Our Story

🐄 Olivia's Story: From Dairy Dreams to Regenerative Reality

Olivia grew up immersed in agriculture on her family’s cow/calf and row crop operation. At just 14 years old, she began working for a neighbor’s 1,700-head dairy. Her first job was feeding calves—but that quickly evolved. Over time, she worked her way into whole herd management, focusing on lactating cows with responsibilities in animal movement, reproduction, herd health, and milk testing. This hands-on experience sparked a deep interest in bovine reproductive physiology—an interest that would guide the next chapters of her career.

She went on to earn a Master of Science in Beef Reproductive Physiology and accepted her first professional role with a genetics company, working closely with large, progressive dairies. Later, she transitioned into a county-level position centered around beef cattle. These diverse roles across both beef and dairy industries provided Olivia with a strong foundation in animal husbandry and herd management.

Over time, Olivia began to question many of the conventional methods she’d been taught and practiced. She became increasingly drawn to more holistic, regenerative, and intentional ways of raising animals and producing food. That curiosity—and a mother’s desire to nourish her family—led to her next big leap.

In 2023, Olivia, then a mom of three boys, had what she jokingly called a "crazy idea": she wanted to milk her own cow and provide her family with the highest-quality dairy possible. In June 2023, two registered A2/A2 Guernsey cows arrived on the farm. By July, she was selling raw milk to a few individuals who had inquired—and the very next day, her fourth son was born. Fittingly, her budding business was named: Four Boys and a Milk Cow.

What began as a few gallons quickly turned into 50 gallons a week, with customers drawn to both the quality of the milk and the values behind it. 

🌾 Meet Ryan & Sarah: Faith, Family & Farming

Ryan and Sarah both grew up on farms and share a deep-rooted love for agriculture and community. High school sweethearts, they were married in 2002 and have been building their life together on faith, family, and hard work ever since.

Ryan began farming right out of high school alongside his father and grandfather, carrying on a proud legacy of working the land. Sarah pursued her passion for agriculture and education at South Dakota State University, where she earned a degree in Agricultural Education. She went on to teach 7th–12th grade Ag classes and serve as the FFA Advisor at Tri-Valley High School, where she poured into the lives of students for several years.

In the fall of 2022, God laid it on Sarah’s heart to take a leap of faith and start a new journey in education. That’s when Buffalo Christian Homeschool Academy was born—a K–12 hybrid model school built on partnership with parents, blending the strength of home education with the guidance of a Christ-centered community.

Together, Ryan and Sarah continue to live out their calling on a lively and diverse farm. Their operation includes corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat, beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and horses. The family farm is also home to two loyal dogs—Lou and Tuff—and a pair of spirited miniature donkeys named Jack and Grandpa, who act as the farm’s trusty (and slightly mischievous) guardians.

They have been blessed with four beautiful children, each of whom has been involved in farm life since they could walk—learning responsibility, stewardship, and the value of hard work firsthand.

From cattle and piglets to adventures on horseback, every day brings something new. Through it all, Ryan and Sarah remain committed to their faith, their family, their community, and to raising the next generation rooted in strong values and a love for rural life.

🥛 How Countryside Mercantile Was Born

In July 2024, Olivia and her family headed out on a family trip to help brand calves—a long-standing tradition that brings generations together on the ranch. Like anyone who milks cows knows, you're married to your farm. So, to make it work, Olivia recruited some extra help for the weekend: Ryan & Sarah’s son, Taygen.

Not long into the trip, Olivia received a call from Sarah. “This isn’t an emergency!” Sarah assured her with a laugh. Instead, she wanted to talk about a dream that had been stirring—what would it look like to grow the little raw milk business into something more?

What followed were weeks of conversations, ideas, and prayers. From kitchen tables to late-night texts, the vision began to take shape. And out of all that dreaming, Countryside Mercantile was born.

Ryan and Sarah stepped out in faith and transformed one of their barns into a small-scale milking facility—simple, practical, and perfect for starting out. In November 2024, the Guernsey girls were loaded up and moved in, marking the official start of a new chapter between Olivia, Ryan & Sarah. The operation continues to grow—rooted in regenerative practices, ethical animal care, and a commitment to providing nutrient-dense food for families who care deeply about where their milk comes from.