236. Shane and Elizabeth Stuart on Diversifying Your Farm

How do you know when you are ready to diversify? On today’s episode of the Thriving Farmer Podcast, we are joined by Shane and Elizabeth Stuart of Crossing Creeks Farm. Situated on 125 acres in Shelbyville, TN, they have been practicing regenerative and holistic farming since 2012 with a focus on providing a diversified offering to their customers. From grass-fed meat and eggs to traditional foods like bone broth from their on-site commercial kitchen, they also host numerous guests through their RV sites and private open air cabins. Their farm even offers horseback riding lessons, a dog park, hiking trails and a seasonal cafe.  Join us today to hear all about this thriving generational farm! In this episode, you’ll hear: How Elizabeth and Shane got started in farming 1:51 Why they don’t believe beef is a good fit for their farm 5:03 What they do with RV’s and cabins 9:03 About who their customer base is 11:56 How their on-farm store started out 14:50 What their social media management looks like 21:58 How they source and manage vendors 27:15 What they would do differently if they had a do-over 28:42 About their farm team and their process for finding helpers  33:38 Their advice for aspiring farmers 39:50 About the Guest: Shane and Elizabeth Stuart are passionate about producing great food for their family’s table and yours. With a commitment to producing pasture raised, organic fed and soy & corn free everything through regenerative farming practices, their first passion and focus is grass-fed meats and eggs. Their second passion is hosting guests on the farm with unique farm stays through our RV sites and private open air cabins. Sharing the experience of really great food through our on-site commercial kitchen is their third passion. From ancestral, traditional foods like bone broth and lard to exceptional treats like Einkorn cinnamon rolls made with organic ingredients-eating nutrient rich foods doesn't have to be tasteless, boring or inconvenient and they hope to show you that through their kitchen offerings.   Resources: Website: www.crossingcreeks.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/crossingcreekstn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crossingcreeksfarm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@crossingcreeksfarm       This podcast is sponsored by Small Farm University, THE go-to resource for gardeners, homesteaders, and farmers around the world. Small Farm University delivers classes online and on demand, with training on how to grow crops AND how to grow a profitable farm business that serves you, your family, and your community well.  Applying what you learn in SFU could save you countless hours and thousands of dollars. And, it can save you the agony of costly mistakes some make, just because they “don’t know what they don’t know.” Delivered by real farmers with hands-on experience and expertise, it is unique in its approach, using the RIPEN method for growing and building a farm or farm business. To learn more, visit:  GrowingFarmers.com today!