More Than A Farm Store

Green Family Farms

🛒 To Shop the Market: simply select [Shop the Market] above or click here:
Shop the Market

Pick up your order at the farm store or select delivery on orders of $100 or more within 50 miles of the farm. Delivery is typically on a Wednesday.


📞 To call the farm:
214-226-0466

💬 To Contact Us by Text
: 469-431-5044


🧺 Farm Pickup Hours
Mon-Sat: 10AM – 7PM
Sun: 2PM – 7PM (Milk P.U. Wed: 3-7PM)


🌻🐓 Visit the Farm, Market, Lounge & Cafe
Thurs-Sat: 10AM –7PM
Sun: 2 – 7PM

Note about contacting us: We are a working farm. I carry a simple flip phone because it keeps distractions to a minimum and is easy to replace if it gets lost in the pasture. For texting, I use Google Voice, so I typically only see text messages when I'm at my computer. For those reasons, I may not answer immediately; however, I will call back missed calls and text back messages as soon as I get back to the office/computer. The best way to find me is to come to the farm; otherwise, hang tight, I will respond in time. Thanks for your patience.


Market News

The other day, I was looking through another farm's website and came across their Frequently Asked Questions.

One question asked, "Can you visit the farm animals?"
Their answer was simply: "No."

Another question asked, "Can I have lunch at the farm?"
Again, the answer was: "No."

As I read those answers, I realized just how different every farm's vision can be.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with that approach. Many farms are production farms. Their focus is on growing food, caring for livestock, and getting quality products into the hands of their customers. That's an important mission.

But as I sat there reading those questions, I caught myself smiling because my first thought was...
"We DO offer those things - lunch, pet the animals, etc."

If I'm driving out to a farm, I don't just want to pick up a package of beef and head home.
I'd love to walk around and meet the animals.
I'd enjoy sitting down with a cup of coffee or a simple lunch.
I'd like to visit with the farmer and hear the story behind the land.
I'd want to slow down for a little while and experience the place where my food came from.

And, that's why we do it... (a good heart wants to share goodness with others).

And, that's exactly why we've been building Green Family Farms the way we have.

Yes, we raise healthy food.

But we also want to create a place where families can gather, children can meet farm animals for the first time, friends can linger over a meal, neighbors can strike up conversations, and people can reconnect with the land that nourishes them.

That's why we built the Farm Lounge & Café.
That's why we host community events.
That's why we encourage people to stay awhile instead of rushing in and out.
The market is certainly part of the farm, but it isn't the whole farm.

Our hope is that when you leave, you don't just take home groceries.
You take home a memory.
Because sometimes the most valuable thing you find at a farm isn't something you bought... sometimes it's the experience you had while you were there.

𓂃🦋𓂃𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃🦋𓂃

Much to do, but I will most always make time for a face-to-face visit.

To know the farm / us, it is best to come in person. Remember, God is good!

Take care!
Sandra

Featured Products:

Green Family Farms has just restocked its beef! (still updating in the market section - keep checking if you don't see what you want or email @ [email protected] or text us at 469-431-5044).

We now also have picked okra and beets, sauerkraut, fresh okra and homegrown tomatoes from our new vendor / neighboring farmer!
🍅There's a reason people wait all year for a homegrown tomato. Picked at the peak of ripeness and allowed to mature naturally on the vine, homegrown tomatoes develop a rich, sweet flavor and juicy texture that simply can't be matched by most grocery store tomatoes.
Did You Know? Most grocery store tomatoes are harvested green so they can withstand shipping, while vine-ripened tomatoes are allowed to develop their natural sugars and full flavor before they're picked. 🍅

🧴Want raw cow’s milk? We are also picking up milk from a licensed dairy in Farmersville. Java had her baby and her milk is wonderful but she can’t supply everyone. On occasion, I will be able to offer some of Java’s milk too - for that, shop the market for “herd shares” instead of “milk”.

Farm To Door:

If you can’t make time to come pick up your order, we will bring it to you. It must be a minimum purchase of $100 - just make sure to give us a day’s notice and note “delivery” in the comments when you place your order.

Farm Lounge:

Check out our calendar of events if you want to come and hang out, connect and gather with others at the farm. You can come to one of our existing events or, sign up to be part of us and create your own event. All are welcome! Calendar of Events: for Flag on the farm:

Dining at The Lounge Café

Did you know… you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner here too! If you plan to dine in The Lounge Café, we kindly ask that you give us at least one hour's notice, and a day's notice is even better whenever possible. Just text 469-431-5044 and we will text back with a confirmation and a menu for the day.

Unlike a traditional restaurant, our menu is built around what is fresh and available. We proudly serve food grown and raised on Green Family Farms, products offered in our farm store, and the best locally produced ingredients we can find from other farmers' market.

This is not a café supplied by large commercial food distributors. Our goal is to offer a true farm-to-table experience that reflects the seasons and supports local agriculture.

You're also welcome to bring your own food if you prefer. Whether you're enjoying one of our meals or simply relaxing with your own lunch, we hope you'll feel at home and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the farm.


Recipes:

Share your recipes with us on the Recipes tab of this site. We’d all love to know how you prepare your Locally Grown products so we can try it too.

Do you eat liver?
Not all liver tastes the same! While all three are packed with vitamins, minerals, and high-quality protein, each has its own unique flavor and texture.

