Who is Hanford packing co?

Hanford Packing is a full-time operating butcher shop in Thayer, Indiana located just off of Indiana state road 55. 

In January 2022, Mike and Nicole Hayden bought Hanford Packing from Harry Hanford. Harry owned the slaughterhouse for over 50 years before retiring and offering the business opportunity to the Haydens. Mike and Nicole were very familiar with Hanford Packing prior to the proposition for they have been bringing in their family’s beef for processing for several years. 

Mike and Nicole have three kids of which all lend a hand helping at the shop. Their oldest Bryce works alongside his mother throughout the day handling scheduling, customer orders, and further processing. Brooke, Mike and Nicole’s daughter spent a summer working under Harry prior to the Hayden’s ownership and still comes in to assist in finalizing orders when home from college. Their youngest son Nathan does lots of the “handyman” jobs such as welding gates in for the harvest floor. Even Nicole’s mom who makes every employee smile when seen, stops in at the plant to help clean or keep the landscaping looking great throughout the week. They truly make it a family business!  

The Hayden family lives and farms in Lowell, supporting many surrounding counties including Lake, Newton, and Jasper counties. They love to host 4-H clubs or FFA chapters wanting to learn more about the farm-to-fork process. Educating the public and endorsing the community is a value Mike and Nicole want Hanford Packing to distinguish. 

Swing by the shop to “meat” the owners or if you already know them don’t hesitate to come in for a good farmer talk!