A2(Mjnc«star Farming, Saturday, Novembar 8, 1997
1965, Sell and Grace purchased
the farm.
In 1970, the Sells installed a
frecstall bam and silos. As the herd
size was increased, the same year a
double-6 herringbone milking par
lor was installed, with 12 milking
units.
In 1975, a 7,200 square foot
farm store was built. Hubert noted
that the store began as a way to
recoup some of the loss when the
Lehigh Valley Milk Co-Op went
bankrupt, whiqh caused great con
sternation with the family.
“We wanted to determine our
own destiny as closely as we
could,” said Hubert “We didn’t
want to rely on somebody else.”
Back then, they sold milk in var
ying containers and percentages of
milkfat. Then, “we were lucky” if
‘We’re six in this family, and anything
you can do to keep any ill feelings (at bay)
—they all have their hearts in it, they’re all
proud of what they do,’
the store sold 50 gallons of sldm
milk a week, said Sell. Now, the
major portion of the milk sold at
the store is low-fat. Two percent
milk is a favorite, according to
sales figures.
But the store itself was begun
with the intention of selling other
items as well. First it was a full
service, seven-day-a- week family
restaurant But after 10 years of
operation (“We made good
money.” Sell said). “We had fami
ly burnout” At the peak of the
restaurant business. Crystal Spring
included a steam bar.
But now “all we do is have deli
items.” he noted, with an ice cream
parlor. The parlor is a favorite for
visitors. This past August, Sell
noted the store made 1,000 gallons
of ice cream for customers.
The ice cream business has pre
vailed because of the time the busi
ness spent in developing flavors
that met their own expectations.
But it’s a challenge to “come up
with something that really has
good mouth feel, good flavor, and
flavor left in the mouth,” Sell said.
“If you use fresh milk and fresh
cream and use natural products,
natural flavorings, that helps," he
said.
Sell hears customer comments
about the ice cream they sell.
‘lt doesn’t just benefit the environment It
benefits the farmer’s pocketbook.’
“If there’s a problem, you’re
going to hear that (from custom
ers) real quick,” Sell noted. “If it’s
really good, if they’re really
tickled with it, you won’t hear as
much comment, but you’ll have
feedback on it”
At one time the farm store tried
selling homegrown produce. But
the work was too time-consuming
for the Sells, and they went locally
to other growers to pick up
produce.
Sell noted that each of his sons
already average 90 hours per week
of work, and have worked up to
100 hours. He knows, because his
sons punch a time clock and get
paid by the hour.
Sell believes that is the fair way
For Sells , Farm Store Livelihoo\
to handle payment for family
members on a farm.
“We’re six in this family, and
anything you can do to keep any ill
feelings (at bay) they all have
their hearts in it, they’re all proud
of what they do. They’re all doing
a hangup job. They’re doing a so
much better job than I could.”
One son, Ron, manages Crystal
Spring Electric, a company that
contracts for private businesses
and home. The farm company was
instrumental in wiring a new office
constructed at the farm, including
security and water monitoring sys
tems. The company also installed a
network of 10 computers, all with
Windows NT software with access
to the Internet at every location,
according to Ron.
The computers monitor time
charged to the clock, using time
clock job-costing software. The
software is undergoing testing and
will be up and running soon.
All of Sell’s sons grew up in the
business and understand the diffe
rent aspects. Ron is in charge of the
electrical and computer monitor
ing of the business. Gary is in
charge of the crops and does some
milking. Scott is the herdsman in
charge of feeding and care of the
animals.
Audrey, their daughter, is in
charge of payroll and all ordering
for the store. Two daughter- in
laws Lisa, Scott’s wife, works
in the business and Ron’s wife,
Susan, markets the business.
Audrey’s son, Chris, 14, helps
milk and her other son, Adam, 16,
freezes and packages ice cream
and helps in the retail operation.
There are several standout fea
tures of the state conservation
farm. Sell, a county conservation
district cooperator since 1967,
constructed a glass-lined steel
manure storage facility in 198 S.
Storage capacity is 500,000 gal
lons, which is emptied about three
times a year.
According to Sell, the last 10
years the farm has been practicing
nutrient management by starting
with a storage area. All the manure
goes into the storage facility.
Sell quickly points out how
important it is to have the storage
facility.
“It doesn’t just benefit the envi
ronment It benefits the farmer’s
pockclbook. Those nutrients are
worked right in immediately. We
want every ounce of nutrient plant
food available in the manure.
Another reason is, we’re up
against a lot of development and
the sooner we get that manure in
and under, the sooner we can get
rid of the odor or fly problem* that
could develop.”
To protect Coplay Creek and the
spring on their farm, they recently
converted 10 acres of highly credi
ble cropland to permanent pasture.
All of Sell’s sons grew up In the business and understand the different aspects. Ron
Is in charge of the electrical and computer monitoring of the business. Gary Is In
charge of the crops and does some milking. Scott !s the herdsman In charge of feed
ing and care of the animals. From left, Scott, Ron, Gary, Grace, and Hubert Sell.
in thl e on 6 f acre ! wh,ch a,lows them t 0 ut,,lze more of their manure
feeds the helfei| reafle numbers about 165 acres and al,al,a about 80 acres. Gary Sell
In 1975, a 7,200 square foot farm store was built. Here, Hubert Sell switches off the
205 kilowatt, 314-horsepower generator.