At ROCK Farmhouse, we believe that knowing where your food comes from—and who’s behind it—makes all the difference.
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.
When we asked Chuck about his journey to becoming a farmer,
he shared a story that might resonate with anyone who’s ever felt called to
change paths. “I grew up on a farm in Western NY,” Chuck explains, “but I spent
over a decade away from agriculture, working in engineering and starting my
family.”
But something kept pulling him back to the land. “We
couldn’t return to my family farm, so we decided to start from scratch in North
Texas, near my wife’s family. We wanted to feed ourselves and raise our
children on a farm,” Chuck says. This wasn’t just about a career change; it was
about living out deeply held values—ones that shape the way Chuck farms and the
food he produces.
For Chuck, farming is as much about family as it is about
food. “Some of my favorite memories are my kids’ firsts on the farm,” he
reminisces. “Collecting eggs for the first time, ear tagging a calf, driving a
tractor—these are moments that mean a lot to me.”
Farming is full of challenges, something Chuck knows all too
well. “The Texas weather can be tough, especially the fast temperature swings
in the winter,” he tells us. But despite the challenges, there’s a deep
satisfaction in the work. “There’s nothing like seeing the animals healthy and
the land thriving. It’s hard work, but the rewards are worth it.”
What makes Prairie Farmstead’s products different? It all
starts with the land and the care Chuck puts into his farming practices. “We
use regenerative methods that heal the land and improve the soil,” Chuck
explains. “Our animals are raised outside on healthy pastures, and we don’t use
herbicides or pesticides.”
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’s farming philosophy has been shaped by some of the
most respected names in regenerative agriculture, including Joel Salatin and
Alan Savory. “These pioneers have taught me that farming is about more than
just growing food—it’s about regenerating the land, respecting the animals, and
nourishing the community,” Chuck explains. “Their teachings are a constant
reminder of why I chose this path.”
For Chuck, the connection with his customers is what makes
it all worthwhile. “I love talking with the people who eat our meat and eggs,
especially those who have been with us for a long time,” he says.
Hosting farm tours is one of the highlights for Chuck, where
he gets to meet the people who support his work. “Seeing the smiles on people’s
faces as they walk through the pastures and meet the animals—it’s a reminder of
why we do what we do,” Chuck shares. “It’s more than just farming; it’s about
building a community.”
When you buy Prairie Farmstead, you’re supporting a family, a farm, and a philosophy that values health, sustainability, and community.
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.”