- - - - - - - - -
ALFA CREEK FARM
Born and raised on dairy farms in Andover, Ohio, Robin and Debbie knew that farming was the lifestyle they wanted to pursue. So, in 1975, just out of high school and newly married, they started Alfa Creek Farm.
According to Robin, every decision made since that time was about making room for the kids to come back to the dairy operation if they wanted to. Both children, daughter Nicki and son, Randy have done just that.
The fact that Robin and Debbie approached farming as a business is perhaps what most enticed the children to join their parents. In the early day’s, the dairy operated with a 65-head-Holstein herd in a stanchion barn. Changes to the farmstead were, for a number of years, deliberately small as Robin and Debbie were careful to not grow too big until, the time was right.
Small buildings to accommodate feed, calves, and more were constructed and then, four years ago, in preparation for Nicki’s return to the farm after college, a tunnel vent freestall barn that accommodates 200 cows was built.
Today, the exclusive Holstein Herd the Boggs started with has now become the minority in a mixed herd of 105 Brown Swiss and 65 Holsteins. In addition, they have 150 head of young stock and grow 225 acres of corn and 170 acres of alfalfa for haylage.
Aside from the physical changes to the farmstead and the expanding herd size, Robin and Debbie ensured the success of the operation through various agribusiness enterprises.
When Nicki and Randy were growing up, both children earned money for college through the sale of sweet corn and maple. In recent years, Nicki and Randy’s entrepreneurial spirits have been further fed by the Brown Swiss that started as their 4-H projects and have now become their passion.
Robin notes that it is their goal to merchandise the Swiss instead of having to milk more cows and points out that they have done very well selling embryos.
Last year, people from 5 different countries ventured to Andover to see the Bogg’s cows and to purchase embryos. Being able to compete in global markets has meant keeping an eye on not only what goes on in your backyard, but in the entire industry.
One way in which the Boggs have done this is by getting involved. The entire family has a strong commitment to 4-H, with Debbie formerly serving as the President. Robin, Debbie and Nicki currently serve as advisors. In addition, Robin has served as a township trustee, was on the FFA committee, the Holstein Board and the board of the local library. Involvement in the industry and a desire to trying to elicit change not only for themselves, but for all dairy farmers have meant staying very involved for both Robin and Debbie.
Robin, who once went door to door representing the interests of independent dairy producers in the area, currently serves as a Dairylea delegate. When he had the opportunity to move from an independent producer to Dairylea Cooperative in the mid-90s, Robin seized the opportunity.
The Boggs truly have benefited from the programs and services offered by Dairylea. As a member of Dairylea, the Boggs utilize a number of programs and services including Eagle Dairy Direct, Agri-Financial Services, and Forward Contracting.
Robin also credits the cooperative with bringing farmers together. Believing that their future depends on the future direction of the industry, the Boggs pay close attention to dairy promotion, pricing and trends, and what is happening nationally. Knowing that Dairylea is doing the same through Dairy Marketing Services and CWT, is important to them.
