I am the 6th generation of my family in Scottsville, New York. The Hallock (my middle name) family farmed approximately 200 acres here for over 100 years. I currently live in the same house I grew up in, on about 30 acres just outside the village, just a few minutes from the original homestead. I’ve always had an interest in animals and farming and was fortunate to have a taste of that life growing up. We raised chickens, ducks, geese, and even orphaned raccoons. My parents raised a few pigs every year when I was very young, and when I was about eight years old my dad bought me a Holstein heifer who I named Betty. For the most part our farm animals were considered pets. I’ve kept my own laying hens for years and have loved being able to collect farm fresh eggs daily. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis a few years ago, I started doing more research into what food I was eating, where it was coming from, and how it was grown or raised. I wanted to be able to do everything on my part to make sure I was doing the right thing for my body in order to deal with this disease. Raising my own meat just made the most sense- this way I can ensure they are raised humanely and get to live the lives that they should before they provide sustenance to me, family and friends. This year I’ll be selling pastured pork, poultry, and farm fresh eggs. All of my hens are free range; they have full access to over 20 acres of lush grass where they get to enjoy variety of insects and plants. The pigs will be rotated on several different pastures, and the meat chickens will be moved daily in 10’x12’ portable pens, commonly referred to as “chicken tractors”. I’m in the beginning stages of starting the farm now but the feedback I’ve had thus far has been wonderful. I’ve connected with so many amazing people who all somehow share the same interests as I do. I love hearing about how they have their own personal connection to farming in some way. Whether they currently farm, they used to, or they spent time growing up on a farm- the stories are all heartwarming and there’s always a lesson to be learned. I was thrilled when Kim invited me to write a weekly guest post for her blog. I’ll be sharing my own personal experiences (often quite comical) as well as interviewinglocal, small farmers; many of whom are young like me. My intention is to be able to share these stories for you to enjoy, as well as hopefully connect more people who are interested in farming themselves. I welcome any questions or feedback and I hope you enjoy reading about my adventures in agriculture!

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