Our family has been living and farming this soil for over 120 years. From horse drawn plows in cotton fields to raising world class beef, and everything in between, we have been there-farmed that. At current, we raise beef cattle, seasonal veggies, mulch and feed hay and are adding more ways for our community to engage in our farm life. Hungry farm fans can buy beef by appointment in the off season. 2023 was our first year in fall agritourism with the state's only flower and forage maze and pumpkin patch.
We are busy year round with beef, erosion control hay and straw, fall fun, spring strawberries, and summer veggies.
We are busy year round with beef, erosion control hay and straw, fall fun, spring strawberries, and summer veggies.
Phillip Merk
Phillip's family has turned the soil of our farm for over 120 years. Machinist by trade, Phillip came home to farm fulltime in 2003. Before his darling wife talked him into agritourism, he primarily farmed mulch hay and straw for erosion control businesses and beef cattle. Phillip loves bluegrass music, Labrador Retrievers and John Deere tractors. He is a lifelong resident of the Dry Pond Community.
Ali Merk
Ali grew up in South Florida in a farming and fishing family. When her Mom moved to Jackson County in 1992, nothing could have prepared her for how she would love North Georgia. She has done everything from being a horse trainer, and dairy employee, to a city administrator and educator. Continuing the strawberry growing legacy of her grandparents has been her lifelong dream. Ali loves critters, cooking and being creative. She married Phillip, her friend's "redneck cousin with a really nice truck", in 2000, gave birth to their son Gabe in 2004 and their daughter Vivi Ann in 2011.
Gabe Merk
Gabe is the head go-for and best grunt worker Merk Farms has. He works hard being a fulltime college student, UGA Extension professional and key hand on the farm. Somehow, he manages to do it all and still look cool. Gabe's love for agriculture may have come later in life but has been the catalyst for change in our operations and is always looking for new ways to grow the business and community connections. He has an eclectic taste in music, loves Arizona tea and cheeseburger shells.
Vivi Merk
Vivi is larger than life and brings the party everywhere she goes. She plays volleyball, is on the swim team and is busy on the track team. There is not a fancy barista drink she doesn't like and has every scent Bath and Body Works sells. Vivi is paying for Phillip's raising everyday. Her tenacity is bar none and she is growing into a remarkable young lady.