Apr 19, 2022

Now more than ever, people are invested in where their food comes from. Those who frequent local farmers’ markets have the luxury of knowing exactly where their food is grown and how it’s raised, and they have a chance to connect with the people who produce it. In this episode, Cliff had the chance to sit down with Bonita Riley and her daughter Taylor, members of the family behind Back Yonder Farms, to dive into the day-to-day of running a family farm and small business.

Back Yonder Farms is a diversified farming operation in Cole Camp, Missouri. Bonita and Rich Riley and their children and grandchildren make up the fourth, fifth and sixth generations of the family farming operation. The farm was homesteaded in the mid-1800s and has been operated by the family ever since. Back Yonder Farms specializes in pasture-raised meats, including pork and poultry, eggs, homegrown produce and baked goods.

Tune in to this episode to hear from Bonita and Taylor about what it takes to keep this family farm business running generation after generation. 

What you’ll learn: 

• Background on the Riley family, the longevity and history of their family farm, and details on the current diversified operation at Back Yonder Farms
• How the Riley family initially got involved with area farmers’ markets and how important the markets are to their business
• The story behind Back Yonder Farms’ famous giant cookies
• Where customers can find Back Yonder Farms, both at farmers’ markets and online
• How their social media has played a role in sharing their story and brand
• How they differentiate from other producers in the area, especially when it comes to the genetics of their pigs
• How the Riley’s have grown their business through experience and by continually seeking out new tools and ideas 
• The characteristics of rural America and the importance of agriculture education in today’s youth