It might seem like a word we've conjured up, a hybrid of farm and homestead (and maybe it is), but its essence runs much deeper. To us, a farmstead is an operation where the principles of homesteading and farming converge. It's a family-driven venture, rooted in values of our faith in Jesus Christ, stewardship, and love for the land. But what sets a farmstead apart from a homestead, is our dedication to sharing the abundance our homestead produces with the community. While it may be akin to small-scale farming, it's also a movement with a mission—to reshape our relationship with food and challenge the norms of modern consumption.
In a world where uniformity lines the shelves of grocery stores, the farmstead beckons us to recognize the inherent diversity in nature. This departure from the sterile consistency of mass-produced foodstuffs is a return to authenticity. A farmstead isn't just about what's on the plate; it's about the journey that brings it there.
The heart of the farmstead movement beats in harmony with the rhythms of the earth. It's about acknowledging the intricate design of God's creation and embracing our role as custodians of the land. Unlike the faceless, industrialized processes that dominate modern food production, our farmstead operates in communion with nature. It's a reminder that nourishment isn't just about calories; it's about the vitality that comes from nutrient-rich soil, well-tended animals, and hands that toil with purpose.
Yet, this movement is more than just a romanticized yearning for days of yore. It's a rallying cry against the convenience-driven, instant-gratification culture that permeates our lives. We strive to compel people to examine the choices they make—like opting for nutrient-rich sustenance over empty calories, and valuing the long-term benefits of quality food over the short-lived thrill of mindless consumption. Nutrients over Netflix!
The economics of our farmstead are transparent but complex. It's not just about the price tag; it's about the hidden costs of cheap food that compromise health and degrade the environment. This is where I think people struggle to grasp the value in a locally and organically grown tomato, a truly free range produced egg, organic pasture raised poultry, and organic grass fed beef. In just 1 egg, you can see a 1000 fold difference in folate. Did you know that the average apple 100 years ago had 32 times the mineral content of that you buy from your local grocery store? After only fourteen days of grain-feeding a cow, the linoleic acid (CLA) is gone. CLA is one of the top anticarcinogenic substances in nature. Our farmstead dares you to question why we would choose expensive movie nights and tubs of popcorn covered in vegetable oils and carcinogens over nourishing meals. Yes, the initial investment might be higher, but the returns are immeasurable. It's an investment in the health of our bodies and the sustainability of our planet—a legacy that unfolds gradually over time, not one that grants instant gratification. Although, there is some of that when you take a bite into a big juicy fresh tomato, or a freshly cooked pasture raised chicken breast.
Operating a farmstead isn't just a labor-intensive endeavor; it's a labor of love. It requires sweat, dedication, and an unshakable belief in the mission. Every egg, every cut of meat, every bunch of greens is a testament to this devotion. It's not about greedily inflating prices; it's about accurately reflecting the true costs of responsible food production. Just to purchase and feed a chicken costs $15-$18 a bird. This does not include the costs to build and maintain their chicken tractors, the electric netting that protects them, the packaging and labels, the heat lights, the brooder boxes, the pine shavings, the defeatherers, the coolers, the freezers, and so much more. And then the labor; to feed, water, and move the birds to fresh grass 1-2 times a day. It should not be a judgement of why our prices are so much higher than what you see on the grocery shelf. It's really a call to consider the hidden stories behind the remarkably cheap alternatives.
This movement is a beacon of hope and change. It's a movement that whispers of a world where apples are mineral-rich and chickens roam freely. It's a movement that challenges the status quo, disrupts the market, and offers a path to conscious consumption. Conscious consumption. It's a movement that invites all who share its vision to come aboard—a movement that believes in growing not just food. One that believes in growing a community of motivated and educated people, who have experienced the difference, motivating and educating more people.
So, let us step onto this train of change, for there's always a seat for the newcomer. Let us embrace the farmstead philosophy—a philosophy that celebrates local small food production, nurtures the land, and nourishes the body and the soul. Be part of a movement that seeks to rewrite the narrative of food, one farmstead at a time. If you are not local to our area and do not know where to start, feel free to reach out. We can help plug you into the community in your town!
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