Shifting from health care to healthy food production would take research. Jim started reading and research- ing regenerative farming and working and maintaining chemical-free land. Deb started looking for land all over New England. Nothing was fitting their needs. After about a year, they broadened their search. They saw that Forks Farm was for sale, that the farm was a “green” farm, sustainable, and had a market. This farm let the animals eat what they should be eating; grasses and was chemi- cal-free. This was very important for Deb and Jim. It was also what John and Todd had worked so hard to build. Without even visiting the farm, they made an offer to the Hopkins, and early in 2022, an agreement was made and John and Todd sold their beautiful farm to Jim and Deb. The transfer went quickly. There was so much to do now! Not only did they have to move their entire life to PA, but they also had to take over farm chores. It was so busy that on the day of their closing, Deb and Jim had to arrive a little late and plenty dirty as new pigs had just arrived on the farm and needed tending to. Running the farm proved to be a huge learning curve as they had to remember how to do everything. John and Todd assisted them the first year, teaching them what they needed to know, and how and where to get what they needed. “We couldn’t have done it without the Hop- kinses,” said Deb. “We absolutely want to continue what John and Todd created.” Preparing for their first market was chaos! After it was over, they felt excited, and exhausted, but had fun. Deb was thankful; “everyone was so welcoming & supportive.” A few things did change with the passing of the torch. The Buyers’ Club was still operating well, but a new buying system, Barn to Table, had to be implemented. But they still travel around Pennsylvania providing quality, healthy food to urban areas and educating people on farm prac- tices. Deb started to incubate eggs so the laying hens are born and raised on the farm, not shipped in a box. Plus, they have a “Kids Corral”, so the kids have a safe place to play while the parents shop. The store is open 24/7 now. Folks can place orders and pick them up the next day, sometimes the same day. Peo- ple can stop in anytime as well. A new freezer holds beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, milk, and more. A buyer can leave cash, checks, or use Venmo. The farm still carries all locally produced items.
Liam McCay of Liam’s Luck Wood Craft, a regular vendor at the market, stated that “nothing has changed except
The picturesque Josiah Hess Covered Bridge is located right next to Forks Farm.
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