Dixon Family Farm Ribbon Cutting

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Dixon Family Farm was held on August 13, 2009.

Owned by Dale and Cheri Dixon since they purchased it at auction in January 1994, the 25 1/2 acre farm located seven miles south of Xenia,  is available to rent for weddings, reunions and company outings.  The Dixons, lifelong Xenians and graduates of Xenia High School (1974 and 1975), have lived there 15 years. 
    The two-story farm-house which has undergone extensive renovation and improvements was built in the 1880’s and an historic barn in the 1870’s.  The barn was saved from decay with the help of a local timber-framing expert Bryan Beals.  Beals will be featured on  PBS documentary, the barn as well, in September.  The Dixons are participating in the Ohio Barns quilt project and one of the pieces in the quilt to be painted will picture their barn.  The well-manicured lawn and grounds surround a well-stocked, two-and-a-half acre pond. 
    American Blackbelly Hair Sheep, Scotch Highland Cattle, chickens, goats, ponies are raised on the farm and this year is Cheri’s first year learning beekeeping.  Contents of a hand-woven basket which was the grand prize at the Toast of the Town “illustrated”  the eco-friendly ambiance of Dixon Family Farm and organic products available locally:  a dozen eggs, grass-fed ground beef, honey from a local beekeeper (Bill Starrett), homemade jelly, homegrown produce (Bud Dixon) and the basket was hand-woven by Jackie Snodgrass. 
    As many as 250 guests can be accommodated for special events and outings.  Call (937) 372-0881 for information.  Future plans include workshops, non-profit events, eco-education partnerships with local schools, programs by local musical artists and historic barn education. 
    Both Dale and Cheri are interested in Native American education, history and current issues and sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture.  Dale’s “day job” the last 28 years has been Dale Dixon Home Improvements, Inc. 

(story courtesy of Lizz Studebaker (Xenia Daily Gazette) and photos taken by Sherri Mash of Sherri Mash Photograhy)