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 persued 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 as some of the larger farms do.”
Twenty-five 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, PMF serves to revitalize the Scottish Highland herd which had historically been farmed on Pitcher Mountain, and provide additional pasture on 250 acres.
Why create Holistic Roots?
Simply put, after 25 years in farming Keira and Brian realized that there was something happening that was much bigger than what they had already created. Based on their own beliefs and years of learned experiences, Keira and Brian had by now established firm beliefs in the following:
Growing foods and raising animals in their most natural environment benefits the people of the world and the land we live on.
Supporting the natural circle of life in the way nature intended.
A commitment to pioneering change in agricultural practices and the meat industry.
Supporting local food.
Promoting land and animal stewardship and sustainability.
Providing education about food and farming.
A commitment to dignity, honor, receptivity, humility, and respect.
Creating joy and fulfillment through serving and making a positive difference in the world.