In April 2020, Johanna and I headed out to the garden that Jo’s Dad designed with easy access for Jo’s special needs.

The pandemic and shut-downs were in full force and many families like ours were struggling on how to best care for their immunocompromised loved ones at home with little to no support. 

It was in that garden that we decided to start raising chickens as a way to keep Jo busy collecting eggs and caring for the chickens. When the hens began producing enough eggs to sell to neighbors and friends,  Eggcellent Eggs by Jo’s Chicks was born!

Jo’s Farm Stand started in the yard and on social media as a way to connect with the local community in the midst of  the pandemic.  

In 2021, we added goats to Jo’s Farm because as Jo said; “My farm is not a farm without goats.” Jo was definitely right about that! Sara Lee and Holly Goat are an essential part of Jo’s Farm and they add a lot of humor too!

Shortly after the goats arrived, we opened Jo’s Farm to other young adults with disabilities as a way to help others develop community and explore nature and arts on Jo’s Farm. 

Today, Jo’s Farm has become much more than one family’s way to keep busy during the pandemic. 

Jo’s Farm is a welcoming place for young adults with disabilities, their families and others to foster community, create art and connect to nature in a rural setting. We now offer programs twice a month and for special events.