orative decision-making style , with a weekly family meeting where they work out the inevitable differences of opinion . They have a “ no surprises ” rule among themselves , and work hard to keep each other apprised of any concerns or looming problems .
Carol , the only one of the second generation who did not work on the farm , plays a major role as a constant advisor on management and strategic planning . She worked as an executive for a Fortune 500 company in Ohio , then went on to management consulting and executive coaching , an invaluable resource to the family . She now is President of the Goering Center at University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business , focused on helping family-owned businesses . She facilitates an annual strategic planning session for the family , and her ongoing counsel is a huge support to Hallie , Tyler , and Ben , considering that only 13 % of thirdgeneration businesses remain solvent after succession .
As all-consuming as this burgeoning business is , however , all three stress that work-life balance
is important to them . Each has young children and a spouse who does not work on the farm , and they plan for — and cherish — family time . The prospect of entering the family business looked attractive because their parents seemed to love it , but also gave them the choice . As Ben said , they all began to realize that carrying on in the family business was “ a no-brainer ,” as they became old enough to realize the contribution Butler ’ s Orchard makes to the community .
Farmers must deal with the toughest of challenges — climate change and weather fluctuations ; inflation in prices of equipment , supplies , fuel , and insurance ; labor shortages ; supply chain disruptions ; and County permitting procedures for certain changes on the farm . Above all , they must view the farm as a business and make decisions accordingly . In that regard , it looks like Butler ’ s Orchard is in good hands .
The Butlers continually plant more Christmas trees for the longterm future , having learned their lesson when they skipped a few years of planting . They are contract growing hemp as a small-scale experiment this year . They are still purchasing new land when it becomes available , and are planning for more space devoted to corporate events and team building outings , partnering with an established event management company .
As one of the longest-standing and most successful direct-toconsumer farms in Montgomery County , the future looks bright for this dynamic family farm . Looking to the long-term future , Tyler mused , “… if we keep doing things right , we hope someday some of our kids will want to keep this going .” For the thousands who enjoy all that Butler ’ s has to offer , we certainly hope that comes to pass .
Melane Kinney Hoffmann has lived on a farm in the Ag Reserve for 30 years with her family . She and husband Tom have been involved in numerous efforts to preserve open space and protect the Reserve . For more than a decade Melane managed Hidden Ridge Farm Flowers and Herbs and is moving into semi-retirement , still hosting “ Flowers , Friends , and Fun for private groups . hiddenridgeflowersandherbs . com
Hundreds of pumpkins await their new homes in the setting sun during Butler ’ s annual Pumpkin Festival .
plenty I autumn harvest 2023 17