Meet Jessica Evans | 1st Generation Rancher

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Evans and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting our own farm business came from a mix of passion, necessity, and a strong sense of purpose. As first-generation farmers, we didn’t have land passed down or a playbook to follow, but we felt a deep calling to grow healthy, nutrient-dense food for our community using regenerative practices. We saw gaps in the food system—especially around transparency, sustainability, and local access—and we wanted to be part of the solution.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our farm started in 2016 as a leap of faith. We’re first-generation farmers, so we didn’t inherit land, equipment, or generational knowledge—just a dream to grow healthy food for our community using regenerative practices that restore the soil, respect the animals, and nourish people. From the beginning, we’ve focused on doing things differently: we didn’t just want to farm, we wanted to build a better food system from the ground up.

What sets us apart is our commitment to transparency and sustainability. Our entire operation is pasture-raised and rotationally grazed. We don’t cut corners, and our customers can taste and feel the difference. We’re most proud of the relationships we’ve built with families who come back week after week, and with other farmers who are part of our network. We’ve also been proud to serve as a working model of what regenerative agriculture can look like in real time and on real land.

But getting here wasn’t easy. We’ve faced a ton of challenges: staffing shortages, equipment breakdowns, sky-high credit card interest when we needed cash flow, and a poultry setup that couldn’t keep up with demand. We’ve had to send employees out of state just to pick up birds because we didn’t have the space to brood them ourselves. There have been seasons of real grit and hustle. What kept us going was a mix of resilience, resourcefulness, and a strong community around us. Grants, FSA loans, and support from programs like USDA NRCS helped us make key improvements, but it was also a lot of sweat, long days, and learning as we went.

One of the biggest lessons we’ve learned is to ask for help early and build strong relationships. Whether it’s other farmers, contractors, or local customers, those connections have been key. We’ve also learned that growth doesn’t always mean more. Often, it means better systems, smarter planning, and staying grounded in our mission.

What we want the world to know is that we didn’t come from a long line of farmers, we became farmers because we believed something better was possible. And now we’re not just feeding people, we’re building a legacy. Our farm is proof that regenerative farming, financial independence, and community-rooted success can go hand-in-hand.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to show them the full spectrum of what makes this area so special — from the thriving farm-to-table food scene in Charlotte to the slower, grounded beauty of rural life and the natural landscape that inspires everything we do on the farm. Here’s how we’d do it:

Day 1 – Saturday: Kick off at Uptown Farmers Market
We’d start bright and early at the Uptown Farmers Market in Charlotte. It’s one of my favorite places to connect with our community and other local growers, bakers, and makers. I’d introduce them to some of our fellow farmers, grab fresh pastries and coffee, and stock up on local goodies for the week ahead. There’s so much energy and connection there—it really sets the tone for the trip.

Day 2 – Sunday: A day on the farm
They’d spend the day at our farm, walking the pastures, meeting the animals, and seeing firsthand what regenerative farming looks like in action. We’d share stories over lunch made with ingredients grown right here and end the day with a home-cooked meal under the stars. We might even stop by a local favorite like Sweet Union Brewing for a pint and some live music, or visit a hidden gem like The Dreamchaser’s Brewery in Waxhaw for a laid-back evening with the locals.

Day 3 – Monday: Charlotte eats & drinks
We’d start with a meaningful brunch at Community Matters Café, a place that not only serves incredible food but also supports individuals in recovery and reintegration. It’s food with heart and purpose. From there, we’d explore Charlotte’s small businesses and art scene. Dinner would be a treat—maybe Heirloom, Kindred, or Haymaker, all of which champion seasonal, local ingredients. For drinks, we’d finish the night at a cozy craft cocktail bar like Idlewild or Dot Dot Dot.

Day 4 – Tuesday: Nature therapy day
Time to hit the trails! We’d hike Crowders Mountain, South Mountains State Park, or even the Anne Springs Close Greenway for a scenic, soul-refreshing day. After a good hike, we’d stop at a farm stand or local dairy for snacks and enjoy a lazy picnic with all the goodies we’ve collected so far.

Day 5 – Wednesday: Food crawl & rooftop views
We’d dive into a midday food crawl—grabbing small bites from vendors at Optimist Hall, trying everything from dumplings to fresh oysters to craft donuts. That night, we’d take in Charlotte’s skyline with dinner or drinks at Fahrenheit or Nuvole Rooftop TwentyTwo, catching golden hour views and city lights.

Day 6 – Thursday: History, community, and small-town charm
We’d check out the Harvey B. Gantt Center or Levine Museum of the New South to tap into the area’s culture and stories. Later in the day, we’d venture to one of the nearby small towns like Waxhaw or Monroe, exploring antique shops, sipping local coffee, or catching a show at a local theater. If time allows, we’d stop by Treehouse Vineyards for a sunset tasting and a swing in one of their hammocks.

Day 7 – Friday: Slow morning & final feast
We’d end with a slow morning—coffee at Not Just Coffee or Cupcake Delirium if we’re feeling sweet—and then head back to the farm for one last meal. A big table spread, a firepit glowing, and all the flavors of the week coming together in one final feast.

This week would be all about connection—to good food, good people, the land, and the local businesses that make our area shine. Whether in the city or out in the country, there’s so much soul here, and I’d want my best friend to feel all of it.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where we are today without the love and support of my family, friends and community. I have gained so much from farmers like me who were willing to share what they learned along the way and my fantastic staff who work tirelessly to support the mission and vision of this farm.

Website: https://www.evansfamilyfarm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evansfamilyfarmnc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/evansfamilyfarmnc