Greg Hartzler

Then...

The year of Greg Hartzler's birthday, 1964, marked a real milestone in the family's farming history. This was the year his father, Harold, stopped using petroleum-based fertilizers and began developing his organic farming methods. As a result, the youngest Hartzler son has never known anything but the natural way of agriculture.

Some of Greg's first memories are riding the tractor with his father in the muddy Springs while sowing oats. He continued his career path in dairy farming by investing in two Holstein cows almost immediately after graduating from high school. After a short stint in the Florida turf business, Greg began what he terms a family "apprenticeship" working first with Jeff and John on their farm and later with Gene. In 1991, he began renting and working his own dairy in Smithville. Today, almost a third of his herd of 31 cows are the offspring of the first two Holsteins he purchased.

"Holsteins will outmilk just about any other breed in terms of pounds-per-day," notes Greg. He has always liked the breed and its even temperament....and as a result, never owned anything but Holsteins. His herd produces approximately 1200-1500 pounds of milk a day, which converts to over 150 daily gallons.

Greg and his wife, Jill have three children, Eli, Sondra and Korie. Eli is his  father's number one farmhand. The eight-and-a-half year old young man is quick to note his agricultural skills to the interested guest--the ability to drive a tractor. He is also well-versed in the wide array of farm machinery and equipment. Eli definitely knows his way around a milk parlor and a square baler. The young man even has his own Holstein.

Now...

Greg works on his own farm in Smithville. Eli gradated from High School and is still very interested in farming for his future. Jill is the Ice Cream Shoppe Manager and also helps in the office. Sondra also works in the Ice Cream Shoppe.

"..The Cream Rises to the top"