One Year In: Lessons From Our First Season at Green Star Grove

One year ago, I made a decision that changed the course of my life. My wife and I bought a farm in Granbury, Texas—not because I came from generations of farmers, but because I believed in a different kind of future. I wanted to be part of the solution: to heal the soil, grow real food, and reconnect people with the land and each other.

Now, standing here 12 months later, it feels like a lifetime has passed. I’ve learned more in this one year—through early mornings, hard lessons, and small victories—than I ever imagined. This land has taught me patience, humility, and what it truly means to invest in something bigger than yourself. Here are the biggest takeaways from our first year farming.

Healing Soil Is Slow, Sacred Work

When I first walked this land, the soil was compacted, dry, and void of life. Decades of synthetic inputs and heavy machinery had stripped it down to dust and hard clay. I thought compost, mulch, and cover crops would be a quick fix.

They helped—but the real transformation happens over time. One season of cover crops. One chicken rotation through the orchard. One layer of mulch at a time. You can't rush biology. You can only commit to showing up, again and again. Restoring soil health isn’t a project; it’s a relationship. And like any relationship, it takes consistent care, attention, and time.

Chickens Are Tiny Farm Managers

We started with 26 chickens. Today, we manage more than 100, using mobile coops and electrified netting to rotate them through our orchard. They fertilize, weed, and control pests naturally—all while providing eggs that customers rave about.

They’re noisy, messy, and full of personality. But more than anything, they’ve taught me how to pay attention. Chickens are honest feedback loops. They show you what’s working and what’s not, as long as you’re willing to watch and listen. Their movement through the orchard has reshaped how I think about land use, soil health, and low-input fertility.

You Can’t Build a Farm Alone

Behind every row planted and every market sale is a team effort. My wife, our family, our animals—even our unborn child—are all part of the story. There were nights I questioned if I could keep going. But the support of our community—neighbors, customers, mentors—lifted us up every time.

This kind of work demands more than grit. It asks for faith, partnership, and a willingness to ask for help. I’ve learned that building a farm is also about building relationships. And when those relationships deepen, the farm becomes more than land—it becomes a community anchor.

Real Food Connects People

There’s a moment when someone takes a bite of fresh sourdough or a sun-warmed peach and their whole face lights up. It’s not just about taste—it’s about trust, memory, and joy. Real food speaks to something deep in all of us.

That’s why we do what we do. We’re not just selling eggs, jam, or bread—we’re creating a connection to the land and to each other. Every ingredient grown or made here carries the story of the season, the labor, and the love that went into it. In a world of convenience and speed, real food slows people down—and that’s a gift.

Progress Is Made in Inches

One of the hardest things this year was watching over 20 of our trees die. Some were lost in a brutal spring hailstorm. Others have been struggling after years of dependency on synthetic chemicals. They’re now learning to survive without those crutches—adjusting to a new way of growing that’s slower, but ultimately more resilient.

It’s painful to see trees fail, especially when you pour your time and hope into them. But we’ve also planted 20 new trees this year, with plans to add more every year. It’s a long-term vision—as trees should be. They are the slow, steady backbone of this farm, and we’re committed to building that future with patience and care.

The orchard isn’t fully restored yet. The compost system is still evolving. The infrastructure is a work in progress. And that’s okay. Because every small action—every fence post driven, every seed sown, every loaf delivered—compounds over time.

The biggest lesson? Keep showing up. Farming rewards consistency far more than perfection. Growth happens one honest day at a time. And when you string enough of those days together, you look up and realize something beautiful has taken root.

Looking Ahead

Year two is about building momentum. We’re expanding our beekeeping operation, planting more trees, and refining our systems to save time and energy. We’re investing in better infrastructure for our livestock and experimenting with more ways to regenerate the soil.

If you’ve been with us on this journey—thank you. Your support means more than you know. And if you’re just discovering Green Star Grove—welcome. We’re just getting started.

Stay grounded. Stay growing.

Green Star Grove is a regenerative farm in Granbury, Texas, dedicated to growing real food, restoring the land, and building a healthier future for our community. Learn more at GSGrove.com.