Beef Liver has the boldest, richest flavor and the firmest texture. It's a favorite for those who enjoy traditional liver and onions.
Pork Liver is milder and slightly sweeter than beef liver, with a softer texture that makes it great for pâté, liver spread, and sausage.

Lamb Liver is the mildest and most tender of the three, making it an excellent choice for first-time liver eaters or anyone looking for a more delicate flavor.

Did You Know? Soaking liver in milk or buttermilk for 30 minutes to 2 hours before cooking helps mellow the flavor and creates an even more tender bite.
Come on over to the farm lounge sometime for some lamb steak and eggs - just give us a day’s notice - we are more than happy for you to be our guest and try something delicious!

👩‍🍳 Need a Recipe? \ If you want to know how to cook something not listed, just message us and we will add it along with tips we’ve learned over the years of harvesting and preparing farm fresh foods.

🌿🐓💛🐝🌻💛🍃🌻🐑💛🥚🌿🐝🌻💛🍃🐂🌻💛🐓🌿

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember, let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!



This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net.

Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.


Posted by FLAG on the farm at 7/8/2026, 11:43 AM

The Phone Call That Made My Day

Green Family Farms

🛒 To Shop the Market: simply select [Shop the Market] above or click here:
Shop the Market

Pick up your order at the farm store or select delivery on orders of $100 or more within 50 miles of the farm. Delivery is typically on a Wednesday.


📞 To call the farm:
214-226-0466

💬 To Contact Us by Text
: 469-431-5044


🧺 Farm Pickup Hours
Mon-Sat: 10AM – 7PM
Sun: 2PM – 7PM (Milk P.U. Wed: 3-7PM)


🌻🐓 Visit the Farm, Market, Lounge & Cafe
Thurs-Sat: 10AM –7PM
Sun: 2 – 7PM

Note about contacting us: We are a working farm. I carry a simple flip phone because it keeps distractions to a minimum and is easy to replace if it gets lost in the pasture. For texting, I use Google Voice, so I typically only see text messages when I'm at my computer. For those reasons, I may not answer immediately; however, I will call back missed calls and text back messages as soon as I get back to the office/computer. The best way to find me is to come to the farm; otherwise, hang tight, I will respond in time. Thanks for your patience.


Market News

I received a phone call that left me feeling super excited and accomplished last Saturday. It was my neighbor, an 80-plus-year-old man who has lived in this area much longer than I have. He is very much a local and has the accent.

Him: "Well, hiya, Sandra. Are you raising bobwhite quail?”

Me: "No, sir, I am not.”

Him: "Well, Sandra, you aren't going to believe this. I just spotted a bobwhite outside our window in our pasture.”

Me: "Yes, sir, I do believe it. I have just started hearing the whip-poor-wills about a year ago, so it does not surprise me that you would see a bobwhite.”

Him: "Well, Sandra, I was surprised because I have not seen a bobwhite in 20 years.”

Me: "Yes, sir, it is quite a phenomenon. Something farmers have discovered is that when you farm regeneratively, using practices like no-till and rotational grazing, the ground-nesting birds begin to come back.”

Him: "That is fantastic. You taught me something I didn't know. I am so happy. Thank you very much.”

When I hung up, I was amazed. This conversation was almost exactly like one described in the documentary Roots So Deep (You Can See the Devil Down There) by Carbon Cowboys. Problem… Solution… Connection to the Land

I just wrote about that documentary recently, but this conversation with my neighbor made it worth mentioning again.
There is one scene where two neighboring farmers are talking about their land. One says he misses hearing the familiar call of the bobwhite quail. The other explains that he hears and sees them all the time on his farm. The first neighbor is astonished, and the second neighbor explains that after years of regenerative farming, the birds had simply begun returning on their own as the land healed.

I remember watching that scene and quietly thinking…. If only that could happen here.
And after the phone call from my neighbor, I realized it did happen!

🤩📞😊After the call, I just stood there smiling.😊📞🤩

I can't honestly say why the bobwhite returned. I do know I have been trying for a little over a decade now to help our land heal, and I have felt very defeated at times. But the sounds of the whip-poor-wills we’ve begun to hear each evening, and now the phone call from my neighbor, really keep me going and encouraged.

💡𝓓𝓲𝓭 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓚𝓷𝓸𝔀… Regenerative farming has nothing to do with farming profits. In fact, the animals used in regenerative farming are on those farms mainly as helpers, and the harvests produced are simply a perk for the farmer. Regenerative farming is first and foremost about being good stewards of the land and creating the kind of place where life has the opportunity to flourish. Roughly 40% of America's land is farmland. Yet only a small fraction (less than 5%)of those farms are managed using a truly regenerative, whole-farm approach focused on restoring soil health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat.

That is what we are doing here. Our first goal in farming is to restore the land. And, sometimes the first sign of that isn't something spectacular. Sometimes it's simply the evening song of a whip-poor-will.
And sometimes, after nearly twenty years of silence, it's the unexpected return of a little bobwhite quail.
Whether that one bird was passing through or the beginning of something more, I don't know.
But I do know this.
For just a moment, it reminded me that when we care for the land, there is always hope that nature may answer back.

𓂃🦋𓂃𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃𓈒𓏸𓂃🦋𓂃

Much to do, but I will most always make time for a face-to-face visit.

