What Started as Being an Animal Lover Turned into Homesteading in rural Florida

Faith with a baby goat

Welcome to TnF Farms, where our passion for livestock and homesteading comes to life! In the scenic Panhandle region of rural Florida. At TnF Farms, we are dedicated to raising a diverse array of farm animals while embracing the values of sustainable and responsible homesteading.

Our journey revolves around nurturing and caring for a variety of farm animals. Each with its unique charm and significance. From our very animated small pigs (American Guinea Hogs) that provide us with their natural ability to clear the land of scrub and some of the best tasting pork. Our lively chickens that grace us with farm-fresh eggs, our animals are an integral part of our daily lives. We also have a soft spot for our curious Nigerian Dwarf goats that provide fresh, creamy milk to and we’re always excited to share their playful antics with visitors.

Always working towards self-sufficiency

Beyond the immediate joy of caring for these animals, we have a commitment. Our commitment to homesteading is deeply rooted in our desire to live a sustainable and environmentally conscious lifestyle. We prioritize ethical and humane practices in animal husbandry. Ensuring our livestock is well-cared for and living their best lives.

Join us on our homesteading journey as we open our doors to fellow enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone curious about the charms of rural life. Whether you’re interested in learning about animal husbandry, sustainable farming practices, or simply relishing the tranquility of our farm, you’re welcome to visit and enjoy the TnF Farms experience.

As we share our experiences, challenges, and triumphs, we aim to foster a sense of community. We hope to inspire others to embrace the rewarding world of homesteading. From how-to’s on raising livestock to farm-to-table cooking featuring our fresh produce and goods, there are numerous opportunities to connect with us and learn about our way of life.

So, come and join us through our blog. As we embark on this fulfilling journey of raising farm animals, nurturing the land, and cultivating a more sustainable future. TnF Farms is not just a place. It’s a lifestyle! We can’t wait to share it with you.

Growing lemons in Florida

12/09/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Nigerian Dwarf Goats/by Faith

When we bought the property that is now TnF Farms, we saw that there were some mature fruit trees on the property. We thought they may have been pears. No, they were lemons. The first late fall harvest, we were pretty excited. The lemons were big and bright yellow. We cut into one and it was full of seeds. We tried a couple of others and they were very seedy. Then we tasted one and discovered it wasn’t pleasantly tart, but punishingly bitter. No amount of sugar added to this fruit would make lemonade, lemon curd, or lemon bars.

Building our Goat Tote

12/07/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading, Let's Do Something, Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Nubian Goats/by Tim

It’s soon 2024. Perhaps you’ve been living under a rock. Let me prep you before you emerge from ignorant bliss. Everything costs more. Too much more. For some items the pricing is ridiculous. I have been on the lookout for a livestock trailer. For months, I have cruised Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace and have concluded there are 2 kinds of used livestock trailers available in the open market right now:

5 Monetization Strategies for Your Hobby Farm

12/04/2023/in Homesteading/by Jill

You’ve always dreamed about running your very own hobby farm – and you’re finally in a financial position that will allow you to make your dream come true. But how can you generate income from your farm? TnF Farms outlines tips on surveying possible farmland, forming an LLC, planting your first crops, and marketing your farm.

Feeding pigs food waste

11/28/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Homesteading/by Faith

In the beginning stages for TnF Farms, we did investigate this very subject. Food waste, also classified in this publication as garbage is free. There’s plenty of food waste available and pigs are not picky eaters. Ultimately we decided against it because we did not want our livestock living on stale, processed and rotting food. Much today’s human population is overweight and not in the best of health. Diabetes, hypertension, and other food related disease is more common now. Our decision to raise healthy, free ranging livestock was easy. Tim and I believe what’s wrong with everybody’s health is the GMO (genetically modified organism), processed and unnatural food that has become common now.

Piglets born at TnF Farms

11/11/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

To our surprise, early this morning, she released her hostages. “Minnie” is a very stout female named for very short legs and when she’s not being instinctually protective of her babies, she is a sweetheart. Her past piglets have been very healthy and grow into muscular linebackers that integrate well into our herd. If you are interested in getting registered or unregistered piglets to start your own pig farm or to grow out, piglets should be ready for purchase as soon as mid-January of 2024. Please contact us to start the conversation of how you want your pig(s).

The Cluck-Worthy Truth

11/09/2023/in Farm Animals, Farmer's Market, Homesteading, Poultry/by Tim

It occurred to me when we were restocking our chicken feed that nobody has ever asked us for “proof” that we are feeding our chickens non-GMO feed. There is no regulating body that comes out and periodically checks and we’ve never had to send our eggs off for analysis. Non-GMO feed costs more. Non-GMO eggs can call for a mark-up over regular eggs.

What’s in the Pork You Eat?

11/06/2023/in American Guinea Hogs, Farm Animals, Farmer's Market, Homesteading/by Tim

At TnF Farms, we believe what you feed your livestock has everything to do with what you get in return. We can taste the difference in our pork especially over commercially raised pork. Quality in means great animal health. Our pasture and forest raised pigs finished out are healthy weight with muscle tone and seem to have an overall energetic or spry take on life. Not just big, fat and lethargic.

You need one of everything

11/04/2023/in Farm Animals, Florida Living, Homesteading/by Tim

Then the farm bug bit my wife and really sunk its teeth in. One of our neighbors really inspired her to farm way more than I ever imagined. All that existing farm stuff now needed to be repaired and modified to work with the new plan. Then we were off and going. Almost daily trips to Tractor Supply, Home Depot and Lowes, not to mention all the things being bought on Amazon. My dad and his brothers grew up on a farm. When one of my uncles came to visit and see our progress, he chuckled and said “You’re new farmers. You’re going to need one of everything.”

The Significance of NPIP Certification

11/02/2023/in Farm Animals, Homesteading, Poultry/by Faith

In poultry farming, there’s no question that the health and welfare of your flock are top priorities. Enter the significance of NPIP certification, a cornerstone of responsible poultry farming. NPIP, or the National Poultry Improvement Plan. This is a program initiated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The primary aim of monitoring and enhancing the overall health of poultry in the United States. Whether you’re an enthusiastic poultry hobbyist or a seasoned homesteader or farmer. This is essential to understand why obtaining NPIP certification for your chickens is a game-changer for both you and your flock.

Understanding Chicken Molting

10/20/2023/in Farm Animals, Homesteading, Poultry/by Faith

It’s an old wives’ tale, but a heavy molt means a bad winter is coming. As autumn sets in and leaves begin to fall, your chickens are also undergoing a seasonal change of their own: molting. Molting is a natural process in a chicken’s life cycle when they shed and regrow their feathers. Fall molting is particularly common among chickens, and understanding this phenomenon can help you provide the best care for your flock during this transitional period. In my post, I’ll discuss the reasons behind fall molting, the stages of molting, and how you can support your chickens during this time.