Growing Change: Our Farm Projects
Smithmyer’s Farm has done a lot of growing in the last 60 years. When Tom and Mary first purchased the property in 1965, the only structures were a ramshackle farmhouse and an old bank barn. Together, they fixed up the house and nearly doubled its size. They built a 50’ x 100’ foot potato storage and later added a machinery shed/livestock barn. For over 50 years, potatoes were the primary crop along with oats, corn, and soybeans. But like many family farms today, we’ve needed to get creative about how to keep the farm viable for years to come. In the past decade we’ve transitioned the focus from crops to experiences.
For the past few years we’ve dreamed of hosting larger gatherings at the farm. The Storage is a developing symbol of our focus that we are excited to share. In its origin, The Storage housed as many as 40 tractor trailer loads of potatoes within its cool, dark interior.
Today it blooms with light streaming from a wall of new windows. Last year we used hundreds of gallons of white paint, (+ too many hours to count!), and a thousand patio lights to create a beautiful space to host a family wedding, our second sunflower festival, and a celebration of love gathering. As we look forward to the coming year, we are eager to expand our horizons to see what new opportunities await.
Are you looking for a unique venue for your special event? Our farm offers a setting for weddings, parties, and other gatherings. With beautiful landscapes and charming rustic buildings, our venue provides a memorable backdrop for your celebrations. Contact us to discuss your event needs and to reserve our Farm for an unforgettable experience.
