Pennsylvania Distinguished Dairy Producer Award: Donny & Shari Bartch of Merrimart Farms in Perry County

Donny and Shari Bartch own and operate Merrimart Farms, which milks about 260 cows and farms 1,000 acres. Shari is the fourth generation of the Martin family farming in the area, and together, she and Donny have been able to continue the farm that was started three generations earlier. Shari and Donny have been partners in her family farm for 18 years and became sole owners in 2018. During their involvement on the farm, they have focused on high-quality feeds and intensive double cropping. This has allowed the farm to invest in additional feed storage and housing for additional animals.

Donny and Shari are also passionate about innovation and automated technology. They have diversified their operation with finished steers, custom farming, and crop sales, which has added additional income sources. With an eye on efficiency, they have added automated technology such as a robotic calf feeder and are in the process of building a robotic milking barn. After growing their business in size and scale, as well as quality and efficiency, Donny and Shari continue to seek out ways to improve their herd and overall business. Their desire to grow and improve is one of their greatest strengths. They are open to new approaches and are not afraid to try something new if it benefits their farm, their family, the animals, and the community. Professional development is important to them, and Donny actively participates in educational activities to advance his management abilities.

Educating consumers and advocating for the dairy industry gives Donny and Shari purpose. In a recent audit, Donny took extra time to educate the IRS auditor about farming and agriculture. Donny never appeared frustrated that the auditor was unfamiliar with farming or asked too many questions. Instead, he was happy to share the story of dairy farming with a potential consumer. Donny and Shari have also worked with American Dairy Association North East to share what happens on a dairy farm, frequently offer tours to local elementary schools, and host Holstein Association and Farm Bureau events. Donny served on the Perry County Farm Bureau and currently serves as director on the Perry County Planning Commission as a director. He is also part of a committee to help develop a Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship program in the coming year.

Donny and Shari’s goal is to keep things simple and efficient, and this commitment has pushed their operation’s production and profitability over the years. They are active in their community, from youth sports leagues and local boards to leadership roles within their church. Donny and Shari are outstanding Pennsylvania dairy producers with a commitment to their employees, family, community, and the dairy industry at large. “I am always willing to learn, and I listen to the advice of industry leaders and other farmers who have experience and knowledge that I lack. The saying is very true for me, ‘It’s not what you know but who you know.’ I’m thankful to know people who have the answers to my questions,” Donny shared.