Founded
1920, store opened in 1971
Mission
Located in Worcester Township, at the heart of Montgomery County, Merrymead Farm is a family owned and operated working dairy farm and farm market. We specialize in producing & processing milk on-site with the freshest milk from our own holsteins.
The family plays an important roll in preserving the family legacy but its all because of the support of the community who through the years have showed much appreciation by making us a part of their family traditions, that have allowed us to keep our farm open for all to enjoy.
What They Do
- Dairy Farm
- Award Winning Milk
- Homemade Ice Cream
- Homemade Baked Goods
- Retail Store
- Seasonal Events/Products
- School Field Trips
- Birthday Parties
At Merrymead Farm, family tradition has withstood the test of time. Serving Montgomery County for over 100 years, this once quaint family business has blossomed into a local landmark.
Merrymead Farm has run in the Rothenberger family for five generations, first starting out as a dairy farm and trading dairy products at milk parlors with other local farmers.
eHowever, the Rothenberger family saw a vision of expanding to something more. In 1971, Merrymead opened their retail store. Today, they sell various homemade baked goods, beverages, candy, and much more.
In addition to the retail store, Merrymead Farm also offers various activities and products throughout the year.
During the fall season, they host annual Harvest Days, The Lighting of the Great Pumpkin, and a offers five-acre corn maze experience. Specialty Fall products include apple cider donuts, apples, pumpkins, fall decor, as well as Thanksgiving turkeys and pies. In the winter, Merry Mead hosts a visit with Santa and sell holiday trees, turkeys, hams, and even celebrate Fastnacht Day. As the snow melts and the sun starts to shine, the farm welcomes the Blooming Flower Market, a visit from the Easter Bunny, Lancaster County hams, is full of flowers for Mom come Mother’s Day. During the hot summer months, Merrymead sells local produce such as blueberries, tomatoes, zucchini, strawberries, peaches, and sweet corn. The famous homemade ice cream is sold all year round.
“There are so many different moving pieces, there is a barn, the store, the ice cream production….” John Carr said.
Merrymead Farm’s famous homemade ice cream has been a mainstay of the business since the very beginning. Every day, approximately 110 gallons a day of ice cream are produced and broken into 70-80 tubs. The ice cream is also used to create half-gallons portions, pint portions, ice cream cakes, and ice cream for retail sale. They offer around 50 flavors, including Cold Brew Coffee, Strawberry, Cotton Candy and Chocolate Moo Trail. Flavors regularly rotate between seasons, however there are many classic flavors always available. The ice cream has even earned them first place winners in Get To Know Montco’s recent Best Ice Cream contest.
“You can grab an ice cream cone, and most of the time the cows are outside grazing, you can see where the milk for your ice cream came from,” Carr states.
The milk used for the ice cream and baked goods is sourced from the 75-80 cows raised on Merrymead Farm’s own dairy farm. All cows are fed a balanced diet of hay, grass, corn, and soybeans. This fresh national award-winning milk can also be found in 20-30 supermarkets in Pennsylvania for convenient purchase. While raising and caring for cows is quite an undertaking, it is continued tradition of the business.
“A lot of the stuff that we do is time laboring and costly, but we don’t cut corners and we don’t jeopardize products. That’s what we pride ourselves on,” Carr said.
Merrymead Farm is constantly busy from the many activities occurring throughout the year, yet it is the Rothenberger family bond has kept the business going for so many years and continue to grow for future generations.
“I think this place is something of a staple in the community. When people hear us or hear of us, we hope it’s a positive and good experience,” Carr said.
