Next up in our June Dairy Month series is a farm located only a stone’s throw from urban Indianapolis. Don’t miss the chance to connect with this farm–either virtually or with a visit to the fall corn maze! Check out their website, Facebook and blog links at the end.
Located where rural farm scenes and suburban sprawl collide, Kelsay Farms, LLC is a sixth generation dairy and crop farm just south of Indianapolis. Originally land-granted by President Martin Van Buren in 1837, this farm has survived through the years by implementing sound management practices, adapting to the changing industry, and creatively marketing itself and its products. Kelsay Farms celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2012.
Four generations are involved in the dairy farm life—from great grandma Ruth, who’s 86 years young, to a nine month old baby boy, Rhett. Merrill and Debi Kelsay along with their sons, Joe and Russ, and daughters-in-law, Amy and Liz operate the farm with the help of 12 full time employees. The farm is home to 500 Holstein dairy cows and also crops 2200 acres of corn, soybeans, hay, wheat and other crops. (Below, Joe, Russ and Merrill pose by the milk tank.)
Kelsay Farms is heavily involved in agritourism, with over 20,000 visitors coming to visit the cows every year. The farm hosts lots of group events, school field trips, and boy and girl scout troops at the farm. In the fall, the farm is open to the public with a corn maze, hayrides, farm tours, dairy snacks, an exciting chance to ride the Moo Choo Express cow train, and other fun fall activities.
Connect with the Kelsays and their cows online at www.kelsayfarms.com, Facebook, Twitter (@Kelsay Farms), or Amy and Liz’s blog.
