Today is National Farmers Day, and we’re celebrating! To commemorate the holiday, we sat down with two important farmers who run the Fishers AgriPark, which pays homage to the city’s agricultural heritage every day.
Learn more about our family favorite at the Fishers AgriPark and the fun you can have on the farm.
Jackie Leeuw
Fishers’ Agriculture Coordinator
How long have you worked for Fishers Parks?
“I have worked for Fishers Parks since January 2020.”
What are you job duties?
“I am the Agriculture Coordinator for Fishers Parks, so I run the Fishers Farmers’ Market each weekend and create programs for the AgriPark.”
What is your day-to-day work life like at the AgriPark?
“I work to make sure we have programs that educate the guests that visit the AgriPark and also help our Agriculture Operations Manager, Trevor Wildey, with planting and picking as needed.”
What part of the AgriPark is your favorite?
“Currently, my favorite part of the AgriPark is all the produce we have planted. I love the fact that so much can grow from such a tiny seed. Livestock also is one of my favorites. I love cattle and how sweet they are.”
What is your background in farming and agriculture?
“I grew up on a farm in Northeast Indiana. My parents run a feed lot cattle operation where we can hold up to 400 calves on our farm. We have a small-row crop farm as well. I was a 10 year 4-H member where I showed beef, dairy beef, sheep, pigs, and chickens. I completed my Masters in Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication from Purdue University in 2019.”
Why did you choose a career in agriculture?
“I originally wanted to work in hospital administration when I left for college at St. Joseph’s College. Once I got there, I realized that a lot of my friends didn’t know where their food was coming from or had a really bad perception of agriculture and farming. I wanted to bridge that gap, and help everybody understand where their food was coming from, how it got to them, and the labor of love that it is for farmers.”
Trevor Wildey
Agriculture Operations Manager
How long have you worked for Fishers Parks?
“One year this month.”
What is your day-to-day work life like at the AgriPark?
“Every day is different, but it typically starts with feeding and watering animals, then checking crops, planting, harvesting, keeping up with the grounds, planning for the next crop, working with volunteers, and meeting and talking with people about agriculture during the park’s open hours.”
What part of the AgriPark is your favorite?
“Probably produce and animals. I enjoy teaching people about produce and where their food comes from, how it’s grown, and also watching people interact with the livestock on the farm.”
What is your background in farming and agriculture?
“I have been involved in agriculture pretty much all of my life with my family and other family farms. I’ve primarily raised pigs and produce since high school.”
Why did you choose a career in agriculture?
“I really enjoy being able to bring agriculture and all the wonderful things that come with it to the city. It’s been very rewarding to watch the whole community come together and enjoy the Fishers AgriPark and become so involved in where their food comes from.”
The AgriPark is open through October 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. There is no charge to visit the AgriPark and residents/non-residents are all invited to explore and experience this unique park. Capacity may be limited. Learn more on our website and follow Fishers AgriPark on Facebook and Instagram
Sadie Hunter started as a marketing assistant with Fishers Parks in February. Her favorite thing to do in Fishers is creek stomp at Brooks School Park with her two sons, Ben and Henry, and dog, Maggie. In her spare time, she enjoys photography, pottery, and kayaking with her husband, Zach.