Farmer Veteran Mike Swanson and his wife Christian run Broad Brook Acres in Preston, CT, sharing most of the farm chores such as handling animals, hay, installing fences, etc. while focusing on their strengths. Mike works on the equipment maintenance, hauling animals, sales, making hay, and various other aspects of the farm. Mike reflected on his tasks, noting that, “Little did I know by marrying my wife I'd be marrying into the farming life to this level, but here I am....loving (almost) every minute of it and finding it incredibly fulfilling. Each day is even better with our 4 dogs including my right-hand man "Jetty" who is my black Labrador hunting companion. Jetty is my constant companion and can be found working the farm with my wife moving animals, swimming in the brook with the kids or bird hunting with me every chance he gets.”

Mike was stationed in North Carolina, and served two combat tours in Iraq. When asked what it means to be a CT Farmer Veteran, Mike replied, “Farming has been rewarding and therapeutic for me. In addition to being a Marine Veteran, I am a career Firefighter. The farm is my way to decompress, and it is incredibly rewarding to feed my family and community with food that is locally grown and free from antibiotics, pesticides, hormones, etc. I feel that I am doing my part as a good steward of the land by implementing climate smart practices and making responsible decisions in our management of the farm.”

Broad Brook Acres produces pork, chicken, beef, turkeys, vegetables, hay and the most recent additions include blueberries, raspberries, kiwi-berries, and pumpkins. You can support Broad Brook Acres by purchasing from their farm stand in Preston, Stonington Farmers Market (year round), Ledyard Farmers Market and Colchester Farmers Market, or other retail locations. They also take orders for whole and half pork and beef.

Mike expressed gratitude for his journey, adding that, “I am grateful for the support from my family, our wonderful customers, our community, and all of the opportunities we have been afforded to grow our business. This farm and life has been a game-changer for me as a Veteran and I couldn't have done it without my wife and family.”