Meet Our Founder – Donald J. MacFarlane<\/h1><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\nDonald\u2019s Childhood and Education<\/span><\/h2>\nDonald MacFarlane was born and raised on a farm east of Janesville, Wisconsin, alongside his three sisters and two brothers. His upbringing was shaped by his parents\u2019 unwavering commitment to education and hard work. <\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s mother, who graduated from Whitewater Teachers College in the late 1890s, instilled in her children a love for learning and a drive for entrepreneurship. Graduating from college was a remarkable achievement during a time when higher education for women was rare.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s father, William Daniel MacFarlane, was equally devoted to his children\u2019s success. Recognizing the value of education, he purchased a home in Janesville so his teenage children could attend school. This investment paid off, as each of the children went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald earned a degree in chemical engineering, setting the stage for a promising career. His older brother, Kenneth, studied agriculture and animal husbandry, laying the foundation for his future in pheasant farming.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Donald\u2019s Early Career<\/span><\/h2>\nAfter graduating college, Donald began his professional career as a chemical engineer. He worked for Standard Oil, which later became Exxon, in New Jersey. He later moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he met and married Genevieve, his lifelong partner.<\/span><\/p>\nKenneth\u2019s Education and Early Ventures<\/span><\/h2>\nKenneth, meanwhile, pursued further education in New York, where he studied pheasant raising\u2014a practice gaining popularity after pheasants were imported from England. In 1928, Kenneth returned to Wisconsin to begin his own pheasant farming venture on their father\u2019s rural farm. Over the next few years, he relocated twice before settling on a 15-acre property on Center Avenue in Janesville.<\/span><\/p>\nInitially modest in scale, Kenneth\u2019s farm grew steadily under his leadership. At the time, pheasant farming relied on brooders rather than incubators, with hens hatching eggs naturally. Despite these limitations, Kenneth built Wisconsin\u2019s largest commercial game farm by 1931, raising between 2,500 and 3,000 birds annually.<\/span><\/p>\nHis clients ranged from state game departments to private estates and shooting clubs, and Kenneth personally delivered chicks across the country\u2014traveling as far as Martha\u2019s Vineyard and New York City by truck. These trips were more than business; they were adventures that strengthened customer relationships and introduced him to new parts of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>![\"Shipment\"](\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Two Brothers, One Shared Passion<\/span><\/h2>\nKenneth frequently shared his passion for pheasant farming with his younger brother, Donald, who was still living in New Jersey. Inspired by Kenneth\u2019s success and eager to return to Wisconsin, Donald and his wife moved back to Janesville in 1935. Donald established his own pheasant farm next to Kenneth\u2019s, combining his love of the outdoors with a new business venture.<\/span><\/p>\nThe brothers worked their farms side by side, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Kenneth, a passionate hunter, relied on his extensive network of connections, while Donald, utilizing the train system of the era, traveled extensively to secure customers and personally deliver birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Kenneth\u2019s Tragic Death and Donald\u2019s Acquisition of the Farm<\/span><\/h2>\nIn 1939, Kenneth married Gwen Althea Crane. The couple welcomed their daughter, Jean Grace, less than a year later. By all accounts, Kenneth\u2019s life was full, and his family brought him happiness.<\/span><\/p>\nKenneth\u2019s life came to a heartbreaking end on November 11, 1940, during the <\/span>Great Armistice Day Storm<\/span><\/a>\u2014a devastating blizzard that claimed the lives of 50 hunters. After being thrown from their canoe, Kenneth and his dog swam to shore, but he succumbed to the freezing temperatures later that night. His passing at just 35 years old left a profound void in the lives of his family and the pheasant farming community.<\/span><\/p>\nFollowing Kenneth\u2019s passing, his wife Gwen, widowed with a two-month-old daughter, decided to sell the farm to Donald. In 1941, Donald merged the two operations, creating the foundation for what is now MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Founder](\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/founder2.jpg\")
Overcoming Adversity: Donald\u2019s Battle with Polio<\/span><\/h2>\nIn 1946, Donald MacFarlane\u2019s life changed when he contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. This life-changing event could have ended his work, but Donald\u2019s determination never wavered.<\/span><\/p>\nProfessionally, Donald adapted how he operated the farm. He focused on building strong client relationships, spending countless hours writing letters and managing the business side of operations. His efforts ensured the farm\u2019s continued success.<\/span><\/p>\nIn 1955, Donald met Eleanor Roosevelt, who later wrote about him:<\/span><\/p>\n“He said he might never have made a success of it except for his illness, which forced him to stay indoors and write letters to take care of that end of the business, so he had built up a really good clientele. I was reminded of Dale Carnegie’s column in one of the Sunday news magazines in which he urged people to count their blessings.