COATESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — A garage along U.S. 40 holds six chest freezers filled with Angus beef, marking the final stop for cattle raised on the pastures of Hendricks County. For the Brock family, these freezers represent a growing business that connects local consumers directly to the farm.

The family manages 150 cattle and is currently adjusting operations to keep up with year-round demand. While the farm traditionally relied on a spring calving herd, the Brocks are introducing a fall calving herd this year.

The shift ensures a steady supply for their processor. Because calves born at the same time mature at the same time, the family needs a staggered schedule to send 10 calves to the processor every month.

“We were very hesitant to get a fall calving herd,” the Brock family said. “But when you have calves that are all born at the same time, they all mature at the same time. We take 10 calves into our processor every month. And so we need calves that will make it on through the year.”

To ensure the best product, the family uses blood work on their purebred cattle to track EPDs—Expected Progeny Differences—which help them monitor birth weights and carcass traits.

The business outlook has brightened following President Trump’s implementation of a 90-day suspension on imported beef. While the family initially felt cautious about how the rollout might affect customer perception, they said the policy has had a positive impact on local sales.

“We’ve seen a lot more people,” the family said. “It’s just been a real shift… with people wanting to know where their food comes from, wanting to have that relationship with the farmer.”

That interest is most visible during freezer sales, where customers frequently search for specific cuts like chuck roasts, briskets, and steaks.