Article sponsored by Rural 1st.

A Rural Lifeline

The new Granted campus expands services across Indiana. Because much of the service area is remote, the facility will act as a vital hub for families living far from urban medical centers. The campus plans to offer:

• Specialized care and a dedicated family resource center
• Financial and vocational assistance
• Support for accessibility and practical needs.

“The vast majority of the surrounding area is rural communities,” says Rural 1^st Community Investment Manager Hannah Walker. “This campus will care for the rural communities Rural 1^st supports.”

The Rural 1^st Hallway

The investment includes a permanent presence, the Rural 1^st Hallway. This corridor leads to the facility’s outdoor play area and features a hand-painted tree mural. Each child joining the Granted House of Hope family will receive a personalized porcelain leaf to add to the tree, creating a living symbol of community support.

The project is driven by local buy-in, utilizing donated land, materials and labor from area builders. By offering additional support for this project, Rural 1^st hopes to provide stability to rural families across the region.

Interested in learning more about Rural 1^st’s impact on rural communities? Visit their Community Investments page for more information.

The post Rural 1st® Invests in Hope: A Lifetime Commitment to Granted House of Hope appeared first on My Indiana Home.

 A love for coffee, the desire to give back and a culinary background proved to be the perfect recipe for Joana Wade, owner of JavAroma Roasters in Mitchell, Indiana.

“It all started when I was in college,” Wade says. “I was working full time and a full-time student, and coffee shops became a place I went to gather with others and study. I became fascinated with all the different nuances of the coffee itself.”

Although she was studying to obtain a Bible degree at the time, Wade had previously earned a culinary degree. She discovered coffee was similar to wine in that the taste and qualities are influenced by its environment.

“The altitude, soil and processes that farmers do at origin really make a difference in coffee,” she explains.

In 2015, Wade decided to turn her fascination into a business that allows her to connect with the community, help people and advocate for the environment. And so, JavAroma Roasters was born. The name comes from a mashup of “java,” the slang term for coffee, and the sensory feeling of smelling the delicious aroma of a fresh roast when you walk into a coffee shop.

See more: Painting the Town: Two Indianapolis Latina Artists Make Their Mark on the City’s Art Scene

Connection Over Coffee

As the only employee of JavAroma Roasters, Wade wears a lot of hats. She offers high-quality whole-bean and ground coffee blends from around the world, as well as signature blends, which she mixes and sells through an online retail store and at local grocery stores in the area. None of her coffees are artificially flavored, and the varieties originate from the different environments where the coffee is grown.

About once a month, she hosts an open house at her retail location, offering coffee and desserts to bring the local community together and promote sponsorships or fundraising opportunities with schools, sports teams and more. Wade says she wants the open houses to be fun, community-focused events.

“Most roasters are 100% retail or wholesale, but in small-town Indiana, I have the opportunity to do both,” Wade says. “I’m so thankful because my local community definitely supports me.”

See more: Beneker Family Farms Produces Quality Beef with Generational Knowledge

Farm to Cup

Part of Wade’s mission is to give back to her community through fresh, quality coffee but also through transparency and education around where coffee comes from – especially since it can’t be grown in Indiana.

“It’s so important to know where our food comes from, and I think if you’re able to show the origins, people are more connected,” Wade says. “It’s the same with coffee. I want to be transparent with my sourcing so people can connect and become loyal, trusting customers.”

Wade works with importers who have established sustainability plans, helping coffee farmers adopt efficient practices that produce better yields. It’s important to her that she sources from farmers and organizations who value the environment and do their best to implement best practices and foster stewardship.

“There’s a program in Honduras that gifts farmers coffee seedling trees to plant for future generations,” Wade says. “I want to help bring awareness to things like that and support those programs with JavAroma Roasters. This company isn’t just for an income; it’s a passion project that helps me promote awareness of the industry.”

See more: Made in IN: Tinker Coffee Co.

