Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Orr
Gina, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m Gina, owner of FreshORR Family Farms and a first-generation farmer. My journey into farming started with a dream: to own land and have the freedom to steward it as I saw fit. At 26, I bought the farm, just months before my husband and I began dating and long before I knew what it would become. It began as a place where I could garden and enjoy the outdoors, but over time, it grew into something much bigger.
The turning point came when I felt called to take a deeper look at how we were caring for our land. I started researching regenerative farming and was struck by its potential—not just for healing the soil but for producing nutrient-dense food and creating a lasting legacy for future generations. As a mom, that mission resonated with me.
Before I found myself knee-deep in chores and running a farm business, I worked as an engineer and later as a university instructor. Those experiences taught me problem-solving and independence, but farming introduced me to something deeper: a purpose rooted in faith, family, and community.
Today, FreshORR Family Farms is more than just a business—it’s a way to connect with other moms who care about what they feed their families. It’s a place where my family works together, grows together, and learns together. Farming has changed me in ways I never expected, but it’s a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Farming has been a journey filled with challenges, but each one has shaped me and the business in profound ways. One of the biggest obstacles was taking the leap from teaching to farming full-time in 2020. It wasn’t an easy decision—I was stepping away from a stable career to pursue something that didn’t promise financial security. Farming isn’t a field you enter to get rich, and I had to trust that this was where I was meant to be.
Running the farm day-to-day comes with its own set of challenges. My husband works full-time off the farm, so the bulk of the daily tasks falls on me. I wear many hats: CEO, marketer, farmhand, delivery driver, and everything in between. Balancing all these roles while still being present for my family is a constant struggle, especially during the busy summer months when the farm demands the most. We don’t take vacations during this time, which means saying no to certain invitations and social events.
I’ve also had to learn how to set boundaries—not just with customers, but with myself. Early on, I realized that I couldn’t be everything to everyone. We’ve limited our hours and availability to ensure I can focus on my family and my priorities.
Another challenge has been learning to adapt to things beyond my control. Weather, animal health, and other unpredictable factors can throw a wrench into even the best-laid plans. It’s taught me patience and the importance of pivoting when necessary.
Lastly, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, I’ve had to overcome preconceived notions about what a farmer looks like. But I’ve found that being a mom and a woman gives me a unique perspective and an ability to connect with other women who want to provide food they can trust for their families.
Through it all, my faith has been my anchor. Trusting in God’s plan and timing has helped me face each challenge with resilience and purpose.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work is about more than raising animals—it’s about cultivating a connection between people, their food, and the land. I focus on regenerative farming, which means raising animals in a way that restores the health of the soil, protects natural ecosystems, and produces nutrient-dense meat. Every decision I make on the farm—from rotating pastures to raising animals without grain—supports that mission.
On a typical day, you’ll find me moving chickens to fresh grass, checking on the pigs in the woods, or milking our cow. My hands are in every part of the process, from caring for the animals to preparing meat for customers. Beyond the physical work, I’m also the face of the business. I manage customer relationships, handle marketing, and create resources to help families cook and enjoy our products with confidence.
My work also involves educating and empowering others. I love sharing what I’ve learned about farming and food through workshops, social media, and one-on-one conversations. Whether it’s helping a mom plan healthy meals for her family or guiding a fellow farmer in their journey, I’m passionate about making an impact beyond the boundaries of our farm.
Ultimately, my work is about stewardship—of the land, the animals, and the community we serve.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
To be honest, I don’t have a lot of time for books or podcasts right now. Between running the farm, raising my family, and keeping everything running smoothly, my schedule is pretty full. However, I do enjoy reading scripture—it’s a steady source of guidance and inspiration in my daily life.
When I do manage to carve out a little time, I tend to gravitate toward practical resources related to farming, sustainability, and business. I find value in anything that helps me improve the farm, better serve our customers, or grow as a businesswoman.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.freshorrfamilyfarms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freshorr_family_farms/
