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