Lori Simpson | Episode 027
From Corporate Hustle to Farm-Driven Freedom: Lori Simpson’s Blueprint for a Purpose-Driven Life | Hummingbird Rancho
Lori Simpson, Chief Farm Girl at Hummingbird Rancho
Cultivating Dreams: The Journey of Hummingbird Rancho
How Lori Simpson's Sustainable Farming Vision Blossomed Amidst Challenges and Growth
Embarking on an extraordinary journey from a modest city life to thriving sustainable farming, Lori Simpson, the force behind Hummingbird Rancho, illustrates the profound impact of dedication and resilience. With a passion for eco-friendly farming, Lori has transformed her life, vision, and community through this inspiring pursuit. Join us as we delve into her journey, challenges, and aspirations.
Navigating Change: From City to Farm
Lori and her family made a bold transition from a compact 1,230 square-foot Boise home to a sprawling three-acre farm during the pandemic. What initially seemed like a whimsical thought evolved into reality when a property serendipitously appeared in Lori's online browsing. Despite the competitive market, where out-of-state buyers often rapidly purchased real estate with cash, Lori's conviction led to an irresistible offer. Her intuition that this place was home set in motion Hummingbird Rancho’s origin story.
A Journey Rooted in Passion and Purpose
Aspiring to create a self-sustaining haven, Lori drew inspiration from her previous life experiences. Staying home with her four children during their early years, she relied on gardening and home cooking to make ends meet without external assistance. Meanwhile, Brian, Lori’s husband, pursued further education and diverse roles in the medical field to provide for their growing family.
Their shared resilience instilled values of self-reliance, cultivating the seeds of what would burgeon into today's farmstead. The treasure trove of knowledge amassed from raising chickens and growing food on their modest property now forms the foundation of their farming ethos.
Tending to New Beginnings: Building a Farmstead
When Lori and her family settled onto the farm, they inherited ducks and a ready-to-use chicken coop. This initial encounter with collecting fresh eggs paved the way for a deeper venture into poultry. Over time, Lori became enchanted by the diverse colors and patterns of chicken eggs, viewing them as nature's artwork.
Jumpstarting her farm with ornamental and laying breeds, Lori embraced the beauty and genetic nuances of her flock. As curiosity blossomed into confidence, they soon ventured into raising cows for meat, exemplifying adaptive decision-making in expanding their small enterprise.
Cultivating Community and Creativity
As Hummingbird Rancho evolved, so did Lori's mission to engage with her community. The idea of a farmstand beaming with sunflowers and pumpkins emerged while she sipped coffee amidst morning tranquility. With sheer determination and family cooperation, this vision of an inviting, aesthetically pleasing farm became reality, enriching the farm's landscape and creating a serene environment for visitors.
Lori's passion for creating unique experiences saw the introduction of event rentals and antique collections, inspired partly by her daughter's wedding. This new direction exemplifies Lori's commitment to fostering community connections and making every event memorable.
Challenges and Triumphs: Navigating the Agricultural Landscape
Establishing a farm from scratch involved inevitable obstacles. Lori embraced not only the physical demands of farming but also the emotional challenges tied to animal husbandry. From caring for livestock to processing them for food, every step required balancing practicality with compassion and respect for the life cycle.
Lori emphasizes the importance of understanding agricultural realities, especially given rising egg prices and external pressures like the avian flu. Advocating for small, local farmers, she urges communities to support nearby producers, directly addressing systemic imbalances and food sustainability concerns.
The Road Ahead: Innovation and Impact
Looking to the future, Lori aims to expand Hummingbird Rancho's community offerings. Initiatives include building a commercial kitchen and enhancing their farmstand to provide more accessible produce. Through these efforts, Lori seeks to inspire future generations and deepen connections with her community.
Lori Simpson's story is one of vision, fortitude, and unwavering dedication to her craft. Hummingbird Rancho is not just a symbol of agricultural productivity, but a testament to the power of turning dreams into tangible realities, all while nurturing the earth and community.
Instagram: @hummingbirdrancho
Website: https://hummingbirdrancho.com/
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