Josh and Sara Smith are first-generation farmers raising their three kids—Isaac, Sadie, and Cora—on Wholesome Meadows Farm in northeastern Indiana. What began in 2014 as a small farmstead has since grown into a diversified organic operation spread across 157 acres. The Smiths own 80 acres dedicated to produce, berries, pumpkins, and pasture-raised laying hens. In 2024, they expanded their operation through a partnership with Iroquois Valley to lease a nearby 77-acre property for rotational grain production.

Josh developed his passion for agriculture during childhood summers working on neighboring farms. Sara, a city gal originally from Fort Wayne, discovered her love for farming after meeting Josh. After receiving mentorship from a family friend experienced in regenerative agriculture and guidance from experts at Purdue University, Josh and Sara began laying the groundwork to build Wholesome Meadows.

In 2023, the Smiths started exploring organic certification and decided to scale up their operations with grains, beginning their relationship with Iroquois Valley. As first-generation farmers without inherited land, the Smiths faced significant barriers to expansion. Iroquois Valley recognized their potential and worked with them to secure a nearby 77-acre parcel ideal for organic soy, corn, and cereal rotation. The Smiths partnered with Iroquois Valley on a six-year lease structure, with the option to purchase the land after the initial term or continue with long-term lease renewals. This arrangement provides the stability needed for organic farming, where building soil health requires years of consistent management. 

The Smiths view their work as organic farmers as a mission to restore and build soil health. Their approach to land stewardship includes intensive cover cropping between cash crops, using triticale and rye in the fall and alfalfa and clover in the spring. Their rotationally grazed chickens provide additional soil fertility while producing premium organic eggs! Products from Wholesome Meadows can be found at several regional farmers’ markets and on their website.