About
About us
Hello! We are Ben and Christina Fenstermaker and we are the owners & founders of the Fenstermaker Family Farm (FFF). We’ve been married for 7 years and have 3 amazing kiddos, Dean, Vivian and Rose that complete our blended family. Currently we have around 115 birds that includes our broilers, layers, turkeys and geese. We also have a barn kitten and a lab/rottweiler mix who helps guard our flock.
FFF began in 2018 when we purchased our property; two city raised, late 30’s IT professionals with no background or exposure to farming moving out to the country to build their farm dream.
Ben started with an overly ambitious garden which necessitated learning how to can pickles, tomato sauce, and salsa. Next we expanded into growing our own herbs along with berries and rhubarb. Christina jumped in and together we focused on chicks, and getting a small chicken coop. Herbalism also became a focus as Christina became aware of the benefits of natural remedies to her lifelong struggle with allergies.
In 2020 when the world went a little crazy our dreams began to change and quickly became a driving force. As the grocery stores shortened their hours (and some closed their doors), as paper products and food products became scarce, it became clear that we needed to focus on how we could provide food and goods for our family. This motivated us to focus on homesteading. We added broilers and turkeys to provide some meat options, expanded our garden, started making sourdough breads & other goods from scratch, added more herbalism, and began the journey into natural bodycare products. When faced with the potential loss of jobs because of vaccine mandates we found comfort and strength in the following passage; Ephesians 6:10-18. As God continued to bring these verses up in many situations it became the homesteads foundation and provided the basis for our guiding principles; Grounded in Faith, Cultivating Ethically, Healing with Nature.
As we expanded the farm we heard from our family and friends a desire for the ability to do the same. We heard them wish they had the time, resources, land, knowledge, and more to do those things for themselves…or at least the next best option, to purchase them from a trusted source. This provided the push we needed to take our homestead and turn it into the Fenstermaker Family Farm.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” Ephesians 6:10-18
Christina
Co-Owner & Farm Operations Manager
After a few decades in the corporate world, including a great career in Information Security and Privacy Christina left the IT world behind to begin working full-time as the Farm Operations Manager. Christina focuses on the daily operations, managing the daily business needs, and creating products. Working the family business, creating natural products and providing healthy food for the family gives Christina a level of satisfaction she never dreamt she could find in a “job”. When Christina is not working the farm you’ll find her spending time with family & friends, in the kitchen working on a new recipe, or reading a book.
Ben
Co-Owner & Farm Everything Else
Ben has over 20 years in Information Technology focused mainly in infrastructure. He continues to work in IT as a Solutions Architect. Ben is the jack of all trades and definitely master of none when it comes to running the farm. In the evenings and on his days off you’ll find him in the garden, on the tractor, building something, on the computer, spending time with the family and reading books.
Dean
Farm Hand
Dean enjoys helping out with the larger projects around the farm and never passes up a chance to use the 4-wheeler. He’s one of Luna’s favorite humans and somehow Donkey & Shrek’s least favorite at the same time. Now that Dean is off to college he is no longer on the farm as often.
Vivian
Farm Hand
Always happy to jump in and help around the farm, Vivian only wishes we would hurry up and get some goats. She also keeps busy with babysitting and running track for her high school. In her spare time she loves spending time with the family playing games.
Rose
Farm Hand
Rose is our youngest human Farm Hand. Rose enjoys helping out anywhere she can on the farm; however, her favorite things are collecting eggs, animal snuggles and care. You’ll often find her climbing trees, reading a book, working on art masterpieces, or playing with friends.
Luna
Farm Guardian
Luna watches over the flock and alerts us to any and all trespassers. She alerts on creatures as small as mice and chipmunks, predators such as hawks and foxes, and as gentle as deer. When she is not on alert you’ll find her splashing in her pool, greeting guests, playing with sticks, and munching on treats.