Before there was online dating, there was Hoard’s

Popular dating websites claim to cater to today’s fast-paced world and the fast-paced working professional. The sites draw those without the time or dedication to find love the old-fashioned way — whatever that may be. This challenge is nothing new to many in the dairy industry; it takes a special person to understand the dedication of those in the industry.

Just a few months ago, in a West Bend, Wis., paper, we read about a couple that had just celebrated their 23rd wedding anniversary. Jim and Kathy Weber, the couple featured in the article, shared their unique story of how they met. It was an accident actually; Kathy’s mother placed an ad in the Hoard’s Dairyman classified section about her single daughters, without notifying her daughters (see the original classified ad in the picture.) Shortly after the ad was placed, Kathy’s mailbox was full of letters from possible suitors. One persistent individual stood out though, and after writing back and forth for a few months, a meeting was arranged. A first date to a local fish fry wasn’t exactly perfect, but through time and much correspondence and visits the couple decided to get married in a double wedding ⎯ a double wedding that included Kathy’s sister and her fiancé and themselves. Kathy’s sister met her now husband the same way.

Over 23 years later, the couple is thankful for the match that was found in the pages of Hoard’s. Their story has been printed in our magazine, National Enquirer, Woman’s Day, and even broadcast on European radio. We often wonder if there are similar stories out there. Have you heard of any?