About Us

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.