To know the farm / us, it is best to come in person. Remember, God is good!

Take care!
Sandra

Featured Products:

Green Family Farms has just restocked its beef! A few newsletters back, I wrote about the "pink slime" commonly added to commercial ground beef. Now let me tell you something else... The beef raised here at Green Family Farms is not your typical commercial beef. Our cattle are of Bos indicus genetics, the same type of cattle commonly raised throughout Brazil, Argentina, and much of South America. These cattle are known for thriving in warm climates and producing flavorful beef that is often used in classic dishes like fajitas and in many Brazilian-style steakhouses. If you've ever enjoyed the rich flavor of beef carved tableside at a Brazilian steakhouse, you've already experienced why this style of beef is so highly prized. We invite you to taste the difference for yourself.

In addition to what we grow on Green Family Farms, you can now find mushrooms, salsa and jams and jellies. And, we have also added some value added products as well: whipped tallow (for your skin), and rendered tallow, lard and schmalz for cooking as well as all natural fly spray and cleaner, to name a few.

Want raw cow’s milk? We are also picking up milk from a licensed dairy in Farmersville. Java had her baby and her milk is wonderful but she can’t supply everyone. On occasion, I will be able to offer some of Java’s milk too - for that, shop the market for “herd shares” instead of “milk”.

Farm To Door:

If you can’t make time to come pick up your order, we will bring it to you. It must be a minimum purchase of $100 - just make sure to give us a day’s notice and note “delivery” in the comments when you place your order.

Farm Lounge:

Check out our calendar of events if you want to come and hang out, connect and gather with others at the farm. You can come to one of our existing events or, sign up to be part of us and create your own event. All are welcome! Calendar of Events: for Flag on the farm:

Dining at The Lounge Café

Did you know… you can have breakfast, lunch or dinner here too! If you plan to dine in The Lounge Café, we kindly ask that you give us at least one hour's notice, and a day's notice is even better whenever possible. Just text 469-431-5044 and we will text back with a confirmation and a menu for the day.

Unlike a traditional restaurant, our menu is built around what is fresh and available. We proudly serve food grown and raised on Green Family Farms, products offered in our farm store, and the best locally produced ingredients we can find from other farmers' market.

This is not a café supplied by large commercial food distributors. Our goal is to offer a true farm-to-table experience that reflects the seasons and supports local agriculture.

You're also welcome to bring your own food if you prefer. Whether you're enjoying one of our meals or simply relaxing with your own lunch, we hope you'll feel at home and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the farm.


Recipes:

Share your recipes with us on the Recipes tab of this site. We’d all love to know how you prepare your Locally Grown products so we can try it too.

I hear it all the time: “do you get enough protein?” Well here’s a recipe for lamb you can quickly cook up in the morning and serve with eggs. It makes a delicious protein packed breakfast - one of our favorites!
Pan Seared Lamb Steak

🐑 Did You Know? Lamb Isn't Just Another Red Meat
In fact, lamb is one of the most nutrient-dense meats you can eat. It is naturally rich in high-quality protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and highly absorbable iron. It is also one of the richest natural sources of CLA (conjugated linoleic acid), a beneficial fat found in grazing animals that has been studied for its role in supporting healthy body composition, immune function, and normal inflammatory responses. When lamb is pasture-raised, it also contains beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that come from a grass-based diet.
Here's another thing many people don't know...
Much of the lamb found in grocery stores doesn't come from sheep raised specifically for meat. A significant portion comes from flocks that are managed primarily for wool or dairy production before entering the meat market. Those animals can develop a strong off flavor that many people associate with lamb and; therefore, many people refrain from eating lamb. The main contributing factor to that flavor is lanolin, the natural oil produced by wool sheep. Our sheep do not have that taste. And believe me, I know it well because the first time I tried lamb, it was from the grocery store. I actually had to throw it away - I simply couldn't bring myself to eat it after the smell it produced from cooking it.

Our sheep are different.

We raise hair sheep, not wool sheep. Hair sheep naturally shed their coats each year instead of producing wool, so they don't produce lanolin the way wool breeds do. Combined with a pasture-based diet and careful handling, the result is a remarkably mild, clean flavor.

Over the years, we've served many meals consisting of lamb to our farm visitors. More than once, someone has taken a bite and commented,
"That may be the best steak I've ever had!” They were convinced they were eating beef.
Then I'd smile and say, "Actually... that's lamb."
The surprise on their faces never gets old.
Sometimes people think they don't like lamb when, in reality, they've simply never tasted mild, pasture-raised hair sheep lamb.

Come on over to the farm lounge sometime for some lamb steak and eggs - just give us a day’s notice - we are more than happy for you to be our guest and try something delicious!

👩‍🍳 Need a Recipe? \ If you want to know how to cook something not listed, just message us and we will add it along with tips we’ve learned over the years of harvesting and preparing farm fresh foods.

🌿🐓💛🐝🌻💛🍃🌻🐑💛🥚🌿🐝🌻💛🍃🐂🌻💛🐓🌿

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember, let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!



This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net.

Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.


