Crossings Farm: Farming with Intent
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Crossings Farm produces healthy food while preserving the land that their family has cherished for over 200 years. Their family motto is “Bringing family, farming and community together”. They believe that farming and the act of working outside together is enjoyable and fulfilling, especially when friends and family come together.
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The family land has always been used to farm and garden but it wasn’t until 2013 when Jennifer and Ben Rosecrans took over the farm and worked to bring it to where it is now. Alongside family members and community they are dedicated to providing healthy foods from honey, pork and chicken while building soil sustainability. They deeply believe that a healthy farm produces nutrient-dense quality products without the use of harsh chemicals, antibiotics or hormones when given the opportunity.
The Crossings Farm family welcomes opportunities that teach them and lead them to better practices. Some of their experiences are documented and can be read in the stories section of their website, Crossings Farm. It details day to day experiences and the revelations the day has brought. The stories reveal their passion for what they do and how they do it. Nothing is taken for granted and as they continue to build on the foundations laid before them and learn from the other's practices. With hard work and dedication, this farm is flourishing.
Farming with intent is a practice that is used in every aspect of their farm life. They cultivate a pollinator habitat by raising a variety of plants and keeping areas of the grass tall. They practice regenerative land management which leverages various livestock and intentionally and strategically rotating when, where and what they graze on. First, cows will graze on the grass, then the hogs eat the weeds and shrubs and the chickens follow as they peck at the grubs and other insects. This rotational grazing and farming practice allows for the natural fertilization of the land.
They allow the animals to be animals and do what they are born to do. Their instinctive behaviors are welcomed and allowed. Chickens are born to peck and scratch, cows graze and roam while hogs wallow and root. Practicing humane animal welfare keeps animals in good health removing the need for antibiotics and hormones Crossings Farm is committed to providing their animals with a peaceful and healthy life.
Their team not only consists of family and friends but also includes high school and college-age students. Students learn about gardening and farming management skills such as finance, accounting, marketing, etc. These experiences help them to grow up and understand agriculture, business and the value of hard work. Jennifer emphasized “the food dollars spent with us go back into the community. We purchase from other farmers and local businesses.” These intentional practices help to build a stronger community; students become fiscally responsible and gives the community a boost in the right direction.
When Crossings Farm is not at the Lexingtion Farmers Market you can find them at the store located at 1211 TS Payne Road, Lexington, North Carolina 27295 .The store opens at 9am until 6:30pm. Because they are a working farm they would like the public to be aware of “farm hazards” such as electric fences, bulls and protective farm dogs. Tours are available and can be scheduled by email, crossings@ptmc.net.
You can also find their products at the following locations, Roberts Farm Store located at 130 S, Main Street, Denton, NC and Summerfield Farm Market located at 3203 Pleasant Ridge Road, Summerfield, NC. Monday through Saturday from 9am-7pm and Sunday from 1pm-5pm
Thomas Jefferson once said, “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” It’s not hard to recognize the good intentions and hard work from Crossings Farm.
