Brothers Matt and Brock Sroufe represent the sixth generation of farmers at Sroufe Farms in Macy, a family operation established in 1875 in Miami County. Over the years, the farm has shifted its focus to better evolve with the times. Matt highlights the importance of honoring the work of previous generations, noting, "It's easy to take for granted the efforts of those who came before, but it’s important to stop and appreciate how they paved the way for us." He and Brock are grateful for their dad, Scott, and Uncle Eric, who have been supportive of new ideas. "Every multi-generation farm has had to figure out how to collaborate across generations and find what works best," Matt adds.
Today, the farm focuses on pork production, row crops, and trucking. For 60 years, hogs have been central to the operation, transitioning from birth-to-market production to a "finish" system, where pigs arrive at 35–55 pounds and are raised to 260–300 pounds. Most are sent to Routh Packing in Ohio for processing into various pork products.
“We really enjoy working with the pigs, and credit my Grandpa Tom who helped our operation get bigger on the pig side by adding feedlots then confinement buildings starting in the early 60’s,” Matt says. “He was a one of a kind guy, on the operation every day even after he retired in 2000, always checking in to help.” The brothers are forever grateful for his influence. “When I got out of Purdue, Grandpa took me under his wing and we had a lot of fun. He loved the pigs and crops and passed that passion on to us.” Grandpa Tom passed in 2020, but his legacy lives on through his younger brother Mark, who brings valuable knowledge and experience to the farm.
The pigs require daily care, with Eric taking the lead and the family working together to ensure their well-being. There are numerous hog producers in Miami County, and the Sroufes are active industry members. In fact, during 2020 a fellow pork producer had to make emergency barn repairs and needed a place for his pigs. “The Sroufe family is neighborly beyond belief,” this neighbor said. “They had no obligation to help us, yet they did, neighbors helping neighbors.”
The family enjoys the hard work that comes with being good stewards to the land that's been in the family for generations, and the flexibility that it offers. Matt and his wife, Miranda, are raising three young daughters, while Brock and his wife, Mariah, have recently welcomed their first child. With the next generation getting involved in 4-H and sports, the Sroufe family is gearing up for even busier days ahead.