RAINELLE, W.Va. (WVDN) — Moving to a new state with family in tow, seeking a new lifestyle, living out a dream, or trying something new is never easy. The Brubaker family of Pennsylvania did just that, and it’s been anything but easy. However, Rick Brubaker and his young family knew that going in, but they still managed to establish a sustainable, working farm bit by bit.
Providing succulent produce grown on the farm and in his hoop house, Barefoot Farmers is active in the community, enjoying their new venture, and can be found at farmer’s markets all over the Greenbrier Valley. His growing season should begin in January, with planting seeds, nurturing seedlings, and getting prepared for spring. Unfortunately, there may be a serious delay or insurmountable limitations for the Barefoot Farmers.
Earlier this winter, on Dec. 7, 2024, an unexpected fire destroyed their tool shed. Rick Brubaker has lost nearly 100% of his tools, equipment and the not-so-easy-to-come-by bits and bolts necessary in any farmer’s shed. So many things gathered, saved, collected, purchased, etc that are irreplaceable or incredibly expensive to replace. If that were not enough, the recent ice/snow storm has collapsed his giant hoop house, not to be salvaged.
This is the time when growers are in their greenhouses starting seedlings and preparing for spring fruits, growth, and sowing. Unfortunately, the Brubakers will not be able to do this right now, which is catastrophic to their yields come spring and to grateful consumers. This disastrous combination could wreck a farm or a hopeful person, but not Brubaker. He plans to once again pull up his bootstraps and keep his nose to the grindstone.
Having moved from Pennsylvania in 2022, Rick Brubaker and his family “were looking for more affordable land, a slower pace lifestyle, and the opportunity to work and live with my four boys. We also chose West Virginia because we love the beautiful mountains. Having spent some of my growing-up years in Idaho; as well as searching for six months, we found a property that we loved on Sewell Mountain just outside of Rainelle. The land had needed much development to turn a neglected pasture into a field for growing clean chemical-free produce, but we have loved most of the steps along the way. [I just didn’t expect that these devastating events would knock me back so far. It’s very disheartening.]”
When speaking to Brubaker, he was adamant that he would not ask for help. This is indicative of most hearty, seasoned and devoted farmers, but communities here in West Virginia have different ideas about that. West Virginia’s farmers know a thing or two about neighbors and stepping in when one of their own is down on his luck. They all understand that weather can be your greatest adversary. They understand the incredibly long hours, the back-breaking work and the brotherhood that is a right of passage. It’s all for one and one for all. That’s just the way people do things here.
With that said, the community would like to show this new Greenbrier Valley family of Rick and Lois Brubaker and their four young boys, that together, anything is possible. These boys will see and feel the heart of West Virginia and may cater to this community in the future, in the footsteps of their devoted parents.
His friend and fellow farmer Michael Buttrill wrote these words to help, “The Barefoot Farmers sprang into existence three years ago on Sewell Mountain in Rainelle, West Virginia, and has been serving the Lewisburg, White Sulphur, and Alderson farmers markets with sustainably grown, high-quality vegetables ever since. Rick Brubacker, aka the Barefoot Farmer, has led his family here to West Virginia from Pennsylvania to live in harmony with the earth and to share his love of organic agriculture with the community. As a fellow farmer, I can say that Rick is an incredible asset to our community. The Barefoot Farmers farmstead reflects the love and care that Rick and Lois give to their home and their children. If you have ever eaten their produce, you know what I mean.”
If you have the opportunity to help or reach out, here is a link for a Go-Fund-Me started by his friend and fellow farmer, Michael Buttrill of Bootstraps Farm, also in Greenbrier County: https://gofund.me/050aeb8b.
You can find the Go-fund-me posted in several groups on Facebook. You can also contact/send cards, checks, or bring anything you’re not using that may replace lost items to the Brubakers or their farm directly at 1580 Cavendish Rd., Rainelle WV 25962. Look for Rick and many other wonderful farmers at upcoming markets near you.