Brewing Up the Future

Every day looks different for Wade – a quality she enjoys.

“Some days are production days,” she says. “I roast beans and fill orders. Other days, I’m going to grocery stores to deliver and stock the products myself. And then there are days for paperwork.”

As for the future, Wade says she’s finally reached the place she wanted to be when she first started JavAroma Roasters, but she doesn’t want to feel complacent.

“I never want to be content with how things are,” she says. “I think there’s always something new to learn and ways to improve.”

Wade has faced challenges over the last several years, including effects from COVID-19 and other factors outside of her control but says she’s learned how to pivot and be resilient.

“As a business owner, you have to be flexible and persistent,” she says. “There will always be challenges thrown your way, but I’ve learned how to navigate them while staying transparent with my customers.”

See more: Watch Us Farm Uses Ag to Promote Confidence and Job Opportunities for All Abilities

See more: Giftable Goodies: Spread Holiday Cheer With Creative Homemade Gift Ideas

The post JavAroma Roasters Brews Community Support and Environmental Advocacy appeared first on My Indiana Home.

See more: 9 Herb Recipes for Spring

Cauliflower Cheddar Biscuits

Substituting a portion of the all-purpose flour with cauliflower makes this cheesy biscuit recipe a breakfast you can feel good about.

Cauliflower-Crusted Vegetable Quiche

Use fresh cauliflower and broccoli in this filling, tasty quiche recipe.

Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice

Chicken Cauliflower Fried Rice has all the flavor of traditional fried rice with an extra dose of nutrition.

Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

A fresh and healthy salad is a staple on any springtime menu. Roasted Cauliflower Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette features mixed greens with roasted cauliflower and chickpeas, sweet bell peppers, diced avocado and tangy feta cheese.

See more: Four Spring Breakfast Recipes Featuring Seasonal Flavors

Cauliflower Garlic Roast

Healthy cauliflower, red onions and garlic star in this easy and nutrient-packed veggie roast recipe.

Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers

Inspired by traditional Buffalo wings, these Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers offer a healthy, vitamin-packed alternative to the classic dish without sacrificing flavor.

Shrimp and Cheesy Cauliflower Grits

Healthy riced cauliflower replaces traditional corn grits in this delicious twist on a Southern favorite recipe.

See more: Four Easy Seasonal Recipes Starring Fresh Spring Produce

Whole Roasted Italian Cauliflower

Whole Roasted Italian Cauliflower makes an elegant table presentation. Simply roast the cauliflower in a Dutch oven with a splash of olive oil paired with Italian seasonings and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Garlic Brown Butter Ribeye Steaks with Cauliflower Puree

Pureed cauliflower makes a perfect bed for delicious grilled steak in this tasty recipe.

See more: Going Green: 4 Spring Recipes Starring Fresh Green Ingredients

The post Spring Into Flavor with Cauliflower Recipes appeared first on My Indiana Home.

Aahaa Chai strives to provide an “Aahaa!” experience for tea lovers with their selection of premium loose-leaf organic tea blends and chai concentrates, all handcrafted and brewed in small batches.

Raji Muthukrishnan, the company’s creator and owner, grew up in a small town in India, where she enjoyed several different herbal teas her mother made. Later, when she traveled to the United States for her graduate studies, she was disappointed to find many of the chai teas she tried at local coffee shops did not compare to the fresh and authentic chai she drank back home. So, she decided to re-create a masala chai that stayed true to her roots, and Aahaa Chai was born.

See more: Painting the Town: Two Indianapolis Latina Artists Make Their Mark on the City’s Art Scene

Today, the company crafts a diverse range of flavorful chai blends, as well as caffeine-free chai, black tea, green tea, rooibos tea, tulsi tea and several herbal tea blends. From Sweet Cinnamon Chai to Lavender Vanilla Delight Chai, Creamy Cardamom Chai and many more, Aahaa Chai makes a perfect tea for every palate. Learn more about the company or shop their teas online at aahaachai.com.

