Agriculture has played an important and interesting part in Northeast Ohio history.
We were reminded of that fact after learning that the Johnson Family Farm in Hambden Township is celebrating its 150th anniversary.
One of the keys to the longevity of the Johnson Family Farm has been the owners’ success at adapting to changing times, as Jean Bonchak reported.
Dave Johnson heads the enterprise first started by his great-great-great-grandfather in 1874. Since its early days, the original 140 acres of land on Woodin Road has transitioned to meet differing needs of the community.
Prior to the rise of large grocery stores, people obtained goods at small, local shops supplied by neighboring farms.
The Johnsons delivered dairy products and crops such as corn, hay, oats and wheat. Later, livestock products from chickens, turkey and hogs were added.
When supermarkets came on the scene and the need for small suppliers was replaced by larger businesses, the family knew it was time to make adjustments.
In 1963 the dairy and livestock operations ceased, but crops, maple syrup production and timber management continued. In 1982 a landscaping division was integrated with the farming business, evolving into Mapledale Farms Inc. The company now supplies topsoil, mulch, gravel and other goods for retail and wholesale, as well as offering landscape design.
Johnson says that the transition from farming to landscaping was a natural one, maintaining that the knowledge needed for raising crops is similar to that needed for grass, plants and shrubbery. Both entail an understanding of topsoil and what’s required for soil management.
In response to the current call for furnishings made with maintenance-free materials, poly-furniture has also become part of the family’s business. The city of Chardon purchased 24 poly picnic tables from Mapledale Farms in 2020 to be used at various parks.
“Innovative business practices and having succession plans has helped us to thrive throughout the years,” Johnson said. “We have learned to adapt to local needs and wants, and keep a keen eye on how to stay ahead of up and coming trends in the industry to stay at the front line of efficiency and technology for our customers’ needs.”
As stewards of the environment, the Johnsons recycle waste oil and use it to heat three of their buildings. Biofuel is created through recycling vegetable oil to power diesel equipment. A composting facility is the only one of its kind in Geauga County to be registered with the EPA.
While growing up on the farm, Johnson, who graduated from Chardon High School, realized the importance of a positive work ethic.
“I learned real young not be to be walking through the farm empty-handed or my grandfather would find me something to do,” he recalled.
Dave has passed an affinity for the farm to his children and grandchildren who are the family’s eighth generation. Daughter Jessica and her family reside on the property next to the original farmhouse. Son Kyle is the fleet manager for Mapledale.
Planning on keeping the farmstead and business thriving throughout future generations, Johnson said he has reminded his grandchildren that “someday you’ll be in my shoes and this history is important to pass down.”
Although moving forward with modern trends, past history is still part of their lives. Dave and his wife Beverly live in the farmhouse built in 1847. Through the years the house has been remodeled, but remnants of the past — including the first telephone used there and an original clawfoot tub and sink — remain.
Connecting with the community is important to Johnson, who serves as a Hambden Township trustee and was also recently chosen to head the Chardon Rotary.
He volunteers and helps raise funds for several programs, including Geauga Next Step, Hannah’s Home in Mentor and the Joint Cooperative Community Gardening Program.
“The community has always been good to us. It’s a way to give back and there’s no reason we shouldn’t,” he said.
The News-Herald salutes all members of the Johnson family — present and past — who have helped their farm evolve and succeed over the past 150 years. Certainly, the Johnson Family Farm deserves to be recognized as a historically significant farm in Northeast Ohio.
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