Our Story-From Tired Soil to Thriving Pastures!

posted on

May 3, 2025

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Welcome to Little Captain Creek Farm

Hello from the hills of Thurmont, Maryland! We’re Stephen and Elizabeth Stoltzfus, and together—with our three little boys, Leroy (3.5), Chris (almost 2), and baby Benjamin (6 months)—we tend to a growing, joy-filled corner of the world called Little Captain Creek Farm. Our farm is rooted in four generations of Amish farming heritage, but today, we’re honored to be the first in our family to embrace regenerative agriculture.

When we moved here from Lancaster County, PA in March 2022, the farm had seen better days. The land was tired, the buildings were worn, and the future was uncertain. But there was something about this soil—something stirring and full of possibility. My father encouraged me to look into grass-fed farming, and as I stood on this pasture, I knew deep down that this land deserved a fresh start.

I had only ever known conventional agriculture and wholesale produce farming. But as I listened to the land and to the growing number of people asking for real, raw, grass-fed food, I felt a conviction rise in me. Not everyone allows themselves to be inspired—but I couldn’t ignore what was right in front of me. Without the funds to build a traditional operation, we chose the path of simplicity, stewardship, and integrity. We let the land lead—and it hasn’t disappointed.

Since then, our days have been full and meaningful. We now care for 65 grass-fed dairy cows, several beef cattle, 1,000 laying hens, 15 pasture-raised pigs, and 3 driving horses. This summer, we’re excited to add meat chickens and turkeys to the farm. With the help of four part-time team members (and our three little “supervisors”!), we work each day to bring health and life back to the soil and the animals entrusted to us.

Our cows and cattle are 100% grass-fed and rotated multiple times a day across lush pasture. This builds soil health, supports biodiversity, and produces the kind of nutrient-dense milk and meat we feel good about feeding our family—and yours. We've recently shifted how we raise our calves, too: rather than letting them move between their mothers, we now place them with dedicated nurse cows for 7–8 months. It’s a calm, nurturing system that works beautifully for everyone involved.

Our pigs play an important role, helping us clear hedgerows and turn compost while enjoying a wholesome diet of raw skim milk and non-GMO grain. Our hens live in spacious, permanent coops with open access to fresh pasture just outside their doors, which we rotate them onto weekly—or more often, as the land and chickens need. They roam freely by day, foraging for bugs and greens, then return to roost safely each night. We supplement them with a chemical-free, soy-free, corn-free, non-GMO feed—ensuring their eggs are as pure as they come.

This journey has changed us—not just as farmers, but as a family. We recently finished remodeling our home (originally built in the 1800s!), and while we dream of a new barn, we are deeply grateful for what we have and where we are. Our roots are sinking deep into this land, and we’re committed to stewarding it faithfully, for as long as the Lord allows.

We believe real food—grown with care, intention, and love—has the power to nourish more than just the body. It supports strong minds, joyful hearts, and connected communities. That’s what we want for our family, and that’s what we want to offer you: food you can trust, from a farm you can feel a part of.

Thank you for being on this journey with us. We’re so glad you’re here.

With warmth and gratitude,
Stephen, Elizabeth, Leroy, Chris & Benjamin
Little Captain Creek Farm



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