Kolb: A Legacy of Excellence in the Cattle Industry
The Kolb family’s roots trace back to Germany, where five brothers immigrated to Pennsylvania in the early 1700s. This marked the beginning of a long-standing legacy in agriculture, particularly within the dairy industry. Over the centuries, the Kolb name has become synonymous with integrity, expertise, and excellence in dairy cattle sales, shaping the future of countless farms and farmers.
The Kolb Farm: A Landmark in the Dairy Industry
Situated along Route 283 at 2220 Dairy Rd in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the Kolb Farm has been a cornerstone of the dairy industry for decades. In the late 1970s, Melvin Kolb, son of Aaron Kolb, acquired the “Black and White Farm” from Charlie Myers and the Myers family. Under his leadership, the farm became widely recognized as “The Kolb Farm / Melvin Kolb, Inc.”
Melvin Kolb was a highly respected cattle dealer, operating at the pinnacle of the industry throughout the late 1970s to the 1990s. His expertise in buying, selling, and financing dairy cattle not only transformed farm operations but also provided crucial financial support to farmers. Melvin played an instrumental role in saving countless farms and supplying top-quality cattle from Wisconsin, Canada, and the New England States, ensuring that agricultural legacies endured for generations.
In partnership with Charlie Myers, Melvin Kolb also owned the very first scored 97-point Holstein cow in the world, which stood proudly in the barn at The Kolb Farm. This historic achievement elevated the standard of dairy cattle breeding worldwide. Melvin Kolb’s influence on the Holstein breed was profound—he dramatically improved genetic lines and was a trusted supplier to premier dairies such as North Florida Holsteins. His impact helped shape Holstein genetics.
At its peak, The Kolb Farm operated two farming locations—one in Lancaster, PA, and another in Woodsboro, MD. The Lancaster location became famous for its monthly dairy sales and auctions, attracting farmers from all over the country. These sales, expertly managed by Melvin Kolb and his son Dennis Kolb, were a staple in the industry. His grandson, Matthew Kolb, worked diligently to prepare cattle for sale, ensuring that each auction featured top-quality livestock.
Sale days at The Kolb Farm were more than just business transactions—they were community gatherings. Farmers and buyers came together to witness high-quality cattle sales while enjoying free ice cream, food, and drinks—a tradition that fostered strong relationships within the industry. Many of today’s leading dairy professionals attended these auctions, recognizing The Kolb Farm as the gold standard in dairy cattle sales.
For more than 70 years, the Kolb family has provided specialized cattle financing, helping farmers not only secure funding but also access the right genetics and quality cattle they need to succeed. Their services have been instrumental in keeping countless farms in operation and thriving through generations.
Melvin Kolb built his business on trust, quality, and a relentless dedication to farmers. His legacy left an enduring mark, not only on those he helped but on the entire dairy industry. The Kolb name has become defined by quality, professionalism, excellence, and individuals who get things done—a reputation that continues to shape the future of agriculture today.
New Holland Sales Stables
Beyond his own success, Melvin Kolb’s brother, Norman Kolb, took over sole ownership of New Holland Sales Stables, a name that has become iconic in the livestock auction industry. New Holland Sales Stables is the largest livestock auction in the northeastern United States, east of the Mississippi River, and continues to serve thousands of farmers and ranchers each year.
The auction sells a wide variety of livestock weekly, including:
New Holland Sales Stables has long been a vital resource for the agricultural community, providing farmers with a trusted marketplace to buy and sell livestock. Today, the business is still family-owned and operated by David, Ryan, and Tyler Kolb, who uphold its values and commitment to the farming community.
A Family Legacy Built on Integrity and Innovation
The Kolb name has stood the test of time in the cattle industry, with each generation upholding the values of honesty, quality, and dedication to farmers. From Melvin Kolb’s pioneering role in dairy cattle sales, the Kolb family has remained a driving force in the livestock business.
Today, Matthew and Austin Kolb continue this proud tradition, carrying forward the Kolb legacy by providing top-tier dairy cattle, expert consulting, and innovative financial solutions to farmers across the country. The commitment to excellence that began centuries ago remains stronger than ever, ensuring that farmers have access to the best genetics and most reliable cattle trading services in the industry.
The Kolb family’s legacy is one of trust, expertise, and an unwavering dedication to agriculture—a tradition that continues to shape the future of the dairy industry for generations to come.
