When you think of a working farm you may think of the many hands it takes to keep it working, someone to feed the many animals that live there, someone to clean their areas, someone to run the business side of things, someone to check on the animal’s health, someone to keep up with building maintenance, the list simply doesn’t end. At Rankin Farm, however, it’s all done by one woman. Jenifer Rankin, a 51-year-old part-time Veterinarian runs this operation almost entirely on her own, she originally bought this land with her husband with he plans to use it as a landing strip for small aircraft but after some complications, the idea was scrapped and she wants to put the land to use and try the farming life.
Although her husband wasn’t totally invested in the idea of running a farm she dove into it head first, raising cows, pigs, and a variety of birds she tackles the never-ending list of tasks with a smile and determination. Today her 244-acre farm is home to 21 head of cattle and 250 birds. She raises all of her animals to live healthy and organic lives stressing the importance of respecting the animals’ lives and ensuring they get to live full and happy lives and only ever see one bad day.
While Jenifer lives the farm life she enjoys other parts of life as well. Before becoming a full-time farmer Jenifer spent time as a powerlifter competing in competitions and even holding a record within the sport, she was also a nurse before making the jump and even a licensed veterinarian. Jenifer’s story is about how one person can contain so much strength and determination and despite the climb, one must go through one can reach the top and find something meaningful and beautiful at the top.