Faith, Resilience and Legacy at Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch with Gary de Graaf
How personal health challenges and long-held beliefs shaped leadership at a California Jersey dairy
Gary de Graaf of Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch in Pixley, California, sat down with Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen to share how faith has guided both his family and his approach to life and dairy. The conversation centered on major health events over the past two years and how those experiences reinforced his sense of purpose, service and legacy.
Building a Jersey Herd That Defied Convention
Jer-Z-Boyz Ranch was founded in 1995 by Gary and Donna de Graaf and their sons, Dustin and Daniel. Gary made the decision to transition the farm from Holsteins to Jerseys, a move he acknowledged was unpopular at the time.
Today, the herd milks nearly 5,000 Jerseys, with an emphasis on fertility, components and longevity. Gary credited cow durability and multiple lactations as key factors that enabled expansion and the sale of fresh Jersey replacements across the western United States.
A Medical Emergency That Changed Everything
In April 2023, Gary suffered a head injury that later developed into a slow brain bleed. His condition worsened rapidly, leading to an emergency MRI and immediate surgery. A neurosurgeon told him, “You should be dead,” noting the severity of the bleed and the timing of the intervention.
Gary underwent emergency surgery on a Wednesday evening and was discharged before lunch on Friday. “God’s the great physician,” he said, crediting both medical care and prayer for the outcome.
Recovery Marked by Gratitude and Unexpected Moments
During recovery, Gary recalled moments of clarity, gratitude and humor, including interactions with hospital staff that helped ease fear and stress. He described laughter as “good medicine” and expressed appreciation for nurses, therapists and doctors who supported him through recovery.
Follow-up imaging showed rapid improvement, surprising his care team. Gary emphasized that faith remained central during the process, even when outcomes were uncertain.
Faith Extended Beyond His Own Hospital Room
While hospitalized, Gary said he became aware of challenges facing those caring for him. He prayed with a physical therapist who shared concerns about starting a family. Gary later learned the therapist and his wife welcomed a baby girl.
Gary also shared that his neurosurgeon later passed away from cancer, reinforcing for him the importance of prayer and presence during difficult moments. “We have to be sensitive to the people that God brings into our life,” he said.
A Renewed Focus on Legacy and Purpose
In the year following his brain surgery, Gary faced additional health challenges, including a pulmonary embolism, heart blockages and open-heart surgery. He said recovery strengthened his resolve to focus on faith, family and sharing his beliefs with future generations.
“I want my grandkids to know who God was to Donna and I,” he said, describing a commitment to daily Bible reading and intentional conversations about faith.
Gary de Graaf’s story reflects how personal trials can reshape leadership priorities and reinforce a sense of purpose beyond the dairy itself.
Hear the full conversation with Gary de Graaf on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and watch the complete episode below.
