The Farmers

Chris & Sarah – The Stewards

Sarah guides the day-to-day rhythms and long-term vision for the farm, leaning on faith, family, and the sense of calling she shares with Chris.  They see the farm not only as a place to grow food but as a way to cultivate gratitude, stewardship, and a slower, more intentional way of living—one that honors the Lord’s design for creation, work and rest.

Sarah grew up on a 100-acre Missouri farm, surrounded by big gardens, 4-H projects, and the hands-on lessons that come from living close to the land. Her family was even named the Callaway County Farm Family of the Year! She later earned a degree in the health sciences along with an MBA, and built a career centered on helping people live healthier, more meaningful lives—whether through promoting wellness programs, running an assisted living facility, or supporting employees in a Fortune 500 Iowa company. For the past eight years, she has devoted herself to raising their four children at home.

With their youngest entering school within the next year, Sarah feels called into this next season: creating beauty through flowers and gardens, growing whole foods for her family and friends, and sharing her deep-rooted love for the land with others. For her, the farm is a daily reminder of God’s provision, creativity, and faithfulness—shaping both the work of her hands and the hearts of her children.

Chris provides labor to the farm on nights and weekends.  He is an 8^th generation Iowan whose grandmother grew up on a farm outside of Muscatine, riding her pony, Trixie, to school.  He holds a degree in Finance and an MBA from St. Ambrose University, where he met Sarah.  Part of his day job includes farm-related projects across the state, giving him a unique perspective on agriculture and long-term stewardship—wisdom he brings home as he and Sarah build their own homestead with purpose and care.

Together, Chris and Sarah are building a farm rooted in gratitude, faith, and the simple joy of tending what God has entrusted to them—a place where family, community, and creation meet.

The Kids – The Helpers, Dreamers, Learners, and Future Farmers

Our four children are at the heart of our homestead. Even though we don’t have animals yet, they’re already dreaming big—picking out names for their future furry friends and imagining the day when chores include feeding the livestock, collecting eggs, or caring for barn cats. Their excitement keeps us inspired as we build toward the farm’s next chapter.

Each child brings a God-given uniqueness to the land:

• Our oldest son is an angler at heart, endlessly curious and always reading to learn more about God’s creation—fish, forests, soil, wildlife, and everything in between.

• Our oldest daughter is our steady helper, a faithful supporter to Mom and the younger siblings, always ready to serve with a joyful heart.

• Our second son may be young, but he is one of our most determined workers, tackling every task—big or small—with grit, enthusiasm, and a cheerful spirit. Many days, you can find him working on the farm in full cowboy attire--Yee-ha!

• Our youngest daughter delights in the beauty of the garden, helping with flowers, exploring the outdoors, and swinging under blue skies soaking in the wonder of God’s world.

Together, our kids remind us that this farm is more than a project—it’s a place where childhood grows strong roots, imagination flourishes, and family traditions take shape one season at a time.

Dan & Carol – The Forester, Growers, and Homestead Mentors

Sarah’s parents, Dan and Carol, bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and heritage to our farm. As a forester and recreation manager for the USDA in Missouri's Mark Twain National Forest, Carol helped steward some of the region’s most beautiful landscapes.

Dan’s agricultural roots run deep. He holds degrees from the University of Missouri’s College of Agriculture in Animal Husbandry and Reproductive Physiology—a background that served him well through years of farming, gardening, and raising livestock and horses. We look forward to leaning on his expertise as we expand our own homestead and add animals to the farm.

Both Dan and Carol grew up in families that embraced rural life and homesteading. Dan’s parents raised animals, grew large gardens, and canned what they harvested. Dan and Carol continued those traditions by running a Christmas tree farm, where Sarah and her sisters learned to plant, maintain and sell trees to families each season. They also raised animals for 4-H, learned to hunt, tended the robust gardens, and helped preserve fresh produce year after year.

Sarah now sees how God used that upbringing to prepare her for this season—passing down the same lessons of work, beauty, and stewarding the land to their children.

Scott & Jessica – The Encouragers and Investors

Scott and Jessica, Chris's parents, play a vital role in supporting our farm, offering not only encouragement but decades of real-world experience that help guide our decisions.

Scott spent more than 30 years as the president of a small-town Iowa bank, dedicating his career to helping local families and small businesses thrive. His background in community banking gives him a unique understanding of how to build something that lasts—wisdom we lean on often as our homestead grows.

Jessica was a beloved teacher for many years and is now one of our strongest supporters and encouragers. Whether she’s cheering on a new project, helping the kids, or being one of our farm stand’s most faithful customers, she brings joy and enthusiasm to everything we do.

With farm roots in their own family tree, Scott and Jessica also contribute to a heritage that stretches back generations. Their legacy helps make our children ninth-generation Iowans, a connection to the past that inspires us as we build for the future.