About Sands Farms
Featured Indiana State Fair Farm Family – Celebrating 170+ Years of Farming Excellence
SILVER LAKE, IN – August 10, 2016
Sands Farms, an eighth-generation family farm operating since 1846, was proudly recognized as one of 17 Featured Farm Families at the Indiana State Fair. This honor, supported by the Indiana State Fair, Dow AgroSciences, and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, celebrated the farm’s long-standing commitment to faith, tradition, and agricultural innovation.
A Year of Growth, Recognition, and Commitment to Quality
The recognition came during a major milestone year, as Sands Farms expanded its hog operation from 1,000 to over 18,000 head. This growth reflects both the rising demand for high-quality, locally raised pork and the farm’s dedication to sustainable, responsible farming. With modern practices and a strong family legacy, Sands Farms continues to serve Indiana families with integrity and care.
🔥 Big Boss BBQ
From Pig Pen to Plate
The Sands legacy continues with Big Boss BBQ, a brand founded by Steve Sands, John’s younger brother. More than a local BBQ favorite, Big Boss represents a farm-to-fork mission powered by family pride. Their “Pig Pen to Plate” model educates consumers while serving up unbeatable Indiana-raised pork—right off the grill.
With a bold tagline—“Go Pig or Go Home”—Big Boss BBQ plans to expand into the Indianapolis market with a full eCommerce platform to deliver their smoked meats and sauces directly to customers.
Sands Farms and Big Boss BBQ are exactly what today’s market is craving—authenticity, transparency, and unforgettable taste.
Sands Farms, Inc.
Sands Farms is a family-run, Christian-owned farming operation based in Silver Lake, IN. Since 1846, the Sands family has grown corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay while managing a thriving livestock operation including over 38,000 pigs and a growing beef cattle herd. Our mission is rooted in faith, stewardship, and the belief that farming is a God-given calling passed down through generations.
Big Boss BBQ
Big Boss BBQ is a homegrown Indiana brand serving up bold, flavorful barbecue crafted from premium hogs raised right here at Sands Farms. What started as a local favorite has quickly built a reputation for big taste, long lines, and loyal customers who can’t get enough. Every bite reflects our commitment to quality, from the way we raise our pigs to the way we smoke and serve the meat.
Now, Big Boss BBQ is preparing to bring that same unforgettable flavor to even more Hoosier homes—with online ordering and statewide delivery coming soon. Whether it’s for your backyard gathering, family dinner, or next big event, Big Boss BBQ is ready to fire up your table with taste you won’t forget.
