The Rancks have been hosting visitors and sharing a "day
in the life of a farmer" with visitors at Verdant View Farm since
1975, and Don's parents hosted guests before that since 1967.
Don & Ginny Ranck came to farm at Verdant View after Don's parents
decided to retire from farming in 1975. At the time, Don & Ginny
had been living in Recife, Brazil, after spending five years there
working in agricultural and community development. Don studied
at Penn State University, where he got a B.S. in agricultural
science and education. Ginny is a licensed practical nurse.
The Rancks have raised 4 children at Verdant View. Their elder
son, Eldon, lives on the farm, owns a sign business and he and
his wife Tammy, who works for a confectionary manufacturer, have
three daughters: Katelyn, Adrianne and Olivia. Heather Andrea,
their elder daughter, works for the US Commercial Service (US
Department of Commerce) as an International Trade Specialist in
Fargo, North Dakota and is married to Ryan McManus, who works
at Wells Fargo and enjoys remodeling homes. Heather and Ryan are
proud parents of their son, Oliver. Aaron, their second son, works
on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Elisa, the second daughter,
and her husband Patrick Fleming, who is pursuing a PhD in Agricultural
Economics, both work at Verdant View.
Both Don and Ginny are active in community activities. They attend
Witmer Heights Mennonite Church in Smoketown, Pa. Don is a Rotarian,
an elected township supervisor, vice-chair of the Lancaster County
Farm Bureau, and was elected to the corporate board of Land O'
Lakes Cooperative. Ginny was elected to the Pequea Valley School
Board, she is on the Lancaster County Dairy Promotion Committee,
she is on the Mennonite Information Center Board, but she is never
"bored" at home!
For over 38 years the Rancks have enjoyed sharing their agricultural
experiences with visitors. They have hosted visitors from all
over the United States, Canada, Germany, France, England, South
Africa, Congo, Brazil, Israel, Vietnam, Japan, Australia and many
other countries. International guests are welcome at Farmland
Fun. The Rancks speak Portuguese and some Spanish.
Farmland Fun is one of the few places in the world where you
can truly get a "slice of Paradise" here on Earth.The Rancks and
the friendly staff at Verdant View love to answer questions about
agriculture, dairy farming, Amish / Mennonite culture, Lancaster
County, international comparisons of food production, the history
of the farm, or anything else or anything else that may arouse
your curiosity.