Meet your farmer

Chuck Trowbridge - Prairie Farmstead

At ROCK Farmhouse, we believe that knowing where your food comes from—and who’s behind it—makes all the difference.

“The food we eat reveals how we are taking care of ourselves, and the food we choose to buy shows how we are taking care of our land, our farmers, and our future.”
– Michael Pollan

Let’s take a moment to get to know Chuck Trowbridge, the dedicated farmer behind Prairie Farmstead, who’s as committed to his community as he is to his land.

Chuck’s nine-year-old has become a pro at collecting eggs, eagerly taking on the responsibility and earning a little money in the process. His four-year-old is fascinated by the “big daddy bull” and loves tagging along with Chuck to check on the animals.

Meanwhile, his six-year-old has a soft spot for baby chicks, often helping out with their care. These experiences are woven into the fabric of daily life on the farm, making Prairie Farmstead not just a business, but a home.

Despite her full-time job, Chuck’s wife is also an integral part of the farm. “She’s a powerhouse,” Chuck says proudly. “You’ll often find her at the farmers' markets, chatting with customers and sharing our story. It’s a family effort, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

A typical day for Chuck starts early, often before dawn, with a strong cup of coffee and a list of tasks that could make anyone’s head spin. From moving hens to fresh pasture before their coop doors open, to checking on pigs and gathering eggs before the midday heat, every moment is filled with purpose.

One of Chuck’s favorite times of the day is dusk, when the farm comes alive in a different way. “There’s something magical about dusk,” he says. “The animals are calm, the air is cooler, and it’s a moment of peace after a busy day. It’s my favorite time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished.”

Chuck’s careful selection of animal breeds plays a crucial role in the quality of his products.

For his pasture-raised eggs, Chuck chooses Novagen hens, a brown sex-link breed that is particularly well-suited to life on pasture. “These hens are incredible grazers,” Chuck says. “They’re eager to get out on fresh pasture every morning, and their genetics make them excellent layers, producing high-quality eggs consistently.” The result is eggs with vibrant yolks, rich in nutrients, and full of flavor, reflecting the varied diet of grasses, bugs, and seeds that the hens enjoy.

When it comes to pork, Chuck’s approach is just as meticulous. He raises heritage breed pigs, specifically a mix of Berkshire, Red Wattle, and Tamworth. These breeds are chosen for their ability to thrive outdoors and for the exceptional quality of their meat. “These pigs grow quickly, are incredibly hardy, and their pork is unmatched in flavor and tenderness,” Chuck explains. Like his hens, these pigs are fed a carefully formulated diet free of soy, corn, and GMOs, ensuring that their meat is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.

Chuck firmly believes that how animals are raised directly impacts their health and the quality of the food they produce.

“Healthy animals produce healthy food,” Chuck says.

“When animals are raised on pasture, with access to fresh air, sunlight, and a natural diet, they’re less likely to develop diseases. This means they don’t need the antibiotics and other interventions often used in conventional farming.”

This natural approach results in more nutritious, disease-free meat and eggs, providing a healthier option for your family.

For Chuck, farming is more than just a job—it’s a calling. “There’s a deep sense of fulfillment in knowing that the animals I care for will nourish my family and others,” he says.

“Working with nature, feeling the rhythm of the seasons, and seeing the land thrive—it’s a connection that’s hard to put into words, but it’s why I wake up every morning ready to do it all over again.”

When you buy Prairie Farmstead, you’re supporting a family, a farm, and a philosophy that values health, sustainability, and community.

This connection is what ROCK Farmhouse is all about—building relationships that go beyond just transactions.

Q&A with Chuck Trowbridge

What do you love most about farming?

“Working with nature, getting outside every day, and directly working with the animals that will feed my family and community.”


What’s your favorite farm-to-table meal?

“We love grilling an assortment of meats and letting everyone taste each cut. It’s like a hot charcuterie board!”


If you could have any superpower to help you on the farm, what would it be?

“To see below the soil and watch all the microbes doing their work!”


What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve encountered while farming?

“Well, let’s just say that trying to herd a bunch of runaway pigs back into the pasture is a lot more challenging than it sounds! Pigs are a lot faster than you’d think.”


Do you have a favorite spot on the farm where you like to unwind?

“There’s a shady spot under an old oak tree where I love to sit and watch the cows graze. It’s peaceful, and it’s where I feel most connected to the land.”


What’s your go-to music or podcast when you’re out working?

“I’m not a big music person, but I love listening to podcasts about farming, modern events, and business management while I work. It keeps my mind engaged while I’m out in the fields.”


If your farm animals could talk, what do you think they’d say?

“I imagine the pigs would be demanding more snacks, the cows would be offering life advice, and the chickens would be gossiping about who laid the biggest egg!”


If you could invite any historical figure to visit your farm, who would it be and why?

“Lewis and Clark. They got to see a lot of this great nation before we (European settlers) unknowingly damaged a lot of it with our farming and hunting practices. I’d love to show them how we’re trying to regenerate the land now.”


What’s your favorite way to relax after a long day on the farm?

“A good meal, a special drink, reading time with my kids, and then some quiet time with my wife after the kids are asleep. That’s my idea of a perfect evening.”