Sudo Farm is setting a new standard for livestock farming—one rooted in care for animals, people, and the environment. With a deep respect for nature and a strong commitment to sustainability, the farm is working toward a future where animals, communities, and the planet can flourish together. Lively had the opportunity to sit down with Kenta Sudo, CEO of Sudo Farm in Tateyama City, Chiba, to learn more about their journey, their guiding values, and their vision for the future.

Kenta Sudo – Sudo Farm where people and cows live happily together

Can you share the story of how Sudo Farm began?

Around 100 years ago, during the Taisho era, my great-grandfather, Genshichi Sudo, began managing a small herd of dairy cattle, laying the groundwork for what is now Sudo Farm. What started with just a handful of cows has grown into a flourishing dairy operation, currently managing a herd of approximately 100 cows and producing around 1,500 liters of fresh milk daily. Over the years, we established our own milk processing facility and opened three dairy shops, inviting the local community to enjoy our signature fresh milkshakes and other handcrafted dairy products.

By managing production, processing, and sales, your farm truly embodies the farm-to-fork strategy. When did you first get involved?

I suppose it’s been a part of me since the day I was born. Sudo Farm and dairy cattle have always been central to my life. In fact, when I was in second grade, I wrote “dairy farmer” as my dream job on my elementary school report card.

What inspired you to become a dairy farmer?

Growing up, Sudo Farm was always a welcoming place for visitors to experience life on a working dairy farm. As a child, I remember watching kids on farm tours, laughing and enjoying their time as they interacted with the cows. Seeing their joy made me incredibly happy.

One day, without much thought, I asked my father, “What happens if no one takes over the farm?” His response was simple: “Then it will disappear.” That moment struck me profoundly—I couldn’t bear the thought of that happening.

To me, Sudo Farm is so much more than a place where we manage a dairy herd and produce milk. It’s a place where cows and people coexist in harmony, and where visitors leave with smiles and a connection to the land. I couldn’t imagine a future without it, and taking over the family farm felt like the only path forward.

Did you ever think about pursuing a different career?

I’ve always been curious about exploring different paths—becoming a teacher, a lawyer, an actor, even a narrator. But not once have I ever considered giving up dairy farming. Sudo Farm is such a joyful place, a part of who I am, and no matter what other interests I might have, I know I can always find a way to balance them with my work on the farm.

What made you see dairy farming as a career where you can balance it with other things you want to do?

I owe so much to my mother. She used to work as a teacher, and she brought that creativity to the farm—creating her own picture books to read to children and organizing Farm-to-Table workshops at Sudo Farm. Watching her, I naturally grew up believing that being a dairy farmer didn’t mean limiting yourself—you could do anything.

In fact, the same year I started working on the farm, I organized an outdoor play right here at Sudo Farm. Even now, I find time to pursue my passion as a street performer alongside my work in dairy farming.

From Father to Son – farm management and environmental initiatives

The first initiative to reduce environmental impact at Sudo Farm was producing its own feed. Could you share more about the farm’s initiatives, including what you’re currently working on?

Over 30 years ago, my father began cultivating home-grown feed for our dairy herd—a practice initially inspired by Japanese government policies encouraging self-sufficient feed production for its cost-saving and efficiency benefits. Today, we continue this tradition, not just for its economic benefits, but to promote environmental sustainability and ensure the health and well-being of our herd. In our efforts to further reduce our environmental impact, we’ve incorporated flaxseed oil calcium fatty acid into our feed—a supplement that helps lower methane emissions generated during digestion. This allows us to actively explore ways to minimize the methane released through enteric fermentation, commonly known as cow burps.
At Sudo Farm, we also oversee every aspect of our production chain, from processing and distribution to in-house sales, giving us the ability to ensure quality at every step. On top of that, we’re committed to reducing waste during product development, consistently implementing small yet impactful sustainability practices in everything we do.

Your family has been practicing circular dairy farming since your father’s time. That’s impresive!

I’ve always admired my father and the principles he stood for. His core philosophy was rooted in “mutual understanding.” He worked tirelessly to share the values of Sudo Farm while also listening to and understanding the perspectives of the local community and our customers. Many of the services and products we offer today—like our dairy farm experiences and soft serve—were created in response to feedback from our customers.
Inspired by my father’s vision, I hope to carry on his legacy by building strong, meaningful connections with our customers while managing the farm.

Was there a specific moment when you became aware of environmental and sustainability concerns?

I grew up in a family where caring for the environment and prioritizing sustainability were simply part of our daily lives. So, when I started managing the farm, it felt natural to approach everything with those values in mind. Being part of a family business also shapes the way you think. When you’re running a company that’s been passed down for over 100 years, you can’t help but start thinking about what the next 100 years will look like.

I’ve also noticed that this mindset isn’t unique to me. Many family business owners I’ve met have a similar way of thinking—always looking ahead, planning for the future, and ensuring that what they’ve built can stand the test of time.

In the second part of the interview, we’ll delve into our latest sustainability initiatives, the challenges facing the dairy industry today, and our vision for the future. We’re excited to share more with you soon. stay tuned!