Note: This product was featured as a giveaway in our Spring 2026 issue. The giveaway has now ended. Thanks to all who participated.

See more: 9 Herb Recipes for Spring

The post Made in Indiana: Aahaa Chai appeared first on My Indiana Home.

If you’re like most gardeners, you can’t wait until spring bulbs begin their show. One way to get a jump on the season is to stroll through some of Hoosier woodlands and be inspired by Indiana’s native plants. That’s where you’ll find some of the earliest blooming spring flowers.

See more: Retired Army Colonel’s Advocacy Through At Ease Orchard Supports Other Veterans

Nature’s Head Start

Spring beauties (Claytonia virginica) are one of the earliest native plants to bloom. Tiny white flowers with a pink hue sprout in woodland areas throughout the state. These compete with and often are confused with the invasive Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum).

Spring beauty’s bulb-like corms are hard to find. You won’t find them in your average garden center, but some bulb catalogs might carry them. You always want to make sure that what you buy has been responsibly sourced or grown. You don’t want plants that have been dug in the wild, because it’s illegal. Your area’s native plant sales are another source for spring beauties.

See more: Easy-to-Grow Herbs Flavor Grilled Meats and Vegetables

The diminutive salt and pepper plant (Erigenia bulbosa) is sometimes called the harbinger of spring. This wildflower looks like its name: White flowers are surrounded by red anthers, which appear as black speckles, i.e. salt and pepper. They rise from ferny leaves in grassy areas below cliffs and in woodlands and bottomlands.

Both of these are among Indiana’s native ephemerals. These plants emerge, bloom and disappear to reappear the following year. They are here-and-gone plants, but in a good way.

For something a little more substantial, there’s the native witch hazel (Hamamelis vernalis). Also known as the Ozark witch hazel, this multistem shrub starts blooming in January with strands of yellow or reddish, fragrant flowers. The shrub is present all year, growing 6 to 16 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide, so be sure to plant accordingly to accommodate its mature size. The shrub has beautiful red leaves in the fall.

Taking a stroll through nature will boost your spirits and possibly inspire you to incorporate the beautiful, beneficial native species into your garden.

See more: Fill Your Garden with Fragrant Indiana Annuals and Perennials for a Sensory Delight

About the Author: A popular speaker, Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp blogs at hoosiergardener.com. Sign up for her free, award-winning monthly newsletter eepurl.com/gkfb91.

See more: Best Vegetables to Grow in Small Spaces

The post Indiana’s Native Plants Offer Beneficial Spring Blooms appeared first on My Indiana Home.

From Easter and Mother’s Day to graduations, springtime provides so many opportunities to gather with friends and family. And there’s no better way to celebrate these occasions than by serving up delicious spring lunch recipes complete with elegant dishes highlighting seasonal flavors. From carrots and green beans to juicy strawberries, garden-fresh herbs and more, some of spring’s best ingredients star in these crowd-pleasing recipes perfect for a celebratory group meal.

See more: Going Green: 4 Spring Recipes Starring Fresh Green Ingredients

1. Beef Pot Roast with Spring Carrots and New Potatoes

A hearty Beef Pot Roast with Spring Carrots and New Potatoes is an easy, no-fuss way to win over all your lunch guests. After browning the beef in a skillet, transfer it to a slow cooker with onions, garlic, carrots and potatoes, and let it cook low and slow until it’s time to serve.

2. Roasted Green Beans with Fresh Herbs

Need a quick veggie side dish you can prep in under 15 minutes? Roasted Green Beans with Fresh Herbs provide a light and satisfying complement to just about any entree. Sprinkle with dill, chives and parsley, or any combination of your favorite herbs, for a bright and flavorful finish.

