In 1905, Guy L. Hord purchased a tract of land that marked the beginning of the Hord family’s farming legacy in North-Central Ohio. Over his lifetime, Guy cultivated more than 500 acres, growing row crops, tending a fruit orchard, and raising hogs to help provide for his family of twelve children.

One of those children, Robert M. Hord, inherited his father’s passion for farming. In 1946, Robert began farming with 140 acres of rented land and ten hogs. From the first litters, he raised 82 pigs in a wooded lot. At the time, World War II imposed a ceiling on hog prices at 16-18 cents per pound. Just before selling the hogs, the ceiling was lifted, and Robert sold them for 32 cents per pound, using the profit to purchase the Marion-Melmore Road Farm in 1948, the birthplace of the family business.

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Over the years, hog farming remained central to the family’s operations. Robert’s son, Duane, joined the business and expanded both the hog operation and the crop farm, which grew to 2,800 acres. This allowed the family to produce their own grain to feed their growing swine herd.

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In 1987, Duane’s son, Patrick, joined the farm, focusing on the hog business. As the swine industry became more competitive, Pat and his wife, Janel, made bold decisions to expand and modernize. They added several thousand sows, invested in infrastructure, and built a skilled team to drive the business forward.

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Today, Pat’s children, Colleen and Phil, represent the fifth generation of Hord family farmers. The operation has grown to include hundreds of team members, growing partners, thousands of acres of row crops, and countless animals. By embracing the latest technologies and best practices in animal husbandry, the Hord family remains committed to producing high-quality food products families can trust.

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Through generations, the Hord family has deepened its knowledge of agriculture and animals, striving for excellence every day. With a focus on sustainability, they are dedicated to feeding families for years to come.