Lynn "Ken" F. Main Sr.

Lynn F Main Sr.(Ken), 78, of Copake Falls, NY, died peacefully with his family by his side on November 27, 2023. Son of the late Calvin and Ruth Main, Ken was born in 1945 in Baldwinsville, NY.

Ken was the first dairyman to put grooves in concrete in free-stall barns.  His passion was dairy cows, and he started Berkshire Valley Holsteins in 1977.  He had always dreamed of having a small Brown Swiss herd. That dream came true in 2002 when his partnership with Peter Vail began. Elite Dairy became known nationwide for breeding, selecting, and promoting an “Elite” herd.  He continued his passion in 2019 when he partnered with Dr. Kenny Jo Manion to establish Edge View Genetics at Elite Dairy ll, where they continue to grow high-quality Brown Swiss.  Ken has significantly influenced the Brown Swiss industry; Elite has earned numerous Premier Exhibitor & Premier Breeder honors and many All-Americans & Champions nationwide.  Ken was the recipient of the Brown Swiss Historical Association Master Breeder Award.  He was also a member of the NY and National Brown Swiss Associations. Ken was a great supporter of the local 4H group, Barn Buddies.

Ken enjoyed his time at shows and looking for the next best cow with his beloved fiancé, Marian.  She has been by his side for 10-plus years.  He was the beloved father to his son, Lynn, Jr. (Heidi), and Daughters, Michelle and Donna ( Peter).  Cherished “Poppy” to his three grandchildren, Mikey(Kayla), Kyle (Kenzie) and Ella. Ken was predeceased by his wife of 46 years, Charlene.

Friends and family may join the Main family in Celebrating Ken’s Life at the Pond Restaurant, 711 County Route 3, Ancramdale, NY, on Saturday, December 2nd at 12:30 pm. At the convenience of the family, Ken has requested his ashes be spread over the farm, where we all know he would want to be.  His family, friends, and cows will truly miss Ken.  In lieu of the flowers, contributions in memory of Ken can be made to the New York State Brown Swiss Association, NYSBSA 1048 Floodman Road, Palmyra, NY 14522.

Ken was a “Breeder and Marketer Extraordinaire” Peter Vail