The History of Pooley's

The 130 acre working farm has been in our family for over 80 years. Jeff Pooley and his brother Greg have farmed this land under the watchful eye of their father Paul Pooley and Grandfather Hans Neumeyer. Until 2001, Pooley Farms raised corn and soybean crops in addition to their purebred Limousin cattle operation. (Notice the spelling, the car ends with an “E”, the cattle breed drops the “E”.) As with all farms, change is inevitable. Jeff, Greg and their father decided to cash rent the farm ground and keep the cattle and hay operation. Pooley Farms won Limousin Commercial Cattle Producer of the Year in 2003.

Elizabeth Pooley had an interior plant maintenance and landscape business which she sold after 7 successful years in order to be a stay-at-home mom. As Elizabeth watched the farming operation change, she knew that a fulltime job in the city was becoming a fast reality. Wanting to continue her life on the farm, and stay at home with her children, Elizabeth wanted to open a business utilizing the farm. The pumpkin patch idea formed in 2001. This wat met with great hesitation from Jeff Pooley. One year later, she contemplated opeing a cafe. Unfortunately the hours involved off the farm and to run a restaurant would defeat her purpose of staying at home with her children.

After 3 years of contemplating her choices, she had to go with her gut. She asked Jeff if he would like to be a partner in her new business and he finally said yes. The pumpkin patch idea had won and in February 2004 and was open for business on September 28th of that same year. Today they still raise the purebred Limosin cattle in addition to pigs, ducks, horses, chickens, kittens and kids, and of course, PUMPKINS. Pooley’s Pumpkin Patch is the authentic farm experience that many seek today. You might catch the combines harvesting crops, or a bottle fed calf in the barn.

Madison and Jack still have their chores to do after school and continue to play a big part in the day-to-day operations. Madison specializes in "kid perspective" brainstorming sessions and is always thinking of great activities for children. Jack is known as "The Chicken Man" due to his involvement and knowledge of the chickens. He can often be found helping parents and children enjoy the petting friendly coop. They love their farm and hope you’ll join them for some shared laughter and down right good cocoa. It’s not fancy, but it’s FUN!

We hope to see you soon down on the farm. Come let this farm lovin' family show you a great time!