Paul and Phyllis van Amburg, believing that a small, family farm is the best place to raise their children, 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 as they become full time farmers. The First Season, through an intimate, cinema verite style, bears witness to the Van Amburg's struggle as they fight against relentless toil, financial ruin and the harsh reality of diary farming to achieve their version of the American dream.