Our Story

Welcome to Shady Oaks Farms!

Hey! We are Sarah and Casey Craig. We purchased our small piece of land in the summer of 2019. Our farmette is located between two ridges in what the locals call Briley Valley in Greenwood, Arkansas.

How we got here

Living a farm life wasn't exactly part of our initial plan. Casey grew up on city lots in Fort Smith, while Sarah spent her childhood on a dairy farm in rural Wisconsin before later moving to larger metropolitan areas.

After getting married, we began feeling a strong pull toward open spaces. The constant hustle and bustle of city life had taken its toll on us. Reckless motorcycle drivers passing by our house and booming vehicle sound systems had pushed us to our limits, prompting a desire for a more tranquil setting.
Rolling Hills of Southwest Wisconsin

Sarah’s Family Farm in Wisconsin

Our Background

About Sarah

Sarah is proudly recognized as a fourth-generation dairy farmer with a rich agricultural heritage. Her upbringing took place on a Registered Holstein Farm in Southwest Wisconsin. The farming legacy traces back to her great-grandpa, who initially operated a family beef farm before obtaining his first registered Holstein cow in 1918 at the age of 21. His significant influence in the Wisconsin dairy industry and the sought-after Holstein cow genetics led to three herd dispersals, and his enduring legacy is evident as several herds can trace their roots to his farm prefix.

The family farm was subsequently passed down through generations, from great-grandfather to son and grandson (Sarah's dad), who continues to reside on the farm today. Sarah's childhood was marked by showcasing dairy cattle at local, state, and national dairy shows. These experiences have equipped her with valuable skills that she applies to this day in the dairy industry.

Beyond her farming background, Sarah has diverse professional experiences. She has contributed to governor campaigns as a volunteer coordinator, accumulated eight years of experience in medical education, and played integral roles in initiating various departments and divisions. Her comprehensive knowledge of animals and farm operations finds a perfect fit at Shady Oaks Farms, ensuring the smooth functioning of all aspects.

About Casey

Casey, a true "city slicker," was born and raised in Fort Smith, Arkansas. While farming wasn't a significant part of his family history, there's a connection through the family homestead in Bebe, Arkansas, where his father, William, grew up. Casey's father experienced life with a family milk cow, and his grandparents embodied the spirit of "modern day homesteaders."

At Shady Oaks, Casey serves as the creative force. With a natural flair for music and an extroverted, visionary, and creative personality, he brings a unique blend of talents to the team. Casey's diverse background includes experience in customer service and IT, along with organizing large events for the church in his spare time. His creative, outgoing, tech-savvy, and artistic qualities, combined with a touch of ADHD that drives him to hyper-focus on research, have proven to be invaluable in starting and running a business. This creative inclination is particularly handy on the farm, where innovative solutions are often required to address unexpected challenges and keep things running smoothly.
                                                             Our journey began with the humble endeavor of raising backyard chickens and bees, a decision that gained momentum during the global pandemic. In times of empty grocery store shelves, we sought a more secure source than just store-bought eggs and honey. Taking a leap, we welcomed two miniature Lamancha does into our fold.

As with many aspects of our journey, we adopted a strategic, stair-step approach to the expansion of our land. Starting small was crucial to us, especially considering the complexity of managing a substantial piece of land. We wanted to ensure we weren't overwhelmed, allowing us to grow responsibly.

In the spring of 2021, we initiated our first batch of pasture-raised chickens, following the model pioneered by Joe Salatin. As we gradually developed our goat enterprise and processed ample chicken for our personal use, we introduced Kunekune pigs in the winter of 2021. Addressing health concerns related to dairy consumption, Sarah, in February 2022, acquired an A2 jersey and a Dexter steer.

Our journey unfolds step by step, with a commitment to responsible growth and sustainable practices on our farm. Join us as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of homesteading and farming.

Our Growth

The original plan was simply to sell our surplus A2 milk, but we soon discovered a significant demand for raw milk products in our area. The waitlist swiftly grew to over 100 customers. In the fall of 2022, we initiated on-farm milking operations in Greenwood, Arkansas, establishing the dairy branch of our operation. Responding to the community's needs, we expanded rapidly.

Our farm in Greenwood now hosts a fully equipped farm store where customers can purchase a variety of products, including honey, raw milk, fresh sourdough bread from a local micro-baker, and farm-fresh eggs. Building trust with our customers enabled us to become a reliable source for other local products, including beef. In the early part of 2023, we forged a partnership with a local beef producer in Sebastian County, offering our customers access to Grassfed, Grain-finished beef. Explore the diverse and high-quality offerings at our farm store to meet your local, sustainable product needs.

However you found us, we extend a warm welcome to Shady Oaks Farms! We're thrilled to have you join us on the journey toward enhancing sustainability in our community. Whether you're here for the Farm Tours or simply enjoying our adorable animal pictures and videos, we're delighted to have you and encourage you to linger a while.
Even if you're not currently ready to make sustainable swaps, that's perfectly fine! Your presence is valued, and even a simple act like sharing our farm supports our small business. Perhaps, like us just a few short years ago, you aspire to bring more sustainability into your food choices and establish a deeper connection with your farmer. Even a single swap can make a significant difference in "Knowing your Farmer."
Explore the various offerings we have, from honey, raw milk, eggs, pasture poultry, to beef. We hope you'll consider us as your local option for sustainable and high-quality products. Thank you for being a part of our journey, and we look forward to having you with us as we grow and contribute to a more sustainable and connected community.