America’s involvement in the war saw Henry (3rd generation) leave school under the farm deferment to work on the farm, and his brother Chester went off to war. In 1945 the farm was expanded to support the three families working there at the time.

After the war, Henry Jr., established a herd at the farm and the milk was shipped to the New England Milk Producers processing plant in West Springfield, MA.

In 1962 Henry Sr. expanded the farm and it was eventually split between Henry’s two sons, Henry Jr. and Chester so they could both pursue their own farm operations. Henry Jr. milked cows through the 1960’s.

Four Jersey cows were bought at a local auction at the pursuit of John the 4th generation who admired the little brown cows and was looking for something different to bring to the 4-H fairs he participated in. Thus, establishing a small Jersey herd for the first time and setting the stage for what would become Mapleline Farm. Through the 1970’s cows came and went at the family farm as markets and demands changed.

In 1984, John decided to get back to his love of dairy cows and bought some Jersey from auctions in Vermont. Descendants of these cows still remain on the farm today. An average of 40 milking cows in a tie-stall barn were maintained through the 80’s and early 90’s.

A waning milk market and the desire to create a sustainable operation for the farm that would be viable for future generations was the inspiration to bottle and market our own milk. Milk was bottled in glass at Quality Milk in Ware, MA and sold out of a small store in the old milk room of the barn. Neighbors loved the idea of local, fresh milk in glass returnable bottles and soon the local grocery and restaurant scene wanted their hands on this rich, delicious milk too!

Plastic bottles were also introduced to meet wholesale demands and in 2001, a processing and bottling plant was built on the farm. The herd size continued to grow throughout the years, and in 2003 a free stall barn was built to accommodate the demand. Today, Mapleline Farm's milk can be found throughout the state. The herd has been recognized nationally for type and production and we have been active members of the American Jersey Cattle Association and local farm associations throughout the years.

Although the farm has been experiencing much growth, we still remain committed to producing and maintaining a viable Jersey herd, preserving the farm land for our future generations and building a sustainable business model. Our family shares the same concerns that yours does about knowing the origins of your food, and supporting local agriculture and locally owned businesses. Today, the farm is owned and operated by the 5th generation of the farm.