General (Page 5)

We love getting to spotlight families who are truly living out what it means to steward the next generation well—and Double J Farm, run by the Jones family, is a great example of just that.

Rooted in hard work, faith, and a commitment to doing things the right way, the Tasha & Joel Jones have built their farm around quality, care, and consistency. Like many strong family operations, they believe in raising quality animals and products.

At Double J Farm, it’s not just about production – it’s about purpose. About caring for the land, the animals, and the people they serve, and teaching their two daughters the same. The whole family is involved in the livestock around here, from raising a commercial meat goat herd, to breeding and showing ADGA registered Nigerian Dwarfs, rabbits, American game and Asil chickens, and the occasional pig. Their girls have practically grown up in the show pen! When they aren’t busy taking care of their breeding stock, they’re enjoying some down time with the family horses. You can find a little bit of everything on the Double J Farm!

We’re grateful for families like the Joneses who continue to invest in the future of livestock, and passing it to the next generation.

If you haven’t already, go check them out and follow along with their journey:

doublejfarm.net

Double J Farm

This week we’re proud to shine a light on T&W Ranch in Live Oak, Florida – a family-run operation stewarded by the Radwanski family.

Rooted in a legacy that began back in 1991 with Tom and Wanda Cheek (Papa & Mama), T&W Ranch is built on something deeper than farming. They’re carrying forward a commitment to the land, the animals, and the people they serve that was set on a firm foundation of dreams and hard work by the generations before.

At T&W, you’ll find livestock raised the way it should be – out on pasture, living naturally, and managed with care and intention. Their focus on regenerative, ethical practices isn’t just a buzzword… it’s commitment to doing things right, even when it’s not the easiest path.

From pasture-raised beef, chicken, and pork to eggs and raw milk, everything they produce reflects their goal: clean, nutrient-dense food raised with integrity and respect for the land.

But what really stands out is the heart behind it all – a family dedicated to learning, improving, and providing for their community while honoring those who loved the land before them. Operations like T&W Ranch are a reminder of what’s possible when good stewardship meets hard work and purpose.

If you’re not already following along with them, go check them out and show some support

https://twranchfl.com

We’re grateful to be part of a community filled with families like the Radwanskis who are committed to raising food the right way!

This week we’re excited to highlight our friends, Mike & Franque Bradshaw and their homestead, Our Farm on 60! Located in Perryville, Arkansas, the Bradshaws are building something special as they continue growing their homestead one step at a time.

Their farm is home to dairy cows, chickens, ducks and a whole lot of hands-on learning as they expand their operation and keep adding new skills along the way. Like many great homesteads, it’s a constant journey of experimenting, improving, and working with the land and animals every day.

The Bradshaw family has been some of our biggest cheerleaders, and we’re incredibly grateful for their support and enthusiasm for what we do. They host a drop point in Perryville if you are looking for feed near you!

We love seeing farms like theirs thrive and can’t wait to see where their homesteading journey takes them next.

Give Our Farm on 60 some love!

As winter fades and we begin planning gardens and pasture growth, early spring is the perfect time to evaluate what your soil actually needs. Months of cold temperatures, snow, and rain can leave soil compacted, mineral-depleted, and biologically sluggish. The good news is that a few simple steps can help wake your soil back up and set the stage for a productive growing season.

Below are some of the most common soil deficiencies and challenges we see each spring—along with simple ways to correct them.

---

1️⃣ Mineral Depletion After Winter

Heavy winter precipitation often leaches key nutrients from the soil. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, and trace minerals are especially prone to being washed deeper into the soil profile where young plants can’t easily access them.

Replenishing broad-spectrum minerals early in the season is one of the best investments you can make. Products like Fertrell mineral blends help restore a wide range of trace elements that plants require in small amounts but depend on heavily for healthy growth.

These ocean-derived minerals:

Reintroduce dozens of trace elements

Support stronger plant immune systems

Improve flavor and nutrient density in produce

Help build resilient pasture forage

Applying minerals before planting or just as pasture begins greening up helps ensure plants have what they need from the start.

---

2️⃣ Low Soil Biology After Cold Weather

Winter slows microbial life dramatically. Beneficial bacteria, fungi, and other organisms that normally break down organic matter and cycle nutrients are often at their lowest levels in early spring.

Without active soil biology:

Nutrients remain “locked up” in the soil

Plants struggle to access fertility

Soil structure breaks down over time

Stimulating soil biology helps bring soil back to life quickly.

