A love of agriculture combined with the livelihood of being a farming family has turned into quite the business endeavor for Putnam County residents Caleb and Erin Carpenter with Carpenter Farms.
Carpenter Farms has expanded from its farming aspect to roadside stand for homegrown produce, as well as produce from neighboring farms, according to Erin Carpenter.
"My husband started growing and cutting hay when he was younger with his dad. He took a break from it and got back into hay in 2013. Ever since then, he has become a first generation farmer by growing corn and beans also. In 2018, he began growing pumpkins and wholesaling them to a local orchard to help supplement and mitigate disease with their crop," Erin Carpenter told The Putnam County Post.
Erin Carpenter admits the passion of agriculture for her and her husband has become a lifestyle they wish to pass on to future generations.
"The joy that we receive from people from produce and pumpkins is wonderful. We offered a sunflower field last year and so many people had kind words and were so happy to be around it. The joy pushes us to do what we do and is something we want to be able to offer the entire community," Erin Carpenter said.
The joy extends to a new, self serve roadside stand, which has been successful for the Carpenter's, as they are able to offer "high quality produce" to the community. Carpenter Farms is located at 1551 N. County Road 400 West, Greencastle and the produce stand runs from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m.
"It's only been a few days, but, so far, it's been great. We've been offering bi-color sweet corn from Beasley's Orchard. We are hoping to offer apples and green beans from them soon. Plus, our homegrown tomatoes and herbs. Once our pumpkins are available, we will be able to offer those as well," Erin Carpenter said.
With fall right around the corner, Carpenter Farms is ready and has several opportunities to help the community with all of their needs.
"As of right now, we will be offering homegrown pumpkins -- jack-o-lanterns, specialities and minis -- to the public as pre-picked options. We hope to add more fall related items for people to purchase for all their fall decor needs," Erin Carpenter said.
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