When people ask me what Black Market Cattle Company is all about, I tell them it’s a mix. There’s a streak of rebellion—against big agriculture, the meat monopoly, and the government interference that allows those systems to exist. That was a huge reason I started the farm. I wanted something completely independent, free from subsidies or bureaucracy, built on voluntaryism and the market.
But even with that rebellious edge, the farm is far more wholesome than most expect.
The Story That Started It All
I first bought cows because of my grandpa. After my grandma passed, I moved back to Alabama to be with him. One day, he was sitting on the porch, looking at his yard, and said, “I sure would like to see some cows running around out there again.”
Papa always did everything he could for me, so I felt it was my turn. I said, “Okay, Papa. I’ll get you some cows.”
I had no experience. I didn’t know how to build a fence, so I cut up sticks, logs, and old boards to make a pioneer-style fence. Then I borrowed a trailer, found three calves for sale on Facebook for $600, and brought them home. Naturally, they immediately escaped, roaming all over the neighborhood. Eventually, they ended up at a neighbor’s house—and that’s where I learned a lot.
Two years later, Papa passed. I got married, bought some land down here, and started turning scrub timberland into a farm. At the time, my vision was probably more rebellious than anything else—I imagined a rock-and-roll-style brand with t-shirts and merchandise.
Family, Faith, and Farming
Then my oldest, River, was born. Everything started to change. I began developing a real connection with the animals and the land, learning about regenerative farming and heritage breeds. I added hogs, chickens, orchards—watching the farm grow alongside my family.
As my bond with nature deepened, River’s arrival drew me closer to Christ than I’d ever been. I rededicated my life, and then Wilder was born. My vision shifted. While I still care about providing an ethical alternative to big agriculture and promoting market independence, it’s now about something more lasting: family, legacy, and honoring the sacrifices my wife makes to make it all possible.
What Black Market Cattle Company Means Today
“These days, it’s really just about serving Christ, honoring my family, and providing the best product I can for my community.”
The rebellious spirit is still there—it drives me to challenge the status quo—but it’s now paired with heart, faith, and purpose. Black Market Cattle Company is about doing things differently, doing them right, and leaving a legacy that my boys can be proud of
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