In Indiana, customer-owners Jeff and Sherri have grown their family farm from a small 80-sow operation in 1990 into a large-scale enterprise specializing in hogs and row crops.
For them, the farm reflects their family’s long history in agriculture. It’s their lifestyle that has been passed down through generations. Jeff, a fourth-generation farmer, said, “We took small steps a little bit at a time to come to where we’re at now.”
Passing the Baton to the Next Generation
Working together has been the heart of their family’s approach. Farming — and the chance to raise her children on a farm — was Sherri’s lifelong dream. For both her and Jeff, seeing their children and grandchildren actively involved in the operation brings them immense pride. “It’s pretty much a family event,” Jeff shared, describing periods where up to seven family members might be operating equipment in the same field.
Their son, Clay, returned to the farm after high school to take on the farm’s hog breeding operation. He later spearheaded an expansion, now managing a large scale facility. Clay said he loves the lifestyle, not just because he gets to work alongside his dad and sister, Emily, but in his words, “I’ve always wanted to farm. It’s a great opportunity.”
Jeff and Sherri say they cherish the moments spent teaching the next generation, sometimes even competing with each other to bring the grandkids along for a ride in the equipment’s buddy seat. According to Sherri, the sight of the next generation taking ownership is a source of joy. A favorite memory is their oldest grandson, Grayson, walking with his own lunchbox to the combine.
Partners in Growth and Succession Planning
Many farmers believe the scale and complexity of the modern farm demands strong relationships, both internally and externally. The entire family attribute their growth to their family bond and key partners like Farm Credit Mid-America and the Vice President Agricultural Lending they work with hand-in-hand.
Jeff explained their goal has always been to ensure the next generation is set up for success. He reflected on how Farm Credit Mid-America has been more than a lender by helping them navigate the complex process of succession planning.
“Farm Credit Mid-America brought a lot to the table to help us start the transition in a way that allows us to continue enjoying this season of our life, while starting to pass the baton to our kids,” Jeff said. Clay emphasized the value of Farm Credit Mid-America’s educational programs, like the Know to Grow®* conferences. Offered through Farm Credit Mid-America’s Growing Forward® program*, the conference highlights the importance of understanding an operation’s financial performance.
The Reward of Hard Work
Farming, as their daughter Emily points out, is not about luck — it demands relentless effort. “You really do reap what you sow when you’re farming,” she said. For the family, the hard work, including 100-hour weeks spent on the farm in spring and fall, is rewarding.
Their son Brett finds satisfaction in the labor, while their son Eli appreciates the immediate results and chance to learn.
The family maintains a resilient outlook, grounded in their love for the land. “It doesn’t matter what the situation is whether the pigs get sick or the droughts come,” Sherri shared. “We’re just confident that we’re going to live to fight another day.”
Learn more about how Farm Credit Mid-America can support your operation.
*Growing Forward® and Know to Grow® are registered trademarks of Farm Credit Mid-America.
