Lathrop Farmstead in Lebanon, CT is a restoration project that Mia and Andrew began in 2020. Previously, the farm comprised about 300 acres of cropland and pasture, and was operated from 1817 until about 1940 as a homestead for Andrews' ancestors. “We're renovating the tired soils from weedy hayfields to biodiverse cropland, implementing agroforestry practices, raising our own honey bee pollinator battalions, and following intentional farming methods that align with our land stewardship ideals,” they said.

Mia works full-time overseeing the crops and business, including grant writing and managing infrastructure projects. Andrew works part-time on the farm planting, weeding, harvesting, and “whatever else can be jammed into a too-short-24-hour day.” His off-farm job is in the renewable energy sector.

Andrew spent 6 years in the Marine Reserves and was on active duty during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, serving with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Andrew commented, “Being a CT Veteran farmer gives us access to tools and support through various outlets like CT Veteran Grown and Homegrown by Heroes. These are organizations looking out for us in terms of business development and well being… In my heart, I just want to farm, be close to nature, grow nutritious, chemical free fruits and vegetables for our local community. Farming is fundamentally a service vocation, which naturally squares with me.”

Lathrop Farmstead is a USDA certified organic grower of flowers, herbs, veggies and fruits, with a 2 acre expansion to a new orchard next season. They have free range eggs, honey and organic maple syrup from trees planted by Andrew's ancestors in 1876. Mia added that, “Farm life is full of surprises. We had no idea how obsessed we would become raising a flock of chickens. Their individual personalities and group escapades bring us endless entertainment and laughter.”

Mia & Andrew sell their harvest onsite at the farm, at various farmers markets and pop up locations. Check their website for updated information.