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Meet The Schaapmans
Arriving in America with nothing but their suitcases and a shared dream, Harry and Ailene Schaapman have built a life — and a business — they are incredibly proud of. Originally from the Netherlands, the couple made the bold decision to move to the United States in November of 1994. Today, they own and operate Schaapman Holsteins in Abbeville, Georgia. In addition to running their farm, Harry serves on the Georgia Milk Producers Board of Directors, while Ailene serves on the Agricultural Commodity Commission for Milk.
Harry and Ailene married in 1991 and spent their early years together living in the Netherlands. When the housing market there began to boom, they took it as a sign — and an opportunity — to pursue a new life in the United States. Having grown up on a dairy farm, Harry possessed the hands-on skills and knowledge needed to start their own operation.
They began renting the dairy in March of 1995 and purchased it in 2000. What started as a small operation with just 120 cows has grown significantly over the years.
Harry and Ailene raised three children on the farm — Ruben, Monica, and Thomas — all of whom play important roles in the family operation. Ruben works as an independent nutritionist, handling the nutrition consulting on the farm. He and his wife, Emily — known as Dairy Girl Fitness on social media — recently welcomed their first child in June. Monica returned to the farm in August 2024, with herd health as her primary responsibility. Thomas splits his time between working in construction and helping on the farm.
All three Schaapman children grew up showing dairy cattle through 4-H and FFA. The family continues to exhibit registered cattle today.
For Harry and Ailene, having all three of their children choose to return home and carry on the family’s work is deeply meaningful. “Raising the family on the farm and having all the kids come back is so special,” said Ailene. “We are very excited about this.”
Of course, their journey hasn’t come without challenges. From moving overseas to building a first-generation dairy from the ground up in a new country, it’s come with its fair share of obstacles. Their story stands as a testament to the power of vision and hard work in turning a dream into a lasting legacy.