We had a customer come in the other day, pick up a pound of ground beef and ask me, “What is so special about this?” Stifling at first a giggle, and then a rage of anger, I continued to tell him the benefits of our all natural, antibiotic, hormone and chemical free, 100% grass fed beef.
But this question got me thinking, why is Homestead Farms so special? Of course, like we all do, I thought of the perfect response an hour later, “ME.” I know exactly what cow that pound of ground beef came from. I know what day I helped Michael load her in the trailer and took her to Weatherford to be processed. I know the owner of Hamilton’s meat company that would have unloaded, butchered and processed the beef. And I know what I was wearing when I helped Michael unload the boxes back into the freezer. Try asking a Wal-Mart employee for those answers.
I have spent the last couple weeks mulling over how I wanted to start this blog. Originally it was just going to be a marketing tool to announce updates, events and products. But as I consider what makes Homestead Farms special, I have discovered it is important we know not only where their food came from, but WHO our food comes from.
Why me? Well that’s simple. Farmer Michael might be the brains and numbers man of the operation, but I am your emotion and words girl. If you have ever gotten an e-mail from us in a complete sentence, you can bet it was from me. Beyond the fact that I can use a noun, verb and period properly, I sometimes have more in common with the average Keller house wife then I do with my own husband. Michael was born wearing wranglers and boots, holding a sweet tea and was brought home to a house on the family farmstead. I, on the other hand, was not.
I grew up in a picture perfect house in a clean, concrete surrounded, Southlake neighborhood. My parents sent me to an expensive private college, outfitted in Nordstrom’s clothes, with the thought that my silly love for horses in high school would be the last they would see of a “farm” in my life. Neither they nor I would have ever guessed a few short years later, I would marry a farmer, live down a muddy gravel road, call a 50 year-old rodeo team meeting hall my home, permanently have goat poop on my jeans and revolve my social life around my “chores.” So here’s my confession; I am new at this farm girl stuff, and I think you will enjoy seeing the Homestead Farms lifestyle from my suburb girl’s point of view.
I know not everyone can (or wants to) be a farmer, but many of you want to know more about our lifestyle, and I’m hoping this blog can be a ten minute escape from the city traffic, sea of roof tops, and busy schedule. I want this to be a way for my family, passion and life (Homestead Farms) to deliver information in the form of raw truth to you.
You really do understand me more than I realized about how this city girl has a hard time with the mud, bugs, and all that comes along with your farm life. I do love your farm and my girls are blessed to go there every week and experience a little of your life! Thanks for being a part of our lives!
Sarah, thank you for this part of your story. It’s nice to not only know where my food is coming from, but it is refreshing to know the story behind you and your business. Keep up the great work; feeding the baby goats, and growing some of the best tasting organic fruits and vegetables I have ever tasted. God Bless.
Oh, Sarah. This is awesome! I cannot wait to hear more…!
Well, spoken. Looking forward to reading more from you. Thanks for letting us enjoy the opportunity of farm life weekly. We’re blessed beyond measure and you both are so much of our blessings!
As my generation said–if you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem. Way to go Sarah!
I think this is awesome. I wish more people had the passion you do for your farm. So many people are ignorant to all the crap that is in our food. I was one of them. My eyes opened up when we switched to organic milk. My son, has asthma, has not had a breathing treatment or allergy medicine for 2 months. I was bragging about it and when I was reading about organic food and the benefits, it hit me. We have been drinking organic milk for 2 months. That was enough for me. Many people won’t understand until they get their own light bulb going off in their head. I can not tell you enough how excited I am to have found your farm and plan on making many visits and purchases. Not to mention the fact that your little baby goats really want to go home with me. Thank you for all of your hard work and determination. What your family is doing is wonderful!!!!!
First off, I noticed the time you posted this, Sarah .. 4:05 a.m. … the life of the farmer! Thank you so much!
I am linking this to Potager’s website and Facebook “Fans” page, so the people who are interested in what we are doing will be even more inspired to get to know who they get their food from. Your words, wit and wisdom will bring ‘em around, I know it
Keep up the good work, Girl!
I am from the country, Montana, originally, and am working to teach my child (and my husband) where food REALLY comes from…I applaud your efforts and wish you all the best!
You always inspire me to be the kind of person who leaves the world better than they found it. I admire you both for “swimming upstream” and doing what you feel called to do. Since day one you’ve been determined, gutsy, and your own person. I will forever be your biggest fan! You go girl!
I just now read about CSA in my latest issue of Guidepost magazine and immediately got on line to see what is near us and found your website as the closest. My wife and I are raising our 4yr. old GGson., and last year I was inspired by him to make a garden. He got to see his very own squash, okra, tomatoes and 2 small (very small) canalopes planted and grow, and then eat them. What a wonderful time and experience for us (especially me). I am looking forward to meeting ya’al on our first visit. I want him to experience the smells and atmosphere of country and farm like I did, and be more aware and appreciative of our food products and the way life was.
I have a feeling I will really love this blog! Keep it up!
And these are some of the reasons why I am so happy to have you and Michael sit on the board of directors and be involved with the Keller Farmers Market. Thank you! I appreciate you. Bridget
I’m happy to have found this through the Potager FB page. You two rank among my favorite stories from last year.
