Liz and Cricker Brooks are a husband-and-wife team who founded and operate Wild Hare Farm in Ferrum, VA. They are first-generation farmers who grow certified organic vegetables for Franklin County and beyond. Their business grew out of a desire to, “work together, a love of the outdoors, good food, and a Franklin County community who has showed up to support us since year one,” says Liz.
Now entering their 6th growing season, they are proud to grow everything they sell on Saturday mornings at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market and through their online store for delivery to the Smith Mountain Lake area.
We were thrilled to catch up with Liz and Cricker to hear more about their beautiful organic farm and why they think Franklin County shines.
What part of Franklin County do you live in? How long have you lived there?
We live and work in Ferrum. Cricker was born and raised in Ferrum before living and traveling around the American west and the Outer Banks of NC where he met Liz (who had never heard of Franklin County, Virginia). We have been back in Ferrum for 8 years now!
What’s your favorite part about living in Franklin County?
Our absolute favorite parts are the friendly, welcoming people, beautiful backroads, a slower pace, and scenic rural living.
What do you do for fun outside of work?
Mostly we work and our work is mostly fun! Hiking, swimming, enjoying the outdoors, sitting on our porch looking at the mountains enjoying coffee or a farm fresh meal. It’s a joy to watch our baby and the garden grow!
What’s your favorite place in Franklin County?
It’s hard to beat Ferrum and our beautiful farm. We also love swimming and spending time at Philpott Lake, and of course Saturday mornings at the Rocky Mount Farmers Market for community, fun, and the best local ingredients around!
What’s your go-to conversation starter?
Our conversations usually center around food, cooking, and ingredients! Everyone eats and has their own food traditions which makes for a great place to start a conversation and get to know someone.
Where is your favorite place to hang out, workout, eat out, etc.?
When not hanging out at the farm we’re in downtown Rocky Mount! We love getting to a show at the Harvester, our weekly farmers market, and Center Stage Catering pop-ups are our favorite dining treat!
What professional groups/organizations are you involved in?
Cricker is proud to serve on the Agricultural Development committee for Franklin County.
What does #FranklinCountyShines mean to you?
There are so many people doing a diverse array of interesting and impactful things in Franklin County. Franklin County Shines highlights the excellent company we are in living here and makes us optimistic for the future!
Franklin County Shines is a series about the people and places that make Franklin County one of the best places to live, work, and play. #FranklinCountyShines