PA Preferred® Homegrown By Heroes members Paul and Michelle Geiss knew they wanted to farm, but they didn’t know where. As he planned for retirement from corporate America following over 25 years in the U.S. Air Force, they dreamed of heading south to somewhere warm and snow-free. That is, until they visited a farm property in Corry, Erie County. After touring the expansive, historic site, their fates were sealed, and 5 Gallon Dog Ranch was born.
The Geisses specialize in sheep and chickens and have also had alpaca and miniature cows. They care for a special flock of Finnsheep, a domestic sheep from Finland known for high lambing rates, soft, lustrous wool and lean meat. They say, “Finnsheep are naturally gentle and we raise our lambs to be easily handled, calm and colorful. Our sheep are not afraid to come right up to you and nuzzle, which visitors absolutely love!”
The Geisses appreciate being a part of the PA Preferred program. “It is an additional resource for promoting our small farm and its products,” they say.
While the production of 5 Gallon Dog Ranch remains relatively modest, it sits on an expansive farm of 50 acres divided between fields and forest, with a farm house built in 1850 and a beautiful barn. They say, “Owning this small farm has brought us back to our roots. It is rewarding to work with sheep ewes, especially during lambing season, and to watch all of them grow.”
Like any farm enterprise, 5 Gallon Dog Ranch faces challenges. “The number one problem the small farm faces is the costs associated with keeping our equipment functioning,” the Geisses explain. “We don’t have the latest equipment and maintenance and repairs eat away at our small profit ratio every day. The other problem is finding buyers for our sheep.” The Geisses have had setbacks with online marketplaces and have shifted towards a predominantly word-of-mouth strategy.
After originally wishing to farm south of Pennsylvania, they now love the northern Erie region for farming, saying, “The weather is our number one benefit. We don’t normally lack for water, which allows plush paddocks and hayfields.”
Looking ahead to the future, the Geisses are excited to pass the farm on to the next generations one day. “We are in a transitional period where we are slowly moving into retirement and attempting to turn our farm operation over to our grandkids. We currently have two who are very helpful and love to work with the sheep.”
If you’re interested in the livestock, meat and services of 5 Gallon Dog Ranch, reach out directly. 20519 Lindsey Hollow Rd., Corry; (814) 254-8500.
This series was created in collaboration with PA Preferred.
PA Preferred® is Pennsylvania’s statewide branding program that promotes locally grown and processed food and other agricultural products.
- Photos: 5 Gallon Dog Ranch
