Orleans Poverty Hill Farms and the Neal family named Orleans County Agricultural Business of the Year

This year’s “Agricultural Business of the Year” is Orleans Poverty Hill Farms!

“Orleans Poverty Hill Farms was established in 1956 when Franklyn and Margret Neal purchased 90 acres and began milking 16 cows. Edward joined after school in 1964 and they began to grow the farm. By the ‘90s the farm had grown to just over 200 cows and 700 acres. Ed’s two sons James & Jody joined the partnership and the third (Jeremy) joined forces with us to help grow the farm to what it is today. We have two members of the next generation: Brian Neal and Justin Robinson who are on the farm! Currently we have 660 head in the milking herd, 620 replacement heifers and 100 beef animals, also growing 1100 acres of crops.

It has been rewarding to watch employees over the years that worked with us to come back and visit or share what they have been doing. It’s so wonderful to see them chasing their passions. We are thankful for a key employee over the years (more like family),Kathy Jurs, who is a gifted person with calf management and has grown into an amazing manager of people.

Over the years, we received honorable awards. Edward was awarded FHA farmer of the year in the 80’s. We became a Dairy of distinction, awarded Quality Milk and Super Milk. Orleans Poverty Hill Farms received the State Environmental Stewardship award and named 2016 Conservation of the Year by Soil and Water Conservation district.

We have received various community awards, the most recent the “Friend of Education Award.” We enjoy bringing animals to HOAG Library, Nursing Homes in the past and to schools.

In the past year, we have been grateful and humbled by the incredible support, outpouring of love and prayers during an incredibly difficult time for our family with the death of Byron. It is an honor to be recognized for this award.”