Hurricane Isaias could have an impact on available sites
A drive through the countryside can offer a glimpse into an entirely different way of life. Beyond the fence lines, you might catch sight of livestock grazing, long rows of vibrant vegetables or orchards laden with fruit.
Behind every row and pasture, however, are people who dedicate their lives to these farms and ranches. For some, agricultural life is a new endeavor; for others, it is a continuation of longtime family traditions.
Tony and Tobi Hester at their Promised Land Homestead in Lee in Madison County. Photo / Promised Land Homestead
When Tobi and Tony Hester first began their journey toward farm ownership in 2014, they weren’t focused on complex issues like land management, sustainability, or self-sufficiency. Today, you will find them at Promised Land Homestead, nestled among the elegant live oaks of Madison County. Their 62-acre property encompasses pastures, oak hammock bottoms, and farmland where sheep and cattle graze side by side.
Their turn toward agriculture was born out of necessity. “It started when we were dealing with health issues, seeing doctors, and not getting well,” Tobi explained, noting that they wanted to avoid relying on prescription medications indefinitely. “We didn’t want to settle for that.”
After making major lifestyle and dietary changes, they experienced a dramatic turnaround in their health. Now, the Hesters are eager to share how regenerative farming practices can benefit both the land and personal wellness.
A bucolic scene at The Promised Land Homestead. Photo / Promised Land
Navigating Weather Disruptions
Visitors can learn from the Hesters and other local producers during the 19th Annual Farm Tour. The event was originally set to showcase 32 locations—including farms, ranches, groves, wineries, nurseries, gardens, and apiaries—spanning a 100-mile corridor across North Central Florida and South Central Georgia, from Live Oak in the east to Chipley in the west.
However, with Hurricane Isaias heading for the Gulf this weekend has left the exact lineup uncertain, with participating farmers keeping a close eye on incoming rain and wind.
The Millstone Institute for Preservation in Tallahassee. Photo / Tallahassee Table
“What I’m recommending is for people to call individual farms before heading out,” said Majken Peterzen, executive director of the Millstone Institute for Preservation, which organizes the annual Fall and Spring farm tours.
Millstone, located in Tallahassee, was slated to serve as a hub for a sustainability and artisan village featuring bakers, weavers, herbalists, potters, and blacksmiths. However, Millstone will remain closed this weekend to protect hand-crafted artisan goods from potential wind and rain.
“I hate that we’re not opening,” Peterzen said, adding that several farms—particularly those farther east or with indoor facilities—still plan to welcome guests.
Impact on Farmers Market
The Saturday morning Tallahassee Farmer’s Market was an added attraction this year. While not a physical farm tour, it provides access to dozens of local producers in one location. Adding the market to the tour would be a way to connect with new community members, said Louise Divine, who co-owns Turkey Hill Farm with her husband, Herman Holley. Both are market regulars.
But this morning, the market issued a statement that “For the first time in years, the Tallahassee Farmers Market has made the collective decision to close due to the extreme weather conditions associated with Hurricane Isaias, priortizing the safety of our vendors and customers. A few vendors may still choose to set up at their own discretion, so please reach out directly to your favorite farmers and vendors to confirm their attendance before heading out.”
Farmers Katie Harris and Louise Divine, two regulars at the Tallahassee Farmers Market. Photo / Provided.
“Weather—we live by it,” Louise said.
Coping with storms
“We’ve been through three hurricanes in 13 months,” said Tobi Hester, referring to Hurricane Idalia, Hurricane Debby and Hurricane Helene in 2023-24.
Tobi is hopeful that the homestead is far enough east to avoid severe weather this time. The farm plans to open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. “We’re trying to run business as usual, and we’ll see how it goes,” she said.
Located at 703 SE Tuten Way in Lee, Florida, Promised Land Homestead will host several guest vendors, including Patrick Jernigan’s Happy Kombucha, Light Farms (offering fresh-milled flour, floral bouquets and muscadine jelly), and Sweet River Farms’ produce. Jamie Bateman of The Florida Homesteader will also deliver a presentation titled “You Can Homestead.”
Members of the Platt family, from left: Tricia Platt, Troy Platt, Tracey Platt, Tyler Platt, Tanner Platt and Cheri Platt. Photo / Provided
A farm with Deep Roots
Deep Roots Meat (11061 West U.S. Highway 90 in Greenville, Madison County) plans to open Saturday, Oct. 10 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday, Oct. 11 (11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). The Platt family has raised cattle in Florida for six generations, offering 100 percent grass-fed beef for more than two decades alongside sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and turkeys.
“I encourage everyone to see where their food comes from,” said 24-year-old Tyler Platt, a recent graduate of the Agricultural Operations Management program at the University of Florida, who has joined the family farm operation full time.
He noted that there is an age gap in farming, attracting fewer young people. “It’s hard work,” Tyler said, adding he’s been impressed by how farming practices can impact health. “It changes people’s lives,” he said.
These cattle are grazing on iron clay peas at Deep Roots Meat. Photo / Provided
Deep Roots utilizes regenerative practices to enrich soil quality. Their cattle feed exclusively on high-quality forage and hay grown on-site, without grain or animal by-products.
This weekend, the farm plans to host hayrides, with cooked hamburgers served in the barn if rain settles in. “If it’s safe to be open, we’ll be open,” Platt noted, aiming to give visitors “a truly authentic ranch experience.”
Goats, peacocks and more
Bobbie Golden, owner of Golden Acres Ranch (704 Barnes Rd. in Monticello) plans to open her property, weather permitting. Golden Acres features wool sheep, miniature Tennessee Fainting Goats, Aberdeen Lowline cattle, poultry, peacocks, a country store and one of the region’s largest Mayhaw ponds. There’s a country store on the ranch. If possible, Bobbie will also offer golf cart tours of the farm.
Goats enjoying life at Golden Acres Ranch in Monticello. Photo / Golden Acres Ranch
She plans to open the ranch again on two subsequent weekends (updates will be posted on their Facebook page) to offer additional opportunities for farm visits and hayrides.
“A lot of people have a romantic notion of farm life,” Golden said. “Whether it’s growers raising flowers or making cane sugar, this is an opportunity to see what farm life is really like. I started this in retirement to stay active. I don’t want to sit around watching TV all day.”
Indeed, Bonnie adds “I haven’t been bored.”
Tips for the Tour
Format: The Farm Tour is self-guided. Download the map, destination guide, and schedule via the online flipbook before setting out.
Verify Before You Drive: Call individual farms directly or check their social media pages to confirm open hours during inclement weather.
Contact: Email [email protected] or call 850-294-3918 for general event inquiries.
What to Bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, drinking water, reusable tote bags, cash (some locations cannot process credit cards), and a cooler with ice for fresh meat and produce.
Etiquette: Please leave pets at home. Do not feed or touch livestock without explicit permission from farm owners.
Mark Your Calendar: The upcoming Spring Farm Tour is scheduled for May 8–9.