Posted by FLAG on the farm at 7/8/2026, 8:50 AM

More than a farm

Green Family Farms

🛒 To Shop the Market: simply select [Shop the Market] above or click here:
Shop the Market


📞 To call the farm:
214-226-0466

💬 To Contact Us by Text
: 469-431-5044


🧺 Farm Pickup Hours
Mon-Sat: 10AM – 7PM
Sun: 2PM – 7PM (Milk P.U. Wed: 3-7PM)


🌻🐓 Visit the Farm, Market, Lounge & Cafe
Thurs-Sat: 10AM –7PM
Sun: 2 – 7PM


🛻➡️🏡 Farm to Door
Orders of $100 or more within 50 miles of Green Family Farms.

Note about contacting us: We are a working farm. I carry a simple flip phone because it keeps distractions to a minimum and is easy to replace if it gets lost in the pasture. For texting, I use Google Voice, so I typically only see text messages when I'm at my computer. For those reasons, I may not answer immediately; however, I will call back missed calls and text back messages as soon as I get back to the office/computer. The best way to find me is to come to the farm; otherwise, hang tight, I will respond in time. Thanks for your patience.


Market News

A few nights ago, I watched a movie that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. In the story, a mother was nearing the end of her life. Before she died, she left one simple message for her family: "There is something valuable at the farm." After she was gone, the family returned to the farm expecting to uncover a hidden treasure. They had metal detectors and searched buildings, fields, and old belongings, convinced she had left behind something of great worth. But the treasure wasn't buried in the ground nor was it something you could hold in your hand.

✨💎The treasure was each other.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦❤️

And isn't it so easy for all of us to forget that? Thankfully, this family found their way back to the farm because of their mother’s and grandmother's final message and her quiet wisdom in knowing exactly what would bring them together again.

She brought them back to the place where their lives had intertwined. The farm held their history. It was where birthdays had been celebrated, meals had been shared, chores had been done side by side, and ordinary days had quietly become lifelong memories.

Isn't that what farms do?

The land becomes more than soil and fences. It becomes a place where relationships are cultivated right alongside the crops. Years later, something as simple as walking through an old barn, hearing a screen door close, or watching the sunset over a pasture can awaken memories that have been waiting there all along.

That's why the farm was the real treasure. Not because of what was on the land, but because of what had grown there in the hearts of the people who shared it.

I, myself still have a hard time knowing this because I never had a farm in my youth (like my dad did) but I am reminded because so many people who come to visit our farm have those stories and memories and they share them with me when they are here.

After pondering this, I had a memory that I almost forgot: during the last hours of my father’s life, he looked at me and said, "Promise me you'll never leave the farm."

If you know my story, you know I came to this farm because of my father's relentless prompting during the final years of his life. Moving here meant giving up a great deal. I left behind a home I loved, the conveniences of city life, and many things that had become comfortable and familiar.

Sometimes I have to stop myself and remember my father because he understood what “leaving behind” meant more than anyone. He was born in Cuba into an aristocratic family. Then the Cuban Revolution took it all away. He came to America with almost nothing - by the world's standards, he had lost everything.

Yet, if you ever asked my dad whether he was rich, he never hesitated.
He would smile and say, "Yes... because I have my family with me.”

I've thought about that many times over the years (dad left much more behind than I ever did and it wasn’t even by his own will or doing). I am sure dad brought me here for a reason and I am still digging deep to find it and then I think maybe it’s right in front of me all the while.

Real wealth isn't always measured by what we own. Sometimes it's measured by who is gathered around us.
The farm has given us so much more than land, cattle, or buildings. It has also given us a place where people can gather.

That's exactly why I created the Farm Lounge / Café. I wanted it to be more than just another building on the property. I wanted it to become a place where people could slow down, connect, and experience the farm first hand.

I'm happy to say that's beginning to happen.

Our Little Sprouts baby and toddler play days are bringing young families together. And, one of our members has started hosting Conversations That Matter, where people sit down, put their phones away, and simply learn how to connect... really connect... with one another. In a world where genuine conversation seems to be disappearing, that feels pretty valuable.

We’re also having fun - and we will have lots of fun with Mahjong twice next month.

I hope you'll join us.

Maybe the greatest treasure on a farm isn't what grows in the fields.
Maybe it's what grows in the hearts of the people who gather there.

Which reminds me of someone who visited the farm a few years ago and asked me the usual question: how does one quit their job and make money solely from farming? And, I gave my usual disappointing answer: I don’t know because the way we farm, we are giving more money and time back to the land than it gives us. Then, he followed up by asking based on your goals as a farmer, do you consider you have reached your goals and I answered yes, 110%.

And if years from now someone were to ask what was most valuable here, I hope the answer isn't the buildings, the cattle, or the land.
I hope it's simply this: the connection.
That's what makes this place more than a farm.

Much to do, but I will most always make time for a face-to-face visit.

To know the farm / us, it is best to come in person. Remember, God is good!

Take care!
Sandra

Featured Products:

Check out our grower section. We now have other farmers in the area sharing their wares in our store. In addition to what we grow on Green Family Farms, you can now find mushrooms, salsa and jams and jellies. And, we have also added some value added products as well: whipped tallow (for your skin), and rendered tallow, lard and schmalz for cooking as well as all natural fly spray and cleaner, to name a few.

Want raw cow’s milk? We are also picking up milk from a licensed dairy in Farmersville. Java had her baby and her milk is wonderful but she can’t supply everyone. On occasion, I will be able to offer some of Java’s milk too - for that, shop the market for “herd shares” instead of “milk”.

