Weikert’s Egg Farm, located at 2559 Fairfield Rd, Gettysburg, has been a family affair since its founding. “Weikerts built the farmhouse in 1884,” said owner Mahlon Weikert, “Since then the farm’s been passed down through family members.”
From the first chicken house in 1952 to now, the Weikerts have been perfecting the craft. “My grandfather and my father farmed together… until my grandfather passed in 1993,” Mahlon said, “My father and I have been farming together ever since.”
Things changed for the farm after Mahlon graduated from Shippensburg University. “In 2005, we decided to direct market our beef to the customer as well as our eggs, instead of shipping our beef off to another buyer,” Mahlon said, “Beef is an equal partner to our eggs now, even if it’s not in our name.”
Today, the farm operates as a family. “Three generations (are) still tending to the farm today: my father and mother, Allen and Amy Weikert, as well as Tanya and me, and our 3 children, Mason, Jacob, and Faith,” said Mahlon.
The Weikert’s daily activities reflect a deep commitment to the farm and its customers. “Something that happens every day, no matter what, is we tend to the animals. Seven days a week,” said Mahlon. The responsibilities also include gathering eggs, making deliveries, tending to fields, and assisting customers in their store.
Mahlon said a point of pride is the farm’s humane treatment of animals. “A lot of people enjoy that the chickens are cage-free. They see the sun come up and set every day. They have access 24/7 to food and water.”
Direct customer interaction is a cornerstone of the business. “I think what makes our farm different from some farms is that we get the privilege of selling directly to the customer,” said Mahlon. Tanya Weikert adds, “We have a large loyal local support of people I see returning every week, every other week, that I get to know,” She says with a smile. “We also have the customers that come from New York, Pittsburgh, Virginia, Maryland, and New Jersey.” Mahlon nods in agreement, “That’s what’s really neat for Tanya and me – the fact someone would come back and keep us in mind… It makes the hard work more worthwhile.”
In addition to eggs, Weikert’s Egg Farm has grown to accommodate many different preferences. “You can stop by the store and buy a single cut of beef or a whole quarter. While our roots are always Weikert’s Egg Farm, we’ve grown into selling our own beef, local chicken, and local pork as well.”
Despite the changes, the Weikerts cherish their family legacy. “We have the privilege to continue on what my dad continued from his father,” Mahlon says, tearing up, “Since my dad did such a good job, we’re able to do a good job.” Tanya nods, adding, “If it wasn’t for the hard work from the generations before us, we wouldn’t be able to be here.”
Looking to the future, the Weikert family is dedicated to passing on their values and work ethic to the next generation. “While they play hard, we also work extremely hard, which is some days tiring but very rewarding,” Mahlon says.
As Weikert’s Egg Farm continues to thrive, it remains a testament to family, innovation, and tradition.
Weikert’s Egg Farm is also a vendor at the Saturday morning Adams County Farmers Market (April-October) located at the rec park in Gettysburg.
Reach Weikert’s at (717) 253-1624
Hannah Campbell, intern, is a senior in high school and has lived in Gettysburg for 10 years. She enjoys writing fictional stories and historical research papers and is thrilled to be able to write for Gettysburg Connection.
Ditto! Been getting our eggs from Weikerts since we moved here in 1996, have never been disappointed; have purchased some beef too, and it was excellent. I appreciate the freshness, and availability of local products. Thank you weikert family for your hard work, and dedication for keeping it in the family.
My family and I love Weikert’s farm.
It was a pleasure to read your piece on the Weikert’s and their farm. I’ve enjoyed their eggs for decades as part of my breakfast in local restaraunts. Perhaps another story could be written about their musicality…another Weikert tradition for sure!
We love Weikert’s!