meyer farm
Family & Business History
While farms and acreages have dwindled over the years in Central Pennsylvania, the Meyer family slowly and strategically grew their farm acreage, Holstein cow herd, crop, milk production, and agricultural and dairy product automations to sustain a popular agritourism destination – Meyer Dairy Farm Store.
Read more about the expansions and generations:
1887
The Farm
The first Meyer farm was purchased in 1887, located on West Branch Road in State College, Pennsylvania, by W.C. Meyer, great grandfather of current owner, J. Dennis Meyer.
1908
FARM SALE
J. Curtis Meyer purchased the 128-acre farm from his father, W.C. Meyer, with only twenty Guernsey Cows and one bull. The whole family helped milk the cows twice a day. In the early years, evening milking was done by the light of kerosene lamps.
1910
milk wagon
The original milk wagon was built by the Wieland Brothers of Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. The Meyer Dairy horse, Prince, pulled the vintage milk wagon until the coming of motor power. J. Curtis sat on a milk can to drive it; as it was not built for comfort.
1910
MODEL T FORD
The Meyer family delivered milk by horse and buggy and later with a Model T Ford, until 1947. When the Model T was used, the back seat was pulled out, and the space was filled with milk cans. Before the farm had refrigerators to keep the milk cool, the milk cans were placed in the creek on site to chill until delivered to local customers.
1935
CORN PICKER
J. Curtis purchased one of the first modern corn pickers.
1940
NEW FARMS
Two more farms were purchased (another on West Branch Road and one on South Atherton Street) by the Meyer family, including the land where the dairy store sits today. In 1947, J.C. Meyer Jr. and his brother, Donald Meyer, purchased the farms from their father.
1950's
DENNY MEYER
The Linden Hall farm was purchased. In 1952, J. Dennis Meyer (current owner) was born and began working on the farm at a very young age. He had a passion for farming just like his father, grandfather and great grandfather.
1960'S
MILK PARLOR
The milking parlor was built and the dairy herd increased in size over the years. Up until 1962, the wheat stalks were shocked and threshed.
1970'S
DAIRY STORE
The dairy store was built to serve the community. Two more farms were also purchased to support the demand for milk and dairy products made onsite. The expanded production capabilities of hand-dipped ice cream, milk shakes, and ice cream floats became a widely and wildly popular treat with locals and area visitors.
1980'S
GOODBYE DON
In 1981, Donald Meyer passed away. Joe continued farming and managing the dairy store with the help of his wife, Carolyn, and his son, Dennis. Another farm totaling 140 acres was purchased in 1984.
2019
PROTECTED
Another 154-acre farm was purchased on West Branch Road, State College. With the assistance of Clearwater Conservancy, the Meyer family sold off development rights for 350 acres so the land could only be used for agricultural purposes. The acreage included the latest farm purchased along with adjacent Meyer farmland.
2020
EXPANDING
Another 50 acres of Meyer farmland was conserved from future development rights. The Meyer family farms 1,000+ acres and owns 8 farms. 200+ Holstein milking cows with the balance of the 400-head herd is steers and young calves. Grown on the farm is corn, oats, wheat, soy beans, alfalfa, and grass hay.
2021
LOVED ONES
Both Joe and his wife Carolyn passed away, eight months apart. Joe was 97.5 years old when he passed. They enjoyed life to the fullest and are missed by family, friends, and the State College agricultural and residential communities.
2022
THE FUTURE
The Meyer family remain all about farm to table after nearly 135 years in farming!