See more: 9 Herb Recipes for Spring

3. Farfalle Pasta Salad with Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes

A colorful pasta salad is a must on a springtime luncheon menu, and Farfalle Pasta Salad with Arugula and Cherry Tomatoes is a fast and easy way to feed a crowd. Combining fresh, seasonal ingredients with a zesty vinaigrette, this refreshing dish is perfect for potlucks and big family get-togethers.

4. Vanilla Bean Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Compote

A light and airy Vanilla Bean Angel Food Cake with Strawberry Compote makes for an impressive dessert bursting with fresh spring flavor. Made with a little help from a store-bought cake mix, this elegant dessert is as easy to bake and assemble as it is to enjoy.

See more: Sweet and Savory Strawberry Recipes

The post Spring Luncheon Recipes Provide Perfect Midday Meal appeared first on My Indiana Home.

In 1975, Jerry and Vyanne Chandler bought a grain farm in Fillmore, Indiana, and converted it into an orchard. Although Jerry’s father and grandfather had been tenant row crop farmers, Jerry’s passion was flowers and fruit trees.

“He had fond memories of going to a local orchard with his parents when he was a kid, and somewhere along the way, he decided he wanted his own orchard,” says Matt Chandler, Jerry’s oldest son. “That was the dream.”

With nothing more than a few hand tools and a rototiller, Jerry planted the first apple trees and strawberry plants in the spring of 1976.

“It was a very humble beginning from a very humble man,” Matt says. “The sacrifice he has made over the years to build this business and get it to where it is now is not lost on me.”

See more: Retired Army Colonel’s Advocacy Through At Ease Orchard Supports Other Veterans

From the beginning, it’s always been a family operation. Jerry’s parents, Elmer and Margaritte, were instrumental in getting the orchard off to a good start. Jerry and Elmer planted the orchard’s first trees, which included a few varieties of pears, peaches, plums and cherries, as well as apples. Jerry’s grandfather, Alexander, also helped, particularly when it came to his own cabbage patch.

“That man loved sauerkraut,” Matt says with a laugh. “My grandparents and great-grandparents all helped on the farm from the earliest years. We’ve all been farmers as long as we can remember.”

Now, alongside Jerry, Matt runs the operation with help from his wife, Lisa, and three children, Elijah, Cort and Elle. The business, Chandler’s Orchard & Country Market, includes a 5-acre strawberry patch, a 14-acre apple orchard and fields of pumpkins.

Customers can pick their own berries, pumpkins and apples or purchase them prepicked at the Country Market, where rhubarb, tomatoes, sweet corn, radishes, peppers, green beans and other locally grown produce are also available seasonally.

See more: Beneker Family Farms Produces Quality Beef with Generational Knowledge

First Fruits

Strawberries kick off the fresh-fruit season at Chandler’s, with their spring blooms building the anticipation of sweetness to come.

“By the first of May, you start seeing the blooms and people get excited, because from bloom to harvest is about 30 days,” Matt says. “We’re trying to grow the U-pick business for strawberries. We’ve always focused on being a family-friendly environment, and we want people to spend time with family and provide an experience with something for them to do.”

During the height of strawberry season, Apple Annie’s Cafe opens on the farm.

“Apple Annie’s is the food truck we run in spring and fall, and it’s named after my mother, who always called herself Apple Annie when they did field trips and tractor rides in the earliest days,” Matt says.

Lisa runs the food truck with Elle’s help, serving up strawberry shortcake, strawberry slushies and other springtime favorites.

See more: Sweet and Savory Strawberry Recipes

Welcoming Fall

When Apple Annie’s returns in the fall – the entire family’s favorite season – it offers fresh apple cider, apple butter cake, caramel apple shortcake, caramel apples, cider slushies and other apple-flavored treats.

Over the years, the Chandlers have grown more than 250 different varieties of apples, but these days, Matt focuses on about 30 varieties spanning over 14 acres.

“Honeycrisp by far is the No. 1 variety going out the door here,” Matt says. “We’ve also got some new varieties grown by the Midwest Apple Improvement Association. Those are Somerset, Rosalee and Evercrisp, and they are a cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji.”

