ROOTED IN THE LAND.
BUILT FOR GENERATIONS.
Farming isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. Our story is rooted in the soil, built over generations of early mornings, long seasons, and a deep respect for the land God entrusted to us. What began as a commitment to work hard and steward each acre well has grown into a family legacy centered on service, integrity, and helping other farmers succeed.
We’ve learned that agriculture is more than a business — it’s a calling. And every season adds another chapter to the story we’re proud to carry forward.
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CARRYING THE LEGACY FORWARD
Today, the Todd family farm continues under the leadership of Gary and Kelly Todd, alongside the next generation.
Gary married his high school sweetheart, Kelly, in 1992 and began farming full-time alongside his dad, Melvin Todd Jr. Over time, Gary took on more responsibility, allowing Melvin Jr. to step back — though he remained a steady and valued presence in the operation.
In the early 2000s, Gary began expanding the farm and leaning into innovation, always striving to be the best steward and producer he could be.
At the same time, Gary and Kelly were raising their two daughters, Sydney and Whitney, instilling in them the same values the farm was built on — hard work, humility, determination, and service to others.
Today, those values carry on in new ways. Dr. Sydney Todd is a General Surgery resident at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, while Whitney is a self-employed marketing consultant and nonprofit founder based in Omaha. Together, they remain closely connected to the farm — visiting often, helping when needed, and continuing the deep family ties that have always defined this place.Though each generation may take a different path, the foundation remains the same: a commitment to family, to community, and to the land that brought it all together.
A LEGACY THAT LED US HERE
Long before today’s operation, this land was shaped by generations who believed in hard work, resilience, and caring for something bigger than themselves. Each generation added its own chapter — building, growing, adapting, and laying the foundation for what the Todd farm is today.
What started in 1857 has been carried forward through six generations, each one leaving its mark on the land and the legacy we’re proud to continue.
The Todd story reaches back centuries, with roots tracing to Yorkshire, England as early as the 1500s. Over time, generations crossed the Atlantic and settled in New Haven, Connecticut in the 1600s, where Christopher Todd helped establish a new life as a farmer, miller, and landowner.
From those early beginnings, the Todd family spread across the United States, carrying with them a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep connection to the land.
THE JOURNEY TO NEBRASKA
That same spirit led Levi Goodsil Todd — known as “L.G.” — westward in the early 1850s. Born in New York in 1829 as one of sixteen children, he set out at just 21 years old, traveling west in search of opportunity.
In the summer of 1853, L.G. became the first Todd to arrive in Cass County, Nebraska Territory. By 1857, he established the Todd family home place near Union — the same ground that remains in the family today.
Life on the frontier required resilience, grit, and determination. L.G. broke prairie, built a home, and played an active role in shaping the early community. He served in the Nebraska Legislature in 1862 and was later a Greenback candidate for governor — a reflection of his leadership and commitment to the future of the region.
In 1855, he married Lydia Jones, and together they began building not only a life, but a legacy. Today, Levi and Lydia — along with their young son Albert — are laid to rest at Buck Cemetery, just a few miles from the farm that started it all.
THE 2ND GENERATION
As the next generation stepped forward, Levi Goodsil Todd Jr. carried on the work his father began — continuing to farm the same ground and further establishing the Todd family’s presence in Cass County.
Born and raised near Union, Nebraska, L.G. Todd Jr. spent his entire life rooted in the community his family helped build. He dedicated much of his life to farming and became well known not only for his work on the land, but for his involvement in local business and civic life.
Over time, he built a strong reputation as a livestock producer and community leader. He served in the Nebraska Legislature and was actively involved in local leadership, including serving as president of the Bank of Union and the Farmers’ Cooperative Oil Company in Nehawka.
L.G. Todd Jr.’s life reflected a deep commitment to both agriculture and community — carrying forward the values of hard work, responsibility, and service that began with his father. Through his leadership, the foundation of the Todd family farm continued to grow, setting the stage for future generations.
THE 3RD GENERATION
Melvin Sr. & Ruth Todd
The next chapter of the Todd family farm was carried forward by Melvin Todd Sr., who took over the operation from his father and continued building on the foundation laid before him.
Born in 1910 near Union, Nebraska, Melvin Sr. grew up on the same land he would later steward. After graduating from Union High School and attending the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he returned home to farm — beginning a lifelong commitment to agriculture that spanned more than seven decades. In 1931, he married Ruth Irene Schanot, and together they built both a family and a farming operation rooted in hard work and dedication. They had 2 children: Melvin Jr. and Nancy. Both children helped on the farm, showed cattle at the county fair, and become leaders in the community.
Farming between Union and Murray, Melvin Sr. expanded and strengthened what became known as Springdale Stock Farm — raising cattle, hogs, and crops across the land first established by his grandfather.
A respected leader in agriculture, Melvin Sr. was part of a long line of Todd family involvement in both farming and public service. He served as president of the Nebraska Livestock Feeders Association and vice president of the National Feeders Association, while also contributing locally through roles on the school board, Farm Bureau, and other community organizations.
Throughout his life, he remained deeply connected to the land — living in the same home where he was born and continuing to farm the ground that had been in his family for generations. Melvin Sr. and Ruth raised their family with the same values that had been passed down — faith, hard work, and a commitment to community — ensuring that the legacy would continue for generations to come.
THE 4TH GENERATION
This is the generation where the farm truly began to grow.
Melvin Todd Jr., son of Melvin Todd Sr., was raised on the farm — learning early what it meant to work hard, care for livestock, and steward the land. He went on to attend the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where he studied agriculture and served as president of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. It was there he developed a strong foundation in leadership, innovation, and relationships — values he would bring back home to the farm.
After college, Mel returned to Union and married his high school sweetheart, Sharon Fleishmann. Together, they built both a family and a thriving farming operation, raising five children: Jane, Beverly, Judy, Mike, and Gary.
As their family grew, so did the farm. Mel expanded the cattle operation to more than 500 head while continuing to grow row crop production. Their children were raised in the rhythm of farm life — showing cattle, doing chores, and playing a hands-on role in the continued growth of the operation.
During the 1980s farm crisis — one of the most challenging periods in American agriculture — Mel stepped into leadership beyond the farm. He served on the board of directors for Farm Credit Services of America, helping develop solutions and support systems for farmers across the country. Closer to home, he also served as president of the school board for Conestoga Public Schools — a school he helped establish, and one that would later educate his children, grandchildren, and future generations.
Alongside him, Sharon was the steady force that held everything together. While raising a young family, she managed countless responsibilities — including caring for hundreds of chickens, maintaining a large garden, and supporting daily life on the farm. Her creativity and discipline were evident in everything she did, from sewing and quilting to building a home centered on care, hospitality, and resilience.
Originally from Plattsmouth, Sharon brought both leadership and heart into the family. She had served as drum majorette in high school and later pursued nursing before fully stepping into her role on the farm and within the family.
Together, Mel and Sharon didn’t just grow a farming operation — they built a life. One rooted in faith, family, and hard work. A place where generations were raised, where values were passed down, and where no matter where life leads, the farm will always feel like home.
Today, their legacy continues not only through the land, but through their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — all shaped by the life they built together.
Mel, known as Toddy, turned 90 in January of 2026 and Sharon turned 89 in February. They still walk the farm and work on various projects. Toddy heads up the mowing operation of the farm in the spring and summer time, Sharon continues to sew and bake for family members. They both spend lots of time with their kids and grandchildren every week.
In June of 2026, Mel and Sharon will celebrate their 70th anniversary. The entire family of 20+ will gather together to celebrate them for a weekend of love, laughter, and reminiscing.
