In these times of economic hardship, it is not particularly surprising that many family businesses are not faring well.

However, this is certainly not an issue for Hartzler Family Dairy in Wooster, which began in 1952 with Harold Hartzler and his wife, Patricia.

While other local businesses may be struggling, or even going under, Hartzler Family Dairy is very much alive and well.

John Merriman, general manager for Hartzler Family Dairy went into detail about what sets Hartzler's milk apart from other dairy businesses.

"We're not certified organic, but what our farms do is they follow organic farming methods, which doesn't use chemicals, like fertilizers or pesticides," Merriman explained.

Because the Hartzlers grow their grains organically, chemicals are not transferred to the cattle that are grazing in the fields. Since the cows are fed only natural grains, their milk is consequently free of unwanted chemicals that may compromise flavor or nutrition.

The Holsteins are never given artificial hormones to increase milk production, either.

In addition to owning three different dairy farms, the Hartzler family processes and bottles its own milk. Also located in Wooster, the dairy plant was built nearly 12 years ago.

"We do things different than a lot of the conventional dairies in the fact that there are three things we do," said Merriman.

The first is called low-temperature vat pasteurizing -- and Hartzler Family Dairy is the only dairy in Ohio that uses this process. During this process, milk is held it at 145 degrees for 30 minutes, which is the state minimum requirement.

The second factor that sets this family dairy apart is that the milk does not undergo the homogenization process, which typically breaks down the cream. Because of this, a cream line is visible inside of the bottles.

"The cream separates and comes to the top and it forms a cream plug in the bottle," said Merriman.

"Because the milk is non-homogenized, it helps your body digest the cream better for energy," he added. "It doesn't lead to clogging of the arteries and so forth."

"The third thing is we use glass bottles -- and we're the only ones in Ohio selling milk in glass bottles," he said.

Using glass bottles prevents unwanted chemical absorption that may result from other containers.

Freshness is yet another area that Hartzler Family Dairy prides itself in, with most of the milk appearing on store shelves being made just the day before.

Although the market price of organically-produced milk is often twice as much as other milk, there are certainly benefits to spending the extra cash.

"What we've found is that our taste is really a lot better compared to other milk," Merriman said. "And so we have these healthy, wholesome benefits that milk was pretty much intended to give."

"It's always a struggle as a small business; you can't take advantage of quantities when you buy things, so our costs are always a little bit higher," he added.

Hartzler Family Dairy currently sells milk to approximately 125 stores in the Cleveland-Columbus-Youngstown area. The product is sold in four varieties -- Skim milk, two percent reduced fat milk, whole milk, and chocolate milk.

"We haven't really had the growth that we've seen in the past three years, but we're also not really getting into deep trouble here as far as sales go, he said. "We're thankful for that."

"Being locally produced is also another big plus that has helped our business remain strong even in the times that we live in."

Something else Hartzler Family Dairy is well-known for is the Ice Cream Shoppe, said Merriman.

The shop is located in the same building as the processing plant, at 5454 Cleveland Road (St. Rt. 3) in Wooster.

Open year-round, the Ice Cream Shoppe is definitely a local favorite; with dozens of uniquely-named flavors, there seems to be a taste of all palates.

"When we make skim milk -- we take the cream from that and use it for the ice cream mix," said Merriman. "It's also produced in a small batch, so it has that home-made flavor and texture."

By keeping it in the family, Hartzler Family Dairy is able to cut out the middle men and save in the long run.

Three of the Hartzler brothers own the three different farms that comprise the business.

"Four of the Hartzler brothers farm, another one is the delivery driver, and the sixth one is a plant manager," he said. "Their wives also work in office positions or the Ice Cream Shoppe. One of the sisters is involved in marketing part-time."

The recipe for the success of Hartzler Family Dairy is simple -- Use all-natural ingredients to produce the best product possible, and there will always be business.

For more information about Hartzler Family Dairy, or the Hartzler family, visit their website at http://www.hartzlerfamilydairy.com/index.htm.

The Ice Cream Shoppe Menu

Sandwiches

Farmer's Hoagie

Grilled Chicken Pita

Turkey Bacon Club

Chicken Strips (three piece)

Chicken Strip Sandwich

Beef Steak Burger

Fish Filet Sandwich

Ham and Cheese

Hot Dog

Veggie Pita

Chicken Salad

Salads

Side Salad

Garden Salad

Chef's Salad

Grilled Chicken Salad

Club Salad

Kid's Meal

Chicken Fingers

Mini Corn Dogs

Hot Dog

Choose one side -- mac and cheese wedges,

applesauce or potato chips

Choose one drink -- juice box or chocolate milk

Sides

Mac and Cheese Wedges

Waffle Fries

Onion Rings

Cheese Sticks

Mini Corn Dogs

Apple Sauce

Side Salad

Beverages

Milk, White or Rich Chocolate

(fresh from the farm)

Coffee or Hot Tea

Flavored Coffees

Iced Tea

Pop

Gold Peak Teas

Fuze Beverages

Ice Cream

Cones -- Our own premium hard ice cream made right here.

Shakes, Malts, and Floats -- Hot Fudge, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Chocolate, Caramel and Marshmallow.

Take-Home Ice Cream -- Hand-Dipped -- Call ahead and we will pack your ice cream for you.

Hartzler's Own Ice Cream Sandwiches -- Individual or six pack.

Flurries -- Our delicious creamy custard with your choice of Oreos, Snickers, Reese's Cups, Caramel and Pecans, M&Ms, or Butterfinger stirred in.

Old Fashioned Sundaes -- Hot Fudge, Strawberry, Peanut Butter, Pineapple, Chocolate, Caramel, Marshmallow and more.

Cow Pie Sundae -- Our own freshly baked "cow pie" brownie topped with creamy vanilla frozen custard, hot fudge, real whipped cream and a cherry.

Caramel Apple Delight Sundae -- Three crispy fried apple wedges plunged into Hartzler's creamy vanilla ice cream and topped with caramel, whipped cream and cherry.

Barn Buster Parfait -- A parfait layered with our creamy vanilla frozen custard, hot fudge, Spanish peanuts, and topped with real whipped cream and a cherry.

Banana Split -- Three mounds of creamy vanilla frozen custard smothered with strawberry, chocolate and pineapple toppings a banana split on the sides and topped with real whipped cream and chopped nuts.

Turtle Sundae -- Sweet caramel chocolate and salty pecans layered over our rich vanilla custard. Topped with whipped cream and a cherry.

"Make Your Own" Parfait -- Pick your favorite ice cream with your choice of toppings; and

Ice Cream Cakes.

Ice Cream Shoppe Winter Hours

November-April

Monday-Saturday -- 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Sunday -- 1-7 p.m.

Closed Sundays -- January/February

* Hours are subject to change. Call 330-345-8190 for updates or changes in hours.