The Farm Ministry

Helping Farmers and Feeding People

The Farm Ministry is a ministry of hope. The heart of The Farm Ministry is centered around the principle of “People Helping People”. The ministry is a resource to support farmers through education and the purchase of the products they produce from donated funds. The agricultural products are donated to feed the less fortunate people in need within the communities served.

The Farm Ministry became a non-profit tax-exempt organization in 2022. The Farm Ministry grew from Keith Turner’s long-established Farm Ministry, which provides financial wisdom to farmers on the brink of liquidation. The ministry is all volunteer operated with no one receiving compensation. All donated funds are used to purchase food from local farmers for distribution to people in need. Distributions are through churches, which offers outreach opportunities.

There are four ministries under The Farm Ministry umbrella:

  • The Cheese Ministry

  • The Beef Ministry

  • Pork for the Pantry

  • The Farm Ministry

Impact Stories

Community organization

Harrisonburg Baptist Church members identify underserved populations, such as refugees and community shelter meal programs, and support them with meat and cheese distribution. This has opened the door for many Gospel conversations and helps connect the Farm Ministry to other community organizations.

(read more in Pastor Matt Winter’s article)

Recipient

Since floods ravaged the mountain community of Myra, Kentucky, in 2022, the Farm Ministry has distributed roughly $1,200,000.00 worth of meat, cheese, clothing and supplies. We supply assistance in 4 counties in Appalachia.

Farm

In 2015, High Hope Dairy farm was pending, “Distressed Farm Status,” by its lender. A plan was required to pay back debt, with foreclosure looming. Keith met with High Hope Dairy owners and developed a plan to increase revenues by $200,000 and lower expenses by $150,000. As a result, the family farm was saved.

Veterans

Hope Distributed is a food pantry with a home delivery project to veterans unable to pick up needed food at Hope. Veteran’s food is delivered by their volunteers who are also fellow veterans. This can make a difference in their physical health through the food and the mental health through the camaraderie.

Community Building-Immigrants and Refugees

Harrisonburg Baptist Church(HBC) distributes beef and cheese in immigrant, refugee, and low-income housing areas of Harrisonburg. Pastor Matt Winters developed the community building events, gaining the trust of many living in the underserved area. HBC and The Farm Ministry partnered with Iglesia Cristiana Enciende Una Luz church for an outreach project to a Spanish speaking immigrant community with over 130 homes. This project brings together churches, farmers, with immigrants and refugees from underserved communities.