Perry Tjaarda started milking cows when he was 14 years old.  Today his children are growing up on the farm and looking forward to a future in dairy. At Tjaarda Dairy in Shafter, Calif., Perry is passing on more than just the ins and outs of caring for his cows and dairying.  "I do this because I like it," says Perry.  "I tell my kids the same thing - you have to be passionate about what you do."   Perry's passion for working within the California dairy industry is having a lasting impact on his children and likely generations to come.

Nathan Tjaarda, a high school senior, plans to follow in his dad's footsteps as a California dairy producer. The reason?  Let's just say that a passion for dairying is in the Tjaarda genes.

Watch and hear more about Perry Tjaarda's story on www.RealCaliforniaMilk.com.