Under the Shema prefix, the Bontragers milk 48 registered Holsteins on their farm. They also raise 150 heifers – many of which are born through embryo transfer. Aside from the dairy end of their farm, the Bontragers manage a 2,000-hog nursery and 2,400 wean-to-finish barn and raise 810 acres of crops. Here, Mitchell milks one of the Bontrager cows. (photo submitted)
The Bontrager family of Kalona, Iowa, have two passions – farming and music – and they are able to live out both to the fullest. They own and operate a family dairy/hog/crop farm; they also send time on the road, traveling throughout central, eastern and southern United States, performing in concerts and tours through their ministry as the Bontrager Family Singers.Front row from left are: Elizabeth, Rebecca, Hudson and Denver. Middle, from left: Taylor, Becky, Marlin and Joshua. Back row, from left: Carson, Allison, Mitchell and Chelsy. (photo submitted)