Story
Brian was born and raised in upstate New York before moving to Las Vegas in 2004, where he owned and operated a local towing company. Ronni, a mother of four, political consultant, successful business owner, and recognized local leader, was a Las Vegas native who had never lived anywhere else in her life besides Las Vegas . This unconventional couple came together over a shared dream for a simpler and more peaceful way of life. They were married in 2019 and together, set out to make that dream a reality.
In a very short time and with a whole lot of hard work, they turned their Las Vegas small hobby farm into a self-sustaining and thriving one acre homestead, all while maintaining their busy professional careers.
“I believe we would be happier to have a personal revolution in our individual lives and go back to simpler living and more direct thinking.”
- Laura Ingalls Wilder
A year into their journey, Ronni’s parents Charli and Dave Carter offered them a once in a lifetime opportunity, to partner up and to help truly fulfill their dream of building and nurturing their own independent family farm. Brian and Ronni jumped in, they packed up their lives and headed out to the beautiful, town of Sneedville Tennessee, 2000 miles away. Together, they would risk everything, leaving behind all that was familiar to them along with all of the comforts and security of the lives that they had built in the city. Venturing across the country with their little farm in tow, they put down roots and began this new chapter.
This is their story and how this peaceful and quaint triliogy farm came to be.
Click Below To
“There’s so much bad news about our planet, it’s overwhelming. The fear that we’re headed for a cliff puts most of us into a state of paralysis. The truth is…I’ve given up. And the odds are so have you. But what if there was another path? This is the story of a simple solution, a way to heal our planet and keep our species off the extinction list. In fact, the solution I’m talking about is right under our feet, and it’s as old as dirt. We call it soil, earth, or ground. And due to its vast scale, and its ability to sequester immense quantities of greenhouse gases, it could just be the one thing that can balance our climate, replenish our freshwater supplies, and feed the world. That’s why some people are racing to save our soil in hopes our soil just might… save us.”
- Woody Harrelson, Kiss The Ground
The Heart Of The Farm
“Animals are the messengers of the tree, and trees the gardens of animals. Life depends upon life. All forces, all elements, all life forms are the biomass of the tree.”
- Bill Mollison, Father of Permaculture
The hardest part about leaving Las Vegas has been the move away from our family. With four adult children and three grandchildren spread across the country we found ourselves for the first time in a house alone. I (Ronni) have never lived without a house full of kids and it has definitely been a personal struggle.
What has made it a bit easier is the family we do have here, our Farm Kin. The animals here at Love our Soil Farms mean everything to us and ensuring they all live happy and healthy lives is our main goal. There is no farm without farm life, and not a moment goes by that we aren't grateful for what they give to us and this beautiful land. We hope you enjoy their brief description and pictures, and soon; can make the time to come visit and meet them personally. We love them with all our hearts and feel confident you will too.
PACK OF PROTECTORS
As we began settling at the future farm in mid 2021 we were overwhelmed with all that needed to be hauled over 2000 miles from Las Vegas, Nevada. With no secure structures, zero fencing on the property, and lots of wild animals (potential predators) surrounding us, settling the farm animals into their new home felt almost impossible. It became clear, the animals would need to arrive in shifts. The first shift, the trained Dogs! We knew that as others arrived, they and the land would need protection.
Macy
Macy
Las Vegas March 2015
Macy
Sheeba
Las Vegas December 2017
A mixed breed that may be the smallest of the pack but is also the boss.
A Border Collie who is too
smart for her own good.
We adopted her when she was just 4 weeks old after her pregnant mother had been deserted behind Macy’s department store. But let's be real, Macy has had no training and is no farm dog, she is however dang cute and helps to bring calmness to her Dad and Mom (Brian and Ronni).
She was 8 weeks old when we took her in, her past owners believed she and her brother had parvo and would not make it- although her brother passed, Sheeba lived! We knew from the start she was smart with great instincts, but she seemed to be skittish and reactive. However, after some intense training, she surprised us and become an integral part of the farm. With 10 goats and 4 sheep roaming the property, Sheeba’s developing herding skills are now necessary.
Macy
Buddy
Las Vegas
An intense cattle dog who is the
hardest worker on the farm,
and is also absolutely brilliant.
Buddy was way too much for his previous owners to handle at 5 months old, so we adopted him having no idea at the time how important his role would be at the future farm. Buddy is a protector and amazing at ensuring no predators (animals or people) come near this farm. He has also been super effective at helping to train the new farm dogs. Although you will definitely hear him, you can only meet Buddy from a distance!