LOVE IT!! My husband was just joking with me that I really need to just move to a farm and raise my own food, haha! One can only dream!!!! For now I’ll live vicariously though you
Looking forward to bringing my girls out there again soon….thanks for all you do and your commitment to GOOD, real food!
Next time someone questions the uniqueness of your products, refer them to the documentary “FOOD, INC.” That was a real eye-opener for me. Since I saw the film my eating habits (and views regarding organics) have drastically changed…for the better, of course! We’ll make our first visit to your store this week! We are so excited to have access to high quality food so close to home!
Really enjoyed reading your post! Made me smile through the whole read. Sooooo thankful for the wonderful goat milk and will make sure to start purchasing meat. Need to get better at my meal planning before I visit the farm!
Oh Sarah, how is it that it took me until today to finally read your blog? It’s a delight! I tasted the goat milk for the first time today and it’s delicious!
I hope there will be more and more young people like you and Michael around Keller in the not-too-distant future! Are any of your nutrition classmates ready to take the plunge into farming?
VERY cool. Was really impressed with you guys when my husband and I met you at the Keller Farmer’s Market last year – even more impressed after reading your story. Keep up the good work! We’ll support you!
Are you familiar with MaryJane’s Farm? It is a magazine but also so much more. On http://www.maryjanesfarm.org you can chat with other ‘farmgirls’ in much the same boat. I think you’d love it!
Sarah, what an inspiring message. I read about you on http://www.eatwellguide.org. When I saw you were in Keller, I had to look you up. I grew up in Keller and have been dying to find a place like yours. I can’t wait to visit!
Sarah- I love, love, love hearing about yalls life. I love that I know you and trust you and the food you provide my family with! THank you for taking the leap of faith and falling in love with a farmboy!
-An inspiring, one day, quasi-farm girl, Chasity
Sarah, I’m so proud of you and Michael! I only wish we lived closer so we could come check out the fun times on the farm. You guys have worked so hard for everything…that’s incredibly impressive.
I’m excited to watch your business grow – this blog and your website will certainly help! We miss you all up here in Washington!
Love you lots,
Anne (Ben too)
[...] Confessions of a Farmgirl I grew up in a picture perfect house in a clean, concrete surrounded, Southlake neighborhood. My parents sent me to an expensive private college, outfitted in Nordstrom’s clothes, with the thought that my silly love for horses in high school would be the last they would see of a “farm” in my life. Neither they nor I would have ever guessed a few short years later, I would marry a farmer, live down a muddy gravel road, call a 50 year-old rodeo team meeting hall my home, permanently have goat poop on my jeans and revolve my social life around my “chores.” Sarah Farris ~ Confessions of a Farmgirl [...]
Thanks for the great post! You have a new fan.
Next time someone questions the uniqueness of your products, refer them to the documentary “FOOD, INC.” That was a real eye-opener for me. Since I saw the film my eating habits (and views regarding organics) have drastically changed…for the better, of course! We’ll make our first visit to your store this week! We are so excited to have access to high quality food so close to home!
VERY cool. Was really impressed with you guys when my husband and I met you at the Keller Farmer’s Market last year – even more impressed after reading your story. Keep up the good work! We’ll support you!
Next time someone questions the uniqueness of your products, refer them to the documentary “FOOD, INC.” That was a real eye-opener for me. Since I saw the film my eating habits (and views regarding organics) have drastically changed…for the better, of course! We’ll make our first visit to your store this week! We are so excited to have access to high quality food so close to home!
Sarah, I’m so proud of you and Michael! I only wish we lived closer so we could come check out the fun times on the farm. You guys have worked so hard for everything…that’s incredibly impressive.
I’m excited to watch your business grow – this blog and your website will certainly help! We miss you all up here in Washington!
Love you lots,
Anne (Ben too)
Sarah- I love, love, love hearing about yalls life. I love that I know you and trust you and the food you provide my family with! THank you for taking the leap of faith and falling in love with a farmboy!
-An inspiring, one day, quasi-farm girl, Chasity
VERY cool. Was really impressed with you guys when my husband and I met you at the Keller Farmer’s Market last year – even more impressed after reading your story. Keep up the good work! We’ll support you!
Really enjoyed reading your post! Made me smile through the whole read. Sooooo thankful for the wonderful goat milk and will make sure to start purchasing meat. Need to get better at my meal planning before I visit the farm!
Sarah- I love, love, love hearing about yalls life. I love that I know you and trust you and the food you provide my family with! THank you for taking the leap of faith and falling in love with a farmboy!
-An inspiring, one day, quasi-farm girl, Chasity
I read your site frequently and I just thought I’d say keep up the amazing work!
Are you familiar with MaryJane’s Farm? It is a magazine but also so much more. On http://www.maryjanesfarm.org you can chat with other ‘farmgirls’ in much the same boat. I think you’d love it!
Sarah- I love, love, love hearing about yalls life. I love that I know you and trust you and the food you provide my family with! THank you for taking the leap of faith and falling in love with a farmboy!
-An inspiring, one day, quasi-farm girl, Chasity
VERY cool. Was really impressed with you guys when my husband and I met you at the Keller Farmer’s Market last year – even more impressed after reading your story. Keep up the good work! We’ll support you!