On the farm, CT Farmer Veteran Steven shepherds the flock and tends to the crops. Initially a 1/2 acre market garden that donated everything grown to the local soup kitchen, food bank and homeless shelter, Thy Neighbors Farm now has a flock of over 100 Katahdin sheep that rotationally graze on solar fields, with plans to use a Freight Farms hydroponic shipping container farm to grow produce for the students of surrounding school systems.

Thy Neighbors Farm name is reflective of the Biblical command that "Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." The mission of the farm focuses on love and compassion for one’s neighbors through faith, which Steven and his family feel is a testimony of the work of God in our lives. Steven added that, “I have found farming the best way to stay connected with nature and rooted to the outdoors since my past career and life of essentially living in the woods in the Marine Infantry. Being the one responsible for growing food which others depend on, and caring for the lives of many animals keeps us connected to all of God's creation and a continual appreciation for the value of life.”

Steven served on active duty from 2010 to 2014 with 1st Battalion 9th Marines “The Walking Dead” as a Scout Sniper Team Leader, and experienced two combat deployments in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. After leaving Active Duty, he joined the USMC Reserves with 1st Battalion 25th Marines “New England’s Own”, where he served as a Scout Sniper Team Leader and then as the Chief Scout Sniper until 2020.

Steven added, “To be a CT Veteran farmer means to me another way which I can continually and meaningfully serve and contribute to our community. Instead of focusing on the taking of life, my whole life's purpose has shifted into helping sustain life, bring new life into the world, and help others find their true purpose and value in life.”

Thy Neighbors Farm helps feed those who are the most in need: the food insecure, homeless and at-risk families. You can help their farm help others by making a donation through the website where they will match any monetary donation with an in-kind donation of food.

Email thyneighborsfarm@gmail.com if you are interested in pre-ordering pasture-raised whole chickens or grass-fed lamb.