Banks Family Farm & Apiary

As I approach retirement from the military, Julie and I are committed to creating a sustainable care farm where agriculture and community come together to enrich lives. Our vision is to grow cut flowers, raise poultry, goats, bees, and sheep using responsible farming practices while creating a place of purpose, learning, and belonging.

The heart of our mission is providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs in a supportive environment where they can develop vocational skills, earn a fair wage, build confidence, and experience the dignity that comes from contributing to a working farm. We also plan to partner with our local high school talent center at Ingham county to establish a work-based learning and outreach program that gives students with special needs hands-on agricultural experience and prepares them for greater independence and future employment.

In addition to employment and education, the farm will offer therapeutic animal interactions, educational workshops, school field trips, and community programs that connect people of all ages with agriculture and nature. By combining sustainable farming with inclusive opportunities and compassionate outreach, we hope to create a place where every individual is valued, every ability is celebrated, and the farm serves as a lasting resource for the community.