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The Yoders
Tramilda Holsteins
For 25 years, Troy Yoder has owned and operated Tramildia Holsteins in Montezuma, Georgia.The farm name came from both Troy’s and his wife, Matilda’s names. Prior to owning his own dairy, he helped manage his dad’s operation and worked for his Uncle, Marvin Yoder, on his dairy as well. He started the operation 25 years ago with 100 cows and has since tripled the size.
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He and his wife married in 1994 and have raised their seven children on the farm.
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They’re thankful for the lifestyle they’ve had, where the farm has become more than just a workplace. It’s a way of a life and an avenue that’s granted lifelong family memories. “God has blessed us so richly as a family here,” said Troy.
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All of the children have played an irreplaceable role in the dairy. Being able to work together as a family is something that holds special and of irreplaceable value to them. “When it’s silage chopping time, we all help,” said Troy. “Those are the kinds of moments you remember forever
Growing up, Troy had role models who taught him how to manage the dairy, but also allowed him to learn the decision-making side of the operation from a young age.
“I had a great dad who was a great teacher,” said Troy. “At 10 years old, he bought me my first registered heifer. He was an auctioneer, and marketing became something I loved.”
That early exposure sparked a passion for buying and selling cattle for Troy. He continues to hone in on the marketing side of the operation. Not only does it yield positive results, but it also leads to meaningful friendships and a strong reputation in the dairy world. One aspect of marketing he prioritizes is embryo transfer work.
Troy didn’t grow up showing cows, but his children have taken this and ran with it. Austin, his oldest son, really started marketing through the show world. He buys, sells, and shows cattle at prestigious shows such as World Dairy Expo. The other children also show on the state and national level.
Troy understands the value of honesty, and makes that his primary goal in his business. “I try to be a man of integrity,” said Troy. “If you build a reputation for good cattle and good ethics that you do business with, it’s just amazing how people will take to that.”
One big lesson Troy has learned is the value of being open-minded. He enjoys interacting with other people and getting ideas. He understands you can’t box yourself in and there’s always something new to learn.
Troy is on the board for the Mid-Ga Farm Services Cooperative and serves as a District Director on the Georgia Milk Producers Board of Directors. He and his family are actively involved in the Montezuma Mennonite Church and he serves on the church finance board.