Everett Farms

Everett Farms and Seed Has Deep Roots in Boone County

Deep roots and a passion for farming are hallmarks of Everett Farms and Seed in Lebanon, Indiana. The Everett family has farmed corn, soybeans and wheat in Boone county for over 100 years, being involved citizens and looking to the future with new ideas. Tyler Everett represents the sixth generation on the farm, running the operation alongside his father Doug and grandmother Carolyn. Tyler and wife Brittney have toddler, Charlee, who represents the seventh generation.

Recently moving back to the homestead with his family, Tyler points out the unique area in which they farm. “We are in Southern Boone county, so west of Zionsville and on the outskirts of Whitestown where there is major commercial development,” he says. Farming in an area where land is being developed makes it even more important to focus on farming sustainably. “We are always experimenting with different types of practices, such as no till and cover crops. If there is a good practice to use, we have our hands in it,” Tyler says.

When not in the field, the family divides other responsibilities to run the operation with Doug handling the paperwork, Tyler keeping everything fixed in the shop and trucking, and Grandma Carolyn paying the bills and making sweet tea.Tyler’s brother Luke and his wife Logan also pitch in on weekends to help keep the grain cart and semis moving.

Along with farming, the family is involved with several other types of business to diversify farm income. “When I came back to the farm, I started a small trucking operation,” Tyler says. He hauls grain and other products and started his own business - Tyler’s Pool Water - filling a unique niche in the community. “During the summer, we haul water for pools, helping people get what they need to enjoy that backyard pool,” he says. Tyler also sells seed for Beck’s Hybrids, adding another element to the family farm operation.

The Everett family is dedicated to serving their church, community and industry. They serve on the tech team, the transportation team, and in the New Hope Christian Church nursery.“My grandpa, dad and I have all been volunteers for the local fire department in southern Boone County over the years,” Tyler says. “We have about 100 runs a year, so must always be up to date on our training and knowledge.,” Tyler says. His father Doug is president of the Boone County Drainage board and a Purdue Extension Board member.

An older farmer encouraged Tyler to get involved in policy work for the ag industry, which led him to run for and be elected to the Board of the Indiana Corn Growers Association. “Farmers need to speak up for their industry and stay current on regulations that impact farming,” he says. “It is important to be involved.”

The Everett family members are big fans of the Indiana State Fair, with all family members being 10 year 4-H members and parents serving as long time 4-H club leaders. Tyler has fond memories of getting the big turkey legs with his grandfather at the fair. He also has a claim to fame at the State Fair. “I really wanted to drive one of the shuttles that carry people around the grounds and was able to do that for an entire fair,” he says. “I was living the dream!”

The Everetts look forward to sharing their family farm’s story with fairgoers at the 2024 Indiana State Fair, helping provide insight into Indiana agriculture.