Farm To Door:

If you can’t make time to come pick up your order, we will bring it to you. It must be a minimum purchase of $100 - just make sure to give us a day’s notice and note “delivery” in the comments when you place your order.

Farm Lounge:

Check out our calendar of events if you want to come and hang out, connect and gather with others at the farm. You can come to one of our existing events or, sign up to be part of us and create your own event. All are welcome! Calendar of Events: for Flag on the farm:


Recipes:

Share your recipes with us on the Recipes tab of this site. We’d all love to know how you prepare your Locally Grown products so we can try it too.

Here is a nice one for summertime. We found it most refreshing during hot work days on the farm.
Watermelon Salad

If you want to know how to cook something not listed, just message us and we will add it along with tips we’ve learned over the years of harvesting and preparing farm fresh foods.

🌿🐓💛🐝🌻💛🍃🌻🐑💛🥚🌿🐝🌻💛🍃🐂🌻💛🐓🌿

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember, let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!



This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net.

Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.


Posted by FLAG on the farm at 6/28/2026, 5:25 PM

Farm News | June 2026


Welcome to June! Summer is almost here, and we're already feeling the Texas heat. Fortunately, we're staying put and continuing to do what we love: farming.

We have two cows expecting calves this month, including our family milk cow. That means fresh milk will soon be flowing again, which also means more homemade ice cream is on the horizon!

The store shelves are filling up as well. If you haven't had a chance to shop the farm store yet, come on by and take a look. Remember our market is not just open on Saturdays - we are here Thursday - Sunday. If you can't make it out to the farm, don't forget that we offer delivery on orders of $100 or more. Just shop the market from this site, place your order and pay on the day of delivery (we will send a payment request after your order is packed and ready to go).

Here's our current inventory update on meat:
• Beef: Restocking in early July
• Lamb: Fully stocked
• Chicken: Sold out until November
• Pork: Limited supply available, including fresh hams and a few other cuts

Do you know...What's In Your Beef?
These days, many consumers are asking questions about where their food comes from, and for good reason. News stories over the years have raised concerns about everything from lab-grown meat to highly processed beef products commonly referred to as "pink slime.”

The product behind that nickname is called Lean Finely Textured Beef (LFTB). It is made from beef trimmings that are separated from fat, processed, and treated to reduce bacteria before being added back into some ground beef products. Federal regulators consider it safe, and supporters note that it is still beef. However, many consumers object to the level of processing involved and prefer beef that is minimally processed and comes directly from a known source.

At Green Family Farm, we believe there is value in knowing your farmer, knowing your animals, and knowing where your food comes from. Our beef comes from cattle raised right here on our farm. There are no mystery ingredients, no fillers, and no questions about where it was raised. Just locally raised beef from people you know.

In a world where food labels can be confusing, transparency matters. We invite you to ask questions, visit the farm, and see firsthand how your food is produced.

I don't often talk about the risks of not knowing where your food comes from. Most of the people who shop local and support direct farm-to-consumer food already understand why it matters. Or at least, I assumed they did. Then it occurred to me that assumptions aren't always fair. Some people are just beginning to ask questions about their food, where it comes from, how it was raised, and what may have been done to it before it reaches their table. So every now and then, I'll share a little information like this. Not to scare anyone, but to help people make informed choices. We all eat every day, and I believe understanding our food is one of the most important things we can learn. That's one reason we work so hard to raise our animals right here on the farm and welcome (and encourage) questions about how our food is produced.

As always, thank you for supporting local agriculture and our family farm. Every purchase helps us continue raising quality food, caring for our animals, and building community right here in Hunt County.
We hope to see you soon!

Thank you all, as always, for your incredible support. We're still here growing side by side with you!
Take care!
Sandra

✍️ Read My Stories.

After two decades of farming, I've collected far more than harvests of eggs, meat, milk, and vegetables. I've also gathered a harvest of experiences, lessons, adventures, friendships, and stories worth telling. I've recently begun sharing those stories on Substack. It's another way for me to share the farm with you, not through products, but through the people, places, and moments that have shaped my farm journey.


This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net.

Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember, let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!


Posted by FLAG on the farm at 6/8/2026, 8:00 AM

Greetings from Your Local Farm 🌿


Hey friends! 🌿

There’s something steady about the farm right now. We’re in the heart of spring—the grass is green, babies are being born, and the weather has softened just enough to invite you outside. It’s my favorite time on the farm (outside of October).

A quiet kind of steady… like everything is settling into its place.
Whether you want to visit, shop, or both—we’d love to see you out here

🧺 What’s on the Shelves
The store is beginning to reflect the season again—fresh eggs, golden honey, and now:

• All-natural cleaner & fly repellent
• Tallow lotion
• Freshly made soaps
• Beeswax candles
• Homegrown mushrooms (NEW GROWER - check out the Grower Section)

Simple things… but the kind that feel good to bring home.💛

🤝In the Farm Lounge
We made lamb, eggs and rice for breakfast / brunch to share.
Tomorrow we will make chicken and lamb quesadillas with black beans.
We still have our drinks and our delicious refreshing Italian Creme Soda and now there is also Ice Cream to share!

👶 Little Sprouts
Little Sprouts continues each week on the farm.
It’s been sweet to watch moms and babies finding their rhythm together here.

