At the Winter Market on Military this season, a new vendor is turning heads not just for what they sell, but for the story behind it. Slab City Farmstead, founded by Nolan and Nicole, is more than a farm. It is a testament to resilience, stewardship, and the joy of rediscovering the land.
Slab City Farm began on an old gravel quarry in the unincorporated community of Slab City, just south of Bonduel. Over the years, the family has poured their hearts into restoring the once-barren ground, slowly transforming it into a vibrant, living landscape. Their journey as farmers truly took shape in 2020 with two feeder pigs and a simple goal: to provide healthy, sustainable food for their family. That first summer brought challenges, but also clarity. They discovered a deep love for pigs and a desire to use their pastures in a way that nurtured, rather than depleted, the land. After months of research, they chose the Idaho Pasture Pig, a gentle grazer that thrives on pasture while naturally improving the soil. Marty and Shelia, their first boar and sow, became the foundation of a farmstead built on balance, where animals and earth work together in harmony.
Now, Nolan and his mom Denise, bring this abundance to the Winter Market on Military. Shoppers will find earthy mushrooms, crisp microgreens, pasture-raised pork and chicken, maple syrup tapped with tradition, homemade jams and sauces, and delicate dried flowers perfect for gifting or brightening a home. Every item reflects the farmstead’s philosophy of care, sustainability, and respect for the land.
As first-generation farmers, Nolan and Nicole have embraced the challenge of building a sustainable life from the ground up, showing that with intention, thoughtful grazing, composting, and dedication, it is possible to restore soil, grow nourishing food, and strengthen a community. Yet what matters most to them reaches far beyond the harvest. It is the everyday joy of watching their three young children learn, explore, and grow with the farm as their playground. With deep gratitude for the steady support of their community, friends, and family, they remain committed to nurturing a place rooted in hard work, care, and genuine connection.
Slab City Farmstead’s arrival at the Winter Market is more than a vendor announcement. It is an invitation to share in a story of renewal, to taste food grown with purpose, and to connect with farmers who believe that the health of the soil is the health of us all.
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