Our Farm Story

In 1966, Charles and Faith Kelkenberg purchased what was formerly the Meisner Farm on Wolcott Rd. in Clarence Center, NY. They had both grown up on farms and wanted one of their own to raise what would eventually be their 6 children. On the farm, they had beef cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, and a riding horse to provide for their family.

In 1976, the family purchased their first Belgian Draft Horse named “Connie”. A year later, they added “Libby” so that they had a working team of horses to pull a wagon and equipment around the farm. As the children grew, so did the number of animals and draft horses. Hayrides for family and friends evolved to became hayrides for the public. Word-of-mouth soon had school children visiting the farm for field trips, hayrides for hire, and pony rides for children. What started as a hobby began to grow into a business!

In 1992, middle-child Charlene married Patrick Spoth, left job as a teacher, and returned home to Clarence Center to work on the farm and start their family. She has a Masters Degree in Agricultural Education, so expanding the educational school tour business on the farm was a natural fit. Patrick has a background in farming too, growing up on Spoth’s Farm in nearby East Amherst, and gained further expertise with an Agricultural degree as well. Patrick and Charlene soon built their own home on the farm so they could raise up a family there as well. Their four children (Elizabeth, Patrick, Matthew, and Anna) make up the third generation of Kelkenberg Farm of Clarence. We’ve also since welcomed Stella & Sadie, making 4 generations!

In 2006 when Anna began kindergarten, Charlene began to assume more of the business management responsibilities, and in 2009, the farm formally moved on to the second generation. While all four of Patrick and Charlene’s children have now graduated high school and moved out of home, they continue be involved in the farm, from baling hay in the summer to brainstorming up new fun farm activities for guests to enjoy. Around 2022, Matthew finished up his Masters Degree (weed management!), and Elizabeth left her food marketing job to both rejoin the farm in an “official” capacity. Matt now lives in the original farmhouse, joined by his girlfriend Sage and loveable Hank, the newest farm dog. Not only is Matt the master of everything to do with planting, weeds, and pests…but he’s the mastermind and BBQ chef behind our ever growing menu on the farm!

Still just through word-of-mouth, the farm has continued to grow each year, and we’re able to employ members of our community that have become like family. Although we have been at it for more than 30 years, we continue to update our farm to address the needs of all ages and interests of farm visitors. We love it when a repeat farm visitor tells us they learned something new! Lately, we have loved turning old farm equipment into ‘new’ farm toys for all of our farm families to enjoy, and are working on expanding our on-farm bakery and food options! We try our best to keep the experience fresh while providing the same old-fashioned, down-on-the-farm fun that our guests know and love!