🌙 Quiet Gatherings
And in another corner of the farm, something quieter is forming…
a small, tucked-away, speakeasy-style group—
conversations, shared thoughts, and connection that grows naturally.

🐄 From the Conference
Last week, we stepped away briefly to attend a farm conference—
a reminder that this life we’re building is part of something bigger.

While we were there, we had the chance to get the photo of Joel Salatin (aka the most famous farmer in the world) in our Farm Lounge signed. It’s back on the wall now, holding a little more story than it did before.

A Story Worth Sharing
One story Joel shared has stayed with me.

A woman in Canada wanted to grow food but didn’t have land.
She asked a farmer for a small 1/8-acre plot. They said yes.

Then a neighbor asked, "can you plant a garden here too?"
Then another… and another.

What started as one small garden became 24 garden spaces across different properties.

A reminder: never limit yourself… where there’s a will, there’s a way.

🌻 Why That Matters Here
That story felt familiar.

It mirrors what we’re doing with FLAG on The Farm here at Green Family Farms.

FLAG was never meant to be something we simply “host.”
It’s a blank canvas—
a place where people who feel the pull can come create, contribute, and take part… even without land of their own.

💛 We’re Here
Come as You Are
You don’t have to join FLAG to shop the farm store.
Membership is simply for those who want to step deeper into the farm.

More than anything, we just want you to know…
you're welcome here.

Whether you come for eggs, stay for a drink, bring your babies, or simply need a place to sit for a while—the farm is open to you in whatever way you need it to be.

With gratitude for each of you, Sandra

Happy Spring!

✍️ A Personal Note

I used to say I would farm for 20 years… and then, when life slowed a little, I would finally write about it.

Well… with my 55th birthday right around the corner, I find myself stepping into that season.

I’ve started sharing stories on Substack—pieces of the farm, the people, and the moments that stay with you.

I just posted one about Anand. It’s the kind of story that’s hard to explain in a sentence… you really have to step into it and read it for yourself. Follow this link to start the 5 part story - it's about a 4 minute read each section. God is good!

This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net. Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember—let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!

Posted by FLAG on the farm at 5/7/2026, 4:07 PM

What We’re Growing Here


🌱 We started FLAG on the farm a year ago. And, I know many of you only know us as a farm but, FLAG came into existence as a means to expand into more than just a farm where you source good, locally grown food. Whether you’re a part of FLAG or simply connected to the farm through the market, I wanted to share a thought from this weekend…

This weekend we gathered for our spring potluck and FLAG member renewal picnic. (Note: FLAG is simply how we’re able to open the café and host events here on the farm.)

It was a simple, sweet day.

A few families came. We shared food, conversation, and time together on the land. While the turnout was small, it ended up being part of what made the day so sweet. It gave space for slower conversations, deeper connection, and moments that might have been missed in a larger crowd. And in those conversations, one meaningful thing stood out to me—something I want to share with you.

Throughout the day, I had three separate conversations with three different members.

One said,
“I really want to start gardening… but I don’t have the space. I may just do a few pots on my porch.”

And I said,
“You know… as a FLAG member, we have community gardens - you can garden here.”

They paused and said,
“I didn’t even think of that.”

Another shared they wanted to start teaching homesteading and survival skills… but were trying to figure out where they could build a space to do it.

And I said,
“Why not here? You’re a member. We have the space, the manpower to help manage a group and the infrastructure already set up.”

Again…
“I didn’t think of that.”

Then someone else said they wanted to start a homeschool co-op and were talking with their church about using a space there.

And I said,
“You could do that here.”

And once again…
“I didn’t think of that.”

🌿 So I realized something…

I don’t think I’ve said this clearly enough.

FLAG is not just something you come to. As a member, it’s something you can build within.

This land… this space… this community…

It’s not just here for events or coffee or occasional visits.

It’s here for you—as a member.

If you’ve been wanting to:

garden
teach
gather people
start something small
try something you’ve been thinking about for a long time

You don’t have to go find another place.

You already have one.

🎨🖌️A Blank Canvas

We are farmers first. That is our heart, our work, and our daily life.
FLAG was never meant to pull us away from that—but rather to open the door so others could experience and be part of it alongside us.

It was never meant to be something we simply host for you. It was meant to be a shared space—a place where ideas can take root and grow through the people who are part of it.

Sometimes when something is wide open, it’s hard to know how to step into it.
If that’s you, start small. That’s how everything meaningful here begins. You don’t need permission in the formal sense.
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Sometimes it just starts with a conversation.

💛 An Open Invitation

If something has been on your heart… something you’ve been wanting to start or explore…

Tell me (or Greg, our FLAG President).
Let’s make space for it here.

In many ways, that’s how FLAG came into being. Greg showed up… and kept showing up. Through conversations, shared ideas, and a mutual love for the same things, FLAG began to take shape.

We’re still growing—because that’s what farms do...

FLAG expanded the farm into a place to belong, contribute, and build something meaningful side by side, if you wish. For some, the farm is a place to shop good local products. For others, it's a place to visit and enjoy. Yet, for some, it might be a place to take part in and help shape. Whichever feels right for you, that’s okay. We just don’t want to miss the chance to come alongside something you may be wanting to grow.
Still not ready to come to the farm? No worries, we now offer delivery on orders over $100 within a 50-mile radius of the farm.

