March 24, 2016

Carla Wardin and her husband Kris, both sixth-generation farmers, are the sole owners of Evergreen Dairy in St. Johns, Michigan. They recently expanded their herd and now milk a total of 400 cows. They also grow crops to feed their cattle on 850 acres of corn, alfalfa, and pasture. Carla blogs about the farm, goes into the schools to teach about farming, and enjoys giving tours. Carla is a dairy communicator and delegate for Michigan Milk Producers Association, and she and Kris were named Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperators in 2012. In 2013, they were selected as National Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperator Chaircouple. She also actively promotes agriculture through Michigan Farm Bureau, United Dairy Industry of Michigan, and Michigan Ag Council. Before returning to the farm, Carla earned her Masters of Arts degree from Michigan State University in English literature. After graduation, she taught at Bradley University and Northern Illinois University, and, later, worked in marketing for Caterpillar and TechSmith Corporation. The couple has three sons – 8-year-old twins and a 4-year-old.