Emily and Cole Martin, a 27-year-old couple from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, have embarked on a significant life change by purchasing a 19-acre farm. The couple, both raised in agricultural communities, realized their lifelong dream of farm ownership when they made this purchase in November 2024. Their decision to move was motivated by a desire to raise their two young children—aged one and three—in a rural environment surrounded by family.
The new farm features two chicken houses and houses an impressive flock of 68,000 chickens. Emily has taken on the roles of homemaker and egg farmer, while Cole is known for his remarkable work ethic. The couple is committed to teaching their children the ropes of farm work as they grow older. They believe that this experience will instill in them a strong work ethic and practical problem-solving skills.
Emily expressed the couple's philosophy about raising children on a farm, saying, “We’ve always thought it would be the best place to raise kids because it can help teach them so many different things – hard work, how to work with the ground, work with animals, work with their hands, problem solve.” She sees the farm as an ideal setting for their children to learn about life and responsibility.
The Martins seek to provide their children with a comprehensive understanding of the hard realities of life. Emily added, “It will also give them an understanding that not everything comes easy, and respect for life itself after seeing all that it takes to keep things running.” This perspective aligns with their vision of nurturing resilient and capable individuals.
However, transitioning to farm life has not been without its challenges. Emily finds balancing her responsibilities as a mother and an egg farmer to be an adjustment. She noted the rewarding aspect of witnessing their produce grow from start to finish, mentioning that caring for the chickens requires diligence and attention to detail. “Same with the chickens,” Cole explained. “When we first get them they aren’t laying eggs yet, but you’re caring for them and working to keep them as healthy as possible to produce the best eggs you can.”
For Cole, farming represents a multifaceted lifestyle that allows for various activities and contributions. He remarked, “You have so many different aspects in farming, you can do a little bit of this and a little bit of that. You get to produce a product for a large group of people – we are helping feed the country.” This sense of purpose adds depth to their daily routines, reinforcing the significance of their work.
The couple is also contemplating educational options for their children. While home-schooling has been discussed, they have not reached any final decisions on that front. Cole shared, “We’re not sure about home-schooling. That is something we have talked about, but haven’t made any final decisions regarding schooling.” This uncertainty reflects their ongoing adjustments to life on the farm and their commitment to providing the best opportunities for their children.
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