Triple M Dairy

Simple. Honest. Rooted.

That’s what the Streif Family of Triple M Dairy strives for every day. For the Streifs, “simple” means taking pride in doing the basics well; with care, attention to detail, and a deep commitment to the animals, the land, and the people who depend on them. 

Just outside of West Union, Iowa, the Streif’s milk 370 dairy cows and run a row-crop and custom silage chopping business that keeps them connected to the community and land they love. The name 'Triple M Dairy’ pays tribute to the heart of their operation and their story, their three children, Michael, Matthew, and Maria. All of whom play integral roles in the farm's current day to day management and business operations. Together, they carry on a family tradition that’s as much about values as it is about farming. 

When Todd and Heidi took over the farm from Todd’s parents in 2014, their focus was solely on dairy production. But, as markets and consumer needs evolved, so did the Streifs’ approach. They saw an opportunity to strengthen their herd, and add more value to the food they were already producing by integrating beef genetics into their breeding program. 

Their daughter, Maria brings fresh ideas and valuable modern know-how thanks to her degree in Dairy Science and her current role as an Artificial Insemination Technician for Select Sires, a cattle genetics company. She helped implement modern breeding technologies that give the family greater insight into their herd. Using sexed semen allows them to guide whether a calf will be female or male, helping them balance their dairy and beef herd goals in a careful, sustainable way. 

Maria also introduced a genetic evaluation program that helps identify which cows are best suited for dairy production and which are ideal candidates for beef genetics. The result is that the Streifs are able to produce both exceptional milk and high-quality beef. Ensuring that every animal raised on their farm contributes to feeding the world in an efficient and wholesome manner.

“We take pride in using everything we have wisely,” Todd shared. “When our calves go on to become beef cattle, it’s rewarding to know we’re producing another wholesome, high-quality food product people love.” 

Like many family farms, the Streifs combine tradition with innovation to keep their operation running smoothly. Each cow wears a small electronic ear tag that tracks her health, nutrition, and activity—almost like a fitness tracker for cows. Most of the time, “the system can spot that a cow might be feeling off two days before we’d notice it ourselves,” Heidi explained. That kind of technology helps ensure their animals are comfortable, well-cared for, and thriving — a reflection of the shared commitment among both dairy and beef producers to put animal care first. 

The implementation of technology on the farm has strengthened Triple M Dairy’s core value of honesty. The Streif family takes their role as caretakers of animals, stewards of the land, and food producers for the world seriously, and to heart. 

Once the farm’s beef-on-dairy calves are ready, they’re sold to trusted feedyards, where they’re carefully raised to produce high quality beef. Through data tracking, the Streifs can even follow those animals as they grow, keeping a connection to the food they help bring to dinner tables across the country. 

While technology and innovation continue to move the farm forward, the foundation of Triple M Dairy remains unchanged: strong family roots and a steadfast commitment to doing things the right way. 

Giving back to their community is something that fulfills the Streifs beyond the business side of farming. Each year, they donate milk to their town’s summer farmers markets and provide dairy products for local pancake breakfast fundraisers. 

Todd and Heidi are especially proud that all three of their children chose to come back to the farm and take on important roles in both day-to-day management and major business decisions. Heidi reflects, “I’ve always been proud that our kids have wanted to be here with us, through the good and the bad. It’s pretty special that we can still work together, get along, and laugh, even after a long day. My parents often point that out, and they’re right, we’re pretty lucky. Sure, we have our moments, but at the end of the day, we’re still a family.” 

Although the day-to-day work and stressors of farming aren’t easy, the Streifs stay motivated by seeing their hard work and innovation pay off as their herd continues to improve. Todd adds, “I try to take on each day with a fresh mindset and not let yesterday’s challenges cloud tomorrow.” 

From the first morning milking to the final evening chores, the Streifs pour their hearts into producing the food that nourishes families far beyond their own. Whether it’s a glass of milk at breakfast or a perfectly grilled burger at dinner, the Streifs take pride in knowing that quality beef and dairy begin with families like theirs — simple, honest, and rooted in doing things the right way.

Photo courtesy: PBM Photography