What first began as a backyard hobby for Tim Clarkson and his wife Chelsea—raising seven chickens and harvesting eggs in small batches for friends, neighbors and family—has since become a sought-after enterprise. “We have been blessed to have local folks invest in our efforts time and time again,” says Tim.
PHOTO BY EVAN SIGMUND.
The biggest investment came in 2016 when a customer helped them by providing access to rent open farmland in Old Myakka—allowing Tim to leave his job at the landfill and follow his dream of farming full time. Three years of Saturday Sarasota Farmers Markets later and they were finally able to purchase their own land in DeSoto County’s rural city of Arcadia. “We overlooked it [the property] at first because we thought it was too small,” explains Tim, “but we are actually loving our little log cabin—it’s solid pine, inside and out, charming and beautiful.” And with 12 acres of pasture-based livestock farm, Grove Ladder can now ethically raise 2,000 healthy birds at a time, as well as the full gamut of other farm animals, sprawling across its wide open pastures.
PHOTO BY EVAN SIGMUND.
Beyond the financial savings—avoiding the higher cost-of-living associated with Sarasota and Manatee Counties—the Clarkson’s decision to migrate farther east of the interstate had more to do with craving the star-gazing remoteness and slower pace of living in this halcyon of Florida. “We are surrounded by agriculture now,” he says. “We have more access to agricultural tools and equipment along with the comfort of privacy the country gives us.”
PHOTO BY EVAN SIGMUND.
Out in these parts, the prospering tillage provides access to tender grasses, nutrient-rich soil, necessary bugs, ample sunlight and unadulterated space. But with so much more arable land to look after now, the Clarksons made sure to integrate electric fencing throughout their bucolic fortress, as well as hire a pair of Great Pyrenees guardian pups to protect their livestock from predators.
“We are currently building up a flock of registered Florida Cracker sheep at our new farm,” shares Tim. “Florida Cracker sheep are the oldest sheep breed in North America, brought over by the Spanish in the 1500s. We plan on selling half and whole lambs next fall, along with lamb pelts and hand-dyed yarn made from their wool.”
