Have you ever found yourself searching for something more meaningful? Maybe after a big life change, you felt a bit lost, unsure of how to move forward? That was me after leaving the military in 2009. The transition to civilian life wasn’t easy—I drank too much, ate poorly, and didn’t take care of myself. 

The only way I found to ground myself was by returning to my first love: the outdoors. Hunting, trapping, and foraging became my way of reconnecting with nature and finding balance. As I spent more time outdoors, I also started raising a few chickens and planting a small garden. What began as an extension of those outdoor pursuits slowly grew into a deeper interest in self sufficiency and homesteading. 

When my son Nate was born in 2012, everything changed. Suddenly, I cared deeply about what we were eating, where our food came from, and what I was feeding my son. It’s amazing how becoming a parent can make you rethink everything. 

What started as a simple hobby and quest for answers quickly grew into a passion for self-sufficiency. You know that feeling when you’re hooked on learning more about something new? That’s exactly what happened. I dove into the world of sustainability and living off the land, and it gave me a new sense of purpose. 

Over time, what began as a side quest grew into Souder Station Farm. We now raise heritage breed pigs seasonally, and Nate even has his own flock of chickens where he sells eggs to the neighbors.

Like many of us, I’m committed to leaving the land in better shape for future generations. Our pigs play a vital role in this—through rotational grazing, long rest periods, and minimizing bare soil, we practice regenerative agriculture that allows the land to recover naturally. This approach not only fosters healthy soil but also ensures our animals receive nutritious food, exercise, and plenty of outdoor time.

Being in nature has a healing effect on the mind, body, and soul, and it’s just as beneficial for the animals as it is for us. We don’t use growth hormones or antibiotics, and we don’t staple rings on our pigs’ noses or cut their tails off like the industry does. Their welfare is one of our highest priorities. Instead, we allow them to express their natural behaviors and live as freely as possible, ensuring they are Happy, Healthy, and Strong. 

And maybe you’ve noticed, like I have, that our food system feels broken. So much of what’s in the grocery store is controlled by a few big companies, giving us the illusion of choice. But by supporting small farms, we can make a difference. We can rebuild local economies, eat better quality food, and reduce the grip of industrialized agriculture.

At Souder Station Farm, we collaborate with small farms and businesses dedicated to building localized and regional food systems—supporting them indirectly through your choices. We work with our Amish friends who provide our heritage breed piglets and grain farmers in Aroostook County who grow all Maine grains. Our local butcher shop ensures our animals are handled professionally and kindly with minimal stress. From our seed and spice dealers to the hardware store and more, they all help keep the farm running smoothly.

This network of farmers and local businesses enables us to craft small-batch sausages, smoked cheeses, and meats with flavors that change regularly. If you’d like to see what we’ve got in store and learn more about our farm practices and philosophy, sign up for the farms newsletter below and connect directly with the source of your food and your local community.
Click the link below to join the farms newsletter and learn more.

Thanks for being part of this journey with us.

— Randy, Souder Station Farm
Click Here to Sign up for the farms Newsletter!