News

I suppose I should say something. It’s on the news now so everyone will know. My personal version of hell keeps expanding. Last night around 11pm I got a call that the iconic big barn at the farm was “fully engulfed” and a total loss. All of our heritage and rare breed sheep were in the barn. They were due to lamb in 12 days. They did not survive. The skid loader’s tracks were frozen. It wouldn’t move so it caught fire too. Wonderful Oliver saved the big tractor *we think* with just melted plastic and broken glass. The volunteer firemen kept it contained and saved the rest of the structures and equipment. Melinda lost her whole flock AND all her shearing equipment. We lost tools, equipment and basically my history and my future. There will be no lambs to cuddle or fleeces to prepare this year. They’re all with Drew now. Everything he loved is with him now. Your generous donation will help us get back on our feet after our iconic big barn burned to the ground. Watch us as we rebuild and recover on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Sign up for our email newsletter below.

Drew Edward Ross Manko of Eighty Four, PA passed away peacefully at home on his farm, his very favorite place on Earth, after a short illness. Drew was born May 2, 1995 to Amy Ross (Phillips) Manko and Wade Braden. He was adopted at age 12 by Scott A Manko, who preceded him in death. He is the grandson of Gary and Sharon Braden and great-grandson of Thomas Braden, all of Sun City Center, Florida. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Edward H and Marjorie Ross Phillips and adoptive grandfather Charles A Manko. In addition to his mother Amy Manko (John Powell), he is survived by his beloved partner, Riley Carter and his three sweet dogs Rosebud, Daisy and Katja. He was a 2013 graduate of Washington High School, where he was active in music programs, Gifted & Talented competitions, and appeared on “Hometown High-Q”. Drew was a lifelong Boy Scout, starting as a Tiger Cub and achieving the Eagle Scout rank before making a career as District Scout Executive for Washington and Greene Counties in the Laurel Highlands District of Scouting America. On Mondays you could find him working the dock and sorting animals at 84 Auction, where he was known for his kindness, friendliness and compassion to both consignors and animals alike. He also was a fixture at many of the local Farmers Markets including Lawrenceville, Bethel Park and Squirrel Hill, where he was known for not only his high quality meats and wool yarn, but also his friendly and helpful demeanor, knowledgeability and commitment to quality local products.