Today we’d like to introduce you to Hunter Gentry
Hi Hunter, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
About five years ago, amidst growing global uncertainties, my husband Michael and I sought a path toward self-sufficiency and resilience. We found our haven on 14 acres in McDonald, Tennessee, where we began our journey with a small herd of goats and pigs, laying the foundation for what would become Gentry Homestead.
Our vision extended beyond just animal husbandry; we transformed the front of our property into a thriving garden, cultivating a variety of seasonal produce. This space not only feeds our family but also serves as a testament to sustainable farming practices.
Recognizing the potential to share our harvests and knowledge with a broader community, we established Gentry Homestead as an LLC in Tennessee three years ago. We began by building an online presence, connecting with like-minded individuals and customers through social media platforms and our website.
Our commitment to community engagement led us to participate in local markets, such as Farmers on First, where we offer our pasture-raised pork, farm-fresh eggs, and chemical-free produce and other canned goods. Additionally, we host farm events and workshops, inviting others to experience firsthand the joys and challenges of sustainable living. 
These initiatives have broadened our reach, fostering a loyal customer base and strengthening our ties within the local community. Today, Gentry Homestead stands as a testament to our dedication to sustainability, education, and community-centered farming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Our journey with Gentry Homestead has been filled with rewarding moments, but it hasn’t always been a smooth road. Like many small-scale farmers, we’ve faced our share of challenges.
One of the initial hurdles was the learning curve associated with sustainable farming practices. Transitioning to a self-sufficient lifestyle required us to acquire new skills and knowledge, from animal husbandry to crop management. This process was both time-consuming and demanding, but it was essential for the foundation of our homestead.
Labor has been another significant challenge. Managing the daily operations of the farm, especially during peak seasons, often requires more hands than we have available. This is a common issue among small-scale farmers, as highlighted in studies on labor challenges in agriculture. We’ve had to be resourceful, relying on family, friends, and volunteers to help during critical times. Starting a family and raising children during this time was also a factor that played into our daily routines.
Financial constraints have also played a role. Investing in infrastructure, purchasing quality livestock, and maintaining equipment are costly endeavors. Balancing these expenses while ensuring the farm remains sustainable and profitable has been an ongoing struggle. We have tried to use state and federal grants when we come across them, helping the small farmers succeed in Tennessee.
Marketing our products and building a customer base presented its own set of challenges. Establishing trust and recognition in the community took time and persistent effort. Participating in local markets and hosting farm events were strategies we employed to increase our visibility and connect directly with customers.
Despite these challenges, each obstacle has taught us valuable lessons and strengthened our commitment to sustainable farming. We’ve learned the importance of adaptability, community support, and continuous learning. These experiences have shaped Gentry Homestead into the resilient and thriving farm it is today.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At Gentry Homestead, we are committed to raising good food, the right way. Established in 2021 on 17 acres of beautiful land in McDonald, Tennessee, our farm is a place where tradition, sustainability, and community come together.  
Our Specialization in Kunekune Pork:
We specialize in Kunekune pork, a heritage breed renowned for its exceptional flavor and sustainability. Unlike conventional feeder pigs that reach market weight in about six months, Kunekunes have a slower growth rate, typically reaching maturity between 18 to 20 months. This extended growth period allows for richer marbling and a more profound depth of flavor in the meat. Additionally, Kunekunes are efficient grazers, thriving on pasture and reducing the need for supplemental feed, which aligns with our sustainable farming practices. 
What sets us apart is our hands-on approach: we breed, raise, and finish our Kunekune pigs entirely on our farm. This cradle-to-grave method ensures that our pigs are raised humanely and healthily, resulting in superior pork products for our customers. 
Diversified Offerings and Community Engagement:
Beyond pork, we hold a greenhouse license that enables us to start seeds for our plant sales. This venture not only provides an additional revenue stream but also fosters community by offering locally grown plants to our neighbors. We believe in creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and grow alongside us. This is also seen in our 6,000 sq ft of garden plot and 2,000 sq ft of raised bed garden, bringing no spray local produce to the area and for personal consumption.
A Woman-Owned Enterprise with Family at Its Core:
Gentry Homestead is proudly woman-owned. As a mother homeschooling our three-year-old IVF twin daughters, I, Hunter, manage the daily operations of the farm. My husband, Michael, is the biggest supporter of my dream and plans to retire on the farm as we create generational wealth for our family. Our journey is deeply personal, intertwining our passion for sustainable living with our commitment to family and community.
We invite readers to explore our offerings, visit our farm for events or by appointment, and become part of the Gentry Homestead community. Whether you’re savoring our Kunekune pork, attending a workshop, or purchasing plants from our greenhouse, you’re supporting a family dedicated to ethical farming and community enrichment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.gentryhomestead.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegentryhomestead
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegentryhomestead
