Vlietstra Dairy farm was started at it’s current location in 1917 by Henry Vlietstra, a Dutch immigrant. His wife, Elizabeth is credited for encouraging him to buy the land.
Henry Vlietstra delivering milk with his horse .
His son, Fred joined him in the late 1930’s and built the big round barn you see from the road with our name on it.
Fred Sr. and Ada Vlietstra, 1998
In the mid seventies, Fred Sr. retired (though he remained active on the farm until he passed away in 1999) and his three sons David, Marvin and Fred Jr. took over.
Marvin, Fred Jr. and David
Almost all of Fred Sr.’s grandchildren have worked on the farm growing up or still work on the farm currently. Now some of his great-grandchildren are also on the farm.
Esther Vlietstra (sister of David, Fred and Marvin) has done bookkeeping and secretarial work for the farm for several years.
In the late nineties, Marvin’s son Fred H. became a partner and David retired. Marvin retired recently, but he is still active on the farm. Fred Jr.’s son Dan become a partner when Marvin retired, and his younger brothers are showing interest as well.
Fred Jr. and his son Dan
For Vlietstra kids, It’s never too early for your first tractor ride! Perhaps Dan’s son will become one of our 5th generation farmers someday?
For more history, you can read Fred’s story about our barn collapse in 2013 here.
In the News
COVID-19 Virus, 2020
https://wwmt.com/news/local/kalamazoo-dairy-farm-might-be-forced-to-dump-milk-due-to-low-demand April, 2020
https://www.woodtv.com/health/coronavirus/dairy-farmers-left-with-surplus-may-dump-product/ April, 2020
In Memory of David Vlietstra March, 2017
Michigan Farmers on their Way to to Lansing to Meet with Legislature WLNS, February, 2016
Kalamazoo-area obituaries today: Ada Vlietstra, 92, member of Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame, January, 2012
Declining Dairy Prices Costly to West Michigan Farmers Kalamazoo Gazette, April, 2009
He Extended Zerks on Skid Steer Loader Farm Show Magazine, 2002
Dump Truck Turned into Big Dump Trailer Farm Show Magazine, 2000
Vlietstra Dairy Farm 