Salem Saxon Club 1980 SR 9, Salem Ohio 44460

With an $8,000 loan from his mother and step-father, Mike Conny, in 1993, set out to build a better future for his family. From a one man business doing wreck and repair work, Mike parlayed the business into North America’s foremost manufacturer of specialty trailers with facilities in Alliance and Salem, Ohio, comprised of 84 acres with a workforce of 375 employees.

Martiq Farms INC is a family operated farm located in Beloit that has been in business for the better part of 100 years. The Martiq’s operate two businesses at this farm, consisting of a 4,000T/per yr bird seed business and 1100 cow dairy. A new double 30 parlor and free stall barns were constructed in 2008. A new shop and machine shed help store and repair equipment used in the 4,000 acres that the family farms. We will be eating at this stop.

Minerva Cheese Factory has been family owned and operated since 1935. They are producers of Amish-style, local raw milk and goat cheeses. The plant tour and visit to their outlet store to shop are include in this stop.

Saturday evening meal and entertainment will be at the Saxon Club.

The Haus family has been farming in Ohio for over 50 years. At their farm you can get fresh produce, homemade apple butter, jams and jellies, their own recipe apple cider, doughnuts and country crafts. We hope to be able to see them make their award winning apple cider.

In 1960, three brothers and a sister started the business. Today Baird Brothers is truly a family business as the children have followed in their footsteps and are active in the business as well. They manufacture and retail high quality hardwood products: including moldings, handrails, stair pieces, T&G flooring and paneling, S45 lumber and many other products.

Matthews Cattle Company was founded in 2003 by owner Joel Matthews. The farm is located just south of Canfield, Ohio on State Route 46. The farm is approximately 100 acres and is home to 30 registered Angus, shorthorn, and commercial Angus cows. They utilize artificial insemination and intensive rotational grazing to maximize the genetics and efficiency of the cows. They also have a small feedlot to finish steers to fill our freezer beef orders. Lunch will be served at this stop.

The Swope Family raises bison, sheep and mixed heirloom vegetables on this 53 acre farm. They will discuss the world of managed grazing, sustainable agriculture, high tunnel production and direct marketing.

Arrive at Saxon Club at about 4 PM