February 17, 2025

Hayden Grove Farms named award finalist

Family creates farm legacy

Beck’s and Indiana AgriNews are proud to announce the Frame family of Wayne County have been named the 2025 Indiana Farm Family of the Year.

LOWELL, Ind. — The Hayden family of Hayden Grove Farms was honored as a finalist for the 2025 Indiana Farm Family of the Year Award.

Generations of Haydens grow corn, soybeans, wheat and hay and raise beef cattle on their farm.

From Bill Hayden, 81, and Linda Hayden, 79, on down to great grandkids — the youngest of which is 1 year old — the family has a strong legacy in the ag community.

“Bill and Linda were high school sweethearts,” said nominator Susan Hayden. “They married in 1965 and started their family as Bill had a part-time job and farmed.

“As the children grew and became involved in 4-H, so did their farming operation. Cattle and hogs were added. Show calves were raised and sold. They also raised hogs for a while.”

As the children married and started their own families, the farm grew, too. Recently, the family created a succession plan to ensure their legacy prospers.

The Haydens are respected in their community and known to help neighbors in need.

Bill and Linda have been Farm Bureau members for more than 30 years. Linda serves on the Lake County Women’s Committee, and Mike Hayden is on the county board.

Most of the family are members of the First United Methodist Church in Lowell. The family is also active in 4-H, where Linda served as a leader for over 20 years.

The family also enjoys state fairs and cattle and swine shows.

Learn more about the family and farm on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/Hayden-Farms.

Erica Quinlan

Erica Quinlan

Field Editor