to raise and grow a family. Every day you get to see new life with the dairy calves being born, I wouldn’t want to live any other way.”
Nolan and Alanna are more than just helpers—they’re the future of the farm. 11th grader Nolan loves driving tractors and helping to manage the crops, while Alanna, a 10th grader who’s also a national cattle show competitor, adores caring for the baby calves. They’re both active in 4H and FFA, and Alanna also wrestles – having gone to State this past season, proving the family’s got plenty of energy to spare.
Melissa’s journey from nursing to running a restaurant while supporting the farm shows the family’s versatility and dedication. “When you see your kids have that driving passion too, it wants to make you keep going,” she says.
