Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Gore
Lauren, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
We are Lauren and Jason Gore. We started our family farm in 2017 in Ocean Isle Beach, NC. We have a seven year old son named Wyatt, who loves to help out on the farm, a two year old daughter Lena Jane and a Pointer named Huckleberry, who we named the farm after.
I grew up on a farm in Stokes County that belonged to my grandparents, who were tobacco farmers. I grew up riding horses as well as helping with the gardening and canning. Jason’s interest in landscaping and agriculture became more apparent as he spent time with us there, before we were married. At North Carolina State University, he majored in Agronomy and turf grass management. Lauren also graduated from NCSU where she studied elementary education and horticulture.
Having a common interest in staying healthy and fit, we began to explore the possibilities of growing our own food, organically. We also noticed that there were not many options around for locally grown organic produce. So, in 2015 we purchased the land to begin to build our farm. We are growing organic crops year round, providing fresh eggs from our flock of pasture raised hens, and offering Horseback riding opportunities and lessons. As you could imagine, all of this takes a huge amount of time. But for us it’s a way of life and something that we can teach our children, and share with our community.
As the farm has continued to grow, in 2024 we are expanding our flower subscription program and growing more blooms each year.
Currently we are offering flower subscriptions to locals. We sell spring plant starts and vegetables each week in season. We also offer fresh pasture raised whole chicken and eggs. We are also offering riding lessons and pony club. We feel good knowing where our food comes from and would love to share our farm products with you!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I bought a t-shirt that has become a joke to our family and kind of my farm work ethics theme. It has a cow and it says “farming ain’t easy” this joke actually gets me through the toughest of days at the farm. Our biggest lessons, which we continue to learn are not just with growing the perfect flower/crop, which are affected by weather and other external factors but learning the business side to farming. Neither Jason nor I have a background in business. I was formerly a teacher and he has worked in the golf course and soil industry. Sales and marketing our farm fresh products always keep us learning.
I always get people amazed and say I must have a green thumb. I usually joke back with them and tell them they just don’t see how many plants we kill. It happens to anyone who plants and grows flowers or vegetables. Actually I really believe anyone who wants to learn to farm can if they have the work ethic.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
We are most proud that we are encouraging families and children in our community to take an interest in their food and where it comes from. Learn for yourself and become self-sufficient. We also teach riding lessons and have monthly 5and under group lessons we hope through those experiences children can develop a love and appreciation for farm life.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
go to our website and sign up for our weekly email list! We send a weekly update with what veggies/flowers we have for sale that week. Our number and email are also on the website hucklberryfarmoib.com to connect!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://huckleberryfarmoib.com
- Instagram: huckleberryfarm_oib
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/huckleberryfarmoib
