Ludwig Farms

Ludwig Farms History

centennial farm

It all began in 1733, when brothers Michael and David Ludwig traveled from Germany to Pennsylvania as indentured servants, fleeing wars and religious persecution in Germany. Generations later, in 1866, three Ludwig siblings  traveled to Illinois by covered wagon, with starter livestock and horses, and settled on what is now Ludwig Farms. More information coming soon!


Important dates in Ludwig Farms history:



 

  • 1733 – Two Ludwig brothers (Michael and David) came from Germany to Pennsylvania, to flee wars and religious persecution in Germany. They built a mill near Lancaster, PA, which is still standing. Michael's son fought in the American Revolution.


  • 1866 - Generations later, three Ludwig siblings traveled to Illinois by covered wagon, with starter livestock and horses, and settled on what is now Ludwig Farms.
  • 
1936 - Ludwig Farms registers their first Holstein heifer. Although they kept cows before, this was the beginning of their purebred Holstein breeding business.


  • 1944 - Ludwigs named "Outstanding Farm Family" of Illinois.


  • 1948 - Jake Ludwig recognized by the Illinois 4-H for "Outstanding Statewide Endeavor." 

  • 
1959 - Jake Ludwig was the first in east central Illinois to install a fully automated milking parlor.


  • 1959 - Jake Ludwig named "Outstanding Young Farmer of Illinois."


  • 1962 - Gary Ludwig elected Illinois FFA (Future Farmers of America) president.

  • 1964 - After his term as president, Gary spent nine months in Denmark as part of the FFA Dairy Exchange Program. 


  • Grandfather Holly Jacob Ludwig was active in the USDA Farm Bureau for 31 years.

Ludwig Farms Today

Today Ludwig Farms is comprised of the dairy, owned by Dave Ludwig, and a grass-fed beef and hay operation owned by his uncle, Gary Ludwig. The dairy itself is on 30 acres, situated on the 155-acre "Feathercreek Farm," owned by Gary. The dairy breeds high pedigree Holstein stock for high-end dairies in America, and for customers in Italy, Spain, Canada, Brazil and Japan. Since registering their first pedigree Holstein in 1936, Ludwig Farms has earned a reputation for buying and breeding the highest quality cows, and for putting their cows well-being first. The animals are raised with care, kindness, and careful attention to their health, comfort and nutrition.

Many generations of Ludwig farmers have earned awards and recognition for their exceptional service and leadership in organizations such as 4-H, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and the Illinois Farm Bureau.