Keith Kelly and his wife, Pam, purchased Rock House Farm in 2005, with a plan to create a grass-fed beef business focused on regenerative animal farming. Keith grew up working on farms, and he is passionate about revitalizing rural America and creating opportunity for younger generations to be involved in farming. As their beef cattle business began to flourish, the couple quickly saw an opportunity for the farm to become more than a small business. 

The Farm

Today, Rock House Farm has expanded to 4,000 acres in Lee County, full of native trees and grasses, rows of corn, a grist mill, beef and dairy cattle, and even heritage hogs. Rock House Creamery, in Newborn, Georgia, was purchased a few years later as they grew and developed an interest in producing artisan cheeses and creamline milk and ice creams. 

Part of Keith’s vision for Rock House Farm and Creamery is to serve as a large-scale agricultural blueprint for sustainable crop and animal farming in Georgia and across America. To broaden their reach in the community, they began hosting Farm Days on the property, educational programs for kids and adults interested in farming, and charity events for causes dear to them. As you can imagine, the days are very, very busy at Rock House Farm and Creamery!

The Family

Pam and Keith’s two adult children came on board early on, bringing their own fresh ideas and experiences to this family run business. Daughter, Laura Rotroff, heads marketing and communication efforts for all Kelly Products’ companies, including Rock House Farm and Creamery. On any given day, Laura can be found creating media content, working on packaging for product lines, leading media events or giving a farm tour. Laura and her husband Richard live nearby in Athens with their two boys, James and Thomas.

Richard Rotroff works with the Kelly family as the Director of Operational Efficiency. Richard has the glamorous job of managing product optimization, costing, and inventory systems. If Keith has a grand vision for the farm, Richard irons out all of the details to make sure it actually comes together!

Pam and Keith’s son, Brad Kelly, oversees all farm operations at Rock House Farm and Creamery. He holds degrees in business and organic agriculture and brings his extensive knowledge and enthusiasm to every area of the business. Brad has the green thumb in the family, so he is in charge of the Garden at Broughton—a large vegetable garden on the Farm that provides weekly produce baskets to employees. He also has the best mustache in the family. Brad and his wife, Larkin, live in Madison with their two daughters, Martha and Deary.

Pam and Keith’s grandkids are honorary farm workers, often found climbing the trees and helping with important jobs like picking vegetables and naming animals. Pam is charged with the toughest and sweetest job of all: caring for the grandkids each week. Their presence and joy on the farm bring everything full circle for Keith, as they are a daily reminder of his commitment to keep traditional farming a viable option for generations to come.