Claude Hale started Hale Farms in the early 1800's. Later the farm was taken over by Claude's son Bill and his family. The first Shorthorn bull was brought to the farm for commercial use in 1936 and purebred cows and calves were purchased in 1943. At one time the herd consisted of more than 120 brood cows but a PBB contamination in the late 1970's led to a dispersal. The herd has since been rebuilt and today the farm maintains approximately 50 cows. Penny Vance, Bill's daughter, along with her husband Perry and sons Caleb and Seth currently operate the farm, making it a fourth generation operation.