GREENBRIER COUNTY, W.Va. (WVDN – For Jenny and Zach Schleyer, Middle Mountain Farmstead is more than just a business; it is their family home, their livelihood, and a labor of love dedicated to regenerative agriculture. However, that livelihood was dealt a staggering blow this week when a fast-moving fire swept through the heart of their operations.
A Night of Loss
The fire, which occurred late Wednesday night, leveled the farm’s primary feed shed. In the wake of the blaze, the Schleyers are mourning the loss of their new flock of laying hens and the essential infrastructure required to maintain their regenerative farm.
Beyond the loss of livestock, the fire destroyed:
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Critical feed supplies and chicken equipment.
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Garden tools and hoses.
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Extensive fencing supplies.
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Infrastructure for their pastured pork and poultry operations.
The heat from the inferno was so intense that it also caused significant damage to the exterior of their family home, which sits adjacent to the farm site.
More Than a Hobby
Middle Mountain Farmstead has become a pillar of the Greenbrier County community, known for its commitment to animal welfare and high-quality, pastured meats. Unlike a “hobby farm,” this is the Schleyers’ full-time profession. Their mission has always been to give back to the land through regenerative practices, providing the community with food grown with integrity.
“This is their family home and business,” wrote Linda Connor, who organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family. “Any way that you are able to support and help them is greatly appreciated.”
How to Help
In the face of tragedy, the community is already stepping up. A fundraiser has been established to help the Schleyers clear the debris, repair their home, and begin the long process of rebuilding the sheds and restocking the supplies necessary to keep the farm running.
As of Thursday, the community had already raised several thousand dollars toward the $15,000 goal, but there is still a long way to go to reach full recovery.
Ways to Support:
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Donate: Contributions can be made via the official GoFundMe page organized by Linda Connor.
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Follow: Stay updated on their progress and offer words of encouragement through their Instagram at @middlemountainfarmstead.
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Share: Spreading the word through social media is vital to helping this local business get back on its feet.
The road to rebuilding a farm is long, but with the support of the community they have spent years feeding, Jenny and Zach hope to see Middle Mountain Farmstead thrive once again.
