Yankee Farmer’s Market
Yankee Farmer’s Market &
The Evolution of Holistic Roots
Brian and Keira Farmer, both 24 at the time, established Yankee Farmer's Market in 1998. As the story goes, they sold their car to buy their first five buffalo.
The couple met in college at the University of New Hampshire. Keira was passionate about sports medicine and kinesiology, while Brian pursued a degree in engineering.
The intentions at the time were straightforward; to provide consumers with local, delicious, naturally and humanely raised meats, and to support local agriculture.
“Our hope in developing Yankee Farmer's Market is to put agriculture back into the hands of the small, local farmer. We are not interested in mass producing our animals, biologically engineering our animals, or leaving them in unhealthy, inhumane environments. We need to do better and be better for future generations.”
Twenty-seven years later, Yankee Farmer's Market has grown to include farms in Warner and Hillsboro. The business has grown to include wholesale distribution to hundreds of retailers, a nationwide following, a retail operation in Warner, NH, a buffalo concession business, and ongoing mentorship and consulting in support of other small farmers.
A second venture, Pitcher Mountain Farm, was created in 2013. Located on Andorra Forrest conservation land, Pitcher Mountain Farm serves to revitalize the Scottish Highland herd which had historically been farmed on Pitcher Mountain. Today, it is home to over 35 Scottish Highlanders and 50 American buffalo. In 2024, a partnership was formed with Abenaki Helping Abenaki, a local indigenous tribe. A portion of the land at Pitcher Mountain Farm is now dedicated to raising buffalo for the Abenaki Food Security Program.
Why create Holistic Roots?
After 25 years in farming, Keira and Brian realized there was a deeper purpose behind the knowledge they had gained through their journey. The past two decades had provided the essential pieces to a larger puzzle and the creation of Holistic Roots was born from a desire to combine their experiences, values, and vision for a harmonious future. Rooted in their core beliefs and years of hands-on experience, Keira and Brian have come to firmly embrace the following principles:
Growing food and raising animals in their natural environment benefits both people and the land we share.
Supporting the natural circle of life as nature intended.
Restoring and honoring indigenous traditions to create a balanced relationship with the land and all living things.
Committing to pioneering change in agricultural practices and the meat industry.
Advocating for local food systems and regenerative farming practices.
Promoting land and animal stewardship, sustainability, and holistic care.
Offering experiential educational opportunities on the farm to foster learning and connection.
Upholding values of dignity, honor, receptivity, humility, and respect in all we do.
Creating joy and fulfillment by serving others and making a positive impact on the world.
We aim to create a space where knowledge and ideas can be shared, fostering a strong sense of community and connection!