Rooted in Care. Growing Together.
Turtle Mist Farm was founded in 2007 by Bob and Ginger Sykes in Franklinton, North Carolina, with a simple but meaningful vision: to raise animals responsibly, steward the land with care, and share the beauty of farm life with others.
For many years, the farm flourished as a place where animals roamed freely on pasture, gardens thrived, and family traditions were built around a shared love of agriculture and nature.
In 2022, after the passing of Bob, Ginger faced the difficult decision of whether to continue the farm. Many of the animals and much of the equipment were sold, and plans were made to let the property go. But the farm had a different future waiting to unfold.
Today, Turtle Mist Farm is being lovingly rebuilt by Ginger alongside her daughter Stephanie, granddaughter Malia, and great-grandsons Gavin and Zachary. Together, they are honoring the legacy Bob helped create while building something new for future generations.
Our Farming Philosophy
At Turtle Mist Farm, we remain committed to sustainable, humane, and thoughtful farming practices.
We raise our animals:
- Without added hormones
- Without routine antibiotics
- On pasture whenever possible
- With an emphasis on natural behaviors and low-stress management
Our market garden is cultivated without synthetic herbicides or pesticides, allowing us to grow fresh produce in a way that respects both the land and the people who enjoy its harvest.
We believe nature works best when allowed to do what it was designed to do, and we strive to work alongside it rather than against it.
Heritage Breeds with Purpose
We have chosen to focus primarily on heritage and traditional breeds that are well-suited for pasture-based farming and known for their hardiness, productivity, and exceptional quality.
Currently, Turtle Mist Farm raises:
Sheep
- Katahdin Hair Sheep
Poultry
- Ameraucana Chickens
- Cuckoo Marans
Cattle
- Santa Gertrudis
- Beefmaster
- Angus
Swine
- Berkshire
- Duroc
As our farm continues to grow, we hope to expand our herd with:
- Ossabaw pigs
- Meishan pigs
- Tamworth pigs
- Gelbvieh cattle
More Than a Farm
Turtle Mist Farm is more than a place where food is produced.
It is a place where families can reconnect with nature, children can discover where their food comes from, and people of all ages can experience the beauty and responsibility of caring for animals and the land.
We believe food does not simply appear on a grocery store shelf. It begins with stewardship, compassion, hard work, and respect for the animals and ecosystems that sustain us.
Our mission is to preserve agricultural traditions, promote sustainable practices, and create meaningful opportunities for education, connection, and community.