#PeopleofNEI: Natalie and Ben Hoffman, feeding northeast Indiana

"Farmers really are the foundation of the food industry. We are its beating heart."

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Environment & Sustainability
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July 24, 2019

Northeast Indiana is evolving. These are the people shaping its future. #PeopleofNEI

This week’s feature:
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Natalie Hoffman and Ben Hoffman are the owners of Hoffman Certified Organics. Located on 60 acres in Huntertown, Indiana, they are a local family-operated farm specializing in 100% organic, pasture-raised poultry. Ben gave up a career as a pilot and Natalie gave up a marketing career so they could invest their time in the farm. Ben says, “Organic is important because, in my eyes, it’s the correct way to raise an animal. I want to give my customers a quality product. I can’t feed the entire world doing what I’m doing but I allow locals to buy a good solid product. The organic seal allows people to know it’s done right and it is really organic. And, honestly, it tastes better!” Natalie adds, “Farmers really are the foundation of the food industry. We are its beating heart.” Ben says, “It was difficult when we started. Who is going to buy certified organic chicken from us? The important thing to remember is that it really comes down to persistence. I love going out and meeting new people at farmers’ markets. Once people see how important this is to us, word travels throughout the community and more people are interested. I love talking to new people and having a relationship and the customers love knowing where their meat and eggs come from. I love what we do. We stayed in northeast Indiana because I think it’s the best place in the world. I always told my parents since I was young that I just like it here. Because I used to be an airline pilot, I have lived everywhere. There’s something unique about northeast Indiana, though. The people here are extremely nice. It wasn’t the same in other places. We both grew up here and we love running into people that we know everyday while we are living our lives. That’s important to us.” #PeopleofNEI

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Author
Stephen J. Bailey
Stephen J. Bailey

Stephen J. Bailey is a Fort Wayne native and the owner of PH Digital that was founded in 2006. Based out of the Anthony Wayne Building in downtown Fort Wayne, he specializes in web development, SEO development, social media management, and digital marketing campaigns with numerous companies in northeast Indiana. Stephen loves road trips, sushi, his pups, and spending time on our three rivers.

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