McClure Family Farm
Our Story
I’d like to say it all started with a little 2 year old girl and her love of animals, who is now my 11 year old daughter that has no problem telling you that you are not holding her rabbit correctly or the plant you want to put in your ground is invasive, but I’d be lying. It really started with my grandmother, better known as “Gram”, who contributed 3 generations of animal love into that little 2 year old girl. Gram had a bumper sticker on her car that read “The more I see of people, the more I love my dog.” Her passion runs deep through both my children.
I always wanted a farm, but never knew it. Growing up in Northern NJ, I played sports my whole childhood (and loved it) and always loved the outdoors. Animals and nature was always my true passion though. Science is fascinating! There are no words to describe it and when you step back and remember that we ARE a part of nature and are simply another type of animal, you just feel more grounded.
Animal education for children has become a passion of mine. I have a day job and a lot on my plate at home, but I feel strongly about being involved in one’s community and serving others whenever possible. Children are our nation’s future so we must give them our all. We are blessed to have our dream 3.5 acre homestead situated right in the middle of a very suburban area, just a short distance from Washington DC. Surplus eggs go to neighbors and we have neighbors with children over often simply because children in urban/suburban areas don’t get to see animals like this, and when they do, it’s usually at a petting zoo or commercialized location and they don’t get to see what small farms actually look like and what the daily tasks consist of.
It costs a lot of money to have a small farm in Northern Virginia. We don’t make any money from our farm. All money we receive from breeding goats simply goes back into feeding our animals.
I wouldn’t be able to have this farm without the help from my family. My husband is retiring from the military in 2024 and has been a huge supporter of this passion of mine and our kids. My daughter ran the farm when I was sick with covid for months. She can do everything on her own if we need, has learned to grow more food than I ever did, and is more self sufficient than any child of her age. My son also helps with the animals and is outside nearly every waking minute. It has benefitted him in so many ways.
We are proud in the way we raise our animals. They live in a forest setting with shade, have biodiversity living together, and have so much open space. The same harmony I hope to provide to my family. I like to think Gram is looking down on us with a smile!
– TRACY MCCLURE –