About Us – Teter Organic Farm

Empowering growth through food

About Teter

Nurturing communities through food access and environmental stewardship

Rooted in Community, Growing for a Better Tomorrow

At Teter Organic Farm, we believe that food has the power to heal both people and the planet. As an outreach mission of Noblesville First United Methodist Church, we are dedicated to increasing access to healthy food, fostering ecological education, and strengthening community relationships. With over 40 varieties of Certified Organic produce and flowers grown on our farm’s 8 acres of certified organic produce fields, we nurture not only crops but also the future of sustainable food systems.

Inspired by the legacy of the Teter family and their commitment to community, we plant the seeds of change that grow into a more equitable and sustainable world.

Sowing Seeds of Change for a Healthier Future

Our Mission

Our mission is simple yet profound: to increase access to healthy, nutritious food for vulnerable populations while providing ecological education and building relationships within the community. Teter Organic Farm is committed to equitable opportunities for all, regardless of race, gender, socioeconomic status, or physical ability. We believe in taking intentional action toward resilience and safety in the food system, ensuring that our farm is a force for healing and hope.

Our Vision

We envision a world where everyone has access to healthy food grown in harmony with nature. At Teter, we are cultivating a future where sustainable farming practices not only nourish individuals but also heal ecosystems and strengthen communities. By fostering ecological education, building lasting relationships, and providing equitable food access, we aim to be a catalyst for lasting, positive change.

The Teter Origin Story

A Legacy of Giving: The Teter Family Story

The history of Teter Organic Farm is deeply intertwined with the legacy of the Teter family, whose commitment to community and service left an indelible mark on Noblesville and beyond. The farm, which spans almost 120 acres along the scenic White River, was originally owned by Ruth Teter’s family and has become a symbol of generosity, resilience, and connection.

Ruth Teter, a lifelong member of the Noblesville First United Methodist Church, grew up on this very farm. She cherished her childhood spent in the rural tranquility of the land, surrounded by the rolling fields and woodlands that her family worked and nurtured. Her parents, Arza and Ada Teter, were well-known and respected members of the community. They instilled in Ruth a strong sense of responsibility, kindness, and a commitment to giving back.

One of the most colorful figures in the family was Ruth’s brother, Earl “Lucky” Teter. Earl gained national fame in the 1930s and 1940s as a daring stunt car driver. As the leader of the “Lucky Teter’s Hell Drivers,” he toured North America, performing breathtaking stunts and precision driving shows.

Ruth’s deep connection to her family farm remained with her throughout her life. In 1981, when she passed away, Ruth generously bequeathed the farm to Noblesville First United Methodist Church, with a vision that it would serve as a retreat and memorial to her family. She wanted the land that had given her so much joy to be a place where others could find peace, connection, and healing.

In 2016, Ruth’s vision blossomed into something even more extraordinary. Pastor Aaron Hobbs, inspired by the growing need for community outreach, reimagined the farm as an organic haven that would not only provide a peaceful retreat but also serve a vital role in the community—feeding the hungry and promoting environmental stewardship. Thus, Teter Organic Farm was born. What began as a space for reflection and gathering has now grown into a vibrant organic farm, providing food for those in need and opportunities for ecological education.

Cultivators of Change

Nurturing Nature, Cultivating Community: Meet Our Team

Our mission to cultivate healthy food and resilient communities is brought to life by a passionate team of individuals dedicated to sustainable agriculture, ecological education, and community engagement.

Katy Rogers Director of Operations and Farm Manager

Katy Rogers is a farmer and advocate who has worked in agriculture and the food system from soil to plate. As a graduate of Indiana University, she worked in the political arena but aways kept a side job on a farm. In 2011, she began her own farm and started her first Community Supported Agriculture program. During that journey she dove into advocacy for the hungry and helped build a non-profit in the southeast that is still working to facilitate access to nourishing, culturally appropriate food. Transitioning from conventional to ecologically based methodology has given her a broad understanding of the food system in the US. The last 13 years she has focused on increasing access to nutritious food and improving systems for human and environmental health through farming, education, and advocacy.

Reverend Amber Good Associate Director

Pastor Amber Good has had a lifelong love for nature. She is passionate about integrating faith and action through sound ecosystem management which necessarily includes human beings alongside other-than-humans. Educating kids and adults about the relationships between people and nature is paramount to fostering love and care for all that inhabit Earth. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Purdue University School of Ag in Wildlife Science. She worked as an Interpretive Naturalist at the Upper Wabash Reservoirs, which is part of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) from June 1993 – October 1997. Amber graduated from Christian Theological Seminary in May 2022 with dual Master of Divinity and Master of Theological Studies degrees. She hopes to be ordained as a deacon in the United Methodist Church in June 2025 at completion of her residency in ministry. She is a United Methodist Global Ministries Earth Keeper, a member of the Indiana Conference Green Team, Outdoor Ministries Board of Camps and Retreats and North Central District Operations Team. Pastor Amber is also an Indiana Master Naturalist and a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG) through the National Association for Interpretation.

Lorrie Overton Rental Manager

Empowered by Our Valued Sponsors and Partners

At Teter Organic Farm, the heart of our mission thrives thanks to the invaluable support of our sponsors and partners. These dedicated supporters help us expand our impact, providing the resources we need to grow healthy, organic produce and make it accessible to vulnerable populations.

Mission Partners ($10K +)

Blossom Sponsor ($2k to $5K)

Harvest Sponsor ($5k to $10K)

Strengthening Our Roots with Grant Support

$15K+

$10k to $15k

$5k to $10K

$3.5K to $5k

Leading the Way in Environmental stewardship

Protecting Our Planet, Growing Our Future

Environmental stewardship is more than a practice—it’s a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly. Our commitment to protecting the earth and its ecosystems guides every aspect of our work, from sustainable farming methods to the preservation of our woodlands and waterways.

We believe that healthy soil leads to healthy food, and that responsible land management benefits both people and the planet. Our 120-acre farm, certified organic by OEFFA, is a living testament to these values. We cultivate without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, relying on crop rotation, composting, cover crops, and natural soil amendments to nurture the land and grow nutrient-rich produce.

Beyond the fields, we are proud stewards of 80 acres of woodlands along the White River, preserving biodiversity and providing habitat for wildlife. Our apiary, home to 30 hives, not only produces honey but also plays a crucial role in pollinating crops and supporting local ecosystems.

Through environmental education programs and hands-on experiences, we aim to inspire our community to take an active role in caring for the earth. By leading with sustainable practices, we are planting the seeds for a greener, more resilient future.

Educational Programming at Teter

Growing Minds and Connecting to Nature

Education goes hand in hand with our mission to foster a deeper connection between people and the natural world. Through hands-on learning experiences, we offer educational programs that engage all ages in topics such as ecology, sustainable farming, and environmental stewardship.

Our programming is designed to inspire curiosity and understanding, offering a variety of activities—from guided nature hikes and wildlife observation to interactive workshops and creative crafts. By immersing participants in nature, we build an essential link between people and the ecosystems that sustain us, empowering them to become active stewards of the environment.

Leading our educational initiatives is Amber Good, Director of Education at Teter Retreat & Farm. With a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Science, an Advanced Indiana Master Naturalist certification, and as a Certified Interpretive Guide (CIG), Amber brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Her background as an Interpretive Naturalist and her theological studies fuel her dedication to educating the community about the wonders of nature.

Our programs are continually evolving, and new events are added regularly. We invite you to explore our events calendar and join us in learning more about the natural world and how we can protect it together.

For questions or more information, contact Amber Good at [email protected] or 317-379-2023.

See Upcoming Programs