Small farms, big impact

This story was featured in the July 2024 edition of Sandusky Living magazine. If you're interested in purchasing a copy, call the Register at 419-502-2130 while supplies last. From pasture to table, the Kromer family is feeding locals in a dwindling industry. The number of beef and dairy cattle in Erie County has dropped in recent years. In 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture reported the county had a little over 4,000 cattle. In the 2022-23 report, this number dropped to 2,500 in 2022 and 2,300 in 2023. "I feel as if the local beef industry is strong but also shrinking in size," Andy Kromer, a beef farmer representing Kromer Farms in Margaretta Township, said. Kromer said there are a good number of cattle being produced in the area, but the number of small farms is decreasing. The small number of farmers who are left produce in large numbers. 'Doesn't feel like work at all' Andy Kromer is doing his part in keeping the industry close to home. He is a fifth-generation farmer and a member of an even smaller community. At 43 years old, he is a member of the young farmers demographic. Andy built his farm from the ground up 10 years ago. In 2014, Andy started on 11 acres with two cows. He built everything he needed including a barn and grain bin. He also did his own plumbing, electrical, masonry and 95% of the labor himself. To care for his animals, Andy calls on his friends and family to help out. He said Tyler Wilcox, Mike Marks and his girlfriend, Jacki Krumlauf, help when they can. He also has two kids, Cyril, 5, and Isla, 4, who love to ride the tractor. "They absolutely love the farm, I make it fun," Andy said. "Fishing, ATV rides, digging a pond in few weeks. They are the definition of future farmers." Kromer Farms, located along Bogart Road in Margaretta Township, now raises 10-25 cows at a time mostly from the Angus breed. Each cow has an average of 800 pounds of hanging weight meaning an average of 800 pounds of just meat and bones on each cow. The farm raises each of its cows on a grass-fed diet that is "true to their natural instincts," and without artificial additives, GMOs, hormones or antibiotics, according to the farm's website, which added that the farm uses natural, sustainable and holistic methods to ensure animal health. According to Andy, in addition to cattle health, another advantage to the grass diet is the taste of the meat. The diet means a tender and flavorful result. "Grass-fed is higher in iron and omegas, hormone-free and of course the amazing taste and quality," Andy said. "It's a happy steer and life practice, they grow slower and more naturally." His cows are also cared for with daily monitoring and fever, bloating and sickness checks. Andy said grass-fed cattle are less likely to get sick. "(It) doesn't feel like work at all," Andy said. "(It's a) great environment for my two young kids and lifestyle provides a hard work atmosphere." Andy sells directly to families and uses his website, andykromerfarms.com, to reach customers. He said his products are sold 60% locally, but the demand reaches as far as Michigan, West Virginia and New York. Andy's farm may have only been in operation for 10 years, but his family farm is over 140 years old. "I was born into cattle and farming," Andy said. "(It's) just in my blood." In the early 1900s, his family farm was one of the largest in the area with 600 acres. Andy said his family had to move due to NASA buying the original farmland near Roundabout Grill and Bar at Campbell Street and West Bogart Road. The family moved to Bogart Road which is now his uncle's auto salvage yard. Andy's father bought land in that area in the late 70s, but he said most of it was lost due to generational rollover. He has kept his grandfather's practices through feed rations, no GMOs or hormones and working at a slower and healthier pace. "The family values and practices are why I am in business," Andy said. The economic impact Beef and the agriculture industry in general have a large impact on the local economy. Greater Sandusky Partnership used federal statistics to compile data on agriculture-related industries to determine the local economic impact those industries have. The compiled data used the 44870 zip code, which includes Sandusky and Perkins Township. According to Greater Sandusky Partnership's findings, the industry's estimated gross regional product — a measure of the region's economy — in 2022 was about $19.1 million. That $19.1 million breaks down into these categories: • $11.8 million went to earnings — representing the total income earned • $7 million went to property income — representing the amount of money made from the land itself • $241,000 went towards tax payments — representing all taxes paid The movement of money means secondary and tertiary jobs are created, along with new business opportunities and revenue for local communities, according to Greater Sandusky Partnership business development coordinator Nico Samaniego. Other jobs created include fertilizer companies providing products to farmers, and transportation when goods are shipped. These other jobs also act as partnerships with the industry. From farming, processing, packaging, delivering and distribution, many businesses — like those producing and distributing fertilizer — benefit from farming. Samaniego said that while most recognize Sandusky's tourism and hospitality sectors as a primary economic driver, local agriculture, manufacturing and professional service industries also represent a significant and more "diversified" and "resilient" local economy. "It is extremely important to have (farming) operating in Sandusky," he said.