About
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We are Brett and Kristie Lawler and we working to make our dreams come true by owning and operating an organic farm.
We are Brett and Kristie Lawler and we working to make our dreams come true by owning and operating an organic farm.
We have big plans for this property.
We want to create a small, diversified organic farm that not only helps feed our community, but also teaches people how to feed themselves. This summer, Brett became certified in permaculture design and we hope to use these methods to create an educational farm one day.
In May 2009, a family member purchased a 68-acre plot of land in Kittanning, a community 45 minutes northeast. After many late-night discussions, we realized we wanted to do more than provide healthy, fresh food to our family – we wanted to provide it to our community. And thus, Serenity Valley Farm was born.
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Our Story
In November 2008, Brett was medically retired from the U.S. Army after serving nine years and two tours in Iraq. Looking for a change and wanting to be closer to family, we decided to move from Texas to the Pittsburgh, PA area in search of rain, fertile land, and a new career. At the time, we were already becoming more concerned about the food system in this country. Between our reliance on chemicals and food from all parts of the world, the current system is not sustainable. We felt it was important to live in a place where we could realistically become self sufficient.In May 2009, a family member purchased a 68-acre plot of land in Kittanning, a community 45 minutes northeast. After many late-night discussions, we realized we wanted to do more than provide healthy, fresh food to our family – we wanted to provide it to our community. And thus, Serenity Valley Farm was born.
Having no prior experience in farming besides backyard gardening, we poured over books, attended conferences, and listened to hours of podcasts. For three years, we had the privilege of serving the Pittsburgh community, meeting wonderful people, and grow delicious vegetables.
But we needed to take it to the next level and to do that, we needed to live on our own farm. So we decided to head to Western New York where Kristie grew up to seek our dream property and forever home. The adventure continues.
But we needed to take it to the next level and to do that, we needed to live on our own farm. So we decided to head to Western New York where Kristie grew up to seek our dream property and forever home. The adventure continues.
On a final note, check out this video about why other veterans like Brett find solace in farming.
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