The McKernon family's American tale started in 1848, when the brothers' great-grandfather John fled Ireland with his family at the height of The Great Famine. He came to settle in the Shushan area, growing potatoes and raising a family of four children. One of his sons, who was also named John, began farming in Goose Island in 1880. By 1887, he owned the deed to the land, and over the ensuing decades, purchased the fields bordering his farm. As the farm grew, so did his family. "The McKernons came as a family of four, and in the early days, my grandfather milked eight or so cows," says Chris. "Today, we have more than 50 family members, and Clifford Jr. and I now care for 120 dairy cows."
In 1900, the family built their first large barn, which was very modern for the time. It contained a cow stable, horse stable, three hay mows and a large machinery shed. The cow stable included 20 stanchions for cows and a section for calves. The McKernons acquired the bordering Weir-Clare farm in 1936, which was a tremendous addition to the business. It not only brought more land to the family, most of which is potato fields today, but a larger stable and house, which featured the luxury of an indoor bathroom and running water. Electricity was added in 1946.
Although the McKernon family has had a thriving dairy business for more than a century - the McKernons have been members of Agri-Mark since the beginning - the farm is equally well known for their Goose Island Potatoes, which they sell locally in Kingsbury, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls and Greenwich. "If you ask someone that's tried a Goose Island Potato, they'll tell you they're the best they've ever had," says Chris.
As busy as farm life can be, the McKernons take time each year to show their cattle at the Washington County Fair. "We've been showing our animals for more than 20 years," says Chris.
Clifford Jr. and his wife Diana have three girls, named Carrie, Kim and Erin. Carrie and Kim are both married, and have two beautiful boys each. Chris and his wife Shelley have three boys, named Adam, Matthew and Tyler. Adam and Matthew are both married, and Matthew has a young son.
The McKernon brothers are extremely proud of their family heritage, and of the success their father, grandfather and great-grandfather was able to achieve. "It has taken master minds, a lot of knowledge and much hard work to build this farm from a few acres of land, a few cows and the poorest pieces of machinery," says Chris. "We are proud to carry the family business and the family name forward, and look forward to our children doing the same one day."
Although the McKernon family has had a thriving dairy business for more than a century – the McKernons have been members of Agri-Mark since the beginning – the farm is equally well known for their Goose Island Potatoes, which they sell locally in Kingsbury, Glens Falls, South Glens Falls and Greenwich. “If you ask someone that’s tried a Goose Island Potato, they’ll tell you they’re the best they’ve ever had,” says Chris.
As busy as farm life can be, the McKernons take time each year to show their cattle at the Washington County Fair. “We’ve been showing our animals for more than 20 years,” says Chris.
Clifford Jr. and his wife Diana have three girls, named Carrie, Kim and Erin. Carrie and Kim are both married, and have two beautiful boys each. Chris and his wife Shelley have three boys, named Adam, Matthew and Tyler. Adam and Matthew are both married, and Matthew has a young son.
The McKernon brothers are extremely proud of their family heritage, and of the success their father, grandfather and great-grandfather was able to achieve. “It has taken master minds, a lot of knowledge and much hard work to build this farm from a few acres of land, a few cows and the poorest pieces of machinery,” says Chris. “We are proud to carry the family business and the family name forward, and look forward to our children doing the same one day.”
