Veterans Family Displaced from Urban Farm in Austin, Texas

I'm Farmer Nancy. I'm a service-disabled combat veteran, wife, and mother of 4. A continuous struggle with PTSD has led me on a journey of healing. From creating backyard gardens to establishing my own small scale farm in Austin, Texas.

In May 2017 I began bootstrapping Dobbin-Kauv Garden Farm. I grow produce using organic practices to sustain urban areas. As a Veteran, becoming a Farmer provides me the opportunity to continue public service to my local community. I've created an environment and lifestyle that brings value to my neighbors.

I am a land steward. I revitalize our city spaces through soil conservation and food production. We can't eat the grass and vacant lots can't all be Starbucks or row houses, so I figured I should pick a lot and, “Put A Farm On It!”

(Update: 2-5-2025)

I can not believe it has been 7 years since we began our family's Urban Farm Journey!!! We've had an amazing run! In 2019 we put out the ask and began crowdfunding our work as urban farmers in the Austin Food Space. We want to Thank Everyone for supporting and believing in our family's Farm. In the last 4 years we have supported the Austin TX 78723 zip code with food and nutrition accessibility via growing produce, a free fridge, free super, maternal mental health dates, and much more! We supported the Austin Independent School District in 2024 as a work site for Career Development School students within the district. Since 2019 we have been a pillar within grassroots food advocacy spaces AND thanks to you all who continue to believe, we look forward to the next phase of our Agricultural journey! Thank you ALL for being a part of our Story.

Sadly in November 2024 we were displaced from our home due to rental increases and have had to say goodbye to the farm. Our goal is to now position ourselves to purchase a homestead. If you would like to continue your support or contribute to any future projects please feel free to Donate Today!

(Update: 2-8-2021)

As we enter into our 5th season of growing and bootstrapping the farm your continued support has allowed the farm to remain sustainable during this Global Covid-19 Pandemic. Moving forward we ask that you consider helping us fund the purchase of a dedicated farm vehicle and mobile food distribution market. Farm deliveries have been done using our families personal vehicle increasing the required need for upkeep.)

The funding from this seasons ask will cover the cost of a 2007 Jayco Seneca 35GS, insurance, repairs, maintenance, and fuel.

(Update: As of 1-3-2020 Payment arrangements with the City of Austin to stop any termination were made.)(Update: As of 2-25 -2020 We've cleared our utility bill. The total remaining balance of $1700 has been paid!)

Funds will also continue to support field labor, and farm branding: audio and visual equipment for content creation, installation of infrastructure: farm kitchen, security safety, shelving and lights for greenhouse production, a wash and pack area for food safety and sanitation, building materials for tables and drying racks, vegetable cooling tubs, cool storage, temperature control panels, field tools, poly-tunnels, small farm equipment, PPE, compost, soil amendments, AND most importantly SEED!

(Update: 4-27-2020 *Covid-19 Farm Impact - By the end of March 2020 the City of Austin along with major cities across the globe went on some form of mandatory or recommended quarantine due to the Coronavirus. Due to the increased concern for local public health my family made the decision to suspend produce delivery. As an essential public service - small farms, and the demand for local produce, increased dramatically; however, as a seasonal operation our farm was caught between spring rotation and our final winter harvest. We made our regular deliveries, took in $200 in new customer farm to door orders, and donated the remainder of our harvest to those in need. We then turned our focus to our children. Educating children about a national pandemic that closes their schools, takes them away from their favorite teachers, and friends was difficult. Explaining proper social distancing and enforcing hand washing routines was a challenge. Letting them know that we would all work together to survive an illness that could potentially kill them was nerve-wrecking. Covid-19 completely brought our farming operation to a swift halt y’all! Our 4 children range from ages 4-12. And making them feel as if they are the greatest even during such trying times is our goal.

**Texas State Governor, Greg Abbott, has mandated a plan to re-open the Texas State Economy beginning with Phase 1. Lifting restrictions on retail, restaurants, libraries, parks, and other areas where crowds gather, proposing no more than 25% capacity, on April 30th, 2020. Moving forward at the farm maintaining proper health, sanitation, and safety will be a priority. We plan to plant our Fall Crop in August. The financial cost of quarantine and mental stress has completely exhausted me personally, and taken a toll of my family. Taking a break will allow time to heal from such a wild start to Spring!)

Your help today means we can continue to scale the farm with proper resources. You offer a sense of relief for our families finances from bootstrapping this amazing neighborhood project and small business journey to the other side of tragic times. I will continue to serve you as a food system educator, food access avenger, and agricultural socialite. Sharing my journey, bringing people together, cultivating the soil and feeding y'all from Dobbin-Kauv Garden Farm.

Vets Seeking Farm Bill Action https://www.youngfarmers.org/2018/09/bonus-episode-vets-need-farm-bill-action

Amazon WishList https://www.linktr.ee/NancyFarmFancy/

Always Remember: Family, Food, at the Table!