BUFFALO TWP — Kevin Jarosinski's passion for farming has only grown over the years. The first- generation farmer, who started with 12 chickens nine years ago when he was 16, is expanding with more land and livestock.

With leased and purchased property, Jarosinski, 25, now has roughly 40 acres that sheep and turkeys inhabit.

Earlier this year, he added four ewes and a 200-pound ram, but has more sheep on the way due to the pregnancy of a ewe.

Jarosinski is breeding Suffolk lambs, which have distinct black faces, for their fleece and meat.

“It's a brand new enterprise,” he said. “We'll see how it goes.”

Twenty heritage turkeys also were added to the hogs, cattle and chickens.

“Nothing too crazy,” Jarosinski said.

His newest building, a 20-foot-by-24-foot structure, is being constructed by an Amish crew from Dayton in Armstrong County, will serve as a sheep barn and corn crib.

“It dries the corn better,” Jarosinski said.

The lambs are currently kept in an old barn sitting on land along Elliott Road leased from Karen Heilman.

Jarosinski said the diversification of livestock will help him weather any downturn for a particular meat when foreign product floods the market.

He is also growing his own corn and hay to become self-sufficient.

The corn is being grown on the adjacent land he bought.

Despite the farm's growth, Jarosinski still is a one-man operation.

“It's been pretty busy,” he said. “I've been working 15-hour days.”

He started farming on 10 acres his parents bought with the intent of building a home in the township.

After his parents decided not to relocate from Springdale to Buffalo Township, Jarosinski turned the land into a full-fledged farm. He later bought the land from his parents.

Jarosinski said he is keeping his expanding farm a family business, so only a future wife or children will work there.

The next building to eventually be constructed will be a house.

Jarosinski still lives with his parents, Michael and Patricia Jarosinski in Springdale.

“My parents are still supportive,” he said. “They gave up being surprised.”

He maintains organic farming methods.

“I'm still farming in the '40s,” Jarosinski said.

His animals feed on grass. He does not spray the fields or inject drugs in his livestock.

“The model is working,” Jarosinski said.

His family were not farmers. The inspiration came from neighbors of his grandparents, Richard and Constance Jarosinski, who still live in the township.

Jarosinski started the farm with 12 chickens when he was 16.

He has not lost any enthusiasm for agriculture despite any challenges that arise.

“God's been good to me,” he said.

Jarosinski has six commercial and 24 residential customers. He said the most satisfying thing about running his own farm is serving families.

“They've entrusted me to feed their families,” he said. “That's a pretty big commitment. I'm honored to do it.”