Macy
Dolly
Sneedville Tennessee April 2021
Macy
Ben
Tennessee November 2021
Macy
Junior
Tennessee October 2021
A very independent but sweet as can
be LGD (Large Guardian Dog)
Great Pyrenees.
A giant and extremely loving
LGD Great Pyrenees.
A beagle who is a true hardcore
country boy.
Dolly was 4 months old when she became a part of the pack. Dolly started off by traveling back and forth between Vegas and Sneedville, she was actually the first of all the animals to step foot here at Love Our Soil Farms. Dolly’s instincts continue to grow daily and she has already proven herself to be a great livestock protector, by chasing off some local coyotes. All though you would never know it by the way Dolly works, she does suffer from some kidney issues. She is on a strict diet and healthy natural regimen to improve kidney function. Watching her health improve has been an education in the importance of food and health. As a side note, her sister Ellie lives with family in Michigan and does visit. So you never know what pups will be here when you come and visit.
As flooding here on the farm became obviously worse than originally anticipated, building structures and moving animals up higher became necessary, this created a need for more professional help alongside Buddy and Dolly to protect the livestock. The answer was Ben- we adopted him at 12 weeks old. This strong boy has really proved himself. Not only is he a sweet-loving pup, but he is also a large force to be reckoned with- his presence alone deters most predators
When we took in this drifter, the Vet estimated Junior to be around 9. Junior started off by roaming the pasture and then Brian found him sleeping on the porch (this only lasted two nights before he brought him in). After a search for his owners had failed and we saw his trained ability to chase off smaller predators, he became a part of the pack. While the other LGD’s are fenced in, Junior is not, and this is a huge benefit to the farm. Each evening he roams up and down the mountain barking at almost anything that moves chasing off skunks, raccoons, and even a small bobcat that we saw. He then promptly comes into the house to be tucked in for bed.
COWS...COWS...COWS...CAN SAVE OUR PLANET!
We here at Love Our Soil Farms believe Regenerative Farming, using a methodical approach to grazing cows and other farm animals, is a way to heal our soil, and healthy soil can help save our planet. Simply put, erosion of our soil through desertification plus the spraying of toxic chemicals have left us with an unhealthy and unstable planet. By using farm animals on dry land that are continually moved and not left to overgraze, the land underneath will then become soil that is rich in microorganisms, therefore allowing more plant growth that through the process of photosynthesis will draw carbon from the air and store it in the healthy soil below. So, we knew this farm needed a cow!
Macy
Kenny
Kentucky June 2021
Macy
Rogers
Kentucky June 2021
Macy
Starr
Sneedville Tennessee August 2021
A Jersey Heifer and no doubt
The Rock Star of the farm.
A Ho Jo Bull that is full of
vinegar and energy.
A Jersey sweetheart and the very first life born at Love Our Soil Farms!
There were absolutely no Jerseys in our area, only Beef Cows. So we headed to Kentucky to find this Doll. She was 3 years old and approximately 7 months pregnant when we picked her up. We couldn't have been more blessed, Kenny was gentle from the moment she arrived, and she has given us the best thing to happen on the farm so far. She blessed us with a Starr.
Rogers is our spontaneous acquisition. We knew eventually we would need a Bull for the farm but wanted to wait until we were settled, but when we arrived to pick up Kenny this 3-month little cutey could not be denied, and he ended up in the horse trailer with her. He is now the Bull on the property and we adore him.
Starrs birth was miraculously uneventful, we walked to the barn one morning and she was there. She was a playful and silly calf right from the start. She is now with Rogers, her childhood best friend creating another life.
Hitch
​Extra large, strong and loveable Saanen Buck.
Las Vegas October 2019
After making the decision to go from a Hobby farm to an LV Homestead we knew it was time to breed & milk our Does- something that was scary and new for us but essential in our quest to farm and become more self-sufficient. So with lots of apprehensions, we borrowed a strong and large older buck from our mentor and Goat expert Ann Bartley. Though Hitch was much older and larger than any other goat we had, to our surprise he was as gentle as could be and fit into our family just perfectly, so we decided to make it permanent and we were lucky enough to adopt this big boy. While still in Vegas, Hitch sired our very first deliveries, Annie and Dr. Frehner, that day cementing a milestone into our new journey and the creation of “Hitch’s Herd”. So in June of 2022, Hitch’s Herd (our 10 Vegas goats) traveled 2000 miles in a trailer to get to their new home here at Love Our Soil Farms. At first, we were concerned that many of our pet goats would have nothing to offer the farm, however, thank goodness we were wrong, as every single one of them has helped to benefit this place and are full-fledged farm goats.
