Common sense pasture-raised livestock and produce.
Healthy food, healthy living.
Sustainable food and living independence that everybody can afford.
We are a family homestead that made a life out of becoming more and more self reliant, and less governed by “city” dependent living.
Growing our own food was just the first step.
The independent Homesteading life took over and became simply who we are. In 2018 we took a chance and started looking at different homesteading philosophies, but none seemed to be a good fit us. We wanted self reliance and less government control but not total self exile. So, we made our own “Homestead Ideal” and with that, the Haystead was born.
At one time we didn’t know how our food got on our plate. So, first step was to take a hard look at what we called “food”. This started a research project, that is still ongoing and boy, what we consume as Americans is frightening.
For one thing, we learned the importance of letting food ripen on the plant, not in a refrigeration car or warehouse or with chemicals. Instead, the way nature intended according to its needs and timing. Truly ‘old school’. Fresh, living, natural farm food that we can grow without having to go to a store and paying for something artificial, expensive and with an unknown history.
Our goal was to find a better, healthier way of life, but also a better tasting, old fashioned way to enjoy what we eat. Without going broke doing it. Or “buying“ into dishonest promises of “All Natural” and “government food security” or fake quality.
In 2018 we purchased the land out here in beautiful Buckingham county and the Haystead Ranch Project came to life. Our mission is a common sense approach to local family, sustainable and ethical of the land, independent living while contributing to the community with Farm Gleaning projects and farm food for market boxes.
When you support or buy from us you are helping the land and the community in multiple ways.
What we discovered during this process is that a growing number of people are concerned with how their food is raised, and what they are feeding their families. We began to share our story, and the response has been inspiring. It is shocking when you discover just how good food is supposed to taste, the way God intended it. Also, we do not have to abuse sickly animals or “strip” the land to feed our families. We can have love and respect without compromising.
If interested in knowing more, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Thank you for your support
“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.”
William Wallace
The Legend of the Hay Clan
The origins of the mighty Hay Clan high protectors of Scotland
The legendary origin of the Hays is the stuff of fairy tales. In the year 971, Scotland was subjected to attack from Viking marauders who had crossed the North Sea and proceeded up the Tay estuary to Perth. King Kenneth II, resident at Scone, attempted to repel them, but his army was routed in an engagement at Luncarty, north of Perth. A farmer and his two sons, ploughing in a nearby field, had watched the proceedings, and these three men, all of huge physical stature, removed the yokes from their oxen and used them to bar the way of the fleeing Scots soldiery. The peasant and his sons rallied the fleeing troops and led them back to victory, driving the Danes into the Firth of Tay.
The Hay Clan became the official body guards and was always at the side of Robert the Bruce and helped establish him on the throne. Bruce gifted the lands of Slains in Aberdeenshire to Sir Gilbert Hay together with the office of High Constable in recognition of his services. Sir Gilbert was one of the barons who signed the famous Declaration of Independence at Arbroath in 1320.
Serva jugum A Hay! A Hay! A Hay!
Viking Farming
It’s about respect, for the animals and the land.