Faith, Family, Farming

March 22, 2022

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EAST EARL

Rt. 23 717-354-4026

(Next to Shady Maple Farm Market)

EPHRATA

1686 W. Main St. 717-733-7356

(Rt. 322, East of Martin’s Country Market)

QUARRYVILLE

333 W. 4th St. 717-786-9028

(Rt. 222 & Rt. 372 Intersection)

SCHAEFFERSTOWN

2499 Stiegel Pike 717-949-2663

(Rt. 501 N. in Dutchway Plaza)

R081023

Faith, Family, Farming

BY WENDY ROYAL

With the average farm in Lancaster County being 77 acres, Glory Be Farm in Manheim is considered small. Duane and Tina Sauder purchased the farm, where they raise Berkshire pigs, 23 years ago. Still, it wasn’t until January 2020 that they took the crucial first steps to make their small business dreams a reality. Just before the pandemic hit, the Sauders launched their pork snack line. Fast forward two years, and the business continues to grow. In addition to online sales, several Glory Be Farm products bearing the PA Preferred label can be purchased at locations in Manheim, Mount Joy, Lititz, Ephrata, and Elizabethtown.

While selling their products is vital to the farm’s success, it’s the lifestyle that makes it meaningful for the Sauders. Like many local farmers, Duane and Tina come from multigenerational farms. The ninth generation of Tina’s family is currently working the Elizabethtown farm where she grew up. For the Sauders’ two daughters, helping out on the farm is part of their normal day. From assisting with the births of piglets to mucking out the stalls, 16-year-old Riley and 13-year-old Morgan share the responsibilities of the family farm. Both girls are involved in 4-H and show pigs, beef, and goats. Passing a farm on to the next generation is often a challenge as children grow up and have interests apart from farming. “We’re blessed to be able to raise them in this lifestyle and culture. … It’s a passion and a lifestyle that you don’t clock out from,” explained Tina.

A florist by trade, Tina had to cut back her hours to focus more time on the farm. When talking about launching the pork snack line just before the pandemic hit, Tina said, “People were (focusing on) getting back to their roots, shopping local. So, while the world was turning upside down, it was a good time to start the business, but we didn’t know that.”

The Sauder family consists of Tina, Duane, Morgan and Riley.

See Farming pg 7

Lancaster County Agriculture Overview Statewide County

Number of farms Number of farms

53,157

Total Acreage 7,278,668

Average Size of Farm 137

acres

5,108

Total Acreage 393,949

Average Size of Farm 77

acres

Family-Owned Farms 97%

Family-Owned Farms 99%

Organic Farms 1,055

Organic Farms 255

Market Value of Products Sold $7,758,884,000

Market Value of Products Sold $1,507,207,000

March 22, 2022

Farming frompg 6

The Sauders share their farm life with followers on social media. With the popularity of farmhouse style, Tina says, many people think farming is a peaceful way of life, and they romanticize it. Using social media allows her to connect with people to share the culture and dispel myths associated with farming. “We love our livestock, and we always say that they have one bad day. …We give them the best life we can (before that day),” she noted.

The Sauders’ other goal is to raise awareness. “We’re looking to bridge the gap. … Americans are at least three generations removed from the farm. … It’s our job not only to provide but to educate,” said Tina. Though Glory Be Farm may be small, Duane and Tina’s passion for farming is vast. “It’s so important for us to inspire others to go after their dreams because there were times in our lives that were hardships, and the dream seemed unattainable. One time my husband and I were talking about it, and my husband said, ‘Well, if that ever happens, glory be to God,’ and that’s where the name (of the farm) came from,” Tina said. When asked if she had an advice for those considering farming or achieving any goal, Tina responded, “You have to take that first step of faith, because you can’t steer a parked car very well.”

Morgan (left) and Riley preparing to show their Berkshire pigs at the PA Farm Show

Hasse, Parry Qualify For States

BY ARA GRIGORIAN

Garden Spot swimmers Peter Hasse and Kayla Parry both earned a trip to the PIAA state championships, slated for Friday and Saturday, March 18 and 19, at Bucknell University.

The Garden Spot girls’ representative swam at the Class AAA competition of districts on March 4 and 5 at Cumberland Valley, earning a fourthplace finish in both the 100yard butterfly and the 200yard individual medley.

“She was disappointed in her swims as she gained time in both events,” said Darin Parry, the Garden Spot swim coach. “She worked very hard between the league and district championships.”

In the Lancaster-Lebanon (L-L) League championships on Feb. 11 and 12 at Wilson High School, Kayla posted a time of 2:07.04 in the 200 IM and swam the 100 fly in 57.44 seconds, earning the second seed in districts for both events.

Kayla’s time in the 200 IM at districts was 2:09.07, while she registered a time of 58.29 in the 100 fly.

“She and Peter will be the first state qualifiers for Garden Spot since I have been a coach here,” Darin added. “This was a season goal for Kayla this year. We are looking forward to seeing how she does against the best swimmers in the state.”

Hasse swam a 2:04.70 in the boys’ Class AA 200 IM at districts, dropping time from the 2:14 he had in the L-L League Championships. Hasse claimed fourth in the event at districts and his time was good enough for states.

“Peter worked very hard this season and really came into his own,” commented the coach. “In fact, at the start of the season, making it to states was not even on his radar. However, as the season progressed, he gained more confidence in his abilities, and he just continued to cut more and more time.

“I am also looking forward to seeing what Peter will do in the pool next year,” Darin added.

In addition, Zach Delgado dropped 0.41 seconds off his L-L time of 59.47. He swam a 59.06 and finished in 14th place in the 100 fly.

“Zach’s entry time for the 100 freestyle was 53.28,” Darin pointed out. “He swam a 52.82 with a time drop of 0.46. He earned 18th place.”

BASKETBALL

The L-L League coaches voted on the all-stars in each section. Erin Gonzalez and Taylor Soehner were all-star nominees in the girls’ voting, while Brendan Weaver and Ryan Conrad both were named second-team all-stars in the boys’ Section Three votings.

Soehner received a firsttime all-star nod and was also an all-academic all-star while Gonzalez made second team in the section and was also named to the all-defensive allstar squad.

HSCV Plans Presentation About Penn Family

The Historical Society of the Cocalico Valley (HSCV) will present an educational program on Wednesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 167 E. Main St., Ephrata.

In a presentation titled “The Penn Family and the Origins of Pennsylvania,” Douglas Miller will discuss the Penn family’s history leading up to and continuing through the establishment of Pennsylvania. Miller is the current administrator of William Penn’s Colonial estate, Pennsbury Manor.

This program is free and open to the public. The parking lot and entrance are located in the alley behind the church. For more information, visit www.cocalico valleyhs.org or call 717733-1616.

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