Our Story

ReFeed Innovations: Sustainable Solutions Rooted in Tradition

ReFeed Innovations, LLC is a family-owned and operated hog operation that began as part of the long-standing legacy of Swinford Farms, Inc. Our journey in sustainable food waste management is deeply intertwined with our rich history in farming.

The Origins: Swinford Farms, Inc.

Our story dates back to 1920 when Levi and Elmer Swinford moved from Illinois to Hillsdale, Indiana, and purchased 90 acres of farmland. This land, part of rural Helt Township, remains an integral part of our operations today. Initially, the farm relied on horses until the 1940s when motorized equipment was introduced.

Carl Swinford’s Vision

Carl Swinford, born in 1940 in the small white house at the front of our farm, grew up with a passion for farming. From an early age, he knew he wanted to be a farmer and raise hogs. Carl’s dedication to agriculture was evident through his involvement in 4-H, where he focused on projects like Soil Conservation, Forestry, Gardening, and Swine.

Growth and Expansion

In 1962, Carl married Sally, and together they expanded the farm. They built their first farrowing barn in 1966, transitioning from two 4-H hogs to a farrowing operation with 20 sows. Over the years, Swinford Farms grew to over 1,800 sows and now operates as a wean-to-finish facility, farming over 4,000 acres and selling over 40,000 market hogs annually.

Continuing the Legacy

Carl Swinford passed away in 2020, but his vision and philosophies continue to guide us. His mantra, “Acquire the land, always improve it, and leave it in better condition than when you acquired it,” is a principle we live by. Today, Carl’s family, including Steve and Christine Smith, along with their sons Tyler and Tanner, manage the farm with dedication and innovation.

The Birth of ReFeed Innovations

In 2023, recognizing the need for sustainable food waste management, Tyler and Tanner Smith began planning ReFeed Innovations, LLC. Established in 2024, ReFeed leverages food waste from manufacturing facilities to create balanced diets for our livestock, ensuring efficiency and sustainability in our operations.

Our Commitment

At ReFeed Innovations, we are committed to continuing the legacy of Swinford Farms by embracing innovative and sustainable farming practices. Our goal is to reduce food waste, support local agriculture, and provide consistent, high-quality nutrition for our livestock.

Join us on our journey as we turn waste into worth and contribute to a more sustainable future.