Porter Farm is Hendricks County’s Teaching Farm, established in 2019 as a partnership between Hendricks County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Veterans in Farming organization.

Porter Farm serves the community in several ways:

Internships for developing veteran farmers.
Teaching space for community workshops that support sustainable land use.
Demonstrations of small scale farming, beekeeping, and gardening.

Kathy and Steve Stamper were bequeathed the Porter family farm in 2015. Determined to create a legacy for Harold and Esther Porter, the Stampers met with Sara Creech (Hendricks County SWCD) and Cindy Chastain (Agrability). It began as a conversation about the farm becoming a good incubator farm for veterans to try their hand at gardening, farming and keeping livestock. The goals of such a project fit well with the history of Porter farm and the values of Harold and Ester Porter.

“You have to help people when they need it.” – Harold Porter

After fighting in WWII, Harold Porter came home, married Ester, a local teacher, and began farming. For over 50 years, they lived the American dream at their family farm.

Harold became friends with another local farmer, Steve Stamper. Harold asked Steve if he would partner with him in his shop. In return he would help Steve, as Steve was farming fulltime. Steve didn’t realize at the time it would become an 85 hour a week job with pay that averaged 7.5 cents an hour. This went on for about 15 years and during that time Harold taught Steve several life lessons. For example: Steve would get frustrated whenever someone came to the shop. Harold wanted both of then to sit down and talk sometimes for as much as 30 minutes. Steve thought this was a waste of time and mentioned that to Herold one day. Herold pointed his finger at Steve and said, “Your first lesson, there’s nothing in here going on that is more important than taking time out for people!”

Steve said the Lord must have put a beacon on Harold’s home for wayward people having car trouble along 36. Harold helped a ton of them. He said to Steve, “You have to help people when they need it.” No finger, this time, so Steve knew they were getting comfortable. There were many other lessons Steve learned from Harold. He recognized that Harold was a strong, wonderful and generous man.

The Porter Family Legacy

From the inception in 2015 to present, with the involvement of the SWCD, At Ease Orchard and NRCS, Porter Farm has evolved into a veteran and community learning center. Through its focus on veterans and teaching, it honors both Harold and Ester Porter.