We are in the process of changing our name to "Crooked Gap Farm".  We are still the same farm and same farmers - just with a new name! This site will remain active throughout our name change and will be updated with new links as they become available.  Thank you for your patience!

About us

Our Farm and Our Practices
Before we purchased our farm, our land was in the CRP program for at least 14 years with a pasture planting of prairie grasses. No chemicals were applied during this time, and we continue to not apply chemicals to our land. Our animals are naturally and humanely raised on our 40 acres, with 23 acres of pasture and 17 wooded acres. We use rotational grazing on our pastures to continue to improve our land.  We are also converting our woods for livestock as well.  Our animals are not given or fed antibiotics or hormones, and no animal by-products are used in our custom rations.

Our Family
We (Ethan and Rebecca) met in 1998 while in college and were married in 2001.  We have always enjoyed spending time together outside and enjoying creation.  Although neither of us grew up on the farm, both of us have always lived in Iowa with many visits and stays at our families’ Iowa farms.

We are the parents of Caleb (6), Hannah (4), and Isaac (1). We enjoy working together on the farm with our children, and they also enjoy working with the livestock and helping out as they can. We are excited to see our children have the opportunity to learn about where their food comes from and develop a strong work ethic while working together as a family.

Our Name
Shortly after we purchased our land, we learned from the locals that we were on "The crooked road to Melcher." And that is just what it is!  We are right in the middle of the twisting, turning gravel road that leads from the city of Knoxville to Melcher.  Any way you come to our farm, you will have 15 bending minutes off of pavement enjoying the rolling country hills of Central Marion County.  Not only that, but we also have a crooked ravine running diagonally through the woods of our property, making the name Crooked Gap Farm an appropriate fit.

Our Philosophy
The three most important things to us are our faith, our family, and our friends.  These things directly impact the way we farm.  We strive to raise our animals in a way that reflects how they were created and to manage our land in a way that benefits nature.   We also desire to work together as a family while doing this, cultivating strong family ties and values in our children.  Because of this, we plan on remaining a small family farm and do not wish to become a large producer.  And finally, we value friendships and building community.  Our hope is that as customers come out to our farm, many new friendships will be formed.