WINDSOR, NORTH CAROLINA (RFD NEWS) — For Chrystal Castelloe, farming is more than her job. It is a sense of freedom.
As the owner of Castelloe Farms and Sale Barn Farm, she has worked the land for more than 20 years, but she started raising chickens about seven years ago and now does it full-time. She says the work can be demanding, but the reward is worth it.
“You have your freedom. You do all that hard work, and the reward is the freedom to me,” she said. “The freedom to be able to have my own schedule. I do my thing. I don’t have a boss.”
Castelloe says her connection to animals is what keeps her going and gives her a chance to slow down.
“I’ve always loved animals and dealing with animals. We have pigs now, we bought and been through goats,” Castelloe said. “Having the chickens is relaxing too. You go in there, you can get a minute to yourself. You could do a little bit of praying, and my chickens, they don’t talk back to me.”
According to the North Carolina Farm Bureau, women make up roughly 33 percent of all farmers in the state.
April 17, 2026 03:03 PM
·
A new partnership with the Montana Beef Council is bringing protein-packed refuel stations to high school sports tournaments across the state.
April 17, 2026 12:32 PM
·
Tennemo Rice Family Farm & Mill is Tennessee’s first and only family-owned rice farm and mill, handling everything from planting to milling and packaging.
April 16, 2026 12:52 PM
·
First-grade teacher Taylor Dougherty at Eastern Elementary School was named the 2026 Ag in the Classroom Award winner for her efforts to teach students about agriculture.
April 16, 2026 11:35 AM
·
Arkansas Farm Trail Passport brings visitors to operations across the state, like Horton’s Produce & More, where strawberry harvest focuses on quality over quantity.
April 15, 2026 01:22 PM
·
Tractor Supply’s Paper Clover Campaign raises millions of dollars each year for 4-H youth programs and scholarships. Local store community marketing manager Lexie Gamble joined Tuesday’s Market Day Report alongside 4-H student Matthew Rochford to discuss the partnership.
April 14, 2026 03:17 PM
·