Matt says the Evercrisp variety, a very dense apple with its own unique flavor, keeps exceptionally well at regular refrigeration.

“We have apples all year in the store from the previous season’s harvest except for about a month, which is usually June,” Matt says.

See more: Celebrate Apple Season with Four Sweet and Savory Fall Recipes

On fall weekends, visitors can ride the tractor-drawn wagons for apple, pumpkin or zinnia picking. Both Elijah and Cort have served as tractor drivers. Area schools still visit for field trips, and the Chandlers host Farm Bureau events, FFA chapters and other groups, often demonstrating grafting techniques which Jerry perfected over hours of practice during long winter evenings in the family’s basement.

Even with the long days and economic pressures that come with farming, Matt can’t imagine doing anything else.

“It’s all I ever wanted to do,” he says. “This orchard was Dad’s dream, and I look up to him immensely. Thinking back to my great-grandfather’s cabbage patch out here, and the countless hours I spent with my grandparents working on the farm when I was a kid, this place is a legacy. I want to pass that to my children if they so choose.”

See more: Family Traditions and Fresh Fruit Blossom at Annie’s Orchard

If You Go ...

Chandler’s Orchard & Country Market

Location: 2849 S. County Road 825 E., Fillmore
Website: chandlersorchard.com or facebook.com/chandlersfarmmarket
Phone: 317-539-6255
Spring Hours: Starting May 1 for strawberry season: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Mondays through Saturdays and 1 to 6 p.m., Sundays
Fall Hours: Visit the orchard’s website or Facebook page for special events as well as seasonal updates, including fall hours.

See more: Indiana Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Patches

The post Chandler’s Orchard & Country Market Blossoms with Family Tradition appeared first on My Indiana Home.

Get your taco fix this spring at the Evansville Taco Festival on Saturday, April 25. This annual street food celebration welcomes taco lovers to sample the delicious creations of more than 15 culinary masters along Main Street all afternoon.

Food trucks will be dishing out the classics, plus creative takes on traditional favorites ranging from wonton tacos and other Mexican fusion creations to horchata sundaes and much more. Other festival highlights include mariachi band performances and more live music throughout the day, eating contests, a petting zoo, pony rides, games and a beverage tent serving more than 40 tequilas and other beverages.

The Evansville Taco Festival takes place outside Main Street Food & Beverage in downtown Evansville from 1 to 7 p.m. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets online, visit facebook.com/evansvilletacofest.

See more: Beat the Heat with These Refreshing Summer Recipes

The post Evansville Taco Festival Offers Fun and Flavor appeared first on My Indiana Home.

Elkhart, Indiana, is rightfully proud of its titles as the “RV Capital of the World” and “Band Instrument Capital of the World” due to its noteworthy manufacturing heritage. But it also takes great pride in being recognized as a vibrant and diverse community, celebrating its natural beauty, economic vitality, history and culture.

The city’s walkable downtown is uniquely situated at the juncture of two rivers, attracting visitors and residents to its Gateway Mile of shops, restaurants and parks. Elkhart and the surrounding area are also home to one of the country’s largest Amish communities, offering a unique glimpse into their lifestyle.

Check out these things to do in Elkhart for an unforgettable spring trip.

See more: Winter Thrills Meet Small-Town Charm with These 8 Things to Do in Steuben County

1. A Blooming Good Time to Visit

Spring is the perfect time to visit Elkhart, and Wellfield Botanic Gardens enchants visitors with 36 stunning acres, including more than 20 themed garden areas, lakes and waterfalls. Linton’s Enchanted Gardens, Indiana’s largest garden center, offers a family-oriented entertainment center with a petting zoo, exotic birds (including Blossom, the blue-and-yellow macaw featured on the cover), train rides, gemstone mining and more within its 9-acre site.

