Eight Generations Strong

A Legacy Rooted in Faith, Family, and Farming

The Sands Farms story began long before it took root in Indiana soil. Our family’s agricultural journey started in County Cork, Ireland, where a strong work ethic and a deep respect for the land were passed down through generations. In 1846, our ancestors settled in Silver Lake, Indiana, establishing a legacy that now spans more than 175 years—making Sands Farms older than the town itself.

Where It All Began

Grandfather’s Farm at Hill Lake

The first property, affectionately known as “Grandfather’s Farm,” sat on the north side of Hill Lake and became the heart of the Sands family’s American dream. Over time, each generation carried forward the vision, adding their own chapter to our evolving story.

Brothers at the Helm (Until 1950)

Amber Dale and Otto Sands, brothers, managed the farm together until 1950, continuing the family tradition with grit and determination.

A Teacher and a Farmer (1950–1959)

John Isaac Sands, son of Amber Dale, stepped in next. He managed the farm while also serving his community as a schoolteacher until 1959—demonstrating the family’s deep-rooted values of service and education.

A Season of Growth (1959–1977)

In 1959, Carl and Edythe Sands took over operations. Carl was a remarkable figure—balancing 212 acres of farmland, a dairy cow operation, an Angus cattle herd, and 10 sows, all while teaching and coaching at Beaver Dam School and working toward his master’s degree in education. Together, Carl and Edythe raised 11 children—9 boys and 2 girls—instilling in them a strong sense of responsibility, faith, and hard work.

A New Era Begins (1977 Onward)

In 1977, their third son, John Sands, returned from Michigan State University with a degree in Swine Management. That same year, he constructed the farm’s first farrow-to-finish hog barn, laying the groundwork for the future of Sands Farms.

Foundations for the Future (1977 Onward)

In 1977, their third son, John Sands, returned from Michigan State University with a degree in Swine Management. That same year, he built his first farrow-to-finish hog barn—setting the foundation for what Sands Farms would become today.

Next Generation Momentum (2013–2014)

In 2013, John and his oldest son Ryan launched the first two barns in a four-barn wean-to-finish hog expansion. The following year, in 2014, Scott and Aaron Sands—John’s sons—built two additional wean-to-finish barns, further growing the Sands livestock operation and continuing the family’s legacy of innovation and responsible agriculture.

Rooted in Legacy, Growing with Purpose (Present Day)

From humble beginnings in Ireland to becoming one of Indiana’s largest family-owned farms, Sands Farms continues to grow with the same grit, values, and purpose that started it all—guided by faith, committed to family, and dedicated to feeding future generations.