Rick Allen was born on March 27, 1950; he continues to reside on the sixth generation family farm where he was raised. He graduated from Penn State in 1972 with a degree in Ag Economics and formed a partnership with his father and brother. Allen-Hill Dairy began with 40 cows and a jug milk plant.
Rick Allen along with his father Ralph and brother Ron completed their first year on DHIA in 1972 on 40 cows 11,817m 437f. They began purchasing Registered Holsteins from some noted Fayette County herds along with well known herds in Southwest Pa and Western Maryland. They classified for the first time in 1975 with 1 EX, 4 VG, 15 GP, 6G, 1 Fair. Rick’s Dad passed away from cancer in 1981 and he and Ron continued the partnership and to develop the herd and the facilities at Allen-Hill.
The herd has grown to 130 Registered Holsteins with a RHA of 23,081m 848F 732P with 6 EX and 36 VG cows presently in the herd. Rick has been in charge of the breeding program since the partnership was formed. They have bred or developed 51 Excellent cows with many of those cows coming from the Gem family with the foundation cow Cove-Run Sissy K Gem bred by Oren Bender.
The Allen Hill herd is a fixture at the Fayette County Fair, was named Premier Breeder/Exhibitor numerous times at the Southwest Championship Show along with showing many class winners at the county and regional shows. Rick has judged over 50 shows across Pennsylvania.
Allen-Hill has been consignor and buyers at numerous sales over the years. There cattle have gone on to do well for others. They sold the top seller at the 2007 Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale.
Rick became involved in Pennsylvania Holstein activities in 1972. He has served on the Fayette County Board of Directors for many years, he is presently the Secretary/Treasurer. He has served as the County Show Chairman since 1976. He organized and developed the Fayette County Holstein Fund Drive auction that has raised over $20,000 for dairy improvements in Fayette County since 2000.
Southwest Pennsylvania has benefited from Rick’s enthusiasm for the Holstein cow. He was the organizer and Chairman of the Southwest PA Championship Show from its start in 1990 through its combining with the Northwest Show in 2010. He along with Adam Derr chaired the Southwest Spring Sales from 2001-2003. Rick and Sandy chaired the 1992 State Convention Planning Committee and he has served on numerous other convention committees over the years.
On the state level he has served on a number of Committees including Activities, Finance and Show. He has chaired the Hall of Fame Committee as well. He has been recognized on numerous occasion for Membership Solicitation work. He was a moderator for the Past Presidents Fireside Chat at the 100th Anniversary Celebration.
Rick has served a number of terms on the state Board of Directors. He served three years on the Executive Committee, four years as Treasurer, Vice-President and President of the State Association. All together he dedicated 13 years of leadership to the state Association.
Rich has served many agricultural organizations including: Fayette County Fair Board, Fayette County Conservation Board, Farm Bureau, Extension Board, and he presently serves on the AgChoice Farm Credit Board of Directors.
Outside of the Holstein industry Rick has been involved and recognized for his talents and leadership. Beginning in 1980 Rick and Ron started an agri-tainment business called Allen’s Haunted Hayrides, believed to be one of the first haunted hayrides in Pennsylvania. This Halloween attraction runs every October weekend and is well attended by families from across southwest Pennsylvania. From 1987 through 2001 they operated the Happy Heifer Lounge, a restaurant/bar in Smock, PA. Rick was also the lead singer and lead of the Roundhouse Band that was a popular local band, they also played at two state conventions.
Rick is currently the lead singer and guitarist for the “Taylor Made Praise Band” and worship leader for the New Life Free Methodist Church.
Rick mentions three gentlemen besides his Dad Ralph and his brother Ron who have influenced his work with Holstein cattle. They include J.D. Miller, a Fayette County breeder who Rick admired and respected growing up. J.D. helped him get started in the Registered business. Terry Kuehn, who Rick met in college and he nurtured Rick’s passion for Registered Holsteins. Finally Robert Gitt, who Rick met at his first PA Holstein Board meeting, a man Rich views as a father figure and someone who’s advice he respects.
Rick married Sandy and together they raised 3 children: Taylor, Shelby and Courtney. They now also have four grandchildren which keeps them active as they attend events to support the grandchildren.
Rick’s dedication to the dairy industry has helped to lead his family’s farm in a successful direction. His dedication and leadership abilities have helped the Pennsylvania Holstein continue to be recognized as the premier state Association in the country. Ricks’ positive outlook, sense of humor, determination and wisdom will help improve the lives of his family and friends as life moves forward.
Congratulations to Rick Allen, Smock, PA our newest member of the Pennsylvania Holstein Hall of Fame.