The Beauty We Almost Missed: Reflecting on 2025

2025 held long days, tired nights, unexpected pivots, and moments that stretched us. And yet, as we reflect, we’re reminded that when you’re living in the middle of it all, you don’t always pause to give the bright spots the credit they deserve. Sometimes gratitude comes best in hindsight. Here is a letter of gratitude and celebration for this past year, the beauty we almost missed. Let's reflect on 2025!

January began with a moment that left us both humbled. Sarah and Brandon were named Newberry County 4 Under 40 recipients by the Newberry Young Professionals. This award is given to just four individuals every four years, and receiving it together was incredibly meaningful. It wasn’t only about our work on the farm or caring for the environment, but about community, education, and creating a space where children and families can come learn where their food comes from. It was a reminder that the quiet, daily work truly matters.

In February, we were honored with the Environmental Award from WoodmenLife. This one was especially close to our hearts. WoodmenLife is a community Brandon grew up with, attending meals and gatherings alongside his grandparents. It is a group that has quite literally watched him grow up. To be recognized by an organization that has been part of his life for so long made the award deeply meaningful.

March brought a first that we didn’t even know we were missing. We hosted our very first wedding party in the Airbnb. They were getting married at a venue just around the corner and used the guest suite as their space to gather, do makeup, and prepare for the day. RA and Sarah got to watch them take their first photos and even snap a picture with the bride. Staying connected with this family since then has been one of the sweetest joys of the year.

April was filled with excitement and a little bit of chaos as we hosted our largest field trip to date. Over 60 kids poured off buses to learn about plant and animal adaptations on the farm. As one teacher said while loading back up, “This was more than we ever could have asked for.” Moments like that remind us why education is such a core part of our mission, and we hope to expand this even more in 2026.

May marked the completion of our new playground. What started as an idea became a space of laughter and imagination. It was done in time to serve an amazing Ag+Art in May and Farm Camp in June. And continues to serve our Airbnb guests and every group that visits the farm. It’s a place where kids can just be kids, and that feels like a gift.

June was full of pride and gratitude as we celebrated our 5-year campers at Farm Camp. These Free Range Farm Kids have been with us since Farm Camp began in 2021 with just 12 campers. This year alone, we served 195 children over four weeks, including providing eight accommodations for campers with disabilities. Watching the growth of these children and knowing the farm is a safe, joyful place for all of them is something we will never take lightly.

July brought rest and reconnection. We had the opportunity to speak at Lutheroad Day Camp and share about the farm and caring for God’s creation. We also took time to vacation at Lakeshore Family Campground with Sarah’s side of the family during a campground takeover. Rest, family, and purpose all wrapped together.

In August, the Bowers Farm family grew with five new goats. They came for joy, for guests, and maybe for milking someday when they hopefully have babies in May. Every new animal brings both responsibility and delight.

September felt like baby season in full force. For a while, we were convinced we had become piglet central. It was loud, busy, exhausting, and completely wonderful.

October brought laughter and soccer sidelines. RA’s annual Halloween costume “traded in the farm and bought a zoo,” dressing as one of her future dream professions while the pups became zoo animals. We also spent many evenings cheering on the Bowers Farm soccer team through the Newberry Recreational Program, building memories from the sidelines.

November was defined by Farmsgiving. Without question, it was the highlight of the month. Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a beautiful expression of gratitude, food, and community. And yes, it’s already on the calendar: Sunday, November 15th, 2026.

December wrapped the year with a beautiful bow of gratitude. Shop34 was cold and rainy, yet so many of you showed up to support local and say hello. But the greatest gift of December was community - family, friends, and our Bowers Farm supporters! Community is at the center of everything we do. We truly could not do this without the people who show up, encourage us, pray for us, share our story, and believe in what this farm represents. Thank you!

2025 was an amazing year. Far from perfect, but deeply meaningful.

We lived.

We learned.

We thrived.

We failed.

We soared.

We grieved.

We pivoted.

And we kept going.

As always, we carry big dreams into the coming year. And we can’t wait for you to continue walking this journey with us.