Some effective strategies include:

Adding compost or compost-based fertilizers

Applying biological soil amendments

Feeding microbes with organic matter

---

3️⃣ Compaction from Winter Moisture

Repeated freezing, thawing, and wet conditions can leave soil dense and compacted, especially in gardens that were heavily walked on or pastures with winter livestock traffic.

Compacted soil leads to:

Poor root penetration

Reduced water infiltration

Increased runoff and erosion

Stunted plant growth

Improving soil structure is key.

Helpful approaches include:

Light tilling or broad forking garden beds

Adding organic matter such as compost

Improving mineral balance (especially calcium)

Balanced minerals help soil particles form stable aggregates, which create air pockets for roots, microbes, and water movement.

---

4️⃣ Poor Early Nitrogen Availability

Nitrogen is the nutrient plants need most for leafy growth, but early spring soils often lack available nitrogen because microbial activity hasn’t ramped up yet.

Symptoms include:

Slow seedling growth

Yellowing leaves

Weak pasture regrowth

Applying a gentle nitrogen source early in the season can help jump-start plant growth while the soil biology catches up.

Organic fertilizers from Fertrell are designed to release nutrients steadily rather than all at once, helping support plants without creating excessive runoff or burn.

---

5️⃣ Trace Mineral Deficiencies

Many soils—especially those farmed for years—lack critical trace elements such as boron, zinc, copper, and manganese.

Though needed only in small amounts, these minerals play huge roles in:

Flower and fruit development

Plant immunity

Seed germination

Nutritional value of crops

Broad-spectrum mineral amendments are often the easiest way to address trace deficiencies. Applying SEA-90 Soil Mineralizer helps restore a natural ocean-derived mineral balance that plants evolved to thrive in.

---

Simple Steps to Start the Season Strong

If you want to give your garden or pasture the best start possible this spring, focus on these four fundamentals:

1. Test your soil

Knowing your starting point helps guide mineral applications.

2. Replenish trace minerals

Use products like SEA-90 Soil Mineralizer or fertilizer blends from Fertrell.

3. Feed the soil biology

Add compost or biologically friendly fertilizers.

4. Improve soil structure

Reduce compaction and add organic matter.

Healthy soil is the foundation of productive gardens, nutrient-dense food, and resilient pasture forage. Taking a little time to correct common spring deficiencies now can pay dividends all season long.

If you’re not sure what your soil needs, stop in and talk with us—we’re happy to help you choose the right amendments to get your soil and plants thriving this year.

Down in the hills of southern Missouri, the Darling family is building something special at Brambly Hill Farm. What started as a family homestead has grown into a place where hard work, good animals, and a lot of helping hands come together every day.

At the heart of their farm is a focus on grass-fed A2A2 cow milk and grass-fed goat milk, raised the way nature intended—on pasture, with careful stewardship of the land and animals. Alongside the dairy, they also grow seasonal flowers, bringing a little extra beauty from the farm to their local community.

One of our favorite parts of their story is that this is truly a family effort. The Darling kids are right there in the middle of it all—helping with chores, caring for animals, and learning the rhythms of farm life firsthand. It’s the kind of upbringing that teaches responsibility, resilience, and the value of producing real food.

Farms like Brambly Hill remind us why small family farms matter so much. They’re not just producing milk or flowers—they’re raising the next generation with the skills and values that keep agriculture alive.

Give their page a follow and watch their journey unfold!

Bringing home chicks soon? The first few weeks set the foundation for lifelong health, strong growth, and great egg production. A little preparation now makes all the difference.

Here’s what you need to get ready:

Quality Chick Starter Feed

Chicks grow fast – and they need the right fuel to do it. We carry multiple non-GMO chick starter options to fit your goals, whether you’re looking for dual-purpose, corn/soy free, or traditional formulations. A balanced starter provides the protein, vitamins, and minerals necessary for strong bones, feather development, and steady growth. We recommend making their first few meals into a wet mash for added hydration and easy digestion, especially if they were shipped.

Safe, Reliable Heat Source

Chicks can’t regulate their body temperature yet. Make sure your brooder stays around 95°F the first week, decreasing gradually each week after. Consistent warmth prevents stress and pasting issues. Look for safe heating sources such as plates as opposed to heat lamps. Check all wiring before re-using your heater from last year. Fires are commonly started by heat lamps and damaged heaters.

Clean, Dry Bedding

Straw bedding helps insulate, absorb moisture, and create a comfortable environment. Keeping bedding dry is key to preventing respiratory issues and coccidiosis. Plan to refresh it regularly, clean brooders grow healthier birds.

