Empowering Communities: Discover the Inclusive Farm Movement in New Falcon

By Jon Huang

In 2019, Hurricane Imelda struck Houston, reshaping the lives of Courtney and Nicole Mallory. In its aftermath, they realized how fragile our food system is. Bartering for fresh produce with neighbors highlighted their newfound vulnerability.

“Being dependent on others for food limits your freedom,” Nicole Mallory reflected. “It was shocking to experience hunger in America.”

Before this, they enjoyed a city lifestyle. Nicole worked in law, while C.W. Mallory was a veterinary technician. Nicole grew up in public housing in Indiana, often missing out on home-cooked meals. “Although my parents tried their best, we often lacked access to fresh food,” she shared.

Her past fueled her determination. After serving in the Marines for eight years, she pursued law. She aimed to help youth in underserved communities avoid traps that led to failure or incarceration.

“Food is essential for life, from cradle to grave. Our mission ensures people have choices and access.” – Nicole Mallory

Travel opened Nicole’s eyes to diverse cultures and new ideas. “I met C.W. in Houston—he’s passionate about agriculture,” she said. C.W.’s roots run deep in his family’s farming tradition in Louisiana. He recalls how his grandparents instilled a respect for the land in him.

“They focused on what we could grow and eat,” C.W. noted. “We used every part of the animal—nothing went to waste. Food was a family effort.”

After the storm, the couple traveled across the country, finally settling in Yoder, Colorado, to start Freedom Acres Ranch in 2020. Nicole found joy in this slower, rural lifestyle while C.W. embraced his farming heritage.

Today, they raise cows, chickens, goats, pigs, turkeys, and sheep. Their animals thrive on a natural diet, with no artificial additives. They also offer customizable meat packages to make healthy options accessible.

Yoder faces challenging weather. Limited rainfall and strong winds test their farming resilience but not their resolve. “Eating well and farming go hand in hand,” Nicole said.

The Mallorys’ journey is rooted in family health struggles. Both have relatives facing preventable illness. “My mom might need dialysis because of poor dietary choices,” Nicole revealed. They realized that improving food choices could save lives.

“Once people understand the impact of food, they start to make better choices,” she emphasized. She believes that education is key.

Along with food, the Mallorys cultivate community. They host local groups at their ranch, offering insights into ranch life and agriculture. Their annual Freedom Festival invites families to celebrate and learn more about local production.

Despite their efforts, getting their products into grocery stores remains challenging. They believe many small farmers face visibility issues in a complex food system. They encourage local support for farmers in the community.

C.W. urges folks to connect with local producers directly. “Know where your food comes from and what’s in it,” he advises. Together, they hope to build knowledge and collaboration across all community sectors.

Visit Freedom Acres Ranch directly to learn more about their offerings or participate in their programs. Reach out at freedomacres1@gmail.com or call 719-242-1002 for specific inquiries. More details can also be found on their website: Freedom Acres Ranch.

By understanding and appreciating where food comes from, we can foster healthier choices and stronger communities.

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