2. Commune with Nature

Elkhart’s natural surroundings are the perfect setting for a variety of outdoor activities. The city has 20 parks encompassing more than 250 acres of gardens and green spaces, with a host of trails ideal for strolling, hiking or biking. Plus, the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers are ideal for a peaceful kayak or canoe outing.

3. Stroll the Gateway Mile

Be sure to tour Elkhart’s downtown Gateway Mile with its inviting collection of shops, restaurants, outdoor art and murals, and gorgeous parks and gardens. The city’s scenic Riverwalk meanders along the St. Joseph and Elkhart rivers, connecting to an expansive series of parks, gardens and green spaces that invite strolling, picnicking and quiet reflection. The downtown also hosts numerous special events throughout the year.

4. Where Art Abounds

A vibrant arts and culture scene in Elkhart celebrates the area’s history and its local artisans. The Midwest Museum of American Art showcases artwork, sculpture and ceramics, including the state’s largest collections of Norman Rockwell lithographs and Overbeck pottery as well as original works by Andy Warhol. Built in 1908, Ruthmere Museum is an eclectic beaux arts-style home restored and lavishly appointed to offer a window into America’s Gilded Age. For another taste of the past, visit Lerner Theatre, a 1920s-era movie palace transformed into a performing arts complex.

See more: Find Fall Fun with 8 Things to Do in French Lick, Indiana

5. Meet Your Favorite Superheroes

Here’s your opportunity to visit one of the few superhero and comic book museums. The Hall of Heroes Superhero Museum captures the history of superheroes through more than 70,000 comic books, original art, film and animation, plus over 10,000 toys, artifacts and props, including costumes from Adam West’s “Batman” and Clayton Moore’s “Lone Ranger.”

6. On the Road Again

More than 80% of recreational vehicles in the United States are produced in and around Elkhart, making it the ideal location for the RV/MH Hall of Fame & Museum. The Founders Hall displays trailers, photos and memorabilia tracing the history of recreational vehicles from the 1920s to today’s advanced homes on wheels. And you can even park your own RV on-site while you visit.

7. Riding the Rails

If trains are your thing, you can recapture the glory days when the New York Central Railroad reached Elkhart in 1851 and then stretched across America. The National New York Central Railroad Museum honors what was once the country’s second-largest railroad, featuring steam and diesel locomotives, a variety of train cars, historical artifacts, a kids’ play train, and train rides.

See more: The French Lick Scenic Railway Transports Visitors Into a Winter Wonderland

8. A Trail of Blooms and Heritage

The 90-mile Heritage Trail is an easy drive, allowing you to enjoy Elkhart and the surrounding towns. Happening May through September, the award-winning Quilt Gardens blend gardening and art into a patchwork of blooms and giant hand-painted murals. Also along the country lanes is the best way to fully experience the Amish heritage and culture, with Amish-owned shops showcasing crafts and tasty treats.

9. Eats and Treats Galore

Have no fear when your hunger bell rings because Elkhart can satisfy your taste buds with choices ranging from Artisan with its AAA Four Diamond rating to relaxed cafes and bistros such as The Vine, as well as Iechyd Da Brewing Company and Brass Elk Brewing for pizza and beers. Bakeries and coffee shops are ready to indulge you with a variety of goodies. And this is also the perfect opportunity to experience traditional Amish-style dining found along the Heritage Trail, such as the family-owned Das Dutchman Essenhaus.

See more: 9 Things to Do in Hendricks County This Spring

To learn more and discover additional attractions, check out visitelkhartcounty.com.

The post Cruise Into Fun With 9 Things to Do in Elkhart, Indiana appeared first on My Indiana Home.

Chris Brown works hard to ensure horse ranches aren’t a dying breed in his hometown of Gary, Indiana. His family’s business, Brown Family Ranch, is one of the few Black-owned working horse farms in Indiana. Through an array of programs and events, the Browns have taken the reins to keep equestrianism and agriculture alive in Gary and the surrounding areas.

