Photo by Jamie Plain
In Stanley, the Keller family is proving that farming is more than just a livelihood—it’s a way to grow a family rooted in hard work, responsibility, and faith. Michael and Lauren Keller homeschool their four children—John (11), Isaac (9), Elam (7), and Rosie (6)—while also raising them to be active participants in the daily rhythm of their family farm.
From tending animals to growing vegetables, the Keller kids are involved in nearly every aspect of farm life. “If something needs to be done, they’re part of it,” Lauren explained. That includes gardening, raising livestock, building structures, marketing their produce, and even helping with deliveries for their CSA program.
Each child has found their own special niche. John, the oldest, received rabbits for his 11th birthday and built their hutch himself. He faithfully cares for them each morning and enjoys carpentry as much as he enjoys animal care. He also plays a big role in vegetable production for the family’s CSA baskets. Isaac manages a flock of egg-laying hens and helps move and feed the family’s pigs, proving himself a steady hand with the animals. Elam tends his own garden, proudly growing food for the family table, while Rosie has planted her own flowers and vegetables. She delights in seeing her harvest used in the kitchen and dreams of learning to can food alongside her mom.
Daily life on the Keller farm is busy. The two older boys handle feeding and watering animals, gathering eggs, moving fencing, and repairing coops. All four kids help with planting, watering, weeding, and harvesting crops.
Through these tasks, they’re learning skills that reach far beyond the farm: carpentry, responsibility, respect for nature, and an appreciation for where their food comes from.
They’ve also had to face challenges. Losing plants to weather or animals to predators is especially hard. “You develop relationships with them, and it’s tough when something happens,” Lauren said. But the kids have learned resilience—picking up and continuing forward even after setbacks.
The children’s goals reflect their passions. John hopes to expand his rabbit breeding operation and carve out his own piece of the family business. Isaac wants to take on a larger role in animal care. Elam loves gardening and hopes to grow that part of the farm. Rosie, happiest in the kitchen, is eager to learn canning and baking so she can contribute to the family’s newest venture—their farmstand.
Launching this fall, the Keller Farmstand will feature eggs, vegetables, baked goods, and other homemade items grown and prepared by the family. For the Kellers, it’s more than just a roadside stop—it’s a way to connect with neighbors, share healthy food, and give the kids a tangible role in seeing their hard work reach the community. Each child will play a part, whether it’s stocking shelves, helping customers, or providing products they raised themselves.
Favorite memories are tied to animals arriving on the farm: John getting his rabbits, Isaac bringing home their first pigs, Elam and Rosie marveling over baby chicks. These simple moments are the foundation of a childhood shaped by agriculture.
For the Kellers, the farm is as much about teaching life lessons as it is about producing food. “It gives them a sense of purpose and an entrepreneurial drive,” Lauren said. “They’re learning to appreciate the simple joys—the sunrise, the rooster crowing, the garden growing.”
The Kellers see their farm as a work in progress, but one with a clear mission: to raise their children with strong values while serving their community with food that is responsibly grown and lovingly prepared.