Lancaster Farmland Trust is excited to join Turkey Hill Dairy in their “Preserve a Farm” campaign, which aims to preserve a 63-acre Amish farm in East Lampeter Township. The campaign is part of the local business’s 85th anniversary celebration and inspired by a new line of drinks call “Haymakers,” based upon an old recipe to help farmers quench their thirst.
Under the Preserve a Farm campaign, supporters are encouraged to make a donation at TurkeyHill.com/Preserve. All donations, up to a total of $42,500, will be matched by Turkey Hill. The Preserve a Farm campaign is rooted in the company’s own farming history.
“Turkey Hill was founded by a farmer 85 years ago, so we know firsthand the hard work that goes into maintaining a farm,” said Turkey Hill President John Cox. “We also rely on the hard work of Lancaster County farmers to supply the ingredients that are used in our products. That’s one of many reasons why it’s so important to preserve and protect the farmland right here in our own backyard.”
Over the past two decades, Turkey Hill has donated more than $500,000 to the Lancaster Farmland Trust. Though that money has been used to preserve several Lancaster County farms, this is the first campaign by Turkey Hill to preserve a specific farm.
“By preserving our farmland, we are preserving a way of life that nurtures our bodies and our souls,” said Karen Martynick, Executive Director of the Trust. “We are making sure that our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy the fresh, nutritious food our farms provide and the beautiful landscape that enhances our quality of life. Turkey Hill has been a long-time supporter of Lancaster Farmland Trust and a valued community partner that understands the importance of farmland preservation to our community.”
Three generations of Amish farmers live on the East Lampeter township farm that will be preserved under the Turkey Hill campaign. The goal is to preserve the land so that the family’s grandson can continue to work the land as the family has done for generations.
Lancaster County is home to nearly 6,000 farms, 99 percent of which are family-owned. The farms employ more than 51,000 men and women and contribute more than $4 billion to the local economy.
Since 1988, the Trust has preserved over 28,000 acres of Lancaster County farmland.