Fresh Water + Proper Waterers

Clean water at all times is non-negotiable. Use chick-safe waterers to prevent drowning and contamination.

Space & Protection

Avoid overcrowding. Give chicks enough room to move, eat, and rest comfortably. Proper ventilation without drafts keeps air fresh while protecting them from chills.

Starting chicks isn’t complicated – but doing it intentionally makes all the difference. Healthy feed, clean bedding, consistent warmth, and good management will set your flock up for success from day one.

Stop by and we’ll help you get everything you need to kick off chick season the right way!

Let’s Grow!

It may still feel early, but now is the time to set your garden up for success. A thriving spring garden doesn’t happen by accident – it starts with preparation.

Here’s what you should be doing right now:

Test Your Soil

Before adding anything, know what your soil actually needs. A simple soil test takes the guesswork out of fertilizing and helps you amend with purpose, not waste. Redmond soil test kits are only $31.30!

Amend & Feed

Once you know your soil’s needs, add the right amendments to build structure, improve drainage, and boost fertility. Healthy soil means stronger roots, better nutrient uptake, and higher yields. We carry organic soil amendments and fertilizers from Fertrell to give your plants the nutrients they need from day one.

Start Seeds the Right Way

Use an organic potting soil specifically designed for seed starting. A light, balanced mix helps seedlings develop strong roots without compaction or nutrient burn. Fertrell Organic Potting soil is just $37.89 for a 2.8 cu. ft. bag!

Get Ahead of Weeds

Early intervention makes all the difference. Our organic weed control options help you manage unwanted growth without compromising your soil health or garden ecosystem, but they do best when you start early.

A productive garden starts below the surface. Healthy soil + proper nutrients + early preparation = abundant harvests later.

Stop in and let’s get your garden growing the right way this season!

This week’s homestead highlight shoutout goes to one of our longest standing drop points & superstar coordinators – the Musgrave Family!

While Arlie & Cathy run the drop point, the 3-generation family ranch is truly “all hands on deck” to run this grass-fed dairy and beef cattle operation. The Musgrave Ranch was originally started here in Ohio, before moving to Florida in the 1950’s. When cooling ponds were dug for the cows, a large mound of dirt became part of the property skyline, where 3 large crosses were added to symbolize the sacrifice, the price Jesus paid for us. When COVID hit in 2020, the family decided to post scriptures on the crosses, to encourage and uplift their community through the hard times. Since then, the “Cows & Crosses” of the Musgrave Ranch have become a community staple, a source of joy and ministry.

We are grateful for the continued support of the Musgrave family, and their commitment to helping north Floridians get their quality feed & supplies!

Learn more about the Musgrave Ranch, their story, and their scriptures at cowsandcrosses.net

Say “Hello” to the Dickens Family!

Jessica is the driving force behind Great Expectations Family Farm based in Waynesboro, Georgia. She is a proud raw milk advocate, running their A2 dairy production and making sure raw milk is delivered to their local community. These guys are known for having the very best milk around!

When they aren’t milking cows, you can find the Dickens family tending to their bees, chickens, and their big family! When asked what got them started in homesteading, Jessica says this: “About 12 years ago, while still living in the city, I began to see what the standard American diet was doing to my family, and I decided to start searching for better food. REAL food. I was discouraged by the lack of options available in the Augusta area. After 2 more years, we packed up and moved to the country with dreams of establishing a homestead to grow our own healthy food. Once we realized how much different and better the real food we were growing was, we just had to share it with others!”

The Dickens deliver raw milk and eggs weekly around the Augusta area, as well as having products for pickup at Bethel Farm. We are proud to supply them with high quality feed for their amazing cows, and to be a small part of their regenerative farming story!

Today we are proud to feature Vincent Cattle Co., a regenerative, family‑run beef farm in North Florida that’s leading the way in sustainable agriculture. Rooted in regenerative practices, they prioritize holistic animal health, and pasture vitality—raising their cattle with care and integrity.

What makes their approach stand out? Their cattle are raised on pasture but thoughtfully supplemented with our non‑GMO beef feed. This ensures animals are nourished without compromising shared values around transparency and purity. Vincent Cattle Co. is also committed to raising their animals without antibiotics, growth hormones, and vaccines, leaning into truly holistic farming that enriches the land and supports long-term animal health. This means truly safe, nutrient dense meat for their family & community!

Thank you, Vincent Cattle Co., for everything you’re doing to nurture the land, elevate cattle farming, and support the regenerative future. We are happy to be part of your journey!

Learn more about them here:

https://www.vincentcattle.com/