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nPersonally, Donald remained committed to living an active and independent life. He designed a hand-control system for his car, allowing him to drive on his own, and regularly swam at the Janesville YMCA with his children, using only his hands to move through the water. These moments became cherished family memories.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald also frequently visited Warm Springs, Georgia, a rehabilitation center established by Franklin D. Roosevelt for polio patients. There, he gained resources, exercise plans, and equipment to help him manage his condition. These visits provided practical support and reinforced his determination to live fully despite his challenges.v<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Changes at the Farm<\/span><\/h2>\nAfter contracting polio, Donald recognized the need for someone who could take on the physical demands of managing day-to-day operations. Fortunately, this challenge coincided with the end of World War II, as veterans returned home seeking work and new opportunities. Donald\u2019s brother-in-law, James Adamson<\/a> and Genevieve’s brother, a WWII veteran, was among them. <\/span><\/p>\nJames was looking for steady work, and Donald saw this as the perfect opportunity to seek the help he needed. Confident in James\u2019 work ethic and skills, Donald asked him to join the farm, and the two began what would become a long and successful collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\nJames played an indispensable role at the farm, staying on until his retirement in 1981. His steadfast leadership and dedication were pivotal to the farm\u2019s success.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Transition to a New Generation<\/span><\/h2>\nIn the 1970s, Donald\u2019s health began to decline, and the farm\u2019s future was uncertain. Recognizing the importance of preserving his life\u2019s work, Donald persuaded his youngest son, Bill MacFarlane, to return to Janesville and take over the business. Bill, who had been involved in pheasant farming since childhood, officially assumed leadership after Donald\u2019s passing in 1985.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s Legacy and Community Impact<\/span><\/h2>\nDonald left behind a legacy of hard work, ingenuity, and generosity. His contributions extended beyond the farm, as he was an active member of the First Baptist Church and later the United Methodist Church. He served on many local boards, including Habitat for Humanity, and taught Sunday School. He co-founded a local NAACP chapter and served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors for 20 years. Donald also left a number of building lots and property to Habitat for Humanity after his passing.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s generosity often went unnoticed, as he quietly helped those in need, motivated by a sincere desire to make a difference. His son, Kenneth, recalled one instance when Donald paid a single mother\u2019s mortgage during a difficult time. His warmth and humor were equally memorable, often engaging children with stories of his \u201cpurple cat\u201d to ease their nerves around his wheelchair.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Don](\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/donmacfarlane.jpg\" "\\"Don")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Award](\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/awardPresent.jpg\" "\\"Award")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"Award\"](\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/award.jpg\" "\\"Award\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Remembering Donald MacFarlane<\/span><\/h2>\nDonald\u2019s life was defined by perseverance, kindness, and an enduring commitment to family and community. As Kenneth, Donald\u2019s oldest son, reflected, \u201cHe was such a positive person. I feel very fortunate that he was our dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nToday, MacFarlane Pheasants stands as a living tribute to Donald\u2019s vision and values, inspiring future generations to carry forward his remarkable legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>Learn More About Our History<\/h4><\/div>1978 Brooder Fire<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 1991 Tornado<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Aerial View of Grounds<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Brooding History<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Hatchery History<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 James Adamson<\/a>
\nOur Founder<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Noss Road Farm<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Transportation History<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2345,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2539","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nHistory And Founder Of MacFarlane Pheasants<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"MacFarlane Pheasant farm's history dates back to 1929 when the two MacFarlane brothers first began in the pheasant farm business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"History And Founder Of MacFarlane Pheasants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"MacFarlane Pheasant farm's history dates back to 1929 when the two MacFarlane brothers first began in the pheasant farm business.