Blending a family isn’t for the faint of heart—and we’re not here to sugarcoat it. In this episode of Beyond the Fence, we open up about the messy, beautiful, often awkward journey of bringing two families together under one roof. From the emotional landmines to the small wins that made it all worth it, we’re sharing what it really looked like behind closed doors.

We talk about how we’ve been perceived, how we’ve grown, and the lessons we learned the hard way. Plus, stick around for a rapid-fire Q&A where Jess gets put on the spot by Eric—with a few laughs guaranteed.

This one’s for anyone building something new from pieces of the past. You’re not alone—and yes, your family can thrive.

Episode Title: From Scratch to Market — Our McMinnville Story

Description:
In this episode of Beyond the Fence, Jess and Eric share the heartwarming (and slightly chaotic) story of their first season at the McMinnville Farmers Market. From nervous beginnings to building relationships that feel like home, they reflect on how the local community showed up in ways they never expected. Tune in for behind-the-scenes moments, what it’s like to run a farm stand with six kids in tow, and a rapid fire round of fun questions to wrap it all up.

Whether you're dreaming of starting your own booth or just love a good story about grit, gratitude, and goat milk soap — this one's for you.

Follow along:
Instagram: @oakcreekfamilyfarm
Farm Stand Info: Fridays, 10-9 | 16005 Hwy 47, Yamhill, OR

Canning class partner is crime:

Kim with Archie Hills Family Farm

We’re back with Part 2 of our deep dive into raising teens—and this time, we’re getting into the messier side of things. Jess and Eric talk about the real challenges of raising free thinkers: letting go of control, watching your kids make their own choices (and mistakes), and learning to guide without hovering. We also answer rapid fire questions for each other and share more behind-the-scenes moments from life on the farm that shape our parenting journey. It’s honest, it’s unfiltered, and it’s full of heart—just like raising teenagers.

This week, we're diving deep into one of the most requested topics: teenagers. In Part 1, Jess and Eric share their raw and real experiences of raising teens in today’s world—what’s working, what’s messy, and how the farm plays a surprising role in preparing their kids for adulthood. From daily chores to tough conversations, we’re pulling back the curtain on how we’re raising independent, grounded, and free-thinking young adults. Whether you’re in the thick of teen parenting or just want a glimpse of what’s ahead, this one’s for you.

Jess and Eric are back with Part 2 of Behind the Fence, diving into the wild world of raising kids on the farm. From the absolute chaos of toddlers running loose in the barn to the surprising perks of having teenagers who can (mostly) handle chores, they break down the realities of parenting in a homesteading lifestyle.

If you’ve ever wondered how farm life changes as kids grow, how to balance responsibility with just letting them be kids, or what it’s really like to raise the next generation of farmers (and future adults who actually know where food comes from), this episode is for you.

🚜 Topics Covered in Part 2:
✅ The difference between raising little kids vs. teenagers on the farm
✅ How farm chores teach responsibility, grit, and real-life skills
✅ Funniest (and messiest) kid moments on the homestead
✅ The balance between work, play, and letting kids be kids
✅ Why farm-raised kids are just built different

Life on the farm is never dull—especially when kids are involved. Tune in for a fun, honest, and slightly chaotic conversation!

In this episode of Behind the Fence, Jess and Eric take you behind the scenes of farm life, where raw milk flows, animals are raised with care, and tough choices are made every day. They break down the biggest myths about raw milk—what makes it safe, why they choose it, and why store-bought milk just doesn’t compare. Then, they dive into one of the most challenging but rewarding parts of homesteading: raising animals for food. How do you balance love and practicality? How do you teach your kids that their favorite farm animals might end up on the dinner table?

This is an honest, no-fluff conversation about what it really takes to live this life, why they do it, and what they’ve learned along the way.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where Jess and Eric talk about the wild difference between raising little kids vs. teenagers on the farm!

🚜 Topics Covered in Part 1:
✅ The truth about raw milk—safety, nutrition, and common misconceptions
✅ Why pasteurization isn’t the magic solution people think it is
✅ What it’s like to drink fresh milk from your own animals
✅ The emotional and practical side of raising animals for food
✅ Teaching kids where their food comes from—without traumatizing them

Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of raw milk) and let’s get real about farm life! 🥛🔥

In this episode of Beyond the Fence, Jess and Eric dive deep into the world of sourdough! They break down why sourdough has taken over kitchens everywhere, the science behind a great loaf, and the most common struggles bakers face. Plus, they share details about their hands-on sourdough classes and where you can find their farm-fresh goods at the Oak Creek Family Farm stand and local farmers markets. Stick around for a rapid-fire Q&A, packed with quick solutions to your biggest sourdough questions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this episode is for you!

Blending a family isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when it means raising six kids under one roof while running a farm and a small business. In this episode, Jess and Eric get real about the challenges and joys of merging their families, from navigating different parenting styles and religious backgrounds to finding common ground on values and discipline. They share what worked, what didn’t, and how they’ve learned to embrace their differences while raising independent, strong-willed kids.

Plus, four of their kids join in for a fun rapid-fire Q&A, giving their unfiltered take on life in a big, blended family. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to raise six kids, this one’s for you!