Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
White Oak Dairy in Lafayette County was established in 2002 by Jody and JoAnn Sullivan, Ryan and Ashley Sullivan, and Jared and Kelli Moseley. White Oak Dairy opened with 100 Holstein cows and has grown to house over 1,600 cows.
Ryan is the son of Jody and JoAnn. He graduated from Lafayette High School in 1996 before attending and graduating from the University of Saint Leo with a Business Management Degree. Jared also graduated from Lafayette High School in 1999 before attending and graduating from the University of Florida with an Accounting Degree.
The two of them married their high school sweethearts; Ryan's wife, Ashley, is a Branford High School graduate. Together, they have three children. Jared married the daughter of Jody and JoAnn, Kelli, a Lafayette High School graduate. Together, they have four children.
In 2002, the opportunity arose to open White Oak Dairy. With the financial support of Jody and JoAnn, Ryan and Jared worked together to build the dairy from the ground up. "The greatest joys and blessings have come from the success and work on the family farm," Jared said. Today, White Oak Dairy is one of the leading dairy operations in the area. However, Jared is quick to point out the secret behind the dairy's success and growth. “None of this would be possible if it weren't for the support of businesses and great employees," Jared said. "We are so thankful for the people we depend on daily."
White Oak Dairy operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With the many dependable employees that constantly keep the day-to-day operations going, White Oak Dairy continues to improve and grow industrially and economically.
"Farming over the last 20 years has been challenging at times, but ultimately it has allowed us to raise our children and teach them the importance of hard work," Kelli said. "The most rewarding part of our farm is knowing we are leaving a foundation for our family."
“The Lord has graciously blessed our family and we are excited about the future of White Oak Dairy,” Jared said.
White Oak Dairy is located at 6951 SW CR 534, in Mayo.