It’s not uncommon for Javier and Joanna Gonzalez to wake up at the crack of dawn to perform routine checks on their livestock.
As the owners of Blue Earth Farm, situated on 10-plus acres near Buda, Javier’s and Joanna’s morning routine goes a long way toward preparing for the selling season.
In today’s day and age, the lifestyle of a local farmer or rancher seems unconventional. While challenges exist, those who adhere to farm life find the profession can provide sustainability, as well as a way to help educate the community on improved practices.
With five pigs, 150 chickens and around five bee hives during any given season, the Gonzalezes work around the clock to raise animals before sending them to Lexington for processing.
But raising livestock also means finding suitable feed for their animals. Javier said he travels to Elgin, Smithville, Austin and Lexington throughout an eight-week period to obtain organic feed.
