The
History of Merry-Air Farm |
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| Amy
with calf, Jim Repard with one of his winning Ayrshires, promoting
the breed at the Ontario County Fair. |
Dear
Holstein Friends,
Welcome to Merry-Air Holsteins! The history of Merry-Air really begins
in 1921 when my great grandparents, the Richmonds, and my grandparents,
Ed and Edna Repard purchased a farm on Wheeler Station Rd in Bloomfield,
NY. Great Grandfather Richmond built many barns in the Finger
Lakes area, including the barn I now own. Grandfather Repard
farmed, and my Grandmother was a nurse. In fact she was the first
Licensed Practical Nurse in the State of New York! Due to the
combined efforts of two generations, the farm was held through the
Depression. The eldest of their 3 sons was Jim Repard,
who many of you knew as an enthusiastic and dedicated lover and promoter
of Registered Holsteins.
In the 1940's my father Jim purchased an adjoining farm, married Mary
Peck, had a son, Jay, and established a herd of Registered Ayrshires
known as "Mary-Ayr" . My earliest experiences were with
these Ayrshires. I loved going with my family to shows.
I believe we had Grand Champion Ayrshire at the NY State Fair in 1954,
the summer I was born. In the late 50's the transition to Registered
Holsteins began. Thus the new herd of Holsteins became known as "Merry-Air".
In 1968 the milking herd was dispersed. My father and brother
Jay began what became a very successful cattle business. Jay established
Repard Holsteins at the home farm, and merchandised cattle until 1996.
My father went on to be the Executive Secretary and then the Merchandising
Coordinator for the New York Holstein Association. He retired
from that position, but maintained an active involvement in the Holstein
Industry. He was presented a Life Membership in the New York Holstein
Association at his retirement, as he dedicated many years to merchandising
New York Holsteins. The highlight of that period was exporting many
NY Holsteins to Japan. |
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| The house
as it was when purchased in 1921, built around 1875.
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The
house today. |
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|
Amy with
Great-Grandpa
Edward Richmond |
The
barn at Merry-Air |
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