Simply Abundant Farm

Meet the Simply Abundant family

A family team, MarySue, and her now-grown children, Emily and Ben, started farming Simply Abundant Farm using traditional methods handed down from their ancestors who have farmed for generations.   The kids have grown up and moved onto interests of their own, but they are always more than willing to lend a hand to help out at Simply Abundant Farm whenever needed. 

MarySue 

MarySue's passions are the poultry and the dairy goats.  She carefully hand-raises each batch of chickens and turkeys and takes great pride in producing quality birds.  As much as Mary enjoys the chickens, though, her favorite birds are ~ by far ~ the beautiful bronze  and Bourbon Red turkeys she raises for Thanksgiving and Christmas.   MarySue is really excited about starting up a small dairy goat herd again and looks forward to the first kids which will, hopefully, be born in March of 2012. 

When she's not working on the farm or teaching middle school, MarySue enjoys kayaking and other outdoor activities.  Between adventures, she loves to 'talk turkey' and 'kid around'.  And, yes...she knows that her puns are absolutely awful!

Emily

Emily's passion is the sheep.  She has grown up and now is an attorney with a farm of her own.  Please check out her own farming venture, in partnership with Daniel Thompson, at  Tuckahoe Lamb and Cattle Company.  Emily and Daniel do a wonderful job of sustainably raising an array of wonderful things -- sheep, cattle, hogs, poultry, and rabbits -- and offer their products at several local markets, as well as provide delicious, fresh meats to several local restaurants.  Check them out...they offer milk shares and meat and egg CSAs.  You won't be disappointed!

 Her passion for the sheep continues today with a flock that numbers well over 100 sheep.  She has help from her trusty canines which makes the work much easier. 

photo by: Tracy Carter www.cleverdogproductions.com

Border Collies, Manse and Case, assist with the daily chores and moving the flock between pastures.  When she does find time to get away from her law practice and the farm, she enjoys competing in sheepdog trials with her Border Collies.    

Ben

Ben had been studying in the Midwest, but recently returned to Virginia to finish his studies in aviation closer to home.  It's always nice when family can be together and we are truly blessed to have him home again!

When he is not flying, Ben is our jack-of-all trades and does everything from caring for the livestock to dog sitting, to gathering eggs, to whatever other need arises.  An added bonus is that Ben can fix just about anything and he helps Mary at Simply Abundant and also helps Emily and Daniel at Tuckahoe Lamb and Cattle Company when they need an extra hand with things.