Rooted in New England: Why We Choose to Source Close to Home
At Forest Farmhouse, we believe every decision we make has a ripple effect. Whether it’s the food we grow, the tools we use, or the goods we bring into our home, those choices connect us to something bigger—our community, the land, and the hardworking hands that make it all possible. That’s why we’re committed to sourcing as much as we can from right here in New England.
This decision isn’t just about convenience or practicality (though, let’s face it, those are nice perks!). It’s about building a life and a farm that reflects our values: sustainability, connection, and resilience. Today, we want to share why we’ve made this commitment and how it shapes what we do here at Forest Farmhouse.
A Region We’re Proud to Call Home
New England is our home. It’s rugged and resourceful, a region that is steepde in history. From the rocky coastlines to the rolling hills, this is a place of ingenuity, where farmers, craftspeople, and small business owners take pride in their work.
When we choose to source our animal feed, compost, boots, gear, and even household goods from New England, we’re saying, “We see you. We value your work. We’re in this together.” It’s a way to honor the tradition of local production that runs deep in our region’s roots while helping to sustain it for future generations.
Why Local Matters
Sourcing locally isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s a powerful way to make a difference. Here’s what it means for us at Forest Farmhouse:
Supporting Local Economies
Every dollar we spend on New England-made goods stays closer to home, helping to support local businesses and families. Whether it’s the farmer growing our animal feed or the artisan crafting our winter boots, these are our neighbors, and we want them to thrive.Reducing Our Footprint
Choosing regional products means fewer miles traveled, less fuel burned, and a smaller carbon footprint overall. It’s one more way we can work in harmony with the land we love.Better Quality, More Transparency
When you know where something comes from and who made it, you can trust the quality. We love knowing that the inputs we use in our gardens or the gear we rely on during long, chilly winters come from people who take pride in their work.Building Community Resilience
Local sourcing strengthens the bonds of our community, making it more resilient in the face of challenges. The more we invest in one another, the more we can weather tough times together—whether it’s a storm, a supply chain issue, or just the ups and downs of life.
How We Do It
Sourcing locally takes effort, but for us, it’s worth every minute. Here’s how we try to make it work:
Animal Feed: We seek out New England farmers who produce Organic, soy-free, high-quality feed for our animals. It’s fresher, better for the environment, and we know exactly where it comes from.
Garden Inputs: Compost, mulch, and amendments come from on farm sources and local suppliers whenever possible, ensuring we’re putting the best materials into our soil.
Gear and Goods: From durable boots that can handle our farm chores to household goods that stand the test of time, we shop regional. Brands like LL Bean, Timberland, and other New England makers are staples in our home.
Collaboration: We partner with other farmers, artisans, and businesses to source what we need and share what we have. Together, we’re stronger.
How You Can Join Us
We’re not saying it’s always easy to choose local. Sometimes it takes more time, research, and even money. But the rewards? They’re immeasurable.
Here are a few ways you can support local sourcing in your own life:
Get to Know Your Farmers: Visit your local farmers’ market or find a nearby farm that sells direct to consumers.
Shop Small: Seek out local artisans and small businesses for goods and gifts.
Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask where products come from or how they’re made—it’s a great way to learn and make informed choices.
Share the Love: When you find something amazing that’s made locally, tell others! Word of mouth is a powerful way to support small businesses.
Rooted in Community, Growing Together
Sourcing as much as we can from New England is just one of the ways we live out our values here at Forest Farmhouse. It’s a commitment to the land, the people, and the way of life we hold dear.
Every time we feed our animals, plant our gardens, or lace up our boots for another day of farming, we’re reminded of the connection we share with our region and the incredible people who make it thrive.
To us, local isn’t just a label—it’s a way of life. And we’re so grateful to be sharing it with all of you.
Sometimes we haven’t found a solution that fits and we have to source outside New England. We do our best. Please share resources so we all can find ways to shop local.
What Does Local Mean to You?
We’d love to hear how you support local in your own life. Do you have a favorite New England product or maker? Let us know in the comments, or tag us in your posts—we’d love to celebrate them, too!
Here’s to staying rooted in community, growing good things, and supporting the place we call home.
-Your Farmer & Family at Forest Farmhouse
