Arbaugh Farms: A multi-generational operation celebrates 200 anniversary
All through its history, the work, and the business of ‘Arba Vue Farms Inc.’ has been taken as seriously as any other successfully run enterprise. That philosophy continues today, as the farm operations are a family joint venture, which is completed through day-to-day collaborative planning. The farm became operational in 1819 and has been in business for over 200 years. It was recognized in 2019 as a Bicentennial Farm.
“Each of us have our own responsibilities, and perform different tasks as designated,” said Russ Arbaugh. “We all share any success that the farm may bring, and no one person is credited as being ‘the boss’ or as in charge. We all just do what is needed and do it at the right time.
Through the 1990s and early 2000s we were a large-scale dairy farm compared to most of the other family dairy farms within a couple neighboring counties. We milked approximately 900 Holsteins that are raised here on the farm. The young stock is used as replacements, so in total, there may be 2,500 animals at one time on the farm. All of the required feed for the animals is also produced here on the farm as well.”
Arbaugh also said that with the size of the farm, it was necessary to hire some employees. The bulk of the workers perform the milking, feeding, and direct care of the animals. In addition, some are involved in the operations to complete what is necessary to grow the crops. The work is intense since the farm covers many acres of ground to achieve what is needed.
In the late 2000’s, the Arbaugh family transitioned from dairy to the raising of crops for grain. With that transition the farm is run only by family and a few part-time workers. The family’s crop farm is approximately made up of 4,500 acres, of which the family privately owns 1,400. The balance of the land needed for crops is leased from other landowners. The crop farming requires the use of land in Harrison and other surrounding counties. The breakdown of use in what is grown by acres is approximately 2,000 acres of soybeans, 2,000 acres of corn, and 500 acres of wheat.
Arba Vue Farms Inc. consisted of the 6th and 7th generation of the Arbaugh family. The 6th generation of family included Bruce and Keith (Russ’ Father). Keith passed away in 2004. The 7th generation of Arbaughs include Dale, Kevin (brothers), and Russ and Doug (brothers). The 8th generation of Arbaughs include Caden, Cabot, Reed, (parents, Russ and Tricia). Also, part of the family are sons, Bryce and Ryan, (parents, Kevin and Shawnee). Paige and Phillip are Doug and his wife, Kim’s family. Paige is the only female since the end of the second generation.
