“We strive to fill our minds with ways to make our farm better to serve our family and community.” Andee working in one of the high tunnels. “We believe if you are not learning then you are not improving,” said Lindsey. Upcoming projects include planting additional native grasses for grazing, installing solar panels to power their high tunnels, and improvements to wetland and forest wildlife habitat. The future is bright at Happy Hens Homestead, and additional improvements are planned.
In addition to the fruits and vegetables grown in the high tunnels, they also raise chickens for eggs and goats for milk. They also offer a few Community Supported Agriculture programs throughout the year. The couple sells their products directly to consumers on their farm and online, at multiple farmers markets, and at local restaurants. They also raise chickens for eggs and goats for milk. With high tunnels and conventional techniques, Happy Hens Homestead is producing a variety of crops including peppers, spring and fall greens, berries, heirloom tomatoes, herbs, rhubarb, peas, and green beans. Beginning the season sometimes a month earlier and extending the season by a month is the best benefit by far.” “Being able to control growing conditions more has improved the quality and increased the amount of produce we can grow. “The high tunnels have been one of the best additions to our homestead,” said Andee. These high tunnels allow the Stevens family to utilize a rainwater catchment system on the property for irrigation. They added their first high tunnel in 2018 through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, and the second in 2020 while cooperating with NRCS through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
THE HAPPY FARMER COMPSOER INSTALL
“With NRCS we have been able to install two high tunnels and create a water safety plan.” They installed two high tunnels through NRCS programs. “We didn’t know about NRCS until we moved to Owsley County,” said Lindsey. With assistance from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, they have turned their farm into a diversified and productive operation. With sustainability and conservation in mind, Andee and Lindsey began rotationally grazing goats, utilizing litter from their chickens, and established an on-farm composting operation to revitalize their soil. Happy Hens Homestead was once a tobacco and cattle farm with major soil health concerns.
“It spiraled into growing, baking, making homemade soaps and jams for family and friends, then on to sell to the greater public.” Revitalizing the Operation “Initially we began our little farming adventure to feed our family,” said Andee. Andee and Lindsey started Happy Hens Homestead in 2014. These goals led them to establish the farm in 2014. The couple wanted to create a simple, healthy, and sustainable lifestyle for their family, and a great environment to raise their kids in. This Friday meet Andee and Lindsey Stevens of Happy Hens Homestead in Booneville, Kentucky.
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