With gratitude for each of you, Sandra

Happy Spring!

P.S. I shared this story with many of you who came today. For those who did not hear it, here it is in writing - it's about a 4 minute read about the latest miracle on the farm. God is good!

This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net. Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember—let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!

Posted by FLAG on the farm at 4/11/2026, 8:47 PM

🌿 Annual Spring Potluck Picnic & Membership Renewal 🌞


🌿 Annual Spring Potluck Picnic + Membership Renewal 🌞

We’re gathering again, at the farm, for our annual spring potluck, picnic, and member renewal—one of our favorite times of the year to slow down, share a meal, and reconnect as a farm community.

Are you a current FLAG member needing to renew your membership? Are you a long-time customer but still have yet to see the farm and know us in our own environment?

Now is a great time to visit! If you are not a current member, you can come as a visitor and decide if you want to join.

Members: If you are a FLAG member, here is a chance to renew at the current rate of $5/year. (Beginning 5/1/26, membership rates will increase). Indefinitely, your original membership rate is honored as long as your membership stays active. If it lapses, renewal will be at the current rate at that time.

If you’re unable to attend the picnic, just reach out—we’re happy to extend a grace period through 4/30/26 for those who connect with us and renew by that date.

Potluck: Please bring a dish to share, we’d love for it to be homemade—there’s something special about food made with your own hands and heart. But please don’t let that stop you from coming. Truly—your presence matters more than anything, and there will be plenty of food and fellowship for everyone.

A quick note on membership:
Even if your FLAG membership expires, you’ll still remain connected—you’ll continue receiving updates and newsletters, and you can still shop the Side By Side Market unless you choose to mark yourself inactive in your account settings.

Membership is only required when visiting the farm for events, gathering in the café, enjoying the farm and picnic areas, or participating as a Side By Side Market grower.

What is FLAG membership?

FLAG (Fellowship, Learning, and Growing on the Farm) is how we keep this place rooted in purpose.

Rather than operating as a public space, we’ve chosen to gather as a private, member-supported community—one that values connection, good food, shared learning, and time on the land.

Membership isn’t about exclusivity—it’s about stewardship.
It helps protect the farm, sustain what we’re building, and keeps this a place where people can come as they are and be part of something real.
When you come under FLAG, you’re not just visiting a farm…
you’re stepping into a community.

Come as you are. 🤍


Sandra



Best Easter wishes for you all!

P.S. You can also see the new babies on the farm: We have Pari (our 1/2 Gyr baby) and Max (our mini Zebu). So soft and cute when their as brand new as they are!

Posted by FLAG on the farm at 4/3/2026, 5:21 PM

Change... More Than I Planned For


It has been almost a year since my last newsletter, “Change is Here – And It’s Full of Excitement.” At the time, I had no idea just how much change was ahead - 2025 has been a year of growth in every sense of the word!

One of the biggest milestones was the launch of FLAG – Fellowship, Learning, and Growing. That had been a vision on my heart for years, and with the help of my husband, a dear friend, and the timely arrival of new supporter, it finally came to life. With that, we explored changes to our website and market platform. While not everything stuck, it helped us gain clarity.

As far as the market platform, we stayed with our current one (locallygrown.net) - it has served us for nearly 20 years—a milestone we’re incredibly grateful for. We simply renamed it Side By Side Market but the domain/subdomain did not change: GreenFamilyFarm.locallygrown.net

The original reasoning to move the market to a new platform was because locallygrown was not mobile friendly but, just as we were making the move, locallygrown announced they were working on becoming mobile friendly! And, now it is. So, for all of you that had that frustration before, I hope the new platform is working better on your phones (I still work on a desktop and flip phone (intentionally) so I was totally unaware).

And as far as the FLAG website, we decided the extra website just wasn’t needed. That website was originally created to also send out newsletters and keep up with FLAG member information. However, the Locally Grown site does all of that—and more. Instead, we incorporated FLAG info into the existing Green Family Farm site which is free and easily found when one uses Google to search for us. Check out the updates: Green Family Farm Webadorsite (Note: If you’re a current FLAG member, don’t worry—you’re being transitioned over as well, and we’re still keeping up with you.)

2025 also brought changes for me personally - both joy and heartbreak. We welcomed our first grandbaby into the world—she was born right here on the farm—which was incredibly special! At the same time, I experienced the loss of a close friend and farm partner who had been by my side for 5+ years. She was my cow-whispering partner, and when it came to the sheep, she had a shepherd’s heart—knowing each one by name, helping with milking, and even forming a special bond with one she trained. She also seeded the pastures better than any equipment we had—climbing right into the tractor bucket and spreading seed by hand. It became a shared routine, always ending in a sense of satisfaction and laughter. And, she was the first to bring the farm into the public eye in a way that went beyond photos - without her encouragement, I would have never launched our YouTube channel. We shared many early mornings together—those punchy, before-the-sunrise kind—where laughter came easy and even led to a few farm-inspired parodies: “Let Your Milk Flow” and “Give Me One Reason to Keep Farming.” We worked hard, laughed often, and walked through a lot of life on this farm side by side. Some of you who know me well know that her absence has left a solemn place in my heart. It was not that she left; rather, it was the way she left. Yet, in many ways, she remains part of this farm. For those who knew us, you knew that wherever I was, she was not far from my side. And, that is where I got the final inspiration behind the new name of our online market, Side By Side.

