Homestead Living

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!

When you choose to buy your food from a local farm instead of a big-box grocery store, you’re doing more than just grabbing produce—you’re making a powerful investment in your community.

Here’s how shopping local benefits everyone:

Financial Benefits

1. Keeps Money in the Community

Every dollar you spend at a local farm is more likely to stay in your local economy, supporting small business owners, their employees, and nearby services. According to the American Independent Business Alliance, for every $100 spent at a local business, $68 stays in your local economy.

2. Strengthens Local Jobs

Small farms employ more people per acre than large-scale industrial operations. In fact, local food systems can create 13 jobs per $1 million in sales, compared to just 3 jobs in industrial agriculture, based on a USDA report. These jobs help individuals who may need more flexible employment, from veterans to parents.

3. Reduces Supply Chain Costs

The average grocery store item travels 1,500 miles to reach your plate. Local food skips the long-distance transportation, warehousing, and middlemen. That means lower transportation costs and more of your money going directly to the farmer.

Environmental & Social Benefits

4. Fresher, Healthier Food

Local produce is often harvested within 24 hours of purchase, meaning it’s at peak nutrition and flavor. No preservatives needed! Meanwhile, store-bought products may spend up to two weeks in transit and storage, losing nutritional value and flavor.

5. Less Waste & Packaging

A study by the EPA shows that food packaging accounts for nearly one-third of municipal solid waste. Local farm purchases often use minimal or reusable packaging. Buying directly from the farm means less plastic, fewer shipping materials, and a smaller carbon footprint.

6. Preserves Local Land & Green Space

According to the National Young Farmers Coalition, more than 2,000 acres of U.S. farmland are lost each day to development. Supporting local farms helps keep that land in productive use, maintaining green space and protecting ecosystems.

Community & Cultural Benefits

7. Builds Relationships

A University of California study found that consumers who shop at farmers markets have 10 times more conversations per visit than those at grocery stores. You get to know the people who grow your food—real connections that strengthen trust and transparency.

8. Encourages Food Education

Visiting a farm or farmers market gives kids (and adults!) a firsthand look at where food comes from, promoting healthier habits, education and respect for agriculture.

9. Supports Resilience

Communities with strong local food systems are better equipped to handle supply chain disruptions, economic downturns, or natural disasters. A study predicts that by 2030, 27% of consumers will buy food directly from local farmers – showing rising interest in farm-direct shopping.

Ready to eat more local? You don’t have to overhaul your shopping habits overnight—just start small! Here are a few easy next steps:

Visit a Farmers Market → Replace one or two grocery staples (like eggs or greens) with local versions.

Join a CSA → Get a weekly box of fresh, seasonal produce and other items straight from a local farm.

Use Local Directories → Sites like LocalHarvest.org or apps like Farmstand make it simple to find farms near you.

Make One Swap → Trade a store item (like salad mix or honey) for a local farm option each week.

Choosing local isn’t just a feel-good decision—it’s a smart, sustainable, and community-driven one. Every Friday, we encourage you to consider making a trip to a nearby farm stand or market. Your plate, your neighbors, and your hometown will thank you.