Ag Society to Honor Weaver Family
Published: Friday, September 12, 2025
To be named the Elkhart County Farm Family of the Year is a mark of success, according to Lyle and Carla Weaver, this year's recipients of the award.
The Weavers have been farming together in Elkhart County for 28 years. They took over Weavercrest Farm from Lyle's father full-time in 2003.
When the Weavers took on the full load of the farm, it wasn't easy. The milk market was at a record low, dipping below $10 per hundredweight. But through hard work and dedication, the couple kept their head above water, hoping for better years to come. And they did come.
As the Weavers poured themselves into their farm, they have received a number of awards for various aspects of their dairy operation. One that Lyle is particularly proud of is a regional award for NorthStar (now CentralStar) for lowest somatic cell count in a three-state area. In an entire year, they had just 37,000 somatic cells. In addition to the regional award, they have also won the same honor for the county three times.
The Weavers have also held several state titles, the No. 1 Red and White cow, first place nationally for a bred and owned cow, several All-American nominations and multiple county, state and national awards for their show cattle. But, the highest achievement Lyle and Carla have had, they said, is raising a family.
Lyle and Carla have three adult children: Jared, 25, Kylie, 23, and Bryce, 19. Kylie and Bryce are currently at Purdue University. Kylie is in her second year of veterinary school, and Bryce is starting his freshman year and is studying actuarial science. Jared works full-time as a semi driver hauling milk.
As they built upon their successes, the Weavers also built up their farm. Lyle and Carla erected a new house in the early 2000s. Other changes include building a new milking barn and a new heifer barn.
The Weavers milk between 135-140 cows and care for about 150 heifers. Most are Holsteins, but they also raise Guernseys, Ayrshires, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns for show.
Lyle said farming is in his blood. He grew up on the farm and takes pride in raising good cattle and working with genetics. He takes on the business aspects of the farm. Carla, too, grew up in the farm community. Her family raised grain along with a few hogs and other farm animals. Now, she works at Goshen Health during the day and helps Lyle carry out farm duties in the evening.
A typical day starts around 4 a.m. with milking, scraping and caring for calves. Carla works the day-time shift at Goshen Health, then returns in the late afternoon to help with the evening chores. In the meantime, Lyle has been mixing feed and TMR and keeping equipment up and running, and more.
Carla has also been a 4-H leader in the Elkhart County Guernsey Club for 25 years and is an active member of the dairy advisory board.
When looking upon the list of previously awarded farm families, Lyle and Carla noted that each had achieved high successes in their respective fields. But, they also said that the mark of a good farmer goes beyond what they do. It is found in their character.
"Every farmer works hard," Lyle said. "I hope to be known for honesty and integrity."
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