Master Grazier Spotlight: Dave Surprenant

From Dairy to Grazing - A Legacy of Sustainable Farming

David Surprenant, a man whose roots in farming run deep, was honored as a Master Grazier for his dedication to grazing cattle and his transition from a management intensive grazing dairy to grazing his cow calf Angus enterprise. His journey reflects resilience, adaptability, and an unwavering commitment to finding livestock management systems that work. David 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.

David’s parents established the Law-Rae Manor Dairy Farm in 1953. Over the decades, David carried on the legacy, maintaining the farm, adding acres and animals. He was guided by a commitment to sustainability through the many ups and downs of the dairy industry. David ensured that their dairy cows were grazed since 1993, contributing to a healthier environment and animal welfare. Inspiration to begin grazing started with an article he read in the Farm Journal dairy edition back in 1992. However, as times changed and the dairy industry faced increasing challenges, David and his wife Susan made the difficult decision to sell the family’s 180 cow dairy in November 2018.

At that point he embarked on a new journey with 50 Angus cows to begin his cow calf operation. Since the main farm of 160 acres were divided into 40 four-acre paddocks in the early 1990’s, the transition was an easy one. His herd has since grown to 130 cows. No longer starting his mornings at 3:30 am, David appreciates rising just a little later to 5:30, with a renewed focus on grazing cattle profitably.

David’s family, his wife Susan and sons Christopher and Brendan, stood by his side every step of the way. Transforming a farm the way David 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. David’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.