​
Sneedville Tennessee February 2023
SAD UPDATE —
After moving to Tennessee Hitch became Ill and after a year-long battle, we lost him. Hitch was loved by many and losing him was the absolute saddest day on the farm. He is missed tremendously here, however, we feel at peace knowing he led a great life and was able to experience the pastures here on the Clinch River. His memory lives in the amazing gifts he gave our farm, you will see that as you scroll through the pictures.
HITCH'S HERD
Macy
Macy
Macy
Bonnie
Las Vegas December 2015
Clyde
Las Vegas December 2017
Jack
A Nigerian soon to be Milker who
is loud and majorly sassy!
Bonnie was the very first goat Brian and I got together, I guess you could say she started our Journey long before it was even a thought. She was about 4 months old when we carried her down the road from our neighbor's small hobby farm to ours, and she hasn't stopped yelling at us since.
A Nigerian Wether who is feisty
and tiny but believes he is a giant!
When he joined us at 4 months old he had to learn quickly to stand up for himself with Bonnie as his only friend. Clyde hasn’t grown much, however, he is fearless and scrappy. It's a joy watching him hold his own with his larger herd mates. When clearing the steepest of mountains he is right out front!
A Saanen Wether who is a beast
and boy does he know it!
Jack and his sister Jill were not even 24 hours old when they joined the family, after losing their mother at birth. Jack is stubborn and usually just does what he wants, however, he is a great protector of the herd and his large and confident presence helps to deter predators
Las Vegas April 2016
Muffin
Las Vegas March 2017
Doe-Nut
Las Vegas May 2017
Dr. Frehner
Las Vegas March 2020
A Boar Wether who is as sweet as he is goofy, and this silly boy is goofy!!!
He was only 3 days old when he joined our farm, his owner was going to put him down because he could barely walk, so we took him in, and after a month of therapy- he was running around (see the video of Muffin after first learning to run) it will melt your heart. Muffin has been fabulous at helping to clear mountain sides of unwanted brush.
A Nubian Milk goat, Queen of the herd who always has something to say!
She came to us just at about 3 months old. Although she is now retired from milking after a horrific case of mastitis, she has given us two great assets, her and Hitch’s kids, Annie and Dr. Frehner. Doe-Nut is our miracle goat, the vets were sure she would not make it however after months of 24-hour care (really 24-hour care) she lived, and has become a great leader to the other girls and helps to keep the herd in check
A Nubian/Saneen Buck who is a bit shy but is as sweet as his Daddy Hitch was.
He and his sister Annie were our first kid deliveries on our LV homestead and now he is the future of the farm here in Tennessee as our head Buck
Annie
Las Vegas March 2020
Maybelline
Las Vegas May 2020
Willow
A Nubian/Saanen, a future milker who is reserved but quite inquisitive.
Born on the LV homestead and first delivery, Annie holds a special place in our hearts. She is the opposite of her drama mama Doe-nut, she is quiet. She is also an absolute beauty and we can't wait to see her adorable kids someday.
A Saanen Milker that is as gentle
and loving as they come.
She was – one of the only older goats to come to us. After the passing of one of our favorite goats, Jill, we knew we needed another milker and we were informed that Jill’s cousin, Maybelline, and her daughter Willow needed to find a home, so we jumped on it. Maybelline seemed a bit tired of kids when she arrived so we have not yet bred her, we will decide on that later. She was a great addition and is super friendly and caring.
A Saanen soon to be Milker who
we call our sweet little Unicorn.
Willow was about 5 months old when she and her mom Maybelline joined us. She loves attention, she is super silly and fun. Willow is definitely the future of Love Our Soil Farms and will hopefully be the first Doe to kid here!
Las Vegas April 2016
LOVE OUR SOIL FARM BEAUTIES
Shy
Our Horse, a finicky Paint who has always done exactly as she pleases.
Las Vegas March 2016
She was approximately 16 when her previous owner dropped her off at our place. While we were filled with Joy over our “sweet” new family member, Our friend Tom Collins (A true old Nevada Cowboy) who was there to help unload her was not so excited. He looked right at me and said “You have got your hands full with this mare”. He was right! We love her dearly, but after she tossed multiple people including the trainers that gave up on her- we decided, Shys riding days were over, and she couldn't be happier. She spends her time looking beautiful on the river pasture while hanging out with her cows.