Brown follows in the footsteps (and hoofprints) of his stepfather, Charles Hall Jr., and his beloved gaited horses. Black farm ownership has steadily declined nationwide, from 41.4 million acres in 1920 to 5.3 million acres across 32,700 farms in 2022, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thus, Brown Family Ranch intentionally strives to preserve the proud history of Black cowboys and farmers whose contributions are often overlooked.

Following 40 years of private equestrianism, Brown Family Ranch opened to the public a decade ago, diving into community-centered farming. They hope to deepen appreciation for local agriculture, strengthen the economy and improve residents’ well-being.

See more: Winter Thrills Meet Small-Town Charm with These 8 Things to Do in Steuben County

Alongside his wife, Nakisha; their four daughters, Krislyn, Krystal, Jazaira and Brooklin; and 10 dedicated staffers, Brown leads hands-on engagement and education through equestrian activities, such as riding lessons, trail rides, ranch tours and various agricultural programs.

Program offerings include a summer camp, rodeo and immersive workshops emphasizing animal care, equine benefits and agronomical science. These experiences spark curiosity and confidence while cultivating respect for agriculture and rural traditions.

“Horses have a way of teaching patience, responsibility and trust; trust that is earned, not granted,” Brown says. “When a child realizes they can connect with and care for a 1,000-pound gentle giant, they see their own, yet-to-be-discovered potential in a whole new light.”

Beyond building character and citizenship among youth, Brown Family Ranch motivates adults to reconnect with nature, animals and themselves within the tranquil 3.5-acre setting. Some have even turned to the ranch for equestrian therapy, a method proven to offer both mental and physical benefits.

Furthermore, Brown explains that agriculture careers can be lucrative, granting numerous income streams from recreational activities to venue rentals to sales of meat and wool. Brown has experienced this firsthand as he welcomes visitors to his farm, sells locally raised meat to the community and sells sheep wool to an Arizona-based wool retailer.

See more: Brian Homan Carries on His Family’s Farming Tradition Raising Pigs in Pennville

Nourishing Its Neighbors

Indiana is the ninth-largest farming state in the country, thanks to large-scale production of soybeans, corn, feed grains, pork and other commodities, according to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. However, Gary is known for its industrial history and steel mill and is further removed from food production than other parts of the state. Over time, it has become something of a food desert with barriers to residents accessing fresh, nutritious foods.

“Part of serving our community means helping families put fresh food on the table,” Brown says.

So, Brown Family Ranch also raises chickens, ducks, goats, sheep and calves with direct-to-consumer sales, serving 2,000 customers per year. This includes sales of 500 dozen eggs annually, 60 gallons of goat’s milk seasonally and modest amounts of Angus beef and fresh garden produce.

“This effort directly combats health disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color, because access to fresh food should be a right rather than a luxury,” Brown says.

See more: Soul Food Project Provides Access to Fresh Food and Builds Community

Rodeo at the Ranch

Most people flock to Brown Family Ranch for its Annual Gaming Show Rodeo, a celebration blending culture, entertainment and community pride. Integrating the ranch’s six horses and diverse livestock, the rodeo highlights traditional events such as saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing and, for the kids, mutton busting.

For many locals, this annual rodeo is a special chance to gather, witness and praise the skills of riders who appreciate the past, present and future of community agriculture. Proceeds from the rodeo and other ranch events help fund the Brown Family Ranch’s scholarship program for students pursuing higher education, especially in agriculture, animal science or community leadership.

“Working with horses instills discipline, confidence and fortitude, among so many other essential skills,” Brown says. “I am passionate about helping future generations embrace and embody these qualities through agriculture opportunities.”

To learn more about Brown Family Ranch and its offerings, visit brownfamilyranch.org.

See more: Beneker Family Farms Produces Quality Beef with Generational Knowledge

The post Trot Over to Brown Family Ranch for Horses and Locally Grown Food appeared first on My Indiana Home.