Across The Fence

Welcome to Across the Fence — a place where we share the real stories of Indiana’s beef community. From farm families and local butcher shops to feedyards and everything in between, this is your behind-the-scenes look at the people, places, and passion that power our state’s beef industry.

Rethinking Tradition: Young Voices in Cattle

An Afternoon at Southfork Cattle with Cody Gardner

     In an industry rooted in tradition, Cody Gardner is proving that determination and resilience know no age limits. As co-owner and manager of Southfork Cattle Company in Paoli, Cody was named Indiana Beef’s Outstanding Young Cattleman of the Year and is making his mark both in the pasture and beyond.

     Cody’s journey began in the rodeo world, where he learned the grit of being self-employed. After meeting his wife Katelyn, whose family raised cattle and row crops, he turned his longtime dream of running cattle into reality. Today, he markets more than 1,400 head of cattle through Superior Livestock, where he also serves as a sales representative helping local producers trade and sell cattle through well-established markets.

     Earlier this year, Cody took his advocacy to Washington, D.C., meeting with legislators to discuss challenges facing young producers and the importance of programs like the beef checkoff. “As a producer, I have to support the checkoff because of the work it does for us,” he says.

     Cody believes in keeping an open mind and never taking “no” for an answer. “We fail every day, and there might be a plan B, plan C, and plan D, but those backup plans should go toward your goal.”

     “Beef production might look different as time goes on, but it will never disappear.”

      Cody Gardner is living proof that the next generation of cattlemen is ready to lead with passion, perseverance, and pride in the beef industry.

Legacy of the Land

A Morning at Southern Indiana Purdue Agricultural Center with Jason Tower

     Tucked into the rolling hills of Dubois County, the Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center (SIPAC) is more than just a research farm—it’s a living, breathing story of progress, purpose, and passion for the land. On a quiet morning this summer, we had the chance to walk the pastures, capture a few moments behind the camera, and sit down with the man who's helped shape the center’s impact for over two decades: Jason Tower.

     Originally established in the 1950s, SIPAC has long served as a critical link between research and real-world agricultural practices in southern Indiana. While it supports a range of projects, it has become a cornerstone in the advancement of beef cattle production. With over 1,300 acres of pasture, woodland, and research plots, the center provides a diverse landscape for applied studies and practical cattle management—making it a unique asset to Indiana’s beef industry.

     Jason Tower, SIPAC's superintendent, is a familiar face in the beef world—both in Indiana and beyond. With a degree in Animal Science from Purdue and a background rooted in hands-on production, Jason has spent over 20 years leading SIPAC with both expertise and heart. He’s known for mentoring young producers, championing science-based improvements, and always having boots on the ground alongside his herd.

     Walking the farm with Jason, you quickly realize his deep respect for the cattle, the land, and the generations who’ve worked it before him. “We’re not just raising beef—we’re raising better practices,” he told us, standing near a group of grazing cows. “Every decision here ties back to the producers who will take what we learn and apply it to their own operations.”

     Through rotational grazing, forage trials, herd health studies, and hands-on producer field days, SIPAC is pushing Indiana’s beef industry forward—while still honoring the values it was built on: stewardship, education, and community.

     The photos from our morning at SIPAC capture more than just cattle and fences—they capture the quiet rhythm of a place where generations have come to learn, grow, and lead. It’s the kind of farm where the sunrise feels a little more meaningful, and the work done in the pastures echoes far beyond the fence lines. SIPAC isn’t just a place where science meets agriculture—it’s a research farm that feels like home. A place where progress is rooted in tradition, and the future of Indiana beef is being built, one thoughtful and intentional step at a time.