History

Transplanted from the city to the country, Ralph McKay and Barbara McPhail fell in love with agriculture. It wasn’t until later in life, the two local 4-Her's would fall in love and establish what is now, McKay Farms.

Second-generation cattlemen, Ralph McKay, was raised in Holly, Mich., where he bred and raised his own cattle to show in the local 4-H program. With acres spread far across, one side of the fence row lined up to another farm, Barbara McPhail’s.

At the time, Barbara McPhail was just the local 4-H girl who had a passion for agriculture, particularly the sheep industry. Much like Ralph, Barbara would breed and raise her own sheep to participate in the local 4-H program. 

It wasn't until years later, the two 4-Hers would meet up at "loving rock" and fall in love which eventually lead to their marriage and the merging of the two farms.

Although Ralph and Barbara had plenty of opportunities to move back to the city, they both believed raising their six kids, Connie, Scott, Ken, Becky, Gordon and Rita, on the farm was where God intended them to be.

With 4-H being a part of Ralph and Barbara’s upbringing, they immersed their children in the local 4-H program where all six kids actively participated in 4-H events from showing livestock to cooking contests.

Since then, McKay Farms has been passed down to the youngest son, Gordon. As a third-generation farmer, Gordon runs and operates the farm full-time with the help of his wife, Jennifer, two children, Morgan and Spencer, and daughter-in-law, Alicia.

As a family, McKay Farms takes pride in the work they do and supports the local 4-H program every chance they get. Traveling across the state or country, McKay Farms works with their youth to ensure they get the assistance and support they need to meet their project goals.