Jesse and Hannah.  Two people, trying to live simply and sustainably on a small farm in Kentucky.

We’ve been following the story of Jesse and Hannah, owners of Rough Draft Farmstead on their search for a new and improved American dream.  A dream where they remain committed to the land no matter where their hard work lands them.  Our family is inspired and encouraged by their determination to this dream and their willingness to keep going when many would have given up.  The lessons about life that our children have learned while we read and follow these young farmers’ story cannot be found in a textbook.  The way we handle the hard times in life is most often what inspires and motivates others to follow their dreams.  We can truly say that this young couple have done that for us.  We’ve been challenged by their willingness to take the path less chosen in order to get where they want to be.  If only we had been so courageous at their age!

We’ve been considering ways to contribute to their newest project and have decided to donate 100% of the proceeds from our sales at Community Farmers Market on Saturday October 6th.

The name of their farm is Rough Draft Farmstead which is very fitting since they have found themselves on several “rough drafts” over the past year.  Fittingly, they are now back on the farm where they interned, met and fell in love.  Bugtussle Farm provided them with a place to begin separately and now they find themselves as a couple back on the same soil.  Sustainable Kentucky has done an excellent job documenting their story and you can read several featured articles about their journey as well as features on fermentation written by Jesse Frost.  You will also notice several additional incentives to giving to their off-the grid cabin on this post.

Stop by the market on Saturday and load up on Heirloom Tomatoes, Kale, Gourmet Peppers, Eggplant, Lettuce, Herbs, Ground Cherries, Winter Squash and more and you will be helping this amazing couple live out their dreams!  You can also donate directly to their “Back to Bugtussle:  Help Us Build an Off-the-Grid Cabin” campaign HERE.

“When they want you to buy something
they will call you. When they want you
to die for profit they will let you know.
So, friends, every day do something
that won’t compute. Love the Lord.
Love the world. Work for nothing.
Take all that you have and be poor.
Love someone who does not deserve it.”

Wendell Berry, “Manifesto: The Mad Farmer Liberation Front“
(originally posted by Sustainable Kentucky’s  Can You Crowdsource a Farm?)