The Stonerook Family
RHA 11/04/93
14,661 lbs. milk - 762 fat 5.3%
MARTINSBURG (Blair Co.)
Located in a rich fertile fanning area in
Blair County is a place called the
“Cove”. Top quality dairy cattle and top
quality crop production arc synonymous
with this area. It is in this environment
that Stoney Hollow Jerseys have deve
loped into one of the lop Jersey herds in
the state, boasting a RHA of 14,661 lb.
milk, 762 l)>s. fat, and SSI lbs. protein.
Stoney Hollow is a fourth generation
farm owned and operated by Donald &
Jill Stonerook. They took over the
responsibilities and day to day operation
of the farm from Don’s parents, Earl &
Pleasy in 1986.
Although the herd is now all Jerseys,
this was not always the case. Prior to
1981, the Stoney Hollow prefix was
associated with good quality Holsteins.
Earl Stonerook was in partnership with
his son Don since 1973. After Don mar
ried Jill in 1979, thc4 “Stonerool»ft*«n<
tinned to be Holstein breeders until Sep
tember 1981, when the first Jerseys
arrived. During the next 5 years the
Don Stonerook with one of his prize Jerseys, Stoney Hollow Legend
Josie 326 days, 17,686 milk, 964 fat, 603 protein.
551 Protein 3.8%
Jersey count rose to 26 along with 60
Holsteins. In addition to the 86 head of
milk cows, the Stonerooks raised all
their own heifers. In 1986 Don & Jill
decided to go ahead and assume full
ownership for the farm. At the same
time the herd was reduced to 60 milking
head: 2S Jerseys and 35 Holsteins; this
reduction was primarily due to the lim
ited number of acres for crop produc
tion. Things stayed this way until Janu
ary, 1990, when the Holsteins were sold
arid Stoney Hollow Farm became Sto
ney Hollow Jerseys.
When you ask Don why the change to
all Jerseys, he’s quick to respond. Don
felt with the market changing to compo
nent pricing the Jersey breed would
work out better. Since they ship their
milk to a cheese market and receive a
premium for protein, the Jerseys seemed
the right choice. Also, with ths limited
acreage, the farm could support more
Jerseys than Holsteins. Don emphasizes
the fact that the Jerseys were their breed
of choice!
The Stonerook Family (I to r), Garrett, Jill, Jason, Donald, Earl &
Pleasy.
During those years of change from a
Holstein herd to a Jersey herd, some
other changes took place. A TMR was
installed in 1976, and although not the
original mixer, this feeding concept is
still working today. 1984 brought the
addition of a computer feeder which is
still delivering HMSC + a custom Pcn
nfield PFR to the top producers today.
Another change came about in 1989,
when the switch from H.M. ear com to
H.M. shell com was made. This was
done to density the ration and give it
more consistency. Don always has, and
still does, feed long stem hay. It’s now
offered in round bale form.
The labor situation has also changed
over the years. Currently Earl & Pleasy
still help a good bit (Don’s quick to
point out the value of his parents’ help).
In May, 1986, Don & Jill added another
“helper”, their son, Garrett. April, 1991
brought another “hired man”, son Jason.
We at fPennfietd appreciate the opportunity to
worfi nhth the Stoneroofi ?amity and
wish them continued success.
The two boys have already started to
“share” the responsibilities of fanning.
Garrett is the cropsman, helping grandpa
in the fields; Jason is the cow man, help
ing mom and dad around the bams. In
the fall of 1992, additional manpower
was added in the form of Don’s nephew,
Tom Greenleaf.
For the past several years Stoney Hol
low Jerseys have started to merchandise
breeding stock. Their first bull, Stoney
Hollow Diplomat, was sold to ABS in
July, 1992. The future plans are to
increase this facet of their operation.
When asked about his future plans for
the dairy herd, Don’s reply is, “Right
now we are at a pretty profitable level. I
like the (level of) components of the
milk we’re shipping now. I’m not sure
we’d make a whole lot more money if
we continue to push harder. Bottom line
is, the cost must be justified to give it a
try.”