’ve been sitting with some news that still doesn’t feel quite real when I say it out loud. Last week, after months of talking, praying, running numbers twice (and then a third, fourth, and fifth time for good measure), and trusting our community more than we ever have, we purchased the 104 acres to the north & wrapping east of us. When you add that to the 40 we already steward, it makes Great Heritage Farm now 144 acres today—a number that has always carried a sense of wholeness and sits with a certain weight; a reminder that things can be both daunting and good at the same time.
We bought the land from an older couple, who knew the land well seeing Donna grew up here and Arlyn helped care for it. When they came to the house to sign papers, they told us stories about the years they lived here—small moments, rooms and family; so many memories. Benjamin and I weren’t born into this land, but hearing them talk made me feel like I was being folded into something bigger than ourselves. Like they were handing us the next chapter.
The truth is, it was expensive. It’s a stretch. We’re investing in our future and in yours—because we believe deeply that families need access to truly grass-fed, nutrient-rich beef, grown on soil that’s healing and alive. These past few months, so many people have reached out asking for beef shares we simply don’t have—our 2025 shares are already sold out—and I want to serve as many families as we can in 2026 and beyond.
It will take time to transition the new acres into the pastureland we envision, and even more time to grow our herd in a way that honors both the animals and the land. I can’t explain it any other way than to say this is work I feel called to. Work that unfolds slowly, builds on faith and neighbors (and yes, early mornings). It feels right to begin this work even when we don’t know exactly how it will go, even when we don’t feel fully ready—just leaning into that nudge in my gut.
I’m grateful I get to do this alongside my husband, our kids, our friends and family, and the community that keeps cheering us forward. Every season I meet more people who care about regenerative agriculture, about healthy land and healthy food, about farmers being able to stay on their farms. That support is the only reason we could say yes to something this big.
So as we get ready to open our CSA beef shares next week, I wanted to bring you into the joy and anticipation of this moment. There’s a lot we don’t know yet. But I feel held and hopeful. And it means everything to share that feeling with you.
More soon,
Leah & the Great Heritage Farm Family
