GOOD’S STORE ROHRER SEEDS: Supplying Lancaster Farms & Gardens Since 1919

Originally written by Susan Burkholder

Revised & Updated by Ed Blanchette

For over fifteen years, as of March 2021, Earl Wenger maintained the seed packing machines at Rohrer Seeds on Old Philadelphia Pike, where generations of farmers and gardeners have gotten the supplies and seed they need for Lancaster County’s famous farmland. Earl, back then as an eighty–one year old stated, “This machine’s as old as I am”, as he points to a mechanical apparatus that measures, packs, and seals the packs for small flower and vegetable seed packs. Earl showed us the precise parts used to measure the seeds (in a previous life, this seed–packing machine measured out medicine before capsules were invented).

Earl kept a list of the millions of seed packs filled by the machine during his time at Rohrer Seed. Earl, since then, has retired and handed that baton of excellence and responsibility to Matthew Hofstaedter. But event to this date, since last September 2022, they’ve packed 450,000 (+/–) packs of seed. There’s also a machine to fill larger bags of seed.

Only one type of seed is allowed in the packing room at one time to avoid mix–ups, and the machines are always set to add a little extra seed to every pack.

It’s March now, and the planting season is starting for Lancaster’s many farmers. But for the folks who work at Rohrer Seed, the work is year–round. Rohrer Seed, located near Smoketown Airport, between Bird–In–Hand and Lancaster City, was founded in 1919. The Rohrer family has run the business ever since then. “The business started more with chemicals and agri products, with only 10% being lawn and garden. Now I’d say we’re about 90% lawn and garden, and 10% agri products, “explained Rob Fisher, COO of Rohrer Seed.

Rohrer provides seed for farms, gardens, lawns, and wildlife. Rohrer Seeds are sold in more than 600 stores, including the four Good’s Store locations located in East Earl, Ephrata, Quarryville, and Schaefferstown. You can see their ad on page 2 of this issue of Amish Country News.

Rohrer Seeds employ about fifty people, including seed biologists. We have trial gardens behind or warehouse. Before we sell anything, we grow it, and we test it ourselves. A lot of testing is tasting it and making sure we like the taste and how it looks. “All of our employees love to garden, “says Rob. “So, we tell them that if they need a break, they can go out and work in the garden.”

“Our seeds are sourced from a bunch of different areas. Some are Cont’d on Page 34