It Takes a Village

It Takes a Village

Ever feel like you're going it alone? Well, let me tell you, that feeling hit Andrea and me hard when we first started our farming adventure. Our social circle? Two dogs, a handful of chickens, and a stray cat. Let's just say our conversation skills got a bit rusty those first few months.

But here's the kicker - we didn't have to go it alone. And neither do you.

Farming has a funny way of bringing people together. Before we knew it, our lonely little farm became the hub of an incredible community:

  • Friends and family showed up to help build our first mobile chicken pens (let's just say they looked more like abstract art than coops).
  • Neighbors pitched in when we processed our first turkeys (a day that had me wishing I'd paid more attention in high school biology).
  • And those first customers who took a chance on us? Their support gave wings to our farming dreams.

As we grew, so did our circle. We found partners in the most unexpected places:

  • A Mennonite farmer in Missouri who loves raising chickens but isn't keen on selling them
  • A local butcher who had a dream of an employee-owned processing company
  • Even a dietician in Florida who's connecting her clients with our clean meat

 

Meet a few of the farmers we're proud to be working with at Grass Roots Co-op

As we like to say at Grass Roots, "teamwork makes the dream work." And for us, that dream is creating a better food system for all: farmers, processing workers, eaters, animals, and Mother Earth herself. Our "team" is an ever-expanding community of farmers, butchers, and conscientious eaters.

That's why this week, I want to shine a spotlight on two things:

1 It's Co-op Month! Let's raise a glass (of raw milk, perhaps?) to the power of working together.

2 Our friends at Hickory Nut Gap Farm need our love. Located just outside Asheville, NC, owners Jamie and Amy Ager raise some of the most amazing pasture-pork and grass-fed beef you'll ever taste. The people and animals are safe, but they've been hit hard by Hurricane Helene. So we're especially proud to be featuring some of Hickory Nut Gap's amazing pastured pork cuts in multiple options for your next family dinner night.

So, here's my challenge to you - let's show what this community is made of. Whether it's supporting a local co-op, sending some love to Hickory Nut Gap Farm, or simply sharing a meal made with Grass Roots meat with a neighbor, let's spread the spirit of cooperation and community far and wide.

Because at the end of the day, we're all in this together - from the soil to the table.

Your farmer, Cody

 

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