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/macfarlanepheasants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-20T20:56:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"337\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pheasantfarmer\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\",\"name\":\"History And Founder Of MacFarlane Pheasants\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-24T21:32:41+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-20T20:56:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"MacFarlane Pheasant farm's history dates back to 1929 when the two MacFarlane brothers first began in the pheasant farm business.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\",\"width\":337,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"Shipment\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"About MacFarlane Pheasants\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"History\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Meet Our Founder – Donald J. 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Donald\u2019s Childhood and Education<\/span><\/h2>\nDonald MacFarlane was born and raised on a farm east of Janesville, Wisconsin, alongside his three sisters and two brothers. His upbringing was shaped by his parents\u2019 unwavering commitment to education and hard work. <\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s mother, who graduated from Whitewater Teachers College in the late 1890s, instilled in her children a love for learning and a drive for entrepreneurship. Graduating from college was a remarkable achievement during a time when higher education for women was rare.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s father, William Daniel MacFarlane, was equally devoted to his children\u2019s success. Recognizing the value of education, he purchased a home in Janesville so his teenage children could attend school. This investment paid off, as each of the children went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald earned a degree in chemical engineering, setting the stage for a promising career. His older brother, Kenneth, studied agriculture and animal husbandry, laying the foundation for his future in pheasant farming.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Donald\u2019s Early Career<\/span><\/h2>\nAfter graduating college, Donald began his professional career as a chemical engineer. He worked for Standard Oil, which later became Exxon, in New Jersey. He later moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he met and married Genevieve, his lifelong partner.<\/span><\/p>\nKenneth\u2019s Education and Early Ventures<\/span><\/h2>\nKenneth, meanwhile, pursued further education in New York, where he studied pheasant raising\u2014a practice gaining popularity after pheasants were imported from England. In 1928, Kenneth returned to Wisconsin to begin his own pheasant farming venture on their father\u2019s rural farm. Over the next few years, he relocated twice before settling on a 15-acre property on Center Avenue in Janesville.<\/span><\/p>\nInitially modest in scale, Kenneth\u2019s farm grew steadily under his leadership. At the time, pheasant farming relied on brooders rather than incubators, with hens hatching eggs naturally. Despite these limitations, Kenneth built Wisconsin\u2019s largest commercial game farm by 1931, raising between 2,500 and 3,000 birds annually.<\/span><\/p>\nHis clients ranged from state game departments to private estates and shooting clubs, and Kenneth personally delivered chicks across the country\u2014traveling as far as Martha\u2019s Vineyard and New York City by truck. These trips were more than business; they were adventures that strengthened customer relationships and introduced him to new parts of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/p>\n
Two Brothers, One Shared Passion<\/span><\/h2>\nKenneth frequently shared his passion for pheasant farming with his younger brother, Donald, who was still living in New Jersey. Inspired by Kenneth\u2019s success and eager to return to Wisconsin, Donald and his wife moved back to Janesville in 1935. Donald established his own pheasant farm next to Kenneth\u2019s, combining his love of the outdoors with a new business venture.<\/span><\/p>\nThe brothers worked their farms side by side, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Kenneth, a passionate hunter, relied on his extensive network of connections, while Donald, utilizing the train system of the era, traveled extensively to secure customers and personally deliver birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Kenneth\u2019s Tragic Death and Donald\u2019s Acquisition of the Farm<\/span><\/h2>\nIn 1939, Kenneth married Gwen Althea Crane. The couple welcomed their daughter, Jean Grace, less than a year later. By all accounts, Kenneth\u2019s life was full, and his family brought him happiness.<\/span><\/p>\nKenneth\u2019s life came to a heartbreaking end on November 11, 1940, during the <\/span>Great Armistice Day Storm<\/span><\/a>\u2014a devastating blizzard that claimed the lives of 50 hunters. After being thrown from their canoe, Kenneth and his dog swam to shore, but he succumbed to the freezing temperatures later that night. His passing at just 35 years old left a profound void in the lives of his family and the pheasant farming community.<\/span><\/p>\nFollowing Kenneth\u2019s passing, his wife Gwen, widowed with a two-month-old daughter, decided to sell the farm to Donald. In 1941, Donald merged the two operations, creating the foundation for what is now MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Overcoming Adversity: Donald\u2019s Battle with Polio<\/span><\/h2>\nIn 1946, Donald MacFarlane\u2019s life changed when he contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. This life-changing event could have ended his work, but Donald\u2019s determination never wavered.