Putting Animals first. That's the philosophy embraced by the young and energetic couple who along with their five kids have started a farm in Fairbanks, Alaska.
In this episode I sit down with Michael and Jessica Shaffstall, to talk about their journey in starting a farm in this very cold climate. It was a dream of theirs for many years. Mike is Active Duty military and was stationed in Fairbanks where he and his family fell in love with Fairbanks and wanted to make it their forever home. They finally realized their dream in fall of 2021.
Their farm is on six and a half acres, where they have utilized creative ways to build, heat and outfit shelters for the chicks and hens. Adequate space is super important. The nurturing and care for all their animals is of great importance to them. They raise pigs, chickens, turkeys and have egg laying hens. They also bring Jessica's bread to the market which has become a best seller for them.
However, it’s not just what they bring to the market, but their happy, joyful personality that is so endearing.
The farm name comes from Robert Frost's poem "The Road Not Taken." The phrase "yellow wood" symbolizes a time of change or transition, representing a critical juncture in life where a significant decision needs to be made, often signifying the weight of choices and their consequences on one's life journey.
Isn’t it a happy consequence that the Shaffstall’s choice in deciding their life’s journey and choices brought them to Fairbanks? It’s is indeed a positive choice for them, and we benefit as well.
You can find them at yellowwoodak.com or follow them on Facebook
You can find this episode wherever you get your podcasts, and also on jostablealaska.com
Please follow the Jo's Table Alaska podcast so you don't miss any episodes. Enjoy!
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