Poppaw's Homegrown Elderberries
Our Story
Memorialized in our logo is my grandfather who we lovingly called, Poppaw. His work ethic, farming, and giving back provided the inspiration for me to want to be a farmer just like him. He worked full-time at a factory and then came home and raised cattle, hay, chickens, and a family garden. I didn’t get to spend much time with him because he was so busy, but I loved his passion for farming. After owning a business for 23 years, we sold it, and I finally got my very own farm. I started with one beehive, 10 chickens, and a family garden. That grew into over a dozen beehives, nearly double the chickens, a very large garden, and an elderberry orchard.
I originally started the elderberries to help my husband, who was born with a suppressed immune system and battled numerous health issues throughout his life. I wanted to use farming to improve his overall health, so I conducted research and discovered the many amazing attributes of elderberries and honey. I started with two beehives and two elderberry bushes, got a time-tested elderberry syrup recipe, and started making it with my honey. The first year there wasn’t much I could make, but he noticed it helped. In the second year, I made him a year’s supply and the results exceeded our expectations. Family and friends were impressed and wanted to start taking it too. Next thing I know, I’m making it for both sides of our families and they all loved it. I knew I had to start making more!
My husband suggested that I go commercial with it, and I loved the idea of providing people with a product grown and made from our farm. I now have an orchard with over 1200 beautiful American elderberry bushes, a commercial kitchen, a brand named after my Grandfather, and a certification from the ODA! The best part is that we also followed Poppaw as a Gideon. He visited prisons to speak God’s Word to the inmates and to hand out Bibles. We give away free Bibles at every event we attend, and in 2022 we gave away 85 of them! I am excited about the future of Poppaw’s Homegrown. We will continue to grow, add new stores and venues, and keep producing a delicious, quality product. We hope to have you as a lifetime customer!
Head Farmer:
Brandi Schindler
Brandi is the proud owner of Poppaw's Homegrown. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton and has invested a lot of time over the years studying agriculture and beekeeping to perfect her crafts. Brandi is dedicated to helping others through volunteering at a charity or community event. She is excited to be one of the only producers of elderberry syrup in Ohio that grows her own elderberries and uses her own honey. Brandi is highly ethical and is committed to producing highly concentrated, great-tasting products fresh from her farm.
Elderberries & Honey -
Wonderful Apart but Better Together
Our elderberry syrup is sweetened and preserved by 100% raw honey straight from the comb. This preservative makes it sustainable in the refrigerator for two to three months and in the freezer for up to twelve months!
