Building the Foundations: From Coops to Gardens
When we first set foot on this land, it wasn’t just about buying property — it was about planting the first seeds of a dream. We didn’t know all the steps yet, but we knew that with faith, hard work, and family, we could grow something worth passing on. Looking back now, it’s humbling to see how those early projects — a chicken coop and a garden — became the building blocks of A-7 Farms.
The First Coop – Where It All Began
Our story with chickens started with an unexpected gift. A friend from my construction job had a few extra chicks he couldn’t sell, and he passed six of them on to us. We had talked about chickens for over a year but never took the leap. That small gift was the push we needed.
The land itself also gave us a head start. An old greenhouse sat quietly on the property, and instead of tearing it down, we decided to breathe new life into it. We stripped off the tarp, added chicken netting, built nesting boxes and roosts, and before long, it became our first coop.
It wasn’t fancy, but it worked. And in the process, we discovered that it doesn’t take perfection to provide a safe, happy home for our birds. Over time, we experimented with feeding and watering methods, figuring things out as we went along. The biggest challenge wasn’t the chickens at all — it was keeping them safe. Out here, predators are part of country living, but we also had to watch out for Emily’s rescue dogs, some of which weren’t exactly chicken-friendly.
That coop wasn’t perfect, but it was ours, and it marked the moment when A-7 Farms truly began.
Growing Roots – The Garden Story
Within a couple of months of moving out here, I couldn’t resist starting a garden. I prepped a 20-by-20 plot, worked in compost and fertilizer, and planted with big dreams. But reality came fast: without fencing in place, the horses helped themselves to almost everything that grew.
It was frustrating, but it was also a lesson. We learned the importance of preparation and protection, and we chose a better spot the second time around. With new cross-fencing in place, we found a flatter, well-draining area with a mix of sun and shade. Elijah and I have been working to clear and prep the ground, leveling it out, mulching, and creating good beds for the next round of planting.
For me, the garden is personal. My grandfather had a green thumb, and some of my best memories are walking his rows, learning from him. I hope my kids will feel that same joy. Elijah and Grayson both enjoyed our first attempt, especially the corn, though losing it was a hard lesson. Lyla’s excitement shows in the long list she’s already made: sunflowers, watermelons, and more. Even little Kyra, though too small to help yet, adds her laughter and light to the work.
The vision is simple: grow food for our family, teach our kids the value of hard work and self-sufficiency, and share what we can with our community. In five years, I hope to see rich, healthy soil and consistent harvests that sustain us. In ten years, maybe a thriving market garden and CSA boxes. But we’re not rushing. We’re letting God set the pace.
Lessons Learned – Faith as Our Foundation
If the coop and garden have taught us anything, it’s that progress doesn’t have to be complicated. Chickens thrive in simple setups. Soil takes time to heal. Fences need to go up before planting corn.
But deeper than the practical, the greatest lesson has been patience. Out here, the land teaches us to slow down. Things grow in their season, not ours. And while we’ve often rushed into projects before, we’re learning to trust God’s timing, not just our own.
Our guiding truth comes from Galatians 6:9: “Planted in faith, reaped in love.” That phrase is more than a motto for A-7 Farms — it’s a way of life. Every project, from the humblest chicken coop to the dream of a future market garden, starts with faith. Even when setbacks come, we believe that in due season, the harvest will come — both in the soil and in our family’s journey.
Looking Ahead
The first coop and the first garden were just beginnings. They weren’t perfect, but they were enough to set us on our path. As we continue this journey, we’ll keep building, keep learning, and keep sharing the story of A-7 Farms — not just the successes, but the struggles too.
Because at the heart of it all, this isn’t just about chickens or gardens. It’s about faith, family, and the love that grows when you plant your dreams in good soil.
