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Local Farm Spotlight: A Way of Life Farm
Rutherford County Food Council
Healthy people. Healthy economy. Healthy ecology. Those are the driving forces behind what Jamie and Sara Jane Davis do on their farm, A Way of Life Farm. Located in Bostic, NC, the farm was established in 2009 on 40 acres where, on just under 2 acres, they grow over 40 different crops and pasture and woodland-raised pork for the benefit of people's health and the environment. They are USDA Certified Organic and Real Organic certified. Their approach is about maintaining the health of the soil, plants, and pigs naturally without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, modified pig feed, or confining the animals. The result is nutrient-dense, chemical-free fresh food that is healthy and affordable. Like many other small farms in western North Carolina and across the US, Jamie and Sara Jane believe that the health of plants is intrinsically linked to the balance of nutrients and life diversity in the soil. As Sara Jane says, "the beauty of locally grown, real organic food is that the benefits are all-encompassing -- improving the health of the land, water, and air in our county, improving our health with nutritious food, improving our community with good work and personal connections. What could be better?!" By focusing on soil health, A Way of Life Farm has created an inviting ecosystem where wildlife is now abundant on their land. The pigs are fed only non-soy, certified organic feed as a supplement to their forest foraging. Access to sunlight, fresh air, exercise, and wild nutrients make the resulting meat more nutritious than conventional products. As a small farm, Jamie and Sara Jane understand the importance of supporting the local economy. In addition to selling to neighbors through their online store, CSA subscriptions, and at the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, they also support those facing food insecurity in Rutherford and McDowell Counties by supplying fresh, locally-grown produce to organizations such as Washburn Community Outreach Center, Foothills Food Hub, and the Community Farm Stop of Rutherford County. Since 2011, they have offered an apprentice program to new and aspiring famers to help them gain the skills they need to grow their production. Would you like fresh, healthy food grown locally? They have an online store, and in 2026, CSA members can pick up on the farm in Bostic or have it delivered to Asheville. Check out their online store or sign up for their CSA at their website www.awayoflifefarm.com.
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