They did some apprenticing as prep (and read tons of books on farming) and are now raising heritage-breed hogs, four types of organic hops, grass-fed Katahdin sheep (for meat, plus weeding and pruning the hops), a small flock of laying hens, and honeybees on Meredith’s parents’ 100 acres in Palmyra. Meredith, 26, says next year’s plans for Willow Hill Family Farm are to expand into growing heirloom vegetables and adding more chickens to their laying flock, along with Red Ranger chickens for meat. The end goal is to provide their customers with as broad a range of foods as possible. In the meantime, they are still holding down part-time jobs to fund their start-up and operating costs as they transition into farming full-time.

Modern Farmer: Why do you consider yourself a modern farmer?

Meredith Aycock: Both Bryan and I grew up in the suburbs. We never dreamed of being farmers, nor did we have any farmers in our immediate family. We feel like that is both an asset and a handicap. We have met many farmers that grew up on farms and have such a vast and intimidating amount of farming knowledge. Aside from our internship this past year, we have been acquiring knowledge through books and other local farmers. The more we learn, the more we realize how very little we know. Luckily, all the farmers we have met have been incredibly generous with their knowledge and supportive of our vision. We are progressive in both our ideals and our methodology. We have been very open to learning all different ways of doing things from a variety of sources. We hope to use our growing array of knowledge to build a farm that not only grows plants and animals, but also builds the soil and gives back to the land that feeds us.

MF: Why is it important to you to support local agriculture?

MA: There is also no substitute for meeting your farmer face-to-face and building that relationship and trust. I certainly appreciate knowing where my food comes from, and, as the producer, there is an indescribable satisfaction in meeting and knowing the people consuming and enjoying what we have grown. By consuming local, sustainably raised food, you are not only making an investment in your community and in the land, but you’re making an investment in your health. There is just no comparison when it comes to food grown on the other side of the world, transported to your grocery store, and consumed weeks after it has been harvested; versus food grown miles from where you live, that is harvested and on your table within days (or hours!).

MF: If you could grow or raise any food or animal, what would it be and why?

MA: I would love to raise cows, both for milking and meat, and this is a goal of ours in the near future. Something about those animals just speaks to me.

MF: What’s your favorite vegetable?

MA: That is a tough one. But if I had to choose, I’d pick butternut squash.

MF: If you could give other modern farmers any advice, what would it be?

MA: I certainly don’t feel qualified to be giving advice at this point; I still have so much to learn. The biggest things I’ve learned so far are to always be open minded and to never stop learning. There is so much to know, but there are so many resources out there, and everyone we have met in the business has been so open with their knowledge and so encouraging of our endeavor. And, never underestimate your ability to positively impact the lives and the health of your consumers.

MF: Do you have a farming/agricultural hero? Why do you admire them?

MA: Dale Sharkey and Jed Restuccia, who own and operate Cosmic Apple Gardens in Victor, Idaho, who originally sparked my interest in farming are my farming heroes. They are incredible farmers and wonderful people. They are committed to growing the absolute highest quality, most nutrient-dense food. I so admire their commitment to being not only certified organic, but certified biodynamic. They are true stewards of their land, and I am grateful to have met them.

We also have huge admiration for Jamie Barrett and the crew at Bellair Farm CSA, where we interned this past year. Jamie has built such a great community around the CSA, and he has a deep well of knowledge that he shares readily. Jamie is an incredible farmer and has been an invaluable resource to us.

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