Those changes were not intentional, but ones that ultimately had to be embraced. As a result, I took a temporary sabbatical to grieve the loss of my dear friend and to be present with my new grandbaby, cherishing moments that cannot be recreated if missed.

Becoming a farmer brought change to my life 20 years ago (back when I had never even seen a brown egg, yet alone blue and green) and when one experiences something that changes their life so positively, they naturally want to share it. The Farm Lounge / Café became my space to do just that—and the timing of its opening could not have been more perfect. FLAG created a community that I was able to lean into during my own sorrows and joys this past year. In turn, many of you came to the farm and shared your own stories of joys and sorrows which was something I never expected, but truly welcomed as a source of comfort.

FLAG was created to invite people beyond simply shopping the farm—to step into it and experience it more fully. For that, it needed more than a website; it needed a real, physical space. So we built the Farm Lounge / Café here on the farm. From there, we thoughtfully considered what to call it and how to structure it in a way that avoided unnecessary risk or restrictions. That’s why FLAG operates as a private, member-based not-for-profit. This allows our members to support the farm intentionally, protects our freedoms, and keeps access to good food in the hands of our community.

Members are already enjoying the space as a place to gather, attend events, and simply be present—with the land and with each other. (And yes… it finally includes a bathroom, which feels like a big win after all these years!)

Not all changes in life are easy — but often, those are the seasons that shape us the most. Farming has taught me that again and again. And now, having a farm family to share it with on a more personal level has made it all the more meaningful.

If you’ve been with us for years simply shopping through the market—thank you. That continues just as it always has.
And if you feel called to experience the farm in a more personal way, we now have a place for that too. Since our soft FLAG opening last spring, we’ve grown to over 50 families—and it has been something really special to watch take root.
There is still room, and we would truly love to welcome you.

Thank you all, as always, for your incredible support. We're still here growing side by side with you!
Take care!
Sandra

FLAG Members

If you signed up for FLAG in-person at the farm, you have been added to this market as an inclusion with your membership. On this site, you can shop the market online. And, as a FLAG member you can also request to become a market grower if you have wares you would like to display in our physical store and/or online Side By Side market. Your membership status is also tracked through this market account.

Even if your FLAG membership expires, you’ll still:

  • Remain on our notification list and will be able to shop the Side By Side Market
  • Still receive updates and newsletters
These will continue unless you choose to mark yourself as inactive, which you can manage anytime through your market account settings. However, if you visit the farm to attend a FLAG event or to enter the café (our member gathering space) and/or farm viewing and picnic areas, you will be asked to renew your membership at the current annual rate. You are also required to maintain your FLAG membership if you are a Side By Side Market Grower and want to continue serving the market with your wares. Please note: your original membership rate is honored as long as your membership remains active; however, if it lapses, renewal will be at the current rate, which may increase over time.

This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net. Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible!

Remember, let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!

Posted by FLAG on the farm at 3/28/2026, 6:21 PM

Change Is Here — And It’s Full of Excitement!

Last month, I shared some exciting news about the beginnings of FLAG on the Farm — and now, it’s official! We’re thrilled to announce that FLAG on the Farm is up and running as a brand-new grassroots, not-for-profit organization based right here at Green Family Farms. flagonthefarm.org

One of FLAG’s first missions is to collaborate with other local farms to launch a regional food hub — and we’re calling it Side By Side Farms. To support this new effort, we’ve transitioned from locallyGrown.net to a more mobile-friendly platform:
sidebysidefarms.eatfromfarms.com

Right now, we’re in the process of moving our full inventory from Green Family Farms to the new site — and soon, you’ll also see products from other local farmers and producers. Our goal is to create a one-stop shop for local food that’s easy to use and full of fresh, diverse options. If you’d prefer to shop exclusively from us, you still can! Just click on [more info], then [producers], and select Green Family Farms.

Before we fully transition, we’ll create an account for you on the new site, which will trigger a “verify your email” message — so keep an eye on your inbox for an email from Side By Side Farms. Or, if you’d like to get a head start, feel free to sign up on your own. Just like before, you’ll need to create an account in order to shop.

All of these changes are aimed at making it easier for you to access farm-fresh food, while also supporting other farms that may not yet have the resources to run a shop or staff it. They grow incredible products but often lack a way to get them directly to you—and we’re here to help bridge that gap. How many times have you driven by a farm and thought, “How do I get that good food onto my plate?” Or spotted a sign like “eggs for sale” or “honey available” — but the gate’s closed, the number goes to voicemail, and by the time you hear back, you’ve already picked some up at the store? We’re solving that problem.

We’re an open-door farm — open 7 days a week for pickup. And if your order is over $100, we’ll deliver to your door. We also want to give you a chance to learn about farming and connect with the people growing your food. This is about building community, knowledge, and a better food system — together.

Thank you, as always, for your incredible support. We can’t wait to grow this next chapter side by side with you!

Take care!
Sandra

This e-news was produced using the weblog feature from locallygrown.net. Note: you can unsubscribe from this site at any time.

We thank you for your interest and support of our efforts to bring you the freshest and the most delicious locally-produced foods possible! Remember, let your palate be your nutrition analyzer!

Posted by FLAG on the farm at 4/10/2025, 5:30 PM