The First Season
"Wouldn't it be great if you could raise your kids on your own
farm? I mean, if that was a real option again? But just going out
and starting a dairy farm makes no sense; it's too hard. But if
you stay focused on what's important, you might just make it."
-- Paul Van Amburgh, dairy farmer --
Paul and Phyllis van Amburgh, embracing the traditional
American values essential to life on the small farm (honest toil,
thrift, and dedication to family) take their life savings and buy a
defunct dairy. With three children and a fourth on the way and
armed only with their principles and determination, they fight
to defy the odds and become full time farmers.
Through an intimate, cinema verite style, THE FIRST SEASON
bears witness to the Van Amburghs' struggle to build their
version of the American dream despite never-ending labor,
financial ruin, and the harsh reality of dairy farming
THE FIRST SEASON portrays the story of the small, family
farmer -- once the iconic centerpiece of the American
experience -- fighting to remain viable in the modern world.