<\/span><\/p>\nProfessionally, Donald adapted how he operated the farm. He focused on building strong client relationships, spending countless hours writing letters and managing the business side of operations. His efforts ensured the farm\u2019s continued success.<\/span><\/p>\nIn 1955, Donald met Eleanor Roosevelt, who later wrote about him:<\/span><\/p>\n“He said he might never have made a success of it except for his illness, which forced him to stay indoors and write letters to take care of that end of the business, so he had built up a really good clientele. I was reminded of Dale Carnegie’s column in one of the Sunday news magazines in which he urged people to count their blessings.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\nPersonally, Donald remained committed to living an active and independent life. He designed a hand-control system for his car, allowing him to drive on his own, and regularly swam at the Janesville YMCA with his children, using only his hands to move through the water. These moments became cherished family memories.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald also frequently visited Warm Springs, Georgia, a rehabilitation center established by Franklin D. Roosevelt for polio patients. There, he gained resources, exercise plans, and equipment to help him manage his condition. These visits provided practical support and reinforced his determination to live fully despite his challenges.v<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Changes at the Farm<\/span><\/h2>\nAfter contracting polio, Donald recognized the need for someone who could take on the physical demands of managing day-to-day operations. Fortunately, this challenge coincided with the end of World War II, as veterans returned home seeking work and new opportunities. Donald\u2019s brother-in-law, James Adamson<\/a> and Genevieve’s brother, a WWII veteran, was among them. <\/span><\/p>\nJames was looking for steady work, and Donald saw this as the perfect opportunity to seek the help he needed. Confident in James\u2019 work ethic and skills, Donald asked him to join the farm, and the two began what would become a long and successful collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\nJames played an indispensable role at the farm, staying on until his retirement in 1981. His steadfast leadership and dedication were pivotal to the farm\u2019s success.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Transition to a New Generation<\/span><\/h2>\nIn the 1970s, Donald\u2019s health began to decline, and the farm\u2019s future was uncertain. Recognizing the importance of preserving his life\u2019s work, Donald persuaded his youngest son, Bill MacFarlane, to return to Janesville and take over the business. Bill, who had been involved in pheasant farming since childhood, officially assumed leadership after Donald\u2019s passing in 1985.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s Legacy and Community Impact<\/span><\/h2>\nDonald left behind a legacy of hard work, ingenuity, and generosity. His contributions extended beyond the farm, as he was an active member of the First Baptist Church and later the United Methodist Church. He served on many local boards, including Habitat for Humanity, and taught Sunday School. He co-founded a local NAACP chapter and served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors for 20 years. Donald also left a number of building lots and property to Habitat for Humanity after his passing.<\/span><\/p>\nDonald\u2019s generosity often went unnoticed, as he quietly helped those in need, motivated by a sincere desire to make a difference. His son, Kenneth, recalled one instance when Donald paid a single mother\u2019s mortgage during a difficult time. His warmth and humor were equally memorable, often engaging children with stories of his \u201cpurple cat\u201d to ease their nerves around his wheelchair.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Remembering Donald MacFarlane<\/span><\/h2>\nDonald\u2019s life was defined by perseverance, kindness, and an enduring commitment to family and community. As Kenneth, Donald\u2019s oldest son, reflected, \u201cHe was such a positive person. I feel very fortunate that he was our dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\nToday, MacFarlane Pheasants stands as a living tribute to Donald\u2019s vision and values, inspiring future generations to carry forward his remarkable legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>Learn More About Our History<\/h4><\/div>1978 Brooder Fire<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 1991 Tornado<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Aerial View of Grounds<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Brooding History<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Hatchery History<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 James Adamson<\/a>
