Back in 2019, we introduced you to Tim and Chelsea Clarkson, who began raising chickens and collecting eggs for friends and family as a hobby. That small endeavor quickly evolved into Grove Ladder Farm, a thriving business that grew from a half-acre homestead in Sarasota to a 12-acre pasture-based livestock farm in Arcadia, serving Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Today, Grove Ladder Farm remains dedicated to ethically raised, non-GMO poultry, eggs and regenerative agricultural products. According to Clarkson, all animals are raised outdoors on fresh pasture year-round. During the winter, when native forage is dormant, the farm plants cover crops such as rye grass, oats and wheat to keep animals grazing naturally. The farm has also evolved into a one-stop source for locally produced goods beyond its own offerings, stocking items such as yarn, local kombucha and sourdough chocolate chip cookies. For customers unable to pick up their products, Grove Ladder Farm provides home delivery. In addition to poultry and eggs, the farm now raises lamb, while Chelsea spins wool into yarn. Through partnerships with neighboring producers, customers can also purchase grass-fed beef, forest-raised pork, raw dairy, organic vegetables and pasture-raised chicken and turkey from Four Daughters Farms in Parrish. Raw dairy has become especially popular; however, because it is unpasteurized and unhomogenized, Florida law requires it to be sold only for pet food and animal consumption. 

Clarkson attributes much of the business growth to the COVID-19 pandemic, which served as a catalyst for the expansion of Grove Ladder Farm. When farmers markets shut down, Grove Ladder Farm transformed its website into an online marketplace featuring products from local farmers the Clarksons had met over the years. The shift not only expanded access to local food but also strengthened relationships within the farming community and eased the pressure of managing every aspect of production alone. “It probably took me too long to realize that I can’t do everything by myself,” says Clarkson. “We have some really awesome partners now, and we are able to reach more people. At the same time, we’re supporting other local farmers and I’ve become really good friends with all of them. I think it’s a full circle win.”

Last year, the farm began offering statewide shipping through UPS. Orders quickly grew from just one or two shipments per week to 40 or 50, reaching customers in Miami, the Florida Keys and Jacksonville. Grove Ladder Farm also continues its local home-delivery service, supported by three longtime customers, and plans to expand with an additional truck and increased storage capacity to serve Tampa and St. Petersburg. Recent investments include expanded freezer storage and a dedicated order-fulfillment building on the property. Since our 2019 story, Grove Ladder Farm has experienced remarkable growth. If the past seven years is any indication, the next seven promise even greater possibilities for the local farm and its community. —B.Heit  5690 SE Stallings Terrace, Arcadia, groveladderfarm.com, @groveladderfarm