I am a fifth-generation farmer. My wife Lucy and I reside in Southern Montgomery County on our 300-acre farm. After we were married in 1980, we decided to follow a slightly less common approach to raising our two children. Home schooling them and living without television caused us to begin thinking outside of the box in other areas.
In 1987, I began to farm sustainably without the use of chemicals. By 1997 I began raising free-range chicken, eggs, beef and pork, using land that had once been dedicated to corn and soybeans. Lucy and I took these processed meats directly to the consumer through farmer’s markets. In the course of these years I began to see that agri-business promotes the production of bins and bushels of grain for the purpose of the dollar. I believe True farming is the sustainability of producing quality food from the soil for years to come.
The fall of 2000 marked the beginning of a new journey for us. The Ladoga facility that had been processing our animals for three years was offered to us for purchase. Lucy and I were most excited about the opportunity that the strong retail business afforded for the development of relationships with our employees and customers.
Since that first big move into the business world, we have opened one store in Avon, and our Indianapolis City Market location in downtown Indy opened in June of 2007. Ladoga has maintained its "Mothership" status as the slaughter and production facility.
We are both very proud of the growth and success of the business, yet we know who the true Owner is and continue to draw wisdom and strength from Him. Our greatest asset is not listed on any financial form but is in our four children who work directly in the business. We are honored to be training this sixth generation and hope our tradition of caring for the land carries on for many more.