\nOur Founder<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Noss Road Farm<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Transportation History<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2345,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2539","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nHistory And Founder Of MacFarlane Pheasants<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"MacFarlane Pheasant farm's history dates back to 1929 when the two MacFarlane brothers first began in the pheasant farm business.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"History And Founder Of MacFarlane Pheasants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"MacFarlane Pheasant farm's history dates back to 1929 when the two MacFarlane brothers first began in the pheasant farm business.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/macfarlanepheasants\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-12-20T20:56:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"337\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"300\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@pheasantfarmer\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\",\"name\":\"History And Founder Of MacFarlane Pheasants\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-06-24T21:32:41+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-12-20T20:56:00+00:00\",\"description\":\"MacFarlane Pheasant farm's history dates back to 1929 when the two MacFarlane brothers first began in the pheasant farm business.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/shipment-1.jpg\",\"width\":337,\"height\":300,\"caption\":\"Shipment\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\/meet-our-founder#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"About MacFarlane Pheasants\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"History\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.pheasant.com\/about-us\/history\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":4,\"name\":\"Meet Our Founder – Donald J. 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Donald\u2019s mother, who graduated from Whitewater Teachers College in the late 1890s, instilled in her children a love for learning and a drive for entrepreneurship. Graduating from college was a remarkable achievement during a time when higher education for women was rare.<\/span><\/p>\n Donald\u2019s father, William Daniel MacFarlane, was equally devoted to his children\u2019s success. Recognizing the value of education, he purchased a home in Janesville so his teenage children could attend school. This investment paid off, as each of the children went on to graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/span><\/p>\n Donald earned a degree in chemical engineering, setting the stage for a promising career. His older brother, Kenneth, studied agriculture and animal husbandry, laying the foundation for his future in pheasant farming.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> After graduating college, Donald began his professional career as a chemical engineer. He worked for Standard Oil, which later became Exxon, in New Jersey. He later moved to Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, where he met and married Genevieve, his lifelong partner.<\/span><\/p>\n Kenneth, meanwhile, pursued further education in New York, where he studied pheasant raising\u2014a practice gaining popularity after pheasants were imported from England. In 1928, Kenneth returned to Wisconsin to begin his own pheasant farming venture on their father\u2019s rural farm. Over the next few years, he relocated twice before settling on a 15-acre property on Center Avenue in Janesville.<\/span><\/p>\n Initially modest in scale, Kenneth\u2019s farm grew steadily under his leadership. At the time, pheasant farming relied on brooders rather than incubators, with hens hatching eggs naturally. Despite these limitations, Kenneth built Wisconsin\u2019s largest commercial game farm by 1931, raising between 2,500 and 3,000 birds annually.<\/span><\/p>\n His clients ranged from state game departments to private estates and shooting clubs, and Kenneth personally delivered chicks across the country\u2014traveling as far as Martha\u2019s Vineyard and New York City by truck. These trips were more than business; they were adventures that strengthened customer relationships and introduced him to new parts of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> Kenneth frequently shared his passion for pheasant farming with his younger brother, Donald, who was still living in New Jersey. Inspired by Kenneth\u2019s success and eager to return to Wisconsin, Donald and his wife moved back to Janesville in 1935. Donald established his own pheasant farm next to Kenneth\u2019s, combining his love of the outdoors with a new business venture.<\/span><\/p>\n The brothers worked their farms side by side, each bringing unique strengths to the table. Kenneth, a passionate hunter, relied on his extensive network of connections, while Donald, utilizing the train system of the era, traveled extensively to secure customers and personally deliver birds.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> In 1939, Kenneth married Gwen Althea Crane. The couple welcomed their daughter, Jean Grace, less than a year later. By all accounts, Kenneth\u2019s life was full, and his family brought him happiness.<\/span><\/p>\n Kenneth\u2019s life came to a heartbreaking end on November 11, 1940, during the <\/span>Great Armistice Day Storm<\/span><\/a>\u2014a devastating blizzard that claimed the lives of 50 hunters. After being thrown from their canoe, Kenneth and his dog swam to shore, but he succumbed to the freezing temperatures later that night. His passing at just 35 years old left a profound void in the lives of his family and the pheasant farming community.<\/span><\/p>\n Following Kenneth\u2019s passing, his wife Gwen, widowed with a two-month-old daughter, decided to sell the farm to Donald. In 1941, Donald merged the two operations, creating the foundation for what is now MacFarlane Pheasants, Inc.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> In 1946, Donald MacFarlane\u2019s life changed when he contracted polio, which left him paralyzed from the waist down. This life-changing event could have ended his work, but Donald\u2019s determination never wavered.