Groundwork

In Franklin County, farming isn’t just a way of life, it’s part of who we are. But the land we love won’t take care of itself. It needs farmers willing to carry it forward, to build on what’s been done, and to do it better.

Groundwork is part practical guide, part call to action. It was written for anyone who feels the pull to start farming, or to farm in a way that gives back more than it takes. Whether you’re just beginning or rethinking what’s always been done, this guide offers practical steps for raising cattle, chickens, and fruit–all  through the lens of Missouri’s land, weather, and future, along with the local resources you need to get there.

More than a how-to, Groundwork is a reminder that the best farms aren’t built in a season. They’re grown slowly, patiently, and with the kind of care that ensures there’s still something worth passing on.

It’s an invitation to reconnect with the land, to preserve what matters, and to plant the seeds for a farm, and a future, worth keeping.