Lesson from a Legend: Elite Cows, High-Flyers and Business Savvy with Peter Vail

A Lifetime Shaped by Dairy, Business, and Bold Decisions

From sleeping in barns at cattle shows to building a fertilizer company now in its third generation, Peter Vail’s career spans nearly a century of dairy industry change. In a conversation with Uplevel Dairy host Peggy Coffeen, Vail reflects on his early years on a commercial dairy farm, the founding of CaroVail Fertilizer Company in 1964, and his return to dairy cattle investment later in life.

Early Lessons From a Commercial Dairy

Vail grew up on a commercial dairy operation just north of New York City, where long days and responsibility came early.

“We milked three barns, two miles apart,” Vail said.

Those experiences, he explained, laid the foundation for both his work ethic and his understanding of dairy production.

Building CaroVail and a Multi-Generation Business

In 1964, Vail launched what would become CaroVail Fertilizer Company. Over time, the business grew into a family operation spanning three generations.

“Now my son is president. My grandson works there. My granddaughter works there,” Vail said. “So they’re all involved in the business.”

He credited people management as a key driver of success.

“We treated people very well,” Vail said. “I wasn’t afraid to pay people.”

Returning to Dairy Cattle and the Show Ring

After years focused on business, Vail returned to dairy cattle investment in the 1990s, reconnecting with the show world that influenced him early on.

“I kind of always had it in my blood,” he said.

From high-profile cattle sales to memorable industry moments, Vail described a period when dairy cattle drew national attention and major investors.

Advice Built on Experience

When asked what advice he would offer younger generations, Vail emphasized knowledge before ownership.

“Go to work somewhere where you could get all the knowledge you could get,” he said. “Make sure you know all there is to know.”

Only after that foundation is built, he added, should young people consider investing or starting their own ventures.

Vail’s reflections highlight how patience, preparation, and people have consistently shaped his decisions across business and dairy.

To hear the complete discussion with Peter Vail, stream on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or watch the full conversation on YouTube.