Central Bridge Farms is founded

Elon R. VanDerwerken purchased farm & began raising dairy cows

John R. VanDerwerken (2nd generation) born

Start of the Great Depression

During the Great Depression Central Bridge Farms transitioned into a chicken farm. A 3-story barn was built at a rate of one floor/year over the course of 3 years. This barn was advanced for its time, engineered to include an elevator system. At the peak of operation, Central Bridge Farms had over 10,000 chickens.

Elon paid off the mortgage & held a huge bonfire celebration to burn the bank note.

John R. continues poultry operations

Mark E. VanDerwerken (3rd generation) born

John R. begins raising Black Angus beef cattle

John W. VanderWerken (4th generation) born

John R. places land in a conservation easement

Mark begins operations management

Mark purchases hay equipment

Metal Utility Barn is built over the foundation of the old chicken barn

Cattle herd is reduced to 15 brood cows while Mark E. & oldest son, Robert, deploy with the Army. John W. begins managing day-to-day operations alongside grandfather John R. during this time

John W. begins selling beef & pork retail

Farm Store Grand Opening

John W. becomes the new owner/operator of Central Bridge Farms. Now selling beef, pork, chicken, baked goods, & produce

John R. VanDerwerken (5th generation) born

Built high tunnel