Christopher
McCormick, upon his arrival to the U.S. from Ireland in
1854, purchased 188 acres of land to grow potatoes and raise
a few cows to sell at the markets in Buffalo. The farm was
passed to his son Richard in 1882; to Richard’s son Maurice
in 1917; from Maurice to his son Robert in 1949; from Robert
to his son Ronald in 1981 and in 2000 Ron formed an LLC with
sons Patrick & James who now farm it with their families.
As generations went by and ownership changed, more cows
were added and land purchased to grow alfalfa and corn.
Robbiehill Family Dairy currently operates 670 acres. The
farm is truly a family affair as most of the work is done by
family members along with 4 full time milkers. The cows are
milked 3 times a day so that there’s less stress on the
cows’ body, legs and udders. Everything done on the farm is
aimed for cow comfort from mattresses for them to lie on;
feet & nails trimmed every 2 weeks to prevent lameness and
infections; every 2 weeks they are checked by a veterinarian
for herd health & reproduction; fans are placed in the barn
for ventilation etc.
We do soil testing regularly to maintain the nutrient
levels of our cropland and to do manure analysis so that
recommended levels are maintained and not exceeded. We
participate in the NYS Cattle Health Assurance Program and
have a certified Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation plan.
Our family members are active in the church, volunteer fire
co., Farm Bureau, Pioneer Friends For Agriculture, milk
promotion boards, and in Upstate Niagara Cooperative. The
farm is a 25-year Dairy of Distinction award recipient.
Our family’s legacy is to leave future generations the
land in better shape than we started with, the water quality
at the highest standards, and keep the air clean from
harmful pollutants.
