Farmers on the Rise, Eric & Elizabeth Ziegler

Farm Credit awarded a total of $100,000 to beginning farmers through the Farmers on the Rise Award Program on December 7, 2023. Eric & Elizabeth Ziegler of Lebanon County, PA are one of ten recipients.

Eric and Elizabeth Ziegler are the co-owners of Royal Oaks Farm, a pick-your-own flower operation they founded in 2021. They've been managing the Smith-Ziegler Dairy, a 200-cow dairy since 2017 and are in the process of transitioning ownership from the previous generation.

The two farms are adjoining and complement each other well. Between the two, Elizabeth and Eric operate 147 total acres. They plan to grow both farming enterprises to maintain agricultural diversity and create opportunities for their children, both now and in the future. Their long-term goals are to continue working toward sole ownership of the dairy through the purchase of the remaining farm real estate, upgrading facilities, and making plant investments. They plan to purchase educational signage and establish an additional perennial field, which will allow for an expanded season.

You can meet all of the 2023 award winners here, and learn more about their farming experience on our blog!