Farming Roots Run Deep for Croner Family

Name: Tom Croner

Family name: T. Rich Inc.

Family: Tom and his son, T Richard

Location: Somerset County, Pa.

 

Deep History and Commitment to Dairy Farming:

Tom Croner and his son, T Richard, are the second and third generation to farm T. Rich Inc., a dairy farm in Somerset County, Pa. Tom's father, Richard, started farming in 1941, but the Croner family roots in Somerset County grow much deeper. German immigrants, the Croner family moved to the area in 1780, and the house where Tom now lives was then a Brethren Meeting House. T and his wife, Glenda, live on the main farm in a home that's been standing for more than two centuries.

Tom and T credit part of their success and longevity in the dairy industry to the Fochman family. Three generations of Fochman family members have worked on the Croner farm. Tom and T recognize and respect the significant contribution the Fochman family members bring to T. Rich Farm.

The Dairy Operation:

Tom and his son, T, are both very involved in their farm business, but Tom is quick to point out that T handles the majority of the day-to-day management of the operation. Described by his father as quiet and shy, T oversees all aspects of the business, including cropping and field work, as well as milking, feeding and herd health.

The Croners milk 250 cows and a raise the same number of heifers and calves. The majority of the cows are Holsteins, but some Jersey/Holstein crosses are also part of the herd. The Croners farm 700 acres of land and grow all of their own forages - corn, hay and barley. They also raised 45 acres of potatoes in 2005 for Snyders of Berlin, the local potato chip manufacturer. However, Tom anticipates fewer or no potatoes in their 2006 crops because growing potatoes competes for time and labor in raising hay and corn to feed to their dairy animals. "We're going to focus on the dairy business and that means making sure we have quality feeds here for our cattle," Tom says.

A Love for Farming:

T says he was born with a love of farming, nurtured in his youth by his grandfather, Richard Croner. He also loves the variety and new challenges found each day on the farm. But he is quick to point out that his life-style is anything but easy. "The drastic increases in the cost of farm inputs over the past several months, brought on by the affects of Hurricane Katrina, have had a significant economic impact on all dairy farmers," Tom adds.

On Being a Good Neighbor:

The Croners believe it is important to be good neighbors and good citizens. T hosts an annual Harvest Party held on the farm each November for their friends, neighbors and people with whom they do business. A tradition for more than 15 years, Tom and T think this is a good way to show their hospitality and appreciation to their neighbors. They also grow several acres of sweet corn each year and make it known to neighbors that they are welcome to help themselves. Tom thinks these are simple and easy ways to show the community that they care.

Dairy Industry and Community Involvement:

Tom has held local and national leadership positions in the dairy industry for decades. Once a director for the former Milk Marketing Inc. dairy cooperative, Tom now serves as chairman of the Mideast Area Council for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) as well as secretary/treasurer of the DFA corporate board. He is a leader in dairy promotion as a member of the executive committee and board of directors of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program and the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association board. In addition, he serves on both the National Milk Producers Federation and Cooperatives Working Together boards of directors.

Tom and T are both members of the Trinity United Church of Christ, and T is a member of the Roxbury Sportsmen, an outdoorsman organization.

Caring for their Animals:

T. Rich Farm works hard to make sure they provide top-quality care to all of their animals. Their animals are housed in free stalls and bedded packs, giving the cattle freedom to move and exercise at will. Their free stall barns have mattresses, adding to the cow comfort. Regular veterinary check-ups and a hoof care program are part of their regular routine as well.

Quality Milk is a Priority:

Tom and T make it a priority to produce and market quality milk from their farm. They received an award from their cooperative, Dairy Farmers of America last year for producing top-quality milk every month of the year. They also have established an incentive program to encourage and reward their employees for producing quality milk.