For one dairy family, it’s the end of an era, but also the beginning of the next.
After almost 60 years, Bernie Matczak is hanging up the milking equipment, and heading for retirement in style.
The work day begins early on the Matczak farm north of Pulaski.
“I’m usually out here a little before 4:00. There’s always things to do, feed the cows, get ready to milk,” said Bernie Matczak, Retiring Dairy Farmer.
75-year-old Matczak has milked cows since the 1950s.
The last 46 years on land in the Town of Morgan.
“He never complained. He loved farming,” said Pat, “Trishie” Matczak.
The Matczak family includes seven children, and 15 grandchildren. And on the day before Thanksgiving, Bernie is calling it quits.
“I didn’t believe everybody would get up this early in the morning to watch me make my finale,” said Matczak.
His wife Trishie has mixed emotions.
“I can’t believe this is his last day of milking cows. I always wished that once in a while, and now the day is here, and it’s kind of sad,” she said.
But Bernie is going out in style, wearing a suit coat and tie.
“He’s worn nicer ones I think,” said Bob Buds, Pittsfield.
“Just dress up for the cows I guess. They’ve been good to me all my life, so I’m going to pay them a little respect back I guess,” said Matczak.
Matczak’s barn is mostly empty. He used to care for 100 cows. Now, he has just 25. Those too, will soon be sold.
It’s a bittersweet moment.
“The last one, don’t miss it,” said Matczak.
Matczak tried to break the tension with humor, but he knew the end of an era is at hand.
And after six decades, and more than 4.3 million milkings, Bernie’s barn, is quiet.
“A little emotional, I think everybody is. Yeah, after 60 years it’s a long time, but everything has to end sooner or later. I’m ready to leave it,” he said.
And so is the rest of the family, because after all, it is a bittersweet moment.
So what’s next for the Matczak’s?
They built a house across the street for retirement, and plan to do some traveling.
Their son will take over part of the farm, but at this point, milking dairy cows is not part of the plan.
Source: Fox11Online
