What Started as Being an Animal Lover Turned into Homesteading in rural Florida

Faith with a baby goat

Welcome to TnF Farms, where our passion for livestock and homesteading comes to life! In the scenic Panhandle region of rural Florida. At TnF Farms, we are dedicated to raising a diverse array of farm animals while embracing the values of sustainable and responsible homesteading.

Our journey revolves around nurturing and caring for a variety of farm animals. Each with its unique charm and significance. From our very animated small pigs (American Guinea Hogs) that provide us with their natural ability to clear the land of scrub and some of the best tasting pork. Our lively chickens that grace us with farm-fresh eggs, our animals are an integral part of our daily lives. We also have a soft spot for our curious Nigerian Dwarf goats that provide fresh, creamy milk to and we’re always excited to share their playful antics with visitors.

Always working towards self-sufficiency

Beyond the immediate joy of caring for these animals, we have a commitment. Our commitment to homesteading is deeply rooted in our desire to live a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. We prioritize ethical and humane practices in animal husbandry. Ensuring our livestock is well-cared for and living their best lives.

Join us on our homesteading journey as we open our doors to fellow enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the charms of rural life. Whether you’re interested in learning about animal husbandry, sustainable farming practices, or simply relishing the tranquility of our farm, you’re welcome to visit and enjoy the TnF Farms experience.

As we share our experiences, challenges, and triumphs, we aim to foster a sense of community. We hope to inspire others to embrace the rewarding world of homesteading. From how-to’s on raising livestock to farm-to-table cooking featuring our fresh produce and goods, there are numerous opportunities to connect with us and learn about our way of life.

So, come and join us through our blog. As we embark on this fulfilling journey of raising farm animals, nurturing the land, and cultivating a more sustainable future. TnF Farms is not just a place. It’s a lifestyle! We can’t wait to share it with you.

Persimmons: Native Flavor, Southern Charm

08/25/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Persimmon trees offer significant benefits to local ecosystems, attracting bees and other pollinators with their spring flowers and providing fall fruit that deer, birds, and small mammals enjoy. Their shade and vibrant fall color also make them an excellent addition to native plant gardens and food forests. When it comes to eating, persimmons—whether from wild American trees or cultivated Asian varieties—offer rich flavor and nutrients. The Fuyu type can be sliced and eaten raw like an apple or added to salads, while the Hachiya should be fully soft before being used in puddings, muffins, or smoothies. American persimmons are best when ripened on the tree or picked when jelly-soft, ideal for traditional Southern dishes like persimmon pudding or cookies. For storage, keep ripe persimmons in the fridge for up to a week, freeze the pulp for baking or smoothies, or dry slices into chewy, candy-like snacks.

5 Easy Crops Anyone Can Grow

08/18/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Faith

Living in Jacksonville, Florida offers more than just beautiful beaches and bustling city life—it also provides a great climate for growing your own food right in your backyard. Whether you’re in a small bungalow in Riverside, a suburban home in Mandarin, or even an apartment with container space on the Southside, Jacksonville’s warm and humid subtropical climate makes it possible to grow a variety of crops with minimal fuss. Here are five easy crops that just about anyone can grow in their backyard garden (or even on a sunny patio) in Jacksonville.

Edible Flowers A Vibrant Addition to Your Garden

08/11/2025/in Florida Living, Foodies, Homesteading/by Tim

Cultivating edible flowers in Florida is a rewarding way to combine an abundant garden with culinary adventure. Thanks to the state’s warm, often humid climate and lengthy growing seasons, gardeners have the unique opportunity to grow a dazzling variety of blooms that aren’t just beautiful, but also safe to eat and delicious. Focusing on the process of growing these flowers highlights the joy and simplicity of turning your own backyard into a vibrant, edible landscape.

Growing a Year-Round Vegetable Garden in the South

08/04/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Katherine

Let’s be honest, if you live in the South, you’ve probably already heard someone brag about how they pick tomatoes well into December or harvest collards before a single frost has even shown its face. And guess what? They’re not lying. Gardening in the South is an absolute dream when it comes to growing vegetables all year long. With the right mix of know-how, timing, and just a bit of sweat equity, you can turn your backyard or, heck, even your patio into a never-ending food supply. Imagine biting into your own fresh cucumbers in July, roasting sweet potatoes from your garden in November, or making a winter soup using kale you just picked that morning. It’s more than possible. It’s a lifestyle. Let’s walk through exactly how to grow a thriving, year-round vegetable garden in the South, from seed to supper.

The ink has dried in this chapter of our journal

06/12/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Tim

Faith and I relocated from the Jacksonville area to rural Tallahassee, Florida in the fall of 2021. We worked jobs we thought were very boring and repetitive. The two of us wanted to chase a little more adventure and what we saw as an uncomplicated life. This drew us to an area known as the Big Bend part of the state. Average people can still buy a decent chunk of land in the state of Florida without being celebrity rich. We dreamt of starting a hobby farm where we would produce our own high-quality, real food. Be a little more self-sufficient and live a more outdoor, agricultural lifestyle as well.

Why Your Hobby Farm Deserves a Business Plan

05/12/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

You probably didn’t start out selling worm castings or pasture-raised eggs to get rich. Maybe it began with a handful of hens, or a raised bed of basil that grew faster than your family could eat. One thing led to another, and now you’re fielding weekend buyers, refilling roadside coolers, and printing out square labels for jars of honey or freeze-dried herbs. The truth is, even if you’re not chasing six figures, you’ve built something real. And like any living thing, your farm deserves protection. That’s where a business plan comes in—not as a buzzkill, but as a safeguard.

How to Start a Thriving Gardening Business

03/31/2025/in Farmer's Market, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something/by Jill

If you’ve got a green thumb and a dream of turning your love for plants into a profitable venture, starting a gardening business in your community might be your next big move. But before you start handing out business cards and digging up flower beds, you need a solid plan. Gardening businesses can flourish in local communities, but success isn’t just about knowing how to keep plants alive—it’s about building relationships, managing logistics, and understanding what your neighbors actually need.

Creating Your Dream Homestead Haven

02/16/2025/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Jill

Retirement offers a unique opportunity to redefine your lifestyle, focusing on what truly brings you joy. For those passionate about homesteading, this phase of life can be the perfect time to cultivate a space that nurtures personal interests and family connections. By carefully considering your needs and aspirations, you can create a homestead that supports your hobbies and welcomes family gatherings. This thoughtful approach ensures a retirement filled with purpose and satisfaction, where personal fulfillment and family engagement coexist harmoniously.

Supporting Local Farmers and Food Suppliers

02/06/2025/in Farmer's Market, Homesteading/by Jill

As we face global challenges, the importance of local resilience becomes increasingly clear, making the support of local farmers a crucial element in ensuring food security and environmental sustainability. By engaging with local agriculture, you contribute to a robust food system and help preserve cultural heritage, and promote ethical practices. This involvement fosters a deeper connection between consumers and the origins of their food, encouraging a more informed and conscientious society.

Benefits of Bats

02/12/2024/in Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Often when people think of a farm and non-human helpers, the farm dog comes to mind for protecting livestock and companionship. Honeybees are certainly play their role in pollination. Yet, there’s another unsung hero quietly working its magic in the shadows: the bat. Bats are commonly misunderstood creatures that play a vital role in agricultural ecosystems. They offer a plethora of benefits that are often overlooked. I was watching the bats working above me the other night, so let’s talk bats and their contributions made to farms worldwide.