<\/span><\/p>\n Professionally, Donald adapted how he operated the farm. He focused on building strong client relationships, spending countless hours writing letters and managing the business side of operations. His efforts ensured the farm\u2019s continued success.<\/span><\/p>\n In 1955, Donald met Eleanor Roosevelt, who later wrote about him:<\/span><\/p>\n “He said he might never have made a success of it except for his illness, which forced him to stay indoors and write letters to take care of that end of the business, so he had built up a really good clientele. I was reminded of Dale Carnegie’s column in one of the Sunday news magazines in which he urged people to count their blessings.”<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Personally, Donald remained committed to living an active and independent life. He designed a hand-control system for his car, allowing him to drive on his own, and regularly swam at the Janesville YMCA with his children, using only his hands to move through the water. These moments became cherished family memories.<\/span><\/p>\n Donald also frequently visited Warm Springs, Georgia, a rehabilitation center established by Franklin D. Roosevelt for polio patients. There, he gained resources, exercise plans, and equipment to help him manage his condition. These visits provided practical support and reinforced his determination to live fully despite his challenges.v<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> After contracting polio, Donald recognized the need for someone who could take on the physical demands of managing day-to-day operations. Fortunately, this challenge coincided with the end of World War II, as veterans returned home seeking work and new opportunities. Donald\u2019s brother-in-law, James Adamson<\/a> and Genevieve’s brother, a WWII veteran, was among them. <\/span><\/p>\n James was looking for steady work, and Donald saw this as the perfect opportunity to seek the help he needed. Confident in James\u2019 work ethic and skills, Donald asked him to join the farm, and the two began what would become a long and successful collaboration.<\/span><\/p>\n James played an indispensable role at the farm, staying on until his retirement in 1981. His steadfast leadership and dedication were pivotal to the farm\u2019s success.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> In the 1970s, Donald\u2019s health began to decline, and the farm\u2019s future was uncertain. Recognizing the importance of preserving his life\u2019s work, Donald persuaded his youngest son, Bill MacFarlane, to return to Janesville and take over the business. Bill, who had been involved in pheasant farming since childhood, officially assumed leadership after Donald\u2019s passing in 1985.<\/span><\/p>\n Donald left behind a legacy of hard work, ingenuity, and generosity. His contributions extended beyond the farm, as he was an active member of the First Baptist Church and later the United Methodist Church. He served on many local boards, including Habitat for Humanity, and taught Sunday School. He co-founded a local NAACP chapter and served on the Rock County Board of Supervisors for 20 years. Donald also left a number of building lots and property to Habitat for Humanity after his passing.<\/span><\/p>\n Donald\u2019s generosity often went unnoticed, as he quietly helped those in need, motivated by a sincere desire to make a difference. His son, Kenneth, recalled one instance when Donald paid a single mother\u2019s mortgage during a difficult time. His warmth and humor were equally memorable, often engaging children with stories of his \u201cpurple cat\u201d to ease their nerves around his wheelchair.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Donald\u2019s life was defined by perseverance, kindness, and an enduring commitment to family and community. As Kenneth, Donald\u2019s oldest son, reflected, \u201cHe was such a positive person. I feel very fortunate that he was our dad.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Today, MacFarlane Pheasants stands as a living tribute to Donald\u2019s vision and values, inspiring future generations to carry forward his remarkable legacy.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> 1978 Brooder Fire<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 1991 Tornado<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Aerial View of Grounds<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Brooding History<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Hatchery History<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 James Adamson<\/a>Donald\u2019s Early Career<\/span><\/h2>\n
Kenneth\u2019s Education and Early Ventures<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/p>\nTwo Brothers, One Shared Passion<\/span><\/h2>\n
Kenneth\u2019s Tragic Death and Donald\u2019s Acquisition of the Farm<\/span><\/h2>\n
Overcoming Adversity: Donald\u2019s Battle with Polio<\/span><\/h2>\nChanges at the Farm<\/span><\/h2>\n
Transition to a New Generation<\/span><\/h2>\n
Donald\u2019s Legacy and Community Impact<\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Remembering Donald MacFarlane<\/span><\/h2>\n
Learn More About Our History<\/h4><\/div>
\nOur Founder<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Noss Road Farm<\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Transportation History<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":2345,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"100-width.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2539","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\n