Grain, forage and livestock production have been central to our family heritage for eleven generations.Ten of those eleven generations have lived on the family tract carved out of “William Penn’s Woods” near Lancaster, Pennsylvania in the early 1700’s.On those fertile Pennsylvania farms, our Swiss-German forefathers developed a faith community where they lived out their Christian beliefs and enjoyed the peace and religious freedom that had eluded them in Europe for the previous 150 years.
Eleven generations later, we hold to the same faith and lifestyle values.While the tree has branched onto new geography, we find the many neighbors, business relationships and friendships we have in northwest Ohio to be part of a single piece of cloth upon which is weaved the tapestry of our Pennsylvania roots.
Our parents created opportunities for us to participate in livestock care, 4-H and FFA projects.Through these activities came a desire for advanced education in livestock and business management and a strong desire to continue the family tradition of livestock and milk production. Along the way we met another like-minded family (one of Leon’s California dairy clients) who shared our interests in combining veterinary expertise with dairy herd management and production.This friendship and professional association has blossomed into the Bridgewater Dairy Group. Founded in 1998, The Bridgewater Dairy Group based in Northwest Ohio has grown to 6000 dairy cows, and 6000 acres of cropland. These operations are supported by 2 milking facilitiesAll of the forage and much of the corn grain consumed by our cows is grown on Bridgewater’s farms.Nutrients for crops are derived substantially by recycling animal manures.Approximately 40,000 gallons of milk are marketed daily to bottlers and supermarket chains in the mid-west and southeastern U.S. based upon premium quality standards and excellent customer service.