Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Hodgens
Hi Jordan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2015 when my father passed away, my mother needed to step away from the farm and I couldn’t stand the thought of it being sold. As unsure as I was, I took things over alongside my young daughter. I didn’t have the first clue on how to maintain or run a farm, and that’s when God sent me Mr. Sid. I was working at a small town country buffet in the evenings to make ends meet and he was one of my regular customers. I asked him what he did with the produce that wasn’t fit to sell (in hopes I could get some scraps for my pet pigs) and he invited me out to his farm. I visited Livingston Farms in Woodford for the first time in 2020 and my life changed forever. Covid shut things down at both of my jobs and Mr. Sid asked if I’d be interested in helping pick squash in the mornings for some extra money. Just like that, our business partnership was born. By August I realized I had a heart for produce and that he was exactly the person I needed to coach me through how to successfully maintain my own farm. Fast forward almost 5 years now, I manage every aspect of his produce business, from operating and repairing tractors, planting, harvesting and selling vegetables on a wholesale and retail level. I’ve also made huge strides in achieving my dreams of turning my farm into a mini cow farm that also functions as an event venue during the offseason of produce. I’ve been able to step away from the other jobs I had and focus on farming full time and I’m loving every minute of it.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Learning how to save and budget to make it through the off season was very new for me. Every year I’ve gotten a little better at it but I’ve had to come up with some pretty creative ways to make ends meet in those weeks leading up to harvest.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At Livingston Farms we grow everything from sweet corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, cucumbers, a variety of peppers and eggplants, watermelons, peas, and peanuts in the summer, to collards, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, mustard greens, turnips and rutabagas in the fall. Mr. Sid has been farming since before he was old enough to reach the pedals on the tractor and now that he’s in his late 70’s he’s ready to pass his knowledge along and have a much less active role in the farm, which is where I come in. He’s taught me how to operate a number of different tractors, as well as every implement involved in planting, cultivating, spraying and harvesting. I’m proud to say that nearly every single piece of produce that leaves our farm has been touched by me in one way or another.
Meanwhile, at 4L’s Farm and Venue, I’ve been maintaining and making improvements to the property in effort to cater to photographers, engaged couples looking for a rural venue for their wedding, as well as hosting events like Friendsgiving, Easter egg hunts, and yoga retreats. Recently I decided to get into breeding mini cows which is also completely new to me!
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
People are becoming more interested in where their food comes from and how it’s handled and processed. We’re happy to offer farm tours and even let customers pick their own produce!
In reference to the venue; people are looking for ways to escape the rush of it all. Having such a peaceful piece of paradise that’s only a short drive from “society” seems to be ideal and draw people from a variety of walks of life and I’m happy to share my space with them.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1ExmY3jcW2/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/share/15MR1eraxY/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
