Atom Acres
Ann, Trace (1), Oliver (3), and Matt—proudly pose at Atom
Acres, their urban farm oasis in the heart of Fort Wayne.
Atom Acres is truly a family affair—even the name is an
acronym using the initials of each family member.

Pasture's Delights herd owners Matt and Ann Merritt are no strangers to REAL food. Long before they found Pasture's Delights or dreamed of Atom Acres, Matt had a passion for food and nutrition—first through cooking and then agriculture. His studies culminated with his participation in Michigan State's organic farming program where he had the opportunity to manage a hoop house and fields of flowers. "I had wanted to grow vegetables, but now I see that managing the flower fields—all with different nutritional needs—gave me invaluable experience as I diversify my own crops," says Matt.

Ann grew up on a community ranch in Washington State, raised on foods her family grew, including raw milk. From a young age, her parents gave her a plot of land that she tended and thus developed her passion for growing food. It wasn't until she left home and began eating from the industrial food supply that she appreciated what her parents had given her. "I felt awful after eating what most American's consume their whole lives," says Ann. "It didn't take me long to realize that I didn't want to keep eating that way."

Matt and Ann met in Hawaii—in the local health food store of all places! They loved how fresh produce was everywhere on the island. In fact, they could pick fresh fruit just walking down the street. They wanted to bring this accessibility to REAL food back to the mainland. So with a shared passion for natural foods, they returned to pursue their dreams.

Back in Matt's home state of Indiana, the couple teamed up with some friends to try their hand at raising pastured chickens—an experience they won't soon forget. "We poured a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into the chicken enterprise, but we learned it took more than passion to get a farm like that off the ground."

Oliver and Trace
Just like their parents, Oliver and Trace like
getting their hands and feet in the dirt!

So Matt enrolled in Michigan State's organic farming program while Ann and their young son Oliver stayed in Fort Wayne with Matt's parents and raised a garden of their own. It was a long nine months commuting to Fort Wayne every weekend to see his wife and son.

In 2011, Matt and Ann's second son Trace was born. It was while Trace was in the hospital that Anne attended a group meeting for mothers where she learned about the benefits of raw milk. While she drank it as a child and missed the taste, she didn't know just how much better it was. After hearing these moms' experiences, she knew she wanted raw milk for her boys. This was when Matt and Ann found Pasture's Delights.

Oliver had no problem switching over to the raw milk, and Trace will know nothing else. Even Matt, who was never a milk drinker, has a glass now and then. Ann uses it to make yogurt, too. They recently increased their amount so they can share it with Matt's parents.

greenhouse
In September, Matt and Ann show off the
progress made on the greenhouse. In the week
since this photo was taken Matt already has the
green house finished and 4,000 plants growing!

Matt's parents have been instrumental in helping Matt and Ann realize their farming dreams. Earlier this summer with their family's support, Matt and Ann purchased just under six acres of land in the developing southwest side of Fort Wayne on the corner of Bass and Thomas Roads. The previous owner grew corn and soy, but Matt and Ann have higher aspirations. Their organic urban farm, called Atom Acres, will grow nutritious vegetables year-round in a green house they bought at auction. They also have a small wooded area perfect for mushrooms—and tree forts according to Oliver. Eventually, they also hope to revitalize the small orchard on their land.

If you've driven by that corner, you've probably seen Matt furiously working to prepare over 2 acres of fields for next year's crop. From Bass Road, you can see the greenhouse going up where Matt and Ann are growing nutrient dense greens like kale, spinach, chard, and herbs this winter. His dad is helping to finish construction on the building that will include a farm store.

sprouts
Plants are already sprouting on the farm!

"Once we get the store area finished, we can't wait to be a source for nutritious, organically grown food for our neighbors," says Matt. "And if its convenient for our fellow herd owners to pick up their milk here, we'd be happy to share our cooler space. It's all about working together locally as a community, practicing stewardship of the land for the enrichment of everyone."

Until their store is finished, you will find Matt and Ann marketing their vegetables at the winter farmers market at Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne. The first market begins this Saturday, October 6, from 9 to Noon. Soon you'll be able to find additional information at atomacres.com, which is under developement. If you'd be interested in Pasture's Delights starting a delivery to Atom Acres, please email us at [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.

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