Steven joined the Marine Corps in 1990 and served for 18 months before an injury got him medically discharged from the service. Steven has always surrounded himself with fellow service men and women. He is in an all-Marine motorcycle club, and he recently started a non-profit 501c3 to give veterans free outdoor experiences such as fishing, hunting, camping, etc.
"Overall, FVC/HBH hasn't been a massive financial lifeline but provides authentic branding, leverage and a sense of solidarity that fits our farm's values of real stewardship, family legacy, and veteran community support. It helps tell our story more effectively, which frees up time for what matters most: working the land with Ethel and the boys, caring for the animals, and building soil health."
IrishMudd LLC Farms is a veteran-owned, family-operated regenerative farm and homestead in Warsaw, Indiana (Kosciusko County). Established in 2014 with rare-breed poultry, they now raise KuneKune pigs, Valais Blacknose and Lincoln Longwool sheep, yaks, and heritage poultry using rotational grazing and regenerative practices.
Guided by military values and stewardship, they also operate IrishMudd’s Veteran Outfitters Limited, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting veterans through outdoor experiences.
After military service in the Marine Corps, Steven was looking for a meaningful way to continue serving something greater than himself while building a strong future for his family. Transitioning out, he wanted work that provided purpose, resilience, and legacy, all values he learned in uniform.
"In 2014, my wife Ethel and I started IrishMudd LLC Farms on our property in Warsaw, Indiana, beginning with rare-breed poultry. What began as a homestead project quickly grew into a full regenerative agriculture operation. We saw the opportunity to raise animals the right way, on pasture, with care and respect, and produce real, nutrient-dense food for our community. The discipline and adaptability I gained in the Marines have been invaluable in tackling the daily challenges of farming."
Farming helps to continue his sense of service by allowing him to steward the land, raise animals ethically, and produce nourishing food for his community, much like his Marine Corps service, but now focused on family and future generations. Through regenerative practices on their Warsaw, Indiana farm, they build healthy soil, practice rotational grazing with KuneKune pigs, sheep, yaks, and poultry, and create value-added products from pasture-raised meat, eggs, wool, and more. It’s daily, hands-on service to the land and to others.
"To me, being an American farmer means living with purpose, resilience, and independence. It’s about honest work, faith-rooted stewardship, and leaving the soil better for our three boys. Farming connects military values of discipline and mission with the timeless American tradition of caring for the land and providing real food for families."
