Dairy Adapts to Change

Name: Tim and Deborah Kurtz

Farm Name: Kurtland Farm

Family: Children- Jared, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Lauren and Gabrielle.

Location: Berks County, Pa.

Dairy Adapts to Change

The drive to Kurtland Farm is as scenic as it gets: rolling hills blanketed with green crops, classic red barns with white trim, and a summer breeze that invites you to stay the day. What the scenery doesn’t tell you is how the farm and family flourish despite the challenges of ever-changing times.

Tim Kurtz is the third generation to run Kurtland Farm, a 125-cow dairy that’s been in business for more than 85 years. Most of those rolling hills and green crops are his, covering 300 acres of Pennsylvania farmland. With a family of seven, he has plenty of help and support from his wife and kids, as well as the support of his community.

Community Relations Belongs On the Farm

The area’s population has doubled over the past two years, meaning that Kurtland Farm has more neighbors than before. With an “open door” policy, the Kurtzes build relationships and proactively educate friends and neighbors about dairy farming. The farm is host to tours of school children and adults, birthday parties and tractor rides. It serves as a meeting place for friends, family and community members.

“Contributing to the community and making positive impressions on our neighbors is our main priority,” Tim says. “Tourists get an intimate view of the details that make the farm successful and, in return, we have their trust and encouragement.”

With community involvement and the support for his industry in mind, Tim sits on the Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association board of directors and the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force subcommittee of Government and Community Relations and serves as a unit delegate for Land O’Lakes.  He also volunteers as a Junior High Sunday School teacher and serves as an elder in his church.

Safe and Wholesome Milk Is a Priority

Producing wholesome milk starts with the cows, and cow comfort is high on Tim’s list. The barns are equipped with misters and fans to keep the cows cool in the summer. Food and water is readily available throughout the day. Sand bedding provides a comfortable resting area and traction for the cows’ footing, not to mention its natural ability to hinder bacterial growth that can impact the quality of the milk.

Milk produced on the farm is required to meet strict state and federal regulations through routine inspections and daily milk testing. Tim attributes his success to routine maintenance and cleanliness, but most of all to employee training. A manual outlines the procedures that each staff member is required to follow. He even provides “Quality Bonus Incentives” to employees based on good performance.

“Our employees are trained to spend time and not rush through their jobs,” Tim says. “When things are accomplished using the proper protocols, everyone reaps the benefits.”

Going Green Is Old Hat

Many of Tim’s recycling and conservation techniques have been in practice for years prior to the recent “green” trend. The farm cooperates with the local Natural Resource Conservation Service and is 100 percent no-till, meaning that crops are planted without plowing. This helps preserve soil nutrients, conserve water and prevent soil erosion. Water that cools the milk produced on the dairy is recycled and used as drinking water for the cows. Gallons of manure are stored in a large holding tank on the farm. The manure is recycled as fertilizer for crops and only needs to be applied four times a year, cutting fuel and maintenance costs on tractors and other equipment.

Mastering the Balancing Act of Farm and Family

Raising five children is a job in itself, but running a business along with it requires time management. With the help of his wife, Deborah, Tim works hard to meet the needs of the farm and their children.

The importance of family time is evident around the household. “Our dad is around much more than other kids’ dads,” Lauren says. “He goes to our swim meets and soccer games, takes us snowmobiling, and even cooks us breakfast on Saturday mornings.”

Tim feels the farm is a great place to raise a family. He’s noticed his kids work harder and have different values than others their age. While all five children contribute to the farm, Jared and Hannah both attend college, while Kaitlyn, Lauren and Gabrielle play sports, attend church functions, and have high aspirations for their own futures.