Committed to a sustainable future while honoring our Family’s past.

ACES Newsletter Update – Spring 2026

Mar 31, 2026 | About Ballew Farms | 0 comments

Hello Everyone! 

We’re heading into one of the most exciting moments for the ACES Farmer Mentorship Program — and we’re so grateful you’re here with us. 

Thanks to your support, we’ve reached 67% of our $7,000 Kickstarter goal. With just a few days left, we’re in the final stretch of an all-or-nothing campaign — which means every share, every pledge, and every bit of momentum matters right now. 

If you’ve been following along, thank you. If you’ve already contributed, we truly appreciate it. This program is being built because of you. 

Where we are right now

Meeting the Next Generation of Farmers 

We’re currently hosting on-farm site visits and working through our applicant process—and the response has been incredible. 

We’ve met a number of strong, thoughtful beginning farmers who are ready to:

  • Get their hands in the soil
  • Learn the full cycle of vegetable production
  • Build and grow their own farm businesses 


Building Community Beyond the Farm

Earlier this month, we gathered with the Kentucky Black Farmers Association at their March 6th conference. 

It was a powerful space for conversation around: 

  • Cooperative growing 
  • Producing food with integrity 
  • Expanding access to fresh, local food 
  • Creating real pathways for farmers to succeed 

These conversations are at the heart of what ACES is about — growing farmers while also growing stronger, healthier communities. 

In the Community

We were also recently featured in the Richmond Register’s Madison Magazine, highlighting farming success stories and sharing more about the ACES program. 

It’s exciting to see this work gaining visibility and connecting with more people who care about the future of local agriculture. 

The Appalachian Spirit wrote about their recent visit to our farm. She and her son were able to hang out with our sheep and meet one of our horses. 

You can read the article here. 

Preparing for Spring Ahead

Spring is right around the corner, and the farm is already in motion. We’re preparing ground and high tunnels for a full season of vegetable production, including: ● Peppers ● Cabbage ● Onions ● Potatoes ● Tomatoes and more! These conversations are at the heart of what ACES is about — growing farmers while also growing stronger, healthier communities. 

Help Us get across the Finish Line

We’re close — but not there yet. 

Because this is an all-or-nothing campaign, we must reach our full $7,000 goal for any of these funds to be received and put to work. 

If you’re able to support: 

● Make a pledge (at any level) 

● Share the campaign with your network 

● Help us spread the word in these final days 

Every action right now truly makes a difference. 

Click on the button to the right or copy and paste this link into your browser: 

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ballewfarms/ballew-farms-farmer-mentorship-program

To everyone who has supported us so far — through donations, encouragement, sharing our work, or simply following along — thank you. 

This program is about more than farming. 

It’s about creating real opportunities, building knowledge, and making sure good food and good work stay rooted in our communities. 

We’re excited for what’s ahead — and grateful to be building it together. 

More soon, BALLEW FARMS