From Corporate Work Life in the Midwest to Florida Living on a Homestead
Embarking on a new chapter in life, we started our Florida Living adventure as empty-nester transplants from the Midwest. Wanting a change from the cold and snow we found our new home in the sunny state of Florida. Our journey has been one of both excitement and challenges. Filled with memorable outings around the state and the rewarding but demanding endeavor of starting TnF Farms as new homesteading farmers.
Moving from the Midwest to Florida brought about a significant change in our lives. Leaving behind familiar landscapes and the bustling pace of city life. We were drawn to Florida’s warm climate and the promise of new adventures. Being empty-nesters meant we had more time to explore the wonders of our new state.
We’ve embarked on countless outings to discover the beauty and culture of Florida. From its pristine beaches and lush nature reserves to vibrant cities and charming small towns. These experiences have allowed us to forge a deeper connection with our adopted state and create cherished memories along the way.
TnF Farms, established 2022
However, our journey didn’t stop at exploration and leisure. We embarked on the challenging path of starting TnF Farms. Our dream of becoming homesteading farmers. This endeavor has been a labor of love. Marked by a steep learning curve as we grappled with the demands of tending to livestock, cultivating a large garden, and managing a sustainable farm.
The challenges have been many, including the hurricanes, understanding the nuances of animal care and mastering the art of sustainable farming practices. Each day has been a lesson in resilience, adaptability, and the rewards of hard work.
Join us on our journey as we navigate the joys and challenges living the homesteader life. Explore the diverse landscapes of Florida, and building up TnF Farms on a plot in the rural woods of rural Florida. We look forward to sharing our experiences, the knowledge we gain, and the fulfillment that comes from embracing a life of adventure and sustainable farming in the Sunshine State. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of change and the endless possibilities that come with each new chapter in life.
Then the farm bug bit my wife and really sunk its teeth in. One of our neighbors really inspired her to farm way more than I ever imagined. All that existing farm stuff now needed to be repaired and modified to work with the new plan. Then we were off and going. Almost daily trips to Tractor Supply, Home Depot and Lowes, not to mention all the things being bought on Amazon. My dad and his brothers grew up on a farm. When one of my uncles came to visit and see our progress, he chuckled and said “You’re new farmers. You’re going to need one of everything.”
Last year we tried using our farmhouse fireplace to heat our entire home with our thermostat set in the 50s. With the exception of really cold nights, we made it without the use of our home’s electric heat. With our fireplace getting started in the morning and burning into the night, we consumed a lot of firewood. I really wasn’t prepared for how much we would use. This year, I’m way more prepared!
TnF Farms is located just outside the idyllic town of Havana, Florida. Local residents and visitors are embracing a healthier and more sustainable way of life by seeking out non-GMO, free-range farm-fresh eggs. In this post, we’ll explore the quest for these premium eggs, highlighting the benefits of non-GMO and free-range practices, and where you can find these exceptional gems in Havana.
When Faith and I decided to relocate to Jacksonville, Florida, we donated most of our winter gear instead of packing it. We both figured most days we’d be in shorts and soaking up the sun at the beach. The first year we were in Florida, it was a pretty mild winter and there were a few jeans and light jacket days. Then we acclimated and understood our second Florida winter, why we saw people in quilted coats. But we still spent Thanksgiving at Key West and Christmas on the beach.
I have had jambalaya a number of times since moving to the south. I think it’s pretty good. I’ve been wanting to try my hand at making some of my own. Porterhouse Meat Market has been featuring alligator crab boil bratwurst. In my experiments to really get this jambalaya dish to pop, I’ve had to visit Porterhouse a few times as my previous attempts have not measured up. Fawzi, the owner of Porterhouse has been kind enough to set a few packages of the alligator crab boil bratwurst aside for me as it seems to sell out fast.
One look at the giant ears, our new dog “Dobby” got his name from the elf character from the Harry Potter movies. The name Dobby really fits metaphorically. He’s still coming out of his shell and starting to trust that we are his forever humans. Dobby’s good nature and affectionateness radiate out as a dog that loves everybody that stops in at TnF Farms. He got his collar (clothes) from us the very next day after his adoption.
President Ronald Regan made the phrase “trust but verify” famous back in the late 80s. We invited multiple visiting Florida Department of Agriculture inspectors in for a cup of coffee to get the facts. Here are 3 rumors that are not true.
This certification ensures that your flock is free from significant poultry diseases, thereby guaranteeing the health and well-being of your birds. Participation is voluntary and the service is FREE in the state of Florida.
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in homesteading—a lifestyle that prioritizes self-sufficiency, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land. While homesteading is often associated with rural areas, it is gaining traction in suburban and even urban settings. Havana, Florida, with its rich agricultural heritage and close-knit community, offers a unique and welcoming environment for individuals and families looking to embrace the homesteading way of life. In this article, we will explore the benefits of homesteading in Havana, Florida.
Raising Leghorn chickens in Florida offers a plethora of advantages, from high egg production and adaptability to disease resistance and cost-efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or a newcomer to poultry farming, the Leghorn’s characteristics make it a stellar choice for thriving in the sunny and warm climate of the Sunshine State. As the demand for locally sourced and sustainable eggs continues to rise, the Leghorn proves itself as a reliable and profitable investment for poultry farmers in Florida.
