Raile Farm History, 1885-present
From a rich farming history, spanning 6 centuries, Gottlieb Raile Sr. family immigrated to the United States, in 1885, from Odessa, Russia. They were German farmers, living in the Black Sea area. Wanting to escape increased pressure from the Russian government to serve in the military, which was considered a death sentence at the time, and searching for a better life and fertile farm ground, Gottlieb broke sod in Northwest Kansas with only a horse and a wood plow.
When his son, Gottlieb, Jr. began his career, mechanization and diesel power were introduced. An accomplished blacksmith, his skills were invaluable in forging tools and parts for repairs on the farm.
Following World War II, Gottlieb Jr.’s son, Raymond understood hard work and honesty were paramount for building a farm operation, but also knew a progressive farm needed to grow in acres to be financially successful. He did this by building strong relationships with local land partners.
It was natural for Raymond’s son, Tim, to join the family farm in 1980. As a young boy, he was driving tractors and hauling crops. To meet the challenges of an expanded global market, Tim worked with new innovative farming practices of minimum till, and no-till and cover crops and understood the importance of bringing professionalism to agriculture.
Michael joined his father, Tim, in 2011 after working for an international agriculture company. Michael saw a need for a more holistic, inward look at the operation of the farm which brought forth an effort to understand soils and microbial and mycorrhiza activity and become better stewards of the soil.
Meeting the demand for a more diverse American appetite, food safety, environmental impact, and less carbon foot print, will be the legacy that Tim and Michael want to leave for the 6th generation.