Born in downtown Chicago without any connection to agriculture, Claire was an unlikely farmer.
Adam, raised in a small town in Indiana, was a much more likely farmer based on background and environment, but never raised animals or participated in 4-H or FFA.
More than unlikely farmers, Claire and Adam were an unlikely couple. But, after a couple years of dating in college and as young professionals in Indianapolis, they found themselves just married and back in Adam’s small, rural hometown.
Thanks to the abundance of land and a shared passion for great food, they began experimenting with gardening and small scale homesteading. Canning, growing vegetables, and tending to backyard hens became new hobbies. They shared their journey of their new, but unlikely, farming efforts and love for the change of course in their life on their personal blog, theblogbloom.com.
As they gained a couple years of experience, conversations turned to transforming their hobby into something more. The more they grew, the more they wanted others to experience what they produced.
So, 2016 began and wheels were put into motion to expand. The land, which was previously used for conventional farming of corn and soybeans, was converted to pasture for pigs, chickens, turkeys and cows. The animals now work together in harmony on the pasture to help preserve the natural integrity of the land. Also in 2016, Claire and Adam welcomed their first child, Theo, to the farm and then a daughter, Savannah, in 2017.
2016 to 2020 brought a wild ride of farmers markets, meeting customers and growing the farm. We found loyal customers and really great markets for our products. We loved working with other farmers, speciality grocery stores, restaurants, market masters and more. The pandemic caused a shift for the farm, as it did for so much of the world, but we were so thankful for those who shifted with us. Hardships continued with processing and animal procurement, but so many were quick to support us in any way they could.
2022 brought a lot of reflection for Adam and Claire as their careers outside the farm were growing and even pulling them to a new city for a homebase. After much thought, it was determined to close Bent Arrow Acres. All the remaining cows were sold to a nearby friend and farmer so they will continue to make Russiaville home. As for us, we are living the Bent Arrow mantra and embracing life’s twists and turns and proving it is always okay to go in another direction.
Photos by Hive and Honey Photography
