Silver Spring Farm began its journey in 1914, after John Luchsinger, a Swiss immigrant had worked and saved enough money to make the purchase for the 90 acres of central New York farm land. Being a young man with a talent for cow care and a dream of owning a herd of Jersey cattle, he was able to breed a herd that could produce profitably and compete at the shows with the wealthy fanciers of the day. By 1938, Silver Spring Jerseys had won Grand Champion Cow and Premier Breeder at the New York State Fair. In the years that followed, the family of five sons and two daughters all branched out to their own Jersey herds with Fred staying on and taking over at home. In keeping with the same breeding philosophies he increased the herd size to fifty in 1950 and purchased two more adjoining farms. Still in the days before A.I., he put his confidence in Heaven Hill breeding and used sons of their champion cows and advice from Max Gordon. The purchase of Golden Faithful in 1969 proved to be the event that put our farm on the national stage ever since. His daughters had exceptional udders and very stylish frames, winning state and regional shows and four times Premier Sire honors at the All American. The 1980’s and 90’s brought about more diversity in breeding which included Canadian sires and mainstream U.S. Since 1978 when Faithful Flora of SSF won the Jersey Jug, we have placed second five times and fourth twice in this prestigious class. During this period we very much involved with the Brazil export market, shipping over 40 head to South America, capturing two national champions and two reserves at ExpoMilk. For three years we sold the heart of our show strings, only to come back with real good ones for the next year. As the millenium came to a close, so too did our unparalleled streak of 39 consecutive Premier Breeder Awards at the highly competitive New York State Fair, now they don’t come as often. In 2003 we acquired Sunset Canyon Ren Belle III, All American Sr. Old who provided a resurgence to our program and ushered in the next Luchsinger generation as successors to one of today’s longest running Jersey establishments. Nearing 100 years, we’re still breeding and developing the kind of Jerseys we love to work with and as always are very active on the national jersey stage. We have also diversified our operation with a retail farm market near Syracuse and Charlie has recently started a custom baling and wrapping business. Next year, in order to commemorate all that our past generations have started, we are hosting the “Celebration of a Century” sale offering our best as well as 50 elite consignments from all around the country. Respect and Thanks to all the friends we’ve made in this crazy and wonderful industry!
