Dale Family Farms LLC

The Dale Family has farmed and ranched in Comanche County, Kansas for over 100 years. Kurt grew up with his five brothers and sisters on the family farm. He left Protection for college and work, moving back home in 1995 to farm and ranch with his parents, Bill and Helen. Soon after, he met Andi, a local school teacher who grew up in Salina. Two years later, Kurt and Andi married. In the fall of 2006, the Dales built a house in the country where they now live with their three daughters, Allison, Natalie, and Anna. In 2014, Kurt and Andi’s house burned to the ground. They were blessed beyond measure by the generosity of friends and family both near and far. Almost exactly a year after the fire, they moved back home and can’t think of anywhere they’d rather write their next chapter together. ​Several years ago, a young friend of ours wrote an anthem for Dale Family Farms after a visit here. Fast forward to 2015. I went back to our friend, now in high school, and asked him to record his song again and add video. He took it a step further and added ukelele and harmony. The Dale family roots run deep in Comanche County. For over 100 years, the Dale family has earned their livelihood from the land. The foundation for this longevity has been and continues to be our forage resources with a greater focus on improving soil health. We have come to understand that the health of our animals and the healthfulness of the food we raise and eat is directly correlated to the quality and health of the soil on which it is grown. As we strive to remain sustainable, we understand that we must better utilize these resources through improved grazing practices and reduced reliance on chemicals, fuel, and equipment. Over the last decade, we have realized that letting our animals remain in their natural environment - doing what they do best, grazing - will be our key to sustainability and another 100 years for Dales on the family farm. The Dale Family Farms, L.L.C. logo is inspired by the brand used here on the farm, the bar circle bar (-O-). In the late 1940’s, Kurt’s grandfather, Karl Dale, bought several head of Herefords, the first beef cattle on the farm, from a neighbor, Roy Kerstetter. Roy’s brand was a circle with a dot in the middle. To identify the cattle as his own, Grandpa Karl added a bar on either side of the circle, registered the new brand and the -O- was born. This brand can easily be seen in our logo. The Kerstetter family still resides in Comanche County. Kurt graduated from high school with Roy’s grandson. The two men continue to trade favors and work.