Welcome to TnF Farms, where our passion for livestock and homesteading comes to life! In the scenic Panhandle region of Havana, 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.
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 or stop in. We are just outside of the town of Havana, Florida. 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.
You’ve always dreamed about running your very own hobby farm – and you’re finally in a financial position that will allow you to make your dream come true. But how can you generate income from your farm? TnF Farms outlines tips on surveying possible farmland, forming an LLC, planting your first crops, and marketing your farm.
In the beginning stages for TnF Farms, we did investigate this very subject. Food waste, also classified in this publication as garbage is free. There’s plenty of food waste available and pigs are not picky eaters. Ultimately we decided against it because we did not want our livestock living on stale, processed and rotting food. Much today’s human population is overweight and not in the best of health. Diabetes, hypertension, and other food related disease is more common now. Our decision to raise healthy, free ranging livestock was easy. Tim and I believe what’s wrong with everybody’s health is the GMO (genetically modified organism), processed and unnatural food that has become common now.
To our surprise, early this morning, she released her hostages. “Minnie” is a very stout female named for very short legs and when she’s not being instinctually protective of her babies, she is a sweetheart. Her past piglets have been very healthy and grow into muscular linebackers that integrate well into our herd. If you are interested in getting registered or unregistered piglets to start your own pig farm or to grow out, piglets should be ready for purchase as soon as mid-January of 2024. Please contact us to start the conversation of how you want your pig(s).
It occurred to me when we were restocking our chicken feed that nobody has ever asked us for “proof” that we are feeding our chickens non-GMO feed. There is no regulating body that comes out and periodically checks and we’ve never had to send our eggs off for analysis. Non-GMO feed costs more. Non-GMO eggs can call for a mark-up over regular eggs.
At TnF Farms, we believe what you feed your livestock has everything to do with what you get in return. We can taste the difference in our pork especially over commercially raised pork. Quality in means great animal health. Our pasture and forest raised pigs finished out are healthy weight with muscle tone and seem to have an overall energetic or spry take on life. Not just big, fat and lethargic.
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.”
In poultry farming, there’s no question that the health and welfare of your flock are top priorities. Enter the significance of NPIP certification, a cornerstone of responsible poultry farming. NPIP, or the National Poultry Improvement Plan. This is a program initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary aim of monitoring and enhancing the overall health of poultry in the United States. Whether you’re an enthusiastic poultry hobbyist or a seasoned homesteader or farmer. This is essential to understand why obtaining NPIP certification for your chickens is a game-changer for both you and your flock.
It’s an old wives’ tale, but a heavy molt means a bad winter is coming. As autumn sets in and leaves begin to fall, your chickens are also undergoing a seasonal change of their own: molting. Molting is a natural process in a chicken’s life cycle when they shed and regrow their feathers. Fall molting is particularly common among chickens, and understanding this phenomenon can help you provide the best care for your flock during this transitional period. In my post, I’ll discuss the reasons behind fall molting, the stages of molting, and how you can support your chickens during this time.
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!
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.
Our animals have so much personality. You can see why we enjoy being shutterbugs. Click an image to enlarge.
We’re social on social media. Some would say downright friendly.
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