Our Purpose
The Proud Farmer Project was created to bring awareness and gratitude to the farmers and their families that supply natural, high-quality, US grown soybeans that we use in our products.
At House Foods and Franklin Farms, we’re honored to work with farmers who produce soybeans sustainably and dedicate their livelihood to growing the food that nourishes communities.
In 2025, we visited four farmers at their farms in Illinois and Ohio. By 2033, our goal is to visit farmer #50 in the Proud Farmer Project.
Grown with Integrity
When working with our farmers, we carefully select soybeans that will make an exceptional product. The criteria for harvesting soybeans for tofu production includes selecting the best soybeans based on size, appearance, color & moisture.
Based on these strict standards, large seeds are chosen as they are ideal for stable soymilk extraction efficiency. The appearance of the soybeans is crucial as it directly affects the whiteness and appearance of the tofu.
In addition, we select soybeans with a smooth surface that are free from cracks, wrinkles, and dark spots. Lastly, color and moisture contributes to producing white, clean-looking tofu. For that reason, we look for soybeans that are light cream to yellow in color.
We visit our farmers directly to confirm that the soybeans meet these standards, and we also express our gratitude to them for the various efforts they have made to meet these standards.
Meet our Farmers
We’re proud to introduce the four farmers that we had the pleasure of meeting in Illinois and Ohio. During our visit, our farmers shared their history in farming and we were able to check in on-site to ensure best practices for selecting soybeans.
Meet Justin
Justin and his family switched to organic farming in 2015 as they reevaluated the safety of our food system after Justin’s mom passed away from cancer.
Among the changes that Justin has noticed on his Kingston, Ill., farm is a dramatic improvement in soil health, which results in cleaner, more nutrient-rich crops while protecting the land, water, and ecosystems that sustain us.
Justin is proud of his shared commitment with us to promote a natural balance that benefits our planet and its inhabitants.
Stickley’s Farm
For 17 years, Stickley’s Farm has been operated by a father and son duo. The Stickley’s manage 900 acres of non-GMO soybeans, and up to 90% of the soybean acreage is used for tofu food production.
Meet Alex
Alex of Malta, Ill., is still a young farmer, but his connection to growing safe, wholesome soybeans has deep roots. Alex produces certified organically grown crops on 4,000 acres each year with his father-in-law, Aaron, who grew his first certified-organic crop in 1997. Alex’s passion for organic agriculture was kindled years ago, prompting him to take his first steps into the practice while working at another farm. “I can't imagine doing anything else,” he says.
From growing quality crops to enjoying tofu at home, Alex shared that his wife creates recipes at home with tofu!
Meet Tim
Tim, a 30 year old generation farmer that farms 700 acres of certified organic soybeans in Ohio. We enjoyed meeting him and his family at their farm.
Through collaboration and integrity, we celebrate our past while shaping a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
