Business blooms on family’s farm

FRANKLIN, Ind. — The Norton family has been farming ground in central Indiana since 1834.

Their operation has evolved over the years. They now produce flowers, veggies, corn, soybeans, waxy corn and popcorn.

The farm was a stop at the Purdue Farm Management Tour. It’s the third time the family has hosted the event: first in 1969, then in 1990 and again this year.

“My brothers and I are the seventh generation on the farm,” Jenny Mowrey said. “Our kids will be the eighth generation.”

Each family member has a specific role to play. Jenny and her mother run the produce and flower side of the farm. They also have a barn that is rented out for weddings, parties and other events.

John and Peter Norton run the row crop side of the business.

“Having a diversified farm allows for more involvement, especially for myself and my mother, in a different way than being in a tractor or in the field,” Jenny said.

“We grow wildflowers, perennials and sunflowers. We sell them at the farmers market in Franklin. We also have a U-cut field.”

Like many family farms, they are looking towards the next generation to keep the farm alive.

“We hope our kids will be interested in sticking around or at least coming back,” Jenny said. “We hope they can continue what we’ve done and grow even more.”

Learn more about the barn event space at www.facebook.com/Thebarnatcrystalspringfarm.