My name is Stacie, and my husband Garrett and I are starting our own farm. We currently have 45 acres, and since we are just starting out, the land is about all we have. If we were given the opportunity to receive a grant we would use the money to buy a tractor. The last tractor Garrett’s family owned is from the 1960’s. And when it breaks it is near impossible to

a) find parts for something that old
b) find the money to pay for something most people would call an antique.

We would also use the money to build an equipment barn to house all of our equipment out of the weather. And finally our true passions… Garrett grows hydroponic tomatoes and currently has four greenhouses. He would love to one day be able to expand and try growing other vegetables hydroponically. And I have a huge heart for animals, especially animals that are abused, neglected, have special needs, etc. I feel like every animal needs a home and these poor things are most likely the ones that won’t get the chance at a happy life.

What Garrett and I would one day like to have is what we call a pick-your-own petting zoo. A farm that will educate people on where their food comes from. Most children don’t really know anything about where and how food is grown. Some probably think their food comes from McDonald’s. We would like to give educational tours to school aged children teaching the importance of healthy eating, which is also something that is lacking in today’s society. And finally… after all that talk about food, they could relax and go pet all they animals… that would brighten anyone’s day!!