I started dairying on my own in 1986, in the aftermath of the "whole herd buyout". I can't count the number of people who told me I was nuts, there's no money in milking, young guy can't get started, blah blah blah.

I ignored them. Bought a herd of cows, was able to rent a farm, worked my ass off. Hit the ground running in the AM and kept running most all day. No vacations, damn little time off the first 5 years or so. It got better after that.

What is the future in dairy? It is what you want it to be. Glass half full? Glass half empty? There's too many folks that have a glass 99% full and they are bitching that it's not running over.

If I was you, I would go for it. Worst that can happen is that you fail. Then you just pick yourself up and try something else.

I also think that grazing is the way to go, or for sure strongly consider. I would be grazing if my land base was anywhere near the barn.