Spring on the Farm: Take Back Control of Your Health & Your Food

Hey, folks,

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to shake off the winter blues, get outside, and take a hard look at where your food comes from. The truth is, most of us have handed over control of our food supply to big corporations that care more about profit than quality. But here’s the good news—you can take that control back.

Every choice you make, from the food on your plate to where you source it, moves the needle toward real health and a more sustainable food system. You don’t have to overhaul everything overnight—small changes add up to big results. Whether it’s choosing to buy locally when you can, getting to know the people raising your food, or simply stepping outside for some real sunshine, these decisions matter.

Our Homesteading Journey: Big Steps This Year

Four years ago, we started our own homesteading journey with the goal of becoming more self-sufficient and improving the quality of our food. Every year, we’ve taken steps to raise more of what we eat, and this year, we’re making even bigger moves to take control of our food supply.

We’re expanding our flock of chickens for both eggs and meat, and our sheep are thriving on pasture, providing us with high-quality lamb raised the way nature intended. But we know we can’t (and don’t want to) raise everything ourselves. That’s why we’re also prioritizing supporting our local farming community by sourcing the beef and pork we eat from trusted neighbors who share our commitment to raising animals right.

This is what real food security looks like—not relying on grocery stores, but building relationships with the farmers who produce the food that nourishes our families.

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Why Supporting Local Farmers Matters

The way an animal is raised directly impacts the quality of the food you eat. When animals are on pasture, moving freely, eating what they’re meant to eat, the result is meat that’s more nutrient-dense, better for the environment, and healthier for the land. But small, independent farmers are up against a system that makes it tough for them to compete with industrial food giants.

If we don’t actively support these farmers, they won’t be able to stay in business. That means fewer options, lower quality food, and more reliance on massive corporations that don’t have your health—or the land’s well-being—as their top priority.

The best way to make sure real, regenerative farming thrives is to vote with your dollars whenever possible.

Budget-Friendly Ways to Eat Better Meat & Support Local Farmers

Think local meat is out of reach? Not necessarily. Here are a few ways to make it work:

Buy in Bulk & Share – Splitting a whole cow, pig, or lamb with family or friends cuts costs significantly. Many farmers even offer payment plans.
Opt for Ground Meat & Less Popular Cuts – Skip the steaks and go for ground beef, roasts, or organ meats. They’re cheaper and often more nutrient-dense.
Talk to Farmers Directly – Some offer discounts on bulk purchases, frozen cuts, or end-of-season specials.
Join a CSA or Meat Subscription Box – Many farms offer monthly shares of high-quality meat at a lower price per pound.
Shop Farmers Markets Late – Vendors often lower prices at the end of the day to clear inventory.
Raise Your Own (Even a Little) – A few backyard chickens for eggs or a small garden can make a difference in your food security.

What If Buying Local Meat Isn’t in the Budget?

If you’re not in a position to buy directly from a farmer, you can still help. Sharing their information on social media, leaving a positive review, or recommending them to friends helps keep them in business. More people finding local farmers means more demand—and more opportunities for better food access in your community.

Find High-Quality Meat Sources Near You

Looking for a good place to start? Here are some farms dedicated to raising animals the right way:

White Oak Pastures – One of the best regenerative farms in the country, offering pasture-raised meats and nationwide shipping.
US Wellness Meats – A great source for grass-fed and pastured meats.
Eat Wild – A directory to help you find local farms in your area that raise animals on pasture.
Local Harvest – Another excellent tool for finding farmers markets, CSAs, and small family farms near you.

Get Outside & Take Back Control

Health isn’t just about food—it’s about lifestyle. Spring is the perfect time to get outside, soak up the sun, and reconnect with nature. Even 15-30 minutes of real sunlight daily can boost your mood, improve vitamin D levels, and support overall health.

Raising our own animals here on the farm has been life-changing. It’s given us control over what we eat, how it’s raised, and the confidence that we’re feeding our family the best food possible. But not everyone has the land (or the time) to do this—which is why supporting local farmers is so important.

So, whether you’re buying a local steak, sharing a farmer’s post online, or just stepping outside for some fresh air, know that every small action matters. Take back control—of your health, your food, and your future.

See you in the sunshine,
Dr. Ken Berry

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