Silly Man
A sweet little boy cat that showed up at the farms doorstep and never left.
Sneedville 2021
He loves chasing squirrels and sleeping in his heated Cat Cabin on the porch.
FABULOUS AND FREE FLOCKS
Macy
Macy
Macy
Farm Alarms
Sneedville 2021
Golden Knights
Las Vegas 2016
Giuseppe
Sneedville 2021
These Fun and entertaining Guinea Hens can be heard all over the Farm
A group of mIxed Golden Layers
Our farm country rooster who protects the Golden Knights
Any strangers (Human or Animal) come on the property and they let us know.
There are a few Sneedville old timers we adopted and the rest were raised from chicks here on the farm. We love having them and hope to get more soon
When we told folks we were bringing our Hens from Vegas, they said we were crazy! Bottom line, we needed eggs to help feed our other animals and a product right away, and we knew these girls were laying! These Ladies traveled 2000 miles to get here. They handled the weather change like champs.
This sweet farm boy rooster was already here in Sneedville, and welcomed the Golden Knights.
Sneedville 2022
The Congregation
Sneedville 2021
The Lone Ranger & Tonta
Sneedville 2021
One Roo and a group of Orphington Layers raised on the Farm
Australorp Hens and Roosters that made a great addition to the flock.
A Meat Bird who escaped and an Orphington Hen who voluntarily (we are the Volunteer state) joined him.
In 2022 we knew we needed another and younger flock that could provide eggs for the pigs, and a product to sell. We raised these ladies and one guy from chicks.
These layers and protectors gave us more eggs, more chicks (they are great Mamas) but most importantly protected our other layers, as other predator birds (Eagles and Hawks) think they are crows and will stay away.
This Roo is too smart for his own good, after escaping he became part of the Family. The only problem was that he could not get along with any of the other Roos, so we gave him his own living quarters. He seemed to be quite fine alone, and then one day we noticed a lady joined him. Now they are inseparable.
Liouxsie
and the
Banshees
Heritage Turkeys raised here on the Farm.
Sneedville 2022
This group of strange looking birds are super fun to watch as they roam the hillside within the holler. Hoping to get lots of baby chics soon.
The HeadBangers
This foursome of lambs are brand new here and are the absolute Dolls of the Farm- Two Rams, Two Ewes, cute as a button.
Sneedville February 2023
Ricky and Dicky came to us as 4 day old orphaned brothers who we had to bottle feed, Vicky and Nicky (approximately 3 months old) are both from two different farms in the neighborhood all around. They are really going to help with the upkeep of the farm and pastures. Watching them grow will be a treat.
Ricky
Dicky
Nicky & Vicky
"PIGS FOR EVERYONE" - JUSTIN RHODES
Mia "Ham"
Lionel "Messy"
A Brother duo of Pot Belly Pigs rescued off the streets of Las Vegas.
Las Vegas
Long before we knew anything about Justin Rhodes and our dream to Farm we got a call from the local rescue asking us to pick up two pigs that were literally hours from being born on the streets. Their mom was taken in just in time to deliver the two little bundles, so as soon as they were weaned with our nephew Ian to help, we picked them up. They may not be workers or useful to the farm, but they are super cute and we love them. If you have known our family for long at all, you understand their names!! If not, email us and I’m happy to explain.
_gif.gif)
Betty
Sneedville
Red Wattle Beauty who absolutely loves a scratch behind her ear!
This Journey and Farm took a giant step forward when Betty joined the family. Betty was the second one to give us life here, and she turned out to be the best MaMa ever. She is a founder here at Love Our Soil Farms.
Tony
Sneedville
Papered Idaho Pasture Pig (IPP) snuggler
This soon to be Papa here at the farm is so cuddly and loveable. He is small now but growing every day, and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the family.
Dude
Sneedville
Red Wattle Giant who is a sweetheart
This big papa is mesmerizing to look at, he is BIG!!, But a total lover (he does whatever Betty says). He is one of the patriarchs of our farm and we feel blessed to have him.
Georgie
Sneedville
Papered Idaho Pasture Pig (IPP) and scrappy little girl
We are excited to have Georgie bring this new breed of pigs to the farm, we are excited to watch her grow!
