Farm focuses on sustainable, local food production

Editor's note: Joseph Jones is a correspondent representing vermiliondaily.com. This story appeared in the spring 2026 edition of Roots magazine, a collaborative agriculture publication by the Sandusky Register, Norwalk Reflector, Tiffin Advertiser-Tribune, Findlay Courier and Fostoria Review-Times. VERMILION — Located along Cooper Foster Park Road in Vermilion, Woods Family Farm raises food locally through pasture-based practices that emphasize animal care, land stewardship and community access. Owned and operated by Brett and Julene Woods, the farm aims to shorten the distance between producer and consumer while maintaining sustainable land use. Their approach centers on responsible stocking, rotational grazing and adjusting production to seasonal and environmental conditions. Sustainable practices on the farm Woods Family Farm operates across multiple sites, allowing animals to be rotated and reducing long-term strain on any single area of land. Chickens, turkeys and pigs are raised using systems that prioritize fresh pasture, mobility and animal health. Egg-laying hens are typically kept for about two years before processing, while meat chickens reach processing age in about eight to 10 weeks. Mobile coops are moved daily, allowing birds to graze on fresh ground in a grid pattern that supports soil health and pasture regeneration. Pork is sold in bulk by custom cuts, available by the half or whole. Turkeys are processed seasonally, typically in early August and again around Thanksgiving, based on demand, processing availability and the farm's long-term sustainability goals. What the farm offers Offerings shift with the seasons, but Woods Family Farm currently sells eggs, maple syrup, chicken, firewood, ground meats and beeswax lip balm through its self-serve farm stand at 2800 Cooper Foster Park Road. Availability can vary throughout the year as the farm responds to weather conditions, demand and responsible stocking practices. Updates on current offerings are shared through the farm's Facebook page and website. "Sustainability and community are vital to our farm's mission because we believe we're called to be good stewards of what we've been given," Julene Woods said. "For us, that means rotating our animals, protecting the soil and treating our livestock with respect. Stewardship also extends to the people we feed. Providing responsibly raised, nourishing food is one way we serve families." Woods said the farm has scaled back overall numbers compared to previous years, allowing the operation to remain balanced while continuing to farm in a way that aligns with their values. The farm's focus remains on providing locally produced food while maintaining responsible agricultural practices. Woods Family Farm reflects a growing interest in local sourcing and stewardship over scale. For Vermilion residents and others seeking locally produced food, the farm offers an example of how small operations can contribute to the regional food system.