Cook’s Bison Ranch

The Cook family has owned the land since 1939. Everett Cook initially used the land to grow corn for popcorn. Years later, third-generation Peter Cook was born, and he developed a fascination with bison.

After becoming a member of the National Bison Association along with extensive research and, of course, convincing his father that raising this seemingly wild animal was a sensible idea, the Cook family got their first 30 bison in December of 1998, thus establishing Cook's Bison Ranch.

Smith Family Farms

It is a grain and livestock farm with about 2500 acres of corn and soybeans planted each year. They also have 100 cows, and they raise the calves to sell for freezer beef or for show calves. The Smith's cattle are grass and grain fed.

Smith Family Farms is currently in the process of opening a meat market in Pendleton. Until that opens, visitors can buy meat directly from the farm or at the Pendleton, Saxony, or Noblesville farmers’ markets on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.