William J. Weicht purchased the main farm in 1917 where he constructed a new home that same year. This was quickly followed by a large bank barn the next year, along with several other farm buildings over the next five years. William’s son, Albert Weicht took over the operation in the 1920 and acquired more acreage while performing some limited custom farming. Albert’s primary commodities included cattle, milk, hogs, corn, soybeans, wheat, and alfalfa. Albert retired in 1977 and turned over the farm operation to his grandson, Larry Kummer.
During the 1940’s, Clarence Kummer moved to rural Waterloo, IN on a 100 acre small dairy and crop farm. He produced milk, cattle, hogs, corn, soybeans, and wheat. In 1972, Clarence retired and turned the farm over to his son, Richard Kummer.
Richard Kummer farmed with his son, Larry until Kummer Farms was established in 1992. Kummer Farms was created as the consolidation of Richard Kummer, Larry Kummer, Clarence Kummer, Albert Weicht, and Jacob Kummer’s (Larry’s son) farm operations. Kummer Farms is a farm operating entity that rents the land owned by the Kummer families and several other area landowners.
Kummer Farms, LLC was created in 2005 and experiences continued growth, operating all the Kummer and Weicht land, along with renting area farms. The farm consists of corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and CRP. The farm is an Indiana River Friendly certified farm. It carefully places filter strips, WASCOB terraces, and grass waterways throughout its operation to conserve the soil.
Current
Today, Kummer Farms, LLC produces above average crop yields through ongoing agronomic and equipment education. Our philosophy is “We learn to do multiple activities from operating equipment, using technology, and using up to date agronomic and conservation practices to achieve above average results in production and returns.” We have adequate high tech equipment to handle field operations in a very timely manner. Our own land has systematic tiling to allow us more optimum operating days for field operations along with above average moisture control. We have our own backhoe and professional relationships with premier contractors to assist landlords with land improvement programs as well.
Our modern grain operation includes a high tech grain dryer, leg, and air system that is fully automated to provide Kummer Farms, LLC with high quality grain dried accurately and efficiently. Our fertilizer and chemicals are maintained in diked facilities approved by the Indiana State Chemist office. Our plantings are guided by GPS, allowing for varieties to be documented from planting to harvest. Upon harvest, we can segregate varieties to specific locations of storage or sales locations. We believe the future of farming may come to this type of documentation of variety and field locations.
Future
With currently three active generations of family members involved, along with the next generation coming in the next decade, Kummer Farms, LLC’s goal is to achieve 150 years of profitable farming in the community. With attention to detail in agronomy, conservation, technology, and our faith, we are positioned to keep moving ahead.