Master Grazier Spotlight: Dave Surprenant

From Dairy to Grazing - A Legacy of Sustainable Farming

Dave Surprenant, a man whose roots in farming run deep, was honored as a Master Grazier for his dedication to grazing cattle and his remarkable transition from dairy farming to management-intensive grazing of angus cows. His journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to finding livestock management systems that work. Dave wrote a term paper in grade school on conservation and has never changed his mind. He is conscious of preserving the land for the next generation.

Dave’s parents established the LawRhea Dairy Farm in 1953. Over the decades, Dave carried on the legacy, maintaining the farm through the many ups and downs of the dairy industry. Always guided by a commitment to sustainability, Dave ensured that their dairy cows were grazed, contributing to a healthier environment and animal welfare. However, as times changed and the dairy industry faced increasing challenges, Dave made the difficult decision to sell the family’s 180-cow dairy in November 2018.

But Dave wasn’t ready to leave farming behind. Inspired by a talk he heard from grazing expert Jim Gerrish, Dave embarked on a new journey with 120 Angus cows, focusing on management-intensive grazing. He divided his 160 acres into 40 four-acre paddocks and began a new chapter, managing his land and livestock in a way that allowed for rotational grazing and regenerative practices. No longer starting his mornings at 3:30 AM, Dave found new joy in rising just a little later, at 5:30, with a renewed focus on grazing cattle profitably.

Dave’s family—his wife Susan and sons Christopher and Brendan—stood by his side every step of the way. Transforming a farm the way Dave has done is no small feat, and it takes a village (or rather, a farm family) to make it all possible.

The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition recognized the Surprenant family as 2024 Master Graziers because of their dedication to excellence in land stewardship and their innovative spirit. Dave's story is one of resilience and reinvention, a testament to the power of adapting to change while staying true to core values of family farming.

To learn more or nominate a farmer for the Master Grazier Award, click here.