Our History

History of the Farm

Ard's Farm was founded with two goals in mind: providing quality food to the community in the most responsible way possible, and being good to people. We're proud to say that after three decades, we still strive for those same goals every day.

Beginning as a humble dairy farm, this property has been in the Ard family since 1962. In 1991, Alan, Nancy, and Ray decided to redirect their passion for local agriculture into a new project: a local market where customers could purchase all of their local goods in one place. Thus, Ard's Farm Market was born.

For the last 30 years, Alan and his wife, Kyle, have run everything at Ard's with the help of two of their sons, Justin and Ethan. Ard's has grown from a simple farm, to a market with a restaurant and its own catering; and we've evolved into new ventures like public and private events. But year after year, one thing remains the same: it's all about family.

Since then, a lot has changed. The family has grown... and grown... and grown. Small businesses have seen periods of overwhelming success. And small businesses have gone through tough times and droughts. But through it all, Ard's Farm has continued to grow, adapt, and remain focused on providing quality products for our customers and friends.

Meet Banty Rooster!

Meet Banty Rooster at Ard’s Farm, opening January of 2024. Justin Midkiff and his wife, Leah, have decided to take the leap. They’re so excited to continue their lives on the farm, growing their family, their passions for food and community, and their love for this farm.

Meet the Family

Meet Justin and Leah Midkiff

Justin Midkiff, the new owner of Ard's Farm (now known as Banty Rooster at Ard's Farm), has been an integral part of Ard's from the beginning. He has been the chef and restaurant manager at Ard's Farm for over 15 years now. If he's not cooking in the kitchen, you'll usually find him sitting in the dining room or talking to customers. Leah has been baking, dipping chocolate, or waiting tables at Ard's for 12 years now. They are also parents to four amazing kiddos who get to live their best life on the farm: Charlie, Peyton, Wyatt, and Lawson.

Meet Ethan and Ashtin Midkiff

Growing up at Ard’s, farming was the name of the game for Ethan as the son of Kyle and Alan Ard. At the age of 12 he started helping where he could around Ards. He was a crucial corn maze employee growing up, who laid the maze out for many years. Now Ethan is farming all the acreage at Ard's and growing things like the oh-so-delicious sweet corn and fun pumpkins! He currently lives on the farm with his wife, Ashtin, who is a teacher for Mifflinburg Area School District.

MEET ALAN AND KYLE ARD

Alan, along with his parents Ray and Nancy, established the original "Ard's Farm Market" in 1991. Since that time, Alan had taken over the business and has watched it grow leaps and bounds for over 30 years. While many owners do not have a hand in the day-to-day operations in their business, that is what sets him apart from the rest. Alan knew his employees on a first-name basis and even had nicknames for most!

He was around for the initial building of Ard’s market, the day they sold the cows, the addition on to the market, the addition of the restaurant, and has helped with the most recent 2017/2018 renovations. His love has always been the outdoors, though.

Kyle has been an integral part in the progression of catering! Her eye for design has given her the ability to plan beautiful parties and events, all while integrating her passion for sewing! Many of the costumes, aprons, or pillows you